Istanbul is a city that connects Europe and Asia in a unique way – and that’s what makes your vacation an unforgettable experience. Turkey’s largest city offers a rich history that can be felt at every step: from the monumental Hagia Sophia to the vibrant bazaars full of colors, smells and tastes. For a Slovak, it is also an affordable exotic – the flights are relatively short, the prices are favorable and the cultural difference is significant enough to give him the feeling that he is on a completely different continent.
Do you have a tip? Send it to us at tip@koktejl.sk!
Apart from the sights, Istanbul is also about the atmosphere. Morning coffee with a view of the Bosphorus, evening walks past mosques and the constant bustle of the big city. Local cuisine is a chapter in itself: kebabs, baklava or fresh fish taste completely different on the spot than at home. Turks are known for their hospitality, so you won’t feel like a stranger there, but rather like a welcome guest.
If you would like to experience a more authentic and less touristy side of the city, be sure to head to the Balat district. This historical part is known for its colorful houses, narrow streets and artistic atmosphere. You will find small cafes, vintage shops and street art that contrasts with the traditional architecture. Balat is the perfect place to slow down – sit with tea, observe local life and soak up the true soul of Istanbul off the main tourist routes.
Our reader Petra also went to this area, who stopped at a local restaurant and decided to try a sweet delicacy called künefe. It is a traditional warm Middle Eastern dessert made from crispy kadayif dough (thin noodles), which hides a layer of melted unsalted cheese. The dessert is baked until golden brown and then topped with sweet sugar syrup. It is traditionally served hot, often sprinkled with ground pistachios and with a piece of cheese or cream.
“We sat down for something sweet in the touristy part of Balat. I’ve been wanting to try künefe for a long time, here this dessert cost 400 Turkish lira (about 7.60 euros).” she wrote to the editors of Koktejl.sk and also sent a receipt. Za kunefe, katmer (traditional Turkish dessert) and paid 1090 TRY (almost €21) for two drinks with a friend. PHOTO can be found in the gallery!
Prices of holidays with tickets will be affected by oil
This year will have a decisive influence on the prices of summer vacations for organized tours with travel agencies development of oil prices from May to September. At the moment, it is therefore premature to predict whether the prices of summer holidays will increase due to the introduction of fuel surcharges, Tomáš Lazarov, sales director of travel agency (CK) Hydrotour, told TASR. The International Air Transport Association reported that the average price of aviation fuel in Europe increased year-on-year by 132%, in Asia by 163%.
Before the main summer season of 2026, according to travel agencies, there is the greatest interest in vacations in sought-after Mediterranean countries. According to Hydrotour, Turkey maintains the highest interest for a long time due to the attractive ratio of price and quality of services. Demand is growing especially for the Aegean Riviera around Dalaman, Didim, Bodrum and Izmir.
