Simon Reeve names Istanbul favourite after visiting 130 countries
Simon Reeve has named Istanbul his favourite city after visiting more than 130 countries, putting the Turkish city ahead of better-known stopovers that many travellers would expect. The explorer said the choice came down to history, geography, and one landmark inside the old city.
Istanbul Across the Bosphorus
“In terms of a city, I think Istanbul is not just spectacular, but you can't go there and not smell the history and the culture there. You know, I love how it's clearly divided. You've got your old bit.” Reeve said the city’s split identity was part of the appeal, with its modern side and its eastern area sitting across the Bosphorus.
“You've got your modern bit. You've got your Eastern area, as well - the other side of the Bosphorus, Asia, basically. It is the point where, for a thousand years and more, the East and the West have met.” That description is the practical case for Istanbul: it is not just a scenic stop, but a place where two continents and two histories are visible in one itinerary.
Hagia Sophia and the Runes
Reeve singled out Hagia Sophia as his favourite little quirky thing in the city, calling it a building that “was a church, then a mosque, is now sort of a museum, just open as an attraction.” He also said it is “one of the most stunning buildings on the planet,” a verdict that lands differently when it comes from someone who has spent years moving through countries, not just ticking them off.
Built around 1,600 years ago, Hagia Sophia still carries traces of earlier visitors. Ancient Viking runes were carved into the building during its time as a church, and the National Museum of Denmark has identified the visitors as Halvdan and Are. Atlas Obscura reports that the inscription likely reads Halfdan carved these runes or Halfdan was here.
What Reeve Is Pointing To
Reeve described the rune-carving Vikings as “a chill down the spine moment,” then added, “It's just a reminder that our ancestors travelled, and they were quite similar to us, actually. They probably wanted a beer, a selfie, and to leave a little bit of a mark behind.” That is the strongest reason his Istanbul pick travels well: it is a recommendation built on layers of movement, not just landmarks.
For readers deciding where to put Istanbul on a travel list, Reeve’s argument is simple. Start with Hagia Sophia, cross the Bosphorus in your head if not in person, and look for the city’s split between old, modern, and eastern districts rather than treating it like a single monument stop.
