For more than five centuries, the Grand Bazaar has been one of Istanbul’s most distinctive public spaces — not just a marketplace, but a living piece of the city’s daily life. Despite the rise of modern shopping malls across Istanbul, the Grand Bazaar continues to attract visitors with its scale, craftsmanship, and atmosphere. This guide is designed as a complete Grand … [Read more...] about Grand Bazaar: Opening Hours & Shopping Tips (2026 Guide)
OLD CITY
Süleymaniye Mosque: History, Opening Hours & Tips (2026)
Süleymaniye Mosque is one of the rare places in Istanbul where monumentality and serenity feel perfectly balanced. Rising on one of the city’s highest hills above the Golden Horn, it is not only a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture but also the heart of a vast imperial complex designed to serve education, charity, healthcare, and daily urban life. Commissioned by Sultan … [Read more...] about Süleymaniye Mosque: History, Opening Hours & Tips (2026)
Spice Bazaar: Opening Hours & Shopping Tips (2026 Guide)
Located in Eminönü, at the very heart of Istanbul’s Old City, the Spice Bazaar sits inside one of the city’s busiest transportation and trading zones. Ferries to Kadıköy and Üsküdar depart from just a few minutes away, while Bosphorus cruises leave regularly from the nearby waterfront. In recent years, Eminönü and neighboring Sirkeci have also become key stops for Istanbul’s … [Read more...] about Spice Bazaar: Opening Hours & Shopping Tips (2026 Guide)
Patriarchal Church of St George in Istanbul (2024)
Patriarchal Church of St George is located in Fener district of Istanbul. The church is located within the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate complex and has been the seat of the Patriarch of Constantinople for 430 years. During the Byzantine Empire, the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople was operating in Hagia Sophia. After the Ottoman conquest in 1453, the Patriarchate … [Read more...] about Patriarchal Church of St George in Istanbul (2024)
Historical Peninsula of Istanbul (Districts & Map) 2024
Istanbul Historical Peninsula is one of the most touristic places of the city today. The Historic Peninsula, surrounded by the Theodosian Walls, was the place known as Constantinople during the Roman and Byzantine periods. The district is now called Fatih. This name comes from the title "Conqueror" attributed to the Ottoman sultan Mehmed II. Today, it is possible to trace … [Read more...] about Historical Peninsula of Istanbul (Districts & Map) 2024