Hello, my name is Serhat Engul. I organize private guided tours in Istanbul focusing on Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history. In this article, you can find information about my private walking tours in Istanbul. Each of these tours lasts 3 to 4 hours and introduces you to places of Istanbul such as Sultanahmet (Old City), Fener & Balat (old Greek and Jewish quarters of … [Read more...] about Private WALKING TOURS in Istanbul (Updated → 2025)
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Where to Stay in Istanbul (14 Best Places) → 2025
Istanbul is a city of contrasts — where ancient empires meet vibrant modern life, and each neighborhood feels like a different world. Choosing where to stay here can shape your entire trip, from the sights you’ll wake up to, to the flavors and stories you’ll discover just steps from your door. As a licensed tour guide with over two decades of experience showing visitors … [Read more...] about Where to Stay in Istanbul (14 Best Places) → 2025
Best STREET FOOD Places in Istanbul (Updated → 2025)
Visiting historical masterpieces like Hagia Sophia and taking a Bosphorus cruise are some of the must-do activities in Istanbul. While you explore historical places, you can also discover the best Turkish street food in Istanbul and turn your culture trip into a gourmet tour. Istanbul boasts hundreds of dishes and rich food culture. Therefore, this amazing city offers … [Read more...] about Best STREET FOOD Places in Istanbul (Updated → 2025)
10 Best SHOPPING PLACES in Istanbul (Updated → 2025)
Istanbul boasts thousands years of cosmopolite history. This multicultural heritage from the Byzantine and Ottoman era finds its reflection even while shopping in Istanbul. Most of the shopping places in Istanbul date back centuries. While most of the shopping streets in Istanbul were shaped in the 19th century, there are also historical bazaars from earlier times. Formerly, … [Read more...] about 10 Best SHOPPING PLACES in Istanbul (Updated → 2025)
Best Places to Visit in Istanbul (Updated for 2025)
The list of the best places to visit in Istanbul may seem overwhelming at first glance. Since Istanbul was the capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, it has a rich cultural heritage. In this article, I have shared detailed information about Istanbul's museums, mosques and churches for history enthusiasts. Afterwards, you can also take a look at the best things … [Read more...] about Best Places to Visit in Istanbul (Updated for 2025)
10 Best HAMMAMS in Istanbul in (Updated → 2025)
In a city where East meets West, few experiences capture Istanbul’s soul as vividly as a visit to a hammam. These centuries-old bathhouses are more than just places to wash — they are living relics of Ottoman culture, where marble chambers echo with history, steam carries the scent of tradition, and the gentle rhythm of water invites you to slow down. As a licensed tour … [Read more...] about 10 Best HAMMAMS in Istanbul in (Updated → 2025)
BOSPHORUS CRUISE Price & Schedule (Updated → 2025)
There are few experiences in the world as enchanting as taking a Bosphorus Cruise, sailing along the glittering strait that has shaped the destiny of empires for over two millennia. Here, Europe and Asia do not just face each other—they lean in, sharing whispers carried by the sea breeze. From the deck of your boat, Istanbul unfolds like a living tapestry: opulent Ottoman … [Read more...] about BOSPHORUS CRUISE Price & Schedule (Updated → 2025)
Private HALF DAY Tours of Istanbul (Updated 2025)
Hello, I am Serhat Engul. I have been a licensed tourist guide in Istanbul for about 20 years. I organize private half-day tours covering most of Istanbul’s historical sites. On this page you can find the private walking tours I offer in Istanbul in 2025. The history of Istanbul has a multi-layered structure covering the Ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods. … [Read more...] about Private HALF DAY Tours of Istanbul (Updated 2025)
HAGIA SOPHIA Visiting Hours & Ticket Price (2025 Update)
Hagia Sophia was once a great church of the Byzantine Empire and later a mosque of the Ottomans. For much of the 20th century it stood as a museum, until 2020, when it was converted back into a mosque. Today, entrance for prayer is free, but touristic visits require a ticket. As of September 2025, the entire ground floor of Hagia Sophia functions solely as a mosque and is … [Read more...] about HAGIA SOPHIA Visiting Hours & Ticket Price (2025 Update)
TOPKAPI PALACE Visiting Hours & Ticket Price (2025 Update)
Topkapi Palace is one of the most fascinating landmarks in Istanbul, where you can walk through the corridors once used by Ottoman sultans and admire priceless treasures. Located in the heart of the Old City (Sultanahmet), it is surrounded by Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, making it a must-see stop during your visit. Often called the Topkapi Palace Museum, it is one of … [Read more...] about TOPKAPI PALACE Visiting Hours & Ticket Price (2025 Update)