The city of Istanbul never fails to deliver in terms of things to do, cultural experiences and historical attractions. From the old part of the city to bars in Taksim, I have listed all my experiences below. Browse through the articles to find out more and please leave a comment if you have anything to add or questions to ask
As newly-weds hunt across the globe for honeymoon destinations that offer breathtaking scenery and romantic culture, few know of the hidden eccentricities that Istanbul holds. A fruitful and lengthy history of four separate empires (Roman, Byzantine, Latin and Ottoman) permeates throughout the metropolis to offer a rich, layered aesthetic experience in architecture, landscape, music, cuisine, and … [Read more...]
Out of all the sites to see in Istanbul, the most intriguing has to be the grand and impressive Dolmabahce Palace. Home to the last six sultans of the abolished Ottoman Empire; it portrays everything that was right and wrong about their rule and reign for over 600 years. While it is easy to be in awe at the architecture and historical tales of their conquered lands, I simply had to wonder if any … [Read more...]
In my quest to travel to every town, city, and village of Turkey, it is not often that I return to a destination. Once I have been there, I strike it off my list and start planning a visit to the next location. The one exception to this rule is the bustling and culturally mixed city of Istanbul. Once known as Constantinople, I have returned three times and will continue to return, quite possibly … [Read more...]
Istiklal Avenue in Istanbul is a busy street. Everything happens on there and if you are taking a city break, it is wise to spend at least a day exploring this street and all the side alleys leading off it. On my last two winter visits to Istanbul, both of my hotels have been based close to all the action that happens on Istiklal avenue and I was certainly not bored or suffering from a lack of … [Read more...]
Note - The shoe shiners featured in the photographs of this article did not scam me and never used any of the techniques that are listed below. They were friendly shoe shiners who agreed for their photograph to be taken and used. This article is not implying they are part of this scam. One Turkish tradition I have always admired is the shoe shiner. Sitting on busy streets with their small … [Read more...]
Whirling dervishes fascinate me. Belonging to the order of Sufism, they dedicate themselves to a life of poverty and spinning around, the latter of which I do not understand. Other people take hard-core drugs to achieve the same euphoric state of mind that the whirling dervishes achieve by going around and around in circles. They detach themselves from the here and now, to reach a state of … [Read more...]
Istanbul is a huge city with thousands of landmarks. Most of them are historic buildings dating back hundreds of years, especially to the Byzantine and Ottoman Empire. Some landmarks are more famous than others are, but all serve one common purpose as an identifiable object on the horizon. Here are my 14 favourite postcard style pictures of some landmarks in Istanbul. Famous Landmarks … [Read more...]
I was quite pleased to come across the St. Anthony of Padua church while in Istanbul. I had seen it mentioned in guidebooks but did not plan on visiting, until I found myself right outside. Located on Istiklal Avenue, behind a large set of iron gates, it is an impressive building dating back to 1906. It also has the status of being the largest, fully functioning church in Istanbul. The sudden … [Read more...]
My visit to the flower passage in Istanbul was unexpected but it turned out to be one of my favourite places. Two friends, now used to my obsession with photography and history suggested it as an ideal place to have lunch. Situated on Istiklal Avenue, and known to the Turks as Çiçek Pasaj, it is a place to eat, drink, and be merry. Therefore, you may think I recommend Çiçek Pasaj as a great … [Read more...]
Exploring the bustling city of Istanbul is a great experience but to see it from up high is something completely different. In my opinion, the best place to do this is Galata tower, a landmark that dominates the skyline. Six years ago, I went to the tower to attend a Turkish show at nighttime. I could see lights from buildings, dotted across the horizon, and the lights of traffic moving, but … [Read more...]
I walked down 55 stone steps, sensing dampness in the air when I reached the bottom and the Basilica cistern. The only sounds were whispers from tourists and the odd drip of water. A shop stand was in the far left corner and they beckoned me over. For a small amount of Turkish lira, I could dress up as an Ottoman princess and go home with a photograph souvenir. The disapproving look on my face … [Read more...]
My desire to find French street in Istanbul started when I read an article that described it as French influence in Turkey. The equivalent of China town in New York. I imagined a chance to experience two cultures within one destination. My interest had spiked. The nearest insight I have gained of France was passing through on a coach ride to and from Germany, so I placed French street on my list … [Read more...]
The Grand bazaar of Istanbul is not your average shopping mall. The shopkeepers are not shy about letting you know that they want your money and will do their best to get it. Sixty streets covered with thousand of shops is not easy going and can be overwhelming especially if you are not used to crowds. My first visit to the grand bazaar was with my Turkish husband and I spent most of my time … [Read more...]
“Save water – Drink Wine” became the motto of our last girl’s weekend in Istanbul. It all started when I was stood at the open top of the Galata tower, which is an impressive 66 meters tall. I had a raging hangover from the night before and the fresh air combined with a fear of heights, prompted thoughts that I was going to puke! My phone was ringing which provided a temporary … [Read more...]
I am not a night-time person any more. I like to wake up early and go to bed early. My partying days are well and truly behind me. However when visiting one of the greatest cities of the world i.e. Istanbul – I decided to try the night-life. The bustling Istiklal Avenue is one area staying busy until the early hours of the morning so that is where I headed, along with two female … [Read more...]
For the thousands of people who catch cheap flights to Turkey and head to the impressive city of Istanbul, the first question that is often on their mind is “Where are the happening places to head to?” This slang term is also always at the front of my mind, no matter where in Turkey I travel. I want to know where the locals hang out. I want to observe a busy and vibrant atmosphere that gives … [Read more...]
A huge welcome from The Turkish Travel Blog to Ricky Carbis who has submitted this post on the reasons why he loves Istanbul. Istanbul has for a long time, been the heart and soul of Turkey. Boasting more than 12 million official residents, the city is like no other in Turkey. Being the only city in the world that spans two different continents, it is huge. I love Istanbul and can easily admit … [Read more...]
To start this series, I wanted to share my Istanbul pictures and was undecided as to whether black and white was the right format to do it. After all, Istanbul is a colourful and vibrant city so pictures should reflect that. However, when I visited in January of this year, constant rain and even snow meant there no blue skies or sunny backgrounds in my photos. The benefit though was that the … [Read more...]
Just yesterday I was going through all my old photos and found some of the Miniaturk park in Istanbul. I went to Istanbul for my honeymoon and enjoyed it that much, I plan to go back one day. If you find yourself traveling through Istanbul then be sure to go to the Miniaturk park. Whilst it is not as exciting to see, as the Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia, it is still a fun day out. For this post I … [Read more...]
