Tag: self-travel

  • 1st Day in Istanbul

    After a delicious Turkish breakfast, we recommend visiting Hagia Sophia early in the morning. In fact, we suggest arriving at the ticket office just before 8:30 AM. This is an important tip if you want to avoid waiting in a long line. Once you leave Hagia Sophia, you’ll see the tram tracks. Cross the road…

  • How to Visit Hagia Sophia: What to See & What Not to Miss

    First, let’s make one thing clear. The first floor of Hagia Sophia, which is the main prayer area, is closed to visitors. Only Turkish citizens can enter this area. The upper floor, or gallery level, is open to visitors. You can also see the lower floor from the upper level. In our opinion, the view…

  • foodistanbul: Discover Turkiye’s Diverse Kebab Varieties You Must Taste

    Key Highlights Discover the incredible diversity of Turkish kebab varieties beyond the world-famous Döner. Explore how different types of kebabs are shaped by regional traditions and local spices. Learn about the unique preparation methods, from grilling over an open flame to slow-cooking in a clay pot. Uncover the vibrant food scene of Turkiye, where kebabs…

  • historyistanbul: Rumeli Fortress – Essential Self-Guided Tour Guide (2026)

    Rising dramatically above the European shore of the Bosphorus, Rumeli Fortress is one of Istanbul’s most impressive reminders of the city’s Ottoman past. Built by Sultan Mehmed II in 1452, the fortress was designed to control ships passing through the Bosphorus in preparation for the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Construction began in March and was…

  • historyistanbul: Kız Kulesi (Maiden’s Tower)

    This elegant structure, the symbol of Üsküdar, stands at the mouth of the Bosphorus, just 200 meters from the shore. According to an old legend, the mythological hero Leandros was in love with Hero, a priestess of Aphrodite (Venus) who lived in the city of Sestos on the European side of the Hellespont (today’s Dardanelles).…

  • From Topkapı to Your Table: Ottoman Royal Cuisine👑

    The sultans of the Ottoman Empire, who succeeded in making their name known to the world, are not only fascinating for their war policies but also for their eating habits. Let’s take a look at the Palace Kitchen together! Make sure you’re not too hungry!😊 Or just get a ticket! Straight to Istanbul!✈️ In the…

  • How to Make a Perfect Turkish Coffee?☕

    The pride of Turkish coffee lies in its rich foam. Serving coffee without foam to a guest is not well received, as it suggests the person did not put care into making it.😊 Let’s jump right into the recipe! Ingredients (per person): 2 teaspoons of coffee 1 teaspoon of sugar 1 cup of water Equipment:…

  • kidsistanbul: İstanbul Aquarium

    İstanbul Aquarium, located in Florya, is one of Europe’s largest thematic aquariums, offering a 1.2 km interactive journey through 16 marine habitats and a lush Amazon rainforest zone. Home to over 15,000 sea and land animals across 64 tanks, it features an underwater tunnel, massive viewing panels, touch pools, and live feeding sessions that make…

  • kidsistanbul: İstanbul Toy Museum

    The Istanbul Toy Museum, located in the Göztepe neighborhood of Kadıköy, was founded by Turkish poet and author Sunay Akın and opened on April 23, 2005, National Sovereignty and Children’s Day in Turkiye. Housing over 4,000 toys dating from the 1700s to the present, the museum offers both children and adults a nostalgic and educational…

  • historyistanbul: Adalar (Islands)

    Honestly, We spent quite some time wondering which category the Islands should fall under and we’ve decided they belong not just to historyistanbul, but also to streetistanbul and viewistanbul. They’re simply too enchanting to fit into just one box. Dream of the Islands: A Fairytale in the Middle of the Marmara Sea The Adalar District,…