Fener and Balat are among the most popular districts in Istanbul in recent years, and Fener Balat walking tour is the favorite weekend activity of Istanbulites. These old quarters promise a picturesque experience with their retro cafes and historical buildings. The colorful houses in Fener and Balat have played a major role in the rise of the districts in recent years. … [Read more...] about Istanbul FENER & BALAT Walking Tour (Private) 2023
THINGS TO DO
Things to Do in ISTIKLAL STREET (Updated → 2022)
Istiklal Street has been Istanbul’s most popular and cosmopolite area since the Ottoman Empire. Therefore, there are a lot of places to visit such as historical passages, centuries-old restaurants and colorful shops in Istiklal Street. There is no doubt that the fancy boutiques and shops under the buildings on Istiklal Street will attract your attention. However, don’t … [Read more...] about Things to Do in ISTIKLAL STREET (Updated → 2022)
Golden Horn Map, History, Neighborhoods
Golden Horn was the natural harbor of Istanbul during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Goods brought from the Silk Road and Spice Road were exported to Europe from the port of Galata in Golden Horn. Today, the Golden Horn separates Istanbul's Historical Peninsula from Beyoglu. While there are historical districts such as Sultanahmet and Eminonu in the Historic Peninsula, … [Read more...] about Golden Horn Map, History, Neighborhoods
10 Best HAMMAMS in Istanbul in (Updated → 2023)
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 → 2023)
Top 25 MOSQUES to Visit in Istanbul (Updated → 2023)
The best mosques to visit in Istanbul are mostly located in the Historic Peninsula. In addition, there are beautiful mosques on the shores of the Bosphorus. Many of these mosques are located in districts such as Beyoglu, Besiktas and Uskudar (Asian Side). The vast majority of mosques in Istanbul are Ottoman-era structures built between the 15th and 19th centuries. These … [Read more...] about Top 25 MOSQUES to Visit in Istanbul (Updated → 2023)
10 Best PHOTO SPOTS in Istanbul (Updated → 2023)
Istanbul has a very diverse culture with a history dating back thousands of years. There is a lively life in Istanbul, one of the largest metropolises in the world. The best photo spots in Istanbul offer reflections of the city's deep-rooted history and energy. As a local tour guide born and raised in Istanbul, I also enjoy taking pictures in the city. Most of these photos … [Read more...] about 10 Best PHOTO SPOTS in Istanbul (Updated → 2023)
Things to Do in Besiktas (Updated 2022)
Besiktas is the most popular district of Istanbul and also a transportation hub between the European and Asian sides. Besiktas district is famous for its fish market, palaces, luxury hotels and football team. The name of the district of Besiktas comes from a legend dating back to the Byzantine period. According to tradition, parts of the cradle of Jesus were brought from … [Read more...] about Things to Do in Besiktas (Updated 2022)
30 Best Museums in Istanbul (Updated → June 2023)
The best museums in Istanbul are mostly located on the European side of the city. The most visited museums can be found in Sultanahmet (Old City), Beyoglu (Taksim) and on the shores of the Bosphorus (Besiktas and Sariyer). In this article, you can find the 30 most visited museums of Istanbul. Some of these museums are churches from the Byzantine period, some are palaces from … [Read more...] about 30 Best Museums in Istanbul (Updated → June 2023)
FUN Things to Do in Bebek, Istanbul (Updated → 2023)
Bebek is among the most popular districts of Istanbul located on the shores of the Bosphorus. Bebek, which means "Baby" in Turkish, is indeed the most special bay of the Bosphorus and is as beautiful as a baby. Bebek is also at the center of one of the most beautiful walking routes of the Bosphorus. A walk starting from Ortakoy, passing through Bebek and ending at Rumeli … [Read more...] about FUN Things to Do in Bebek, Istanbul (Updated → 2023)
Things to Do in ORTAKOY Istanbul (Updated → 2023)
Ortakoy is one of the most beautiful districts on the shores of the Bosphorus. Istanbulites go to Ortakoy Square on weekends to take pictures and have a good time. Every Istanbulite has the classic Ortakoy photograph with the Ortakoy Mosque and the Bosphorus Bridge in the background. In my opinion, having a nice breakfast in Ortakoy first and then going for a walk to Bebek … [Read more...] about Things to Do in ORTAKOY Istanbul (Updated → 2023)