u/not_anonymous00

I’ve just returned to Istanbul for the first time in two years, and I’m feeling a bit emotional about it.

I fell in love with this city on my previous visits. It became my favourite city in the world - not just because of its history or beauty, but because of its people.

On past trips, a stranger spent time walking into multiple pharmacies with me on a Sunday so she could translate while I searched for medicine. A group of friends fishing in Üsküdar invited me, a solo female traveller, to join them for coffee and lunch. Locals would stop to chat because they were curious about where I was from. An 80-year-old woman shared the story of how she met her husband. One döner shop owner played English music the entire time I ate because he wanted me to “feel at home.”

Those moments are what made Istanbul so special to me.

This time, though, the city feels different. I’ve noticed fewer smiles, more stressed faces, more rubbish on the streets, and a much busier atmosphere. Customer service also feels less warm than I remember.
I’ve also met several first-time visitors who said they wouldn’t come back because of their experience. I found myself telling them stories from my previous trips because I wanted them to know that the Istanbul I experienced was incredibly welcoming.

I can’t help but wonder if the ongoing cost of living crisis has changed daily life for many people here. If you’re struggling just to get by, it’s understandable that smiling at tourists becomes much harder.

I still love Istanbul. It’s still my favourite city, and I know every city changes over time. I just hope that when I return again one day, I’ll see more of the warmth and hospitality that first captured my heart.

I’m curious - do locals feel that the city has changed over the past few years too, or is this just the perspective of someone returning after some time away?

Hi everyone,

I fell in love with the Balkans a couple of years ago and now I’m back to explore Macedonia, Bulgaria and Albania for the first time.

I met a couple before who suggested to have one city as my home base then just do day trips to other cities from there so that’s what I’m planning to do from Skopje.

I’m staying for 5-6 nights then will do a couple of day trips including a day trip to Kosovo.

I have a few questions:

How easy/hard would it be to drag my big luggage with me on the roads of Skopje from the Central station to the city?

Should I just get a taxi? If so, where can I exchange money for a good rate close to Central station?

Where can I find the app for public transport? It says online that there’s an app but I can’t find it on the App Store.

2. What’s the weather like in early-mid June? I noticed that there’s a VERY big range 17-30 degrees so not sure what to pack. A light jacket or not jacket at all? Jeans?

3. Any food/restaurants that I MUST try?

4. Anything I should know of? Customs, dress code, etc.?

5. Souvenir shopping - where is the best place to buy souvenirs without overpaying and what souvenirs are unique to Macedonia? I’ll get the usual postcards, figurines, fridge magnets but skincare, clothes, etc. would be great too.

6. What should I expect for my day trip to Kosovo? There’a a Balkan eSIM that I’ll buy from MobiMatter but it doesn’t say Kosovo. How do you guys get data when you go there.

7. I don’t drink alcohol and not really into clubbing but I love ancient art, history and cafe hopping. What’s something to do at night for someone like me? Any activities you’d recommend?

Thank you so much! I’m looking forward to visiting! 😊