The view from Galata Bridge–my first of the heart of Istanbul–visually embraced me, lifting up weary jet-lagged spirits and sending them sailing toward glittering, purple-painted, incense-scented ...

Archana Singh, 37, a brand strategist-turned-travel writer, has been to Istanbul several times. She said she has a love-hate relationship with the city. “Unlike any other city, Istanbul has a very ...