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 → 2024)
POPULAR
Where to STAY in Istanbul (Updated for 2024)
When you look at best places to stay in Istanbul on the map you may be confused. Sultanahmet, Beyoglu and Besiktas offer many options for tourists visiting Istanbul. The question of where to stay in Istanbul is perhaps the title that the people who plan to travel to Istanbul need local advice the most. Should you stay in the Old City, commonly referred to as Sultanahmet, or … [Read more...] about Where to STAY in Istanbul (Updated for 2024)
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 → 2024)
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 → 2024)
Best Places to Visit in Istanbul (Updated for 2024)
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 2024)
10 Best HAMMAMS in Istanbul in (Updated → 2025)
The Turkish bath is essentially a Roman bath arranged according to Islamic rules. Turkish baths in Istanbul have a dressing room, a steam-heated domed hot room and a cold room to relax after bath. The best hammams in Istanbul are often found in historical districts. Baths had a very important place in Ottoman Istanbul. For example, the bride-to-be would meet with the women … [Read more...] about 10 Best HAMMAMS in Istanbul in (Updated → 2025)
BOSPHORUS CRUISE Price & Schedule (Updated → 2025)
Bosphorus cruise is one of the most entertaining activities to do in Istanbul. While touring the Bosphorus, you can realize how Istanbul acts as a bridge between Asia and Europe. Because this hybrid culture was embodied in the structures on the Bosphorus coast. During the Bosphorus cruise, you will see the historical palaces and mosques of Istanbul as well as the most … [Read more...] about BOSPHORUS CRUISE Price & Schedule (Updated → 2025)
Private HALF DAY Tours of Istanbul (Updated 2024)
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 2024. 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 2024)
HAGIA SOPHIA Ticket Price & Hours (Updated → 2025)
Hagia Sophia was a church during the Byzantine period and a mosque during the Ottoman period. It remained as a museum for a long time, but was turned back into a mosque in 2020. Nowadays, praying in Hagia Sophia is free, but for touristic visits you have to buy a ticket. As of April 2025, the lower floor of Hagia Sophia serves entirely as a mosque and is open only to those … [Read more...] about HAGIA SOPHIA Ticket Price & Hours (Updated → 2025)
TOPKAPI PALACE Ticket Price & Hours (Updated → 2025)
Topkapi Palace is located in Sultanahmet, the heart of Istanbul's Old City, and is within walking distance of other iconic buildings such as Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Topkapi Palace ticket price is 2000 Turkish Liras in 2025. Museum Pass Istanbul is valid in the palace. Topkapi Palace is open between 09:00 in the morning and 17:00 in the evening. This information was … [Read more...] about TOPKAPI PALACE Ticket Price & Hours (Updated → 2025)