Istanbul

Mert Gurel is a Turkish film enthusiast with a particular passion for interesting documentaries about Istanbul. This is natural, given that he lives and works in the bustling city. His job as a fixer for  video productions means he sources everything that foreign and domestic companies need to make a good film or documentary in Turkey. Basically, he ties up the loose ends and helps them to make the story come together. Preferring documentaries … [Read more...]

Foreign travellers tend to bypass Yalova in Turkey, but for many years, locals of Istanbul who want to escape city life for a few days, have favoured it as the ideal destination. Summer weekends when the children are off school are a traditional time for them to go. For city dwellers, Yalova offers everything including thermal springs, gorgeous landscapes, hiking, trekking and biking routes, and numerous campsites. So in this article by Bayram … [Read more...]

When I first came to Turkey, despite knowing Istanbul was the country’s largest city and top visited tourist destination, nothing quite prepared me for realising just how intense the city really is. As well as being the centre ruling capitals for both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, the neighbourhoods of Istanbul each have their own story to tell. Indeed touring local suburbs is now a popular travel genre and Istanbul is no exception because … [Read more...]

Growing popularity of the Internet in the last 20 years has changed the face of mainstream travel. Holidaymakers want to gain an insight into the lives of people in other countries, so authentic local experiences are now just as popular as package holidays and well known tourist attractions. In the bustling metropolis of Istanbul, this is proven in the growing interest of guided walking tours through neighbourhoods of which Fener and Balat are … [Read more...]

Istiklal Avenue in Istanbul is a busy street. In fact, it is the busiest street in Turkey. Also known as Istiklal Caddesi in Turkish or Independence Avenue in English, anyone visiting the city should spend at least a day exploring the 1.4-kilometer Street and all the side alleys leading off it. The street is busy from morning until night, and not only is it immaculately clean and uniformed but buildings have a historical tale to tell that mostly … [Read more...]

Istanbul, one of the top cities in the world, probably gains its popularity because of the wide diversity it offers in restaurants, bars, shopping, nightlife, food and, of course, accommodation. Luxury hotels offering the best service in overnight stays attract the rich and influential travellers but most of us; tend to gravitate towards budget friendly boutique hotels in Istanbul. One company specialising in budget boutique hotels in Istanbul … [Read more...]

If you have never been to Istanbul, I don’t recommend getting off the beaten path on your first visit, no matter how adventurous you are. To do so, you would miss all the magnificent attractions and landmarks of the Byzantine and Ottoman eras that Istanbul is famous for. If you're making a repeat visit or you find yourself with extra time, though, straying away from the main tourist sites is a good way to see Istanbul's diversity and … [Read more...]

My favourite district in Istanbul is the Sultanahmet area, the hub of its historical timeline and former capital of the Ottoman and Byzantine empires. If nightlife and shopping is not on your city break agenda, then book your Istanbul hotel in Sultanahmet since all the major attractions and landmarks sit majestically in this district that is often called the heart of old Istanbul. Travel Itinerary Guide Time Needed: 2 days Type of … [Read more...]

The Sultanahmet District of Istanbul is the former capital of Constantinople and Byzantium making it one of the top visited neighbourhoods in Turkey. As the centre from where the Ottoman Sultans and Byzantine emperors ruled, it also sits proudly on the UNESCO World Heritage list. So it stands to reason, that most people when visiting Istanbul, want hotels in Sultanahmet district. Within walking distance to all attractions, choose from hundreds … [Read more...]

Istanbul, an iconic city and the most popular tourist destination in Turkey, has immense dignity and pride. The cultural infusion of various communities, modern influences, and its historical timeline is impossible to ignore. Most travel publications have detailed articles about things to do in Istanbul. They normally involve shopping in the historical Grand Bazaar, visiting Ottoman palaces, admiring the architecture of Hagia Sophia and delving … [Read more...]

Tourism in Turkey is catching up fast with standards in western worlds. Gone are the days of rusty old buses and sub-standard hotels. The industry now provides tourists with every amenity they want and one concept to hit the market is the Istanbul Tourist Pass. It is the brainchild of the team behind the popular Istanbul.com brand. Delivered to your hotel reception on the day you arrive, the aim of the tourist pass is to help you with three … [Read more...]

The Grand Bazaar of Istanbul is a lot more than your average shopping mall. Shopkeepers are not shy about letting you know  they want your money and will do their best to get it. Sixty streets covered with thousand of shops can be overwhelming if you are not a hard core shopper. On my first visit to the Grand Bazaar, I spent most of my time staring at the rush with my mouth open! The crowds were too much and I didn't buy anything.  My second … [Read more...]

Istanbul has for a long time, been the heart and soul of Turkey. Boasting of more than 14 million official residents, the city is the only one in the world that spans two continents; Europe and Asia. I love Istanbul and admit to a major addiction for this characteristic destination. Occasionally I meet people who wrongly assume that Istanbul is the capital of Turkey but even though it isn’t, it is still an important business hub and the … [Read more...]

The Bosphorus strait of water in Istanbul has been strategically important throughout history. Linking the east and the west, many empires have waged war to gain control of it.These days, urban neighbourhoods are a strong feature on both the Asian and European sides and the Bosphorus has grown to be a busy trading passage for large tankers and ships. As a major tourist attraction of Istanbul, it is worth dedicating at least a day for exploration … [Read more...]

The Topkapi palace of Istanbul, Turkey can be either a photographers dream or an absolute nightmare. Built in 1478, when the city was called Constantinople, the former home of the Ottoman sultans is a mass of courtyards, rooms, and elaborate décor. It did at one stage, when still in use, become a mini city so this is an indication of its large size. For me, the visit was a nightmare. There are plenty of potential subjects that make damn good … [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 until the day I die. It is too busy and big to … [Read more...]

Guest post by Joel Stubbs If you are a keen photographer, a holiday is an adventure where you get to explore rather than taking a time-out for rest and relaxation. When planning a trip to Turkey, you need to visit its largest city, Istanbul. Take a look below at some of our suggestions of the best places to get some great photography in and around Istanbul. Basillica Cistern The Basilica Cistern is an atmospheric underground waterway that … [Read more...]

The thought of a Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul did not fill me with excitement. Winter is not the ideal time to be sitting on a boat, shivering with cold. However, every Istanbul travel expert recommended it as a “must do activity” so it was on my bucket list. The problem was the cost. Local agents sold tickets priced at fifty Euro or more. They promised an elaborate dinner and an evening show but I was on a budget. Then while wandering around … [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 stools and Ottoman style boxes, they ply their trade … [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 of Istanbul 1 - The Hagia Sophia is a former church, … [Read more...]

Miniaturk in Istanbul bought out the kid in me. I enjoyed it so much, and 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 wanted to update my knowledge as it was four years ago that I went to Istanbul Miniaturkpark. I have just looked at the Miniaturk website and … [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 decision to enter also led my ignorance to be put on … [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 of things to do. However once I arrived in … [Read more...]

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 art. However, you’d be wrong to regard it as a … [Read more...]

Please note: Ataturk airport is now closed. Transfers from the New Istanbul Airport can be found here. Istanbul is the top visited destination in Turkey. So imagine the millions of foreign tourists that it receives every year! There are two airports in Istanbul but Ataturk airport is the busiest and most tourists will arrive via that route. Transport from the airport to hotels or the city centre is easy, because there are five … [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 dark skies made for interesting pictures in black and … [Read more...]

For the thousands of people every year who 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 me a great insight into the place that I am in. I want to know the places … [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 that was it and I desperately wanted to return … [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 distraction. It was my close friend Debra Debra – “when you have … [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 friends. Stay Away From Pavyons Another friend warned me to … [Read more...]