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)
Istanbul Neighborhoods
SHOPPING Streets & Malls in Kadikoy (Updated → 2025)
Chalcedon, known as the “Land of the Blind” in the foundation myth of Istanbul dating back to BC, is the liveliest district of the Asian Side today. Shopping places in Kadikoy attract both locals and tourists like a magnet. Tourists visiting Istanbul generally focus on Sultanahmet and Taksim districts. However, it should be emphasized that taking a ferry ride to the Asian … [Read more...] about SHOPPING Streets & Malls in Kadikoy (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)
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)
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)
FENER & BALAT Private Walking Tour (Updated → 2025)
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 private 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 & BALAT Private Walking Tour (Updated → 2025)
Things to Do in ISTIKLAL STREET (Updated → 2024)
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 → 2024)
Things to Do in Golden Horn, Istanbul (Updated 2024)
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 Things to Do in Golden Horn, Istanbul (Updated 2024)