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)
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BYZANTINE ISTANBUL Walking Tour (Private) 2024
Byzantine Istanbul tour will take you on a journey through time. During this journey you will see how the city was founded by Constantine the Great and reached its peak during the reign of Justinian. Of course, the story of Constantinople is not just full of victories, prosperity and wealth. On the other hand, there are great rebellions, religious conflicts, sieges and … [Read more...] about BYZANTINE ISTANBUL Walking Tour (Private) 2024
Where to STAY in Istanbul (Updated → April 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 → April 2024)
Best STREET FOOD Places in Istanbul (Updated → 2024)
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 → 2024)
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)
FENER and BALAT Walking Tour (Private) 2024
Hello, I am Serhat Engul. I have been a licensed tour guide in Istanbul for about 20 years. If you are reading this article, you have probably asked me about the details of the Fener and Balat walking tour that I offer in Istanbul. Fener and Balat, two districts on the shores of the Golden Horn, the iconic port of Istanbul, have been important settlements throughout … [Read more...] about FENER and BALAT Walking Tour (Private) 2024
10 Best HAMMAMS in Istanbul in (Updated → 2024)
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 → 2024)
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 Entrance Fee & Opening Hours (2024)
Hagia Sophia was built as a church in the 6th century and converted into a mosque in the 15th century. It served as a museum for 90 years during the Republic period and became a mosque again in 2020. As of April 2024, the lower floor of Hagia Sophia serves entirely as a mosque and is open only to those who pray. The upper floor galleries are open to touristic visits and can … [Read more...] about Hagia Sophia Entrance Fee & Opening Hours (2024)
Topkapi Palace Entrance Fee & Opening Hours (2024)
Topkapi Palace is in Sultanahmet, the heart of the Old City. Inside the walls surrounding the palace, there are exhibition rooms spread over 4 large courtyards, the Harem, the Hagia Irene Church and the Istanbul Archaeological Museums. Topkapi Palace entrance fee is 1500 Turkish Liras in 2024. Museum Pass Istanbul is valid in the palace. Topkapi Palace is open between 09:00 … [Read more...] about Topkapi Palace Entrance Fee & Opening Hours (2024)