Fener and Balat were districts where distinguished Greek and Jewish families lived during the Ottoman period. These districts, which lost their importance in the 20th century, are now popular again with their colorful houses and boutique cafes. One of the triggers for Fener and Balat to rise again and open to tourism was the restoration of the old tobacco factory from the … [Read more...] about 16 Things to Do in FENER & BALAT (Updated → 2025)
THINGS TO DO
Things to Do in KADIKOY (Asian Side) Updated → 2025
Istanbul is a large city, and there’s plenty to see. You might not be able to experience everything in one visit, but choosing the right area to go to can help to make your trip as memorable as possible. Kadikoy is a place that should not be overlooked by those who visit Istanbul. Because there are many things to do in Kadikoy regarding dining, shopping and … [Read more...] about Things to Do in KADIKOY (Asian Side) Updated → 2025
Best Walking Routes & Areas in Istanbul (Updated 2024)
Walking is the best way to tour in historically rich cities wherever you travel in the world. No matter how attractive it may seem to take a double-decker bus or public transport to visit touristic sites, some things will still be missing unless you discover the streets by walking with a map in your hand. In this article you can find the best walking routes in Istanbul from an … [Read more...] about Best Walking Routes & Areas in Istanbul (Updated 2024)
Byzantine Sites (Museums & Ruins) in Istanbul 2025
There are still many Byzantine sites worth seeing in Istanbul. Most of these structures, built between the 4th and 15th centuries, are located in the Historical Peninsula (former Constantinople). Currently, some of the Byzantine churches and palaces in Istanbul are being restored. When these are finished, I will add new ones to this list. I also try to keep the visitation … [Read more...] about Byzantine Sites (Museums & Ruins) in Istanbul 2025
20 Best NEIGHBORHOODS in Istanbul (Updated → 2024)
Many tourists who visit Istanbul wonder about the most beautiful places to see in the city. Located on two continents, Istanbul has many beautiful districts to visit both on the European and Asian sides. Each of these districts stands out with their different features. In this article you can find the best neighborhoods to visit in Istanbul. The best neighborhoods in … [Read more...] about 20 Best NEIGHBORHOODS in Istanbul (Updated → 2024)
20 Best Things to Do in Sultanahmet (Updated → 2024)
Sultanahmet comes first when it comes to visiting historical places in Istanbul. The most famous structures of Istanbul such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace are located in Sultanahmet. For this reason, there are many things to do in Sultanahmet for tourists. I have been working in Istanbul's tourism industry for nearly 20 years. During this time, I first … [Read more...] about 20 Best Things to Do in Sultanahmet (Updated → 2024)
25 Best THINGS to Do in Istanbul (Updated → 2025)
It may take some time for the people visiting Istanbul for the first time to grasp the size of Istanbul. Especially foreign visitors are amazed by the number of things to do in Istanbul. In this mega city that has a population over 15 million, the life continues 7/24. While some parts of the city become quite silent at night, the entertainment lasts till morning in other … [Read more...] about 25 Best THINGS to Do 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)
Things to do in Karakoy, Istanbul (Updated 2024)
Karakoy was the port of the city in both Byzantine and Ottoman periods. The Karakoy neighborhood, which serves as a bridge between the Historic Peninsula and Beyoglu (Modern Istanbul), still bears the traces of that cosmopolitan structure. Karakoy has been one of the fastest developing districts of Istanbul in the last ten years. New 3rd wave coffee shops, burger restaurants … [Read more...] about Things to do in Karakoy, Istanbul (Updated 2024)
Things to Do in Galata, Istanbul (Updated 2024)
Thanks to the growing interest in history, some of the neighborhoods in Istanbul began to stand out among others. Fener Balat, Karakoy, Galata, and Kuzguncuk are the most prominent of such neighborhoods. Although modern cafes and restaurants are plenty in these areas where neighborhood culture is still alive, the visitors can still feel the nostalgic atmosphere in these … [Read more...] about Things to Do in Galata, Istanbul (Updated 2024)