Tag: turkey

  • Basilica Cistern Kids’ Special Journey

    Visiting the Basilica Cistern with children can be a very different experience when they know what they are looking at and have a story to follow. Instead of simply walking through the dark columns and looking around, they can discover the Cistern step by step, with information presented in a way that is easier and…

  • 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…

  • Istanbul’s Asian Side: A Comprehensive Guide to Must-See Places and Things to Do

    First, we recommend starting your breakfast with something light. If you are staying on the European side, getting to the Asian side and exploring it will take some time. There are so many enjoyable things to do, so let’s start the day with a warm, crispy börek and a Turkish tea. Assuming you are staying…

  • 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…

  • Souvenir Gifts Advice from Istanbul: Turkish Delight, Pişmaniye, Turkish Coffee, and Unique Spices

    Istanbul, with its rich history and vibrant flavors, is a dream destination for travelers. But what should you bring home for friends and family? The best souvenirs from Istanbul should reflect Turkish culture and delight the senses. In this guide, we’ll share the most authentic and delicious souvenirs from Istanbul, including traditional sweets, coffee, and…

  • 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: Sultanahmet Cami (Sultanahmet Mosque / Blue Mosque)

    Imagine being 19 years old and deciding to build one of the most magnificent mosques in the world. Sounds like a bold move, right? Well, that’s exactly what Sultan Ahmed I did. In 1609, he set out to create a mosque that would rival.No, outshine: the legendary Hagia Sophia, which stood just across the way.…

  • historyistanbul: Topkapı Sarayı (Topkapı Palace)

    Step into a world where history meets grandeur! The Ottoman Empire wasn’t just a massive empire, it was the empire of empires, with its borders sprawling across the globe and maintaining power for centuries. For 400 years, this dynasty ruled with magnificence, and at the heart of it all was the stunning Topkapi Palace, the…