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Istanbul travel blog
Local guides from our team in Istanbul: the Bosphorus and its landmarks, the sights worth your time, what to eat, practical tips and New Year's Eve on the water.
Bosphorus and cruises
The strait, its landmarks and how to see them from the water.
5 Reasons to Book a Private Bosphorus Cruise in IstanbulWhy book a private Bosphorus cruise? Your own yacht and crew, your timing and route, a pier near you, your...
Which Bosphorus Cruise to Take in Istanbul? A Guide to the OptionsWhich Bosphorus cruise should you take? Compare public ferries, sightseeing, sunset, dinner, Black Sea and...
Guide to Bosphorus Cruises in Istanbul: Types, Piers and RoutesA practical guide to Bosphorus cruises in Istanbul: public ferries, shared tours and private yachts, where...
Bosphorus Sunset Cruise in Istanbul: All You Need to KnowBosphorus sunset cruise guide: shared vs private sunset cruises, timing by season, what is included, the...
Bosphorus Dinner Cruises in Istanbul: Which Type to ChooseBosphorus dinner cruises in Istanbul compared: a shared dinner cruise with Turkish night show or a private...
The Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul: History, Geography and LandmarksThe Bosphorus Strait explained: its geography and history, its bridges and currents, and the palaces and...
Istanbul Bosphorus Guide: Landmarks, Villages and CruisesIstanbul Bosphorus guide: palaces and fortresses on the European and Asian shores, villages worth a stop,...
What Is a Bosphorus Cruise? Routes, Durations and SightsWhat is a Bosphorus cruise? Compare public ferries, shared tours and private yachts, the usual routes and...
Best Bosphorus Cruises in Istanbul: Which One to ChooseThe best Bosphorus cruises in Istanbul compared: shared sunset, dinner with show, full-day Black Sea and...
Maiden's Tower Legends: The Stories Behind Istanbul's Kız KulesiThe Maiden's Tower legends explained: the princess and the snake, the general's wife Damalis, Hero and...
Ortakoy in Istanbul: Mosque, Kumpir and Things to DoOrtakoy guide: the Ortakoy Mosque on the Bosphorus, its church and synagogue, famous kumpir and waffles,...
What Is a Turkish Night Show? Dinner, Music and Dance in IstanbulWhat is a Turkish night show? Learn what happens on the Bosphorus dinner cruise, from folk dances to belly...
Ciragan Palace in Istanbul: History and the Bosphorus SettingCiragan Palace on the Bosphorus: the history of the Ottoman palace in Besiktas, the 1910 fire, its rebirth...
Maiden's Tower in Istanbul: History, Legends and How to VisitThe Maiden's Tower stands on a tiny islet off Üsküdar. Read its 2,500-year history and legends, how to...
Beylerbeyi Palace in Istanbul: History and Visitor GuideBeylerbeyi Palace guide: the Ottoman summer palace on the Bosphorus's Asian shore, its history, famous...
Dinner Cruises in Istanbul: What to Expect on the NightWhat to expect on a dinner cruise in Istanbul: pick-up times, the menu, the Turkish night show, what to...
Rumeli Fortress in Istanbul: History and Visitor GuideRumeli Fortress on the Bosphorus: why Mehmed II built it in 1452, what to see, the legend of its shape and...
Istanbul sights
Mosques, palaces, museums and neighbourhoods worth your time.
Top Things to Do in Istanbul: 13 Experiences Worth Your TimeThe top things to do in Istanbul, from Sultanahmet's sights and the bazaars to Bosphorus cruises, Balat...
Hagia Sophia in Istanbul: History and Visitor GuideHagia Sophia in Istanbul: its history from Justinian to today, what to see inside and how a visit works...
Topkapi Palace in Istanbul: History and Visitor GuideTopkapi Palace in Istanbul: the history of the Ottoman sultans' home, its four courtyards, the Harem and...
The Blue Mosque in Istanbul: History, Architecture and Visitor TipsBlue Mosque guide: the history and Iznik tiles of Istanbul's Sultan Ahmed Mosque, its legends, dress code...
Basilica Cistern in Istanbul: History, Medusa Heads and Visitor TipsBasilica Cistern in Istanbul: its Byzantine history, the Medusa heads, the Weeping Column and practical...
Galata Tower in Istanbul: History, Legends and Visitor GuideGalata Tower in Istanbul: its history from a Byzantine tower to a Genoese stone landmark, its legends, the...
Churches to Visit in Istanbul: Byzantine, Orthodox and CatholicThe best churches to visit in Istanbul, from Hagia Sophia and the Patriarchate in Fener to Catholic...
The Secrets of Hagia Sophia: Legends, Mosaics and Hidden DetailsDiscover the secrets of Hagia Sophia: the weeping column, Viking graffiti, hidden mosaics, the tilted...
Palaces in Istanbul: Ottoman Palaces and Pavilions to VisitThe best palaces in Istanbul, from Topkapi and Dolmabahçe to Yıldız, Beylerbeyi and Çırağan: history,...
Sultanahmet Hippodrome: History, Monuments and Nearby SightsThe Sultanahmet Hippodrome explained: its Byzantine history, the Obelisk, Serpent Column and German...
Istanbul Archaeology Museums: History, Highlights and Visitor TipsIstanbul Archaeology Museums guide: the history, the three buildings, the famous Sidon sarcophagi...
Topkapi Palace Courtyards: A Guide to the Four CourtsThe Topkapi Palace courtyards explained: the four courts and gates, the Imperial Council, Treasury and...
Chora Church (Kariye Mosque) in Istanbul: History and Visitor GuideChora Church (Kariye Mosque) in Istanbul: its history, famous Byzantine mosaics and frescoes, visiting...
Little Hagia Sophia Mosque in Istanbul: History and Visitor GuideLittle Hagia Sophia Mosque in Istanbul: the history of Justinian's Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus,...
Eyüp Sultan Mosque in Istanbul: History and Visitor GuideEyüp Sultan Mosque in Istanbul: the story of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari's tomb, the mosque's history, what to...
Foundations Carpet Museum in Istanbul: A Visitor GuideThe Foundations Carpet Museum in Sultanahmet shows centuries-old Anatolian, Caucasian and Iranian carpets...
Grand Bazaar Istanbul: History, Shopping Tips and How to VisitGrand Bazaar Istanbul guide: its 550-year history, what to buy, how to bargain, opening days and how to...
Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar) in Istanbul: Visitor GuideSpice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar) in Istanbul: the history of Misir Carsisi, what to buy, tips for shopping,...
Istanbul Obelisk: The Obelisk of Theodosius and the HippodromeThe Istanbul Obelisk in Sultanahmet: history of the Egyptian Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column and...
Pierre Loti Hill in Istanbul: Golden Horn Views and How to VisitPierre Loti Hill in Eyüp offers one of the best views of the Golden Horn. Learn who Pierre Loti was, what...
Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul: History and Visitor GuideSuleymaniye Mosque, Mimar Sinan's great work for Suleiman the Magnificent: its history, architecture,...
Aya Irini Church (Hagia Irene) in Istanbul: History and Visitor GuideAya Irini Church in Istanbul: history of Hagia Irene, the Byzantine church in Topkapi Palace's first...
Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul: History and Visitor GuideDolmabahce Palace on the Bosphorus: the history of the Ottoman palace where Atatürk died, what to see...
The German Fountain in Istanbul: History and What to SeeThe German Fountain in Sultanahmet: Kaiser Wilhelm II's gift to Istanbul, its neo-Byzantine dome and...
Pargali Ibrahim Pasha Palace: Museum of Turkish and Islamic ArtsPargali Ibrahim Pasha Palace on the Hippodrome is home to the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts. Its...
Sogukcesme Street in Istanbul: Wooden Houses by Topkapi PalaceSogukcesme Street is a cobbled lane of restored Ottoman wooden houses between Hagia Sophia and Topkapi...
Plan your trip
Practical guides: when to go, where to stay, visas, maps and tips.
Istanbul Travel Guide: Top Places to Visit and Practical TipsOur Istanbul travel guide covers the top sights of Sultanahmet, the Bosphorus palaces and practical tips...
Istanbul Travel Tips for First-Time VisitorsPractical Istanbul travel tips for first-time visitors: etiquette, money, airports, where to stay, the...- Istanbul Guide: Answers for First-Time VisitorsIstanbul guide for first-time visitors: visas, how many days, where to stay, safety, money, weather, what...
Istanbul Travel: A Planning Guide for First-Time VisitorsPlanning Istanbul travel for the first time? What to do and see, how many days you need, getting around,...
Istanbul Trip Ideas: A 4-Day Plan and Tips for First-TimersIstanbul trip ideas for first-time visitors: a four-day plan covering Sultanahmet, the bazaars and the...
Where to Stay in Istanbul: Best Areas and NeighbourhoodsWhere to stay in Istanbul: compare Sultanahmet, Taksim, Karakoy, the Bosphorus and Laleli, with tips on...
Istanbul Maps: How the City Is Laid Out, District by DistrictIstanbul maps and layout explained: the old city, Beyoglu, the Bosphorus and the Asian side, plus how...- 11 Reasons to Visit IstanbulEleven reasons to visit Istanbul, from the Bosphorus and Hagia Sophia to palaces, bazaars and street food,...
Turkish E-visa for Istanbul: How to Apply and What You NeedTurkish e-visa for Istanbul explained: who needs one, how to apply on the official evisa.gov.tr site,...
What Is the Museum Card? Muzekart and Museum Pass Istanbul ExplainedWhat is the Museum Pass Istanbul? How the Muzekart and Museum Pass work, which sites they usually cover,...
Istanbul Metro & Tram MapsIstanbul Metro and Tram Maps.- Istanbul PicturesIstanbul Pictures.
Food and drink
What to eat and drink in Istanbul, and where.
Turkish Cuisine: The Most Popular Turkish Dishes to TryTurkish cuisine explained: regional specialities, 12 popular Turkish dishes from kebab to baklava, and...
Where to Eat in Istanbul: Classic Restaurants for Local DishesWhere to eat in Istanbul: long-established places for lahmacun, kebab, Sultanahmet kofte, doner, bean stew...
Traditional Turkish Drinks: Tea, Coffee, Ayran, Boza and MoreA guide to traditional Turkish drinks: tea, Turkish coffee, ayran, sahlep, boza, şalgam, sherbet and rakı,...
Top Things to Eat in Istanbul: 15 Dishes to TryThe top things to eat in Istanbul, from menemen and köfte to İskender, mantı, mezes, baklava and Turkish...
The Best Istanbul Street Foods: 10 Snacks to TryThe best Istanbul street foods to try, from simit and balık ekmek to stuffed mussels, kokoreç and kumpir,...
Turkish Desserts and Sweets: What to Try in IstanbulTurkish desserts and sweets explained: baklava, kunefe, Turkish delight, milk puddings and more, with what...
New Year's Eve
Planning New Year's Eve in Istanbul and on the Bosphorus.
New Year's Eve in Istanbul 2026: the complete guideWhere to celebrate, weather, transport and tips.
Where to watch the New Year's fireworks in IstanbulThe best views of midnight over the Bosphorus.
A private yacht for New Year's Eve in Istanbul: the planning guideYacht size, price factors, menus and timings.
Corporate New Year party on a yacht in IstanbulYear-end company parties on the Bosphorus.
New Year's Eve in Istanbul: dinner cruise or private yacht?Compare the two ways to celebrate on the water.- New Year's Eve Dinner Cruise in Istanbul: Boat Party GuideHow the New Year's Eve dinner cruise on the Bosphorus works: the menu, Turkish shows, drinks, midnight on...
Why Celebrate New Year's Eve on the Bosphorus in Istanbul?Reasons to celebrate New Year's Eve on the Bosphorus: midnight between two continents, the lit-up skyline,...
Beyond Istanbul
Cappadocia, Ephesus and other regions of Türkiye.
Turkey Travel GuideTurkey, hosting the world's best story, a fascinating piece of land settlements have always been...
Cappadocia GuideThis is a Cappadocia Travel guide that you can find everything about Cappadocia.- Things To Know Before Visiting TurkeyTurkey, a country with wealth that can give you many different trips travel advice according to your...
Black Sea Travel GuideThe Black Sea, one of the favorite places of nature for those who want to be alone with nature, is among...
Ephesus TravelIf you are visiting Ephesus for the first time, consider the information in this section to avoid problems...
Eastern Turkey Travel GuideIn the east of Turkey; Central Anatolia region, Eastern Anatolia region and Southeastern Anatolia region.
Ephesus Travel GuideThe ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most important centers of civilization, culture, science and art,...
Bursa Travel GuideSince the historical places of Bursa are considered important not only for Turkish history but also for...
Cappadocia Travel TipsCappadocia region where millions of years of lava and ashes come into contact with nature and the most...
Cappadocia Travel GuideYou cannot see fairy chimneys seen in a few parts of the world like anywhere else in Cappadocia....
Paşabağ Valley in Cappadocia: The Monks Valley GuidePaşabağ Valley in Cappadocia, the Monks Valley: how its multi-capped fairy chimneys formed, the hermit...
Goreme Open-Air MuseumGoreme Open Air Museum is one of the most special formations of Cappadocia. The region has been a UNESCO...
Cave of the Seven Sleepers at Ephesus: Legend and Visitor GuideThe Cave of the Seven Sleepers near Ephesus: the legend shared by Christian and Islamic tradition, what...
Derinkuyu Underground City: Cappadocia's Deepest Hidden CityDerinkuyu Underground City in Cappadocia: its history, what you see on its eight open levels, how to get...
Edirne Travel GuideThe city has been the capital of the Ottoman Empire for 90 years, the greatest master architect Sinan has...
Zelve Valley in Cappadocia: History and Visitor GuideZelve Valley in Cappadocia: the abandoned rock village, its churches and rock mosque, why people left, how...
List of World Heritage sites in TurkeyInternational value and culture, which is accepted as the common heritage of all humanity under the...
Marble Street in Ephesus: History and HighlightsEphesus Marble Road links the Library of Celsus with the Great Theatre. Read its history, the famous foot...
Ihlara Valley in Cappadocia: Hiking, Churches and Visitor GuideIhlara Valley in Cappadocia: walk the canyon of the Melendiz stream, see rock-cut churches, stop in...
Ephesus Brothel (Love House): History and What to SeeThe so-called Ephesus Brothel opposite the Library of Celsus: why it got its name, its mosaics and layout,...
Temple of Hadrian at Ephesus: History, Reliefs and TipsThe Temple of Hadrian on Curetes Street is one of the finest façades in Ephesus. Learn its history,...
Devrent Valley in Cappadocia: The Imagination ValleyDevrent Valley in Cappadocia, the Imagination Valley: see the famous camel rock and other fairy chimney...- Ancient Ephesus City RuinsAncient City of Ephesus is located in Selçuk District of İzmir. The city, which was registered as a UNESCO...
Özkonak Underground City in Cappadocia: History and Visitor GuideÖzkonak Underground City near Avanos in Cappadocia: its history, the unusual speaking holes between...
Temple of Domitian at Ephesus: History and What RemainsThe Temple of Domitian at Ephesus was the city's first imperial cult temple. Learn its history, the...- Where is CappadociaCappadocia, one of Turkey's most special places. The history of Cappadocia in the UNESCO World Heritage...
Reasons to Visit CappadociaCappadocia is fascinated by the beauty that can only be found in a fairy tale, with a mixture of naturally...- Things to know before travelling to EphesusThis guide prepared to help the Ephesus First time visitors and contain Ephesus pieces of information.
Cappadocia Trip IdeasThe region, which hosts many civilizations, was used as a residential area and various buildings such as...
Ephesus Travel TipsSelçuk, one of the favorite districts of Izmir, manages to attract many people thanks to its cultural...- Best Hotels Closest to Ephesus Ruins in SelcukThe first guest houses in Selcuk have evolved into a pension. This situation has changed in recent years,...
- When to visit EphesusWhen to go to Ephesus? Which seasons you visit Ephesus?, What clothes should I take with me when I go to...
- Do You Need Travel Insurance for Turkey?When you travel to every country in the world, you may experience a lot of negative situations. You may...
Best places to visit in EphesusThe foundation of the ancient city of Ephesus was BC. 6000 years, goes down to the Stone Age. ion, rome,...
Where to Eat in CappadociaCappadocia, a UNESCO world heritage site, as you know, is home to fairy chimneys that have arisen by the...
Events and Festivals in CappadociaThe Cappadox Festival takes its name from the ancient name of one branch of Kızılırmak. Filled with music,...- How to Get to TurkeyYou must first obtain a visa to go to Turkey. E-Visa is the easiest way. For visiting other areas in...
Hot Air Balloon in CappadociaThe most memorable experience in Cappadocia is to have a balloon tour. Even if you do not live in the air...
The Temple of Artemis at EphesusThe temple of Artemis in Ephesus is known as the temple of Diana. Artemis temple, which is named as...- Where to Eat in EphesusThe culinary culture of Selcuk Ephesus is similar to Aegean cuisine. Olive oil, salads and vegetable...
- Turkey's FestivalsTurkey is home to many festivals. The majority of these festivals are held in the spring and summer...
Pigeon Valley CappadociaThe Pigeon House of Cappadocia The Pigeon Valley is one of the few valleys in the region that you must go...
Zemi Valley CappadociaOne of the longest trails of Cappadocia, nature and history, is the Zemi Valley! If you love trekking and...
Library of Celsus EphesusThe Celsus Library, located in the Ephesus region, known for the ruins of Antiquity, is one of the most...
Uchisar Castle CappadociaUchisar Castle Cappadocia's summit is the most beautiful point of view. For more than a thousand years or...- Is it safe travel to TurkeyTurkey has fallen victim to a number of high-profile events the most recent being an attempted coup on...
The House of the Virgin MaryThe city of Selcuk in the province of Izmir, the ancient city of Ephesus. The golden-looking statue of...
The Great Theater of EphesusOne of the most beautiful buildings of the ruins of Ephesus, the theater remained quite intact and, until...
The Prytaneion of EphesusBehind the basilica is the Prytaneion, where religious ceremonies, official receptions, and banquets were...
Ephesus Slope HousesThe houses built on the terraces at the foot of the Bülbül mountain were inhabited by the rich and the...
Güllüdere Valley CappadociaThe rain water descending from the high places has shaped the horizontal rocks differently. These forms...
Ephesus OdeonBuilt in 150 BC by Publis Vedius Antonius, a rich Ephesus, the Odeion is a theater-shaped building. The...- Turkey Photo GalleryTurkey Photo Gallery.