Istanbul gets very hot and humid especially in July and August, which is the peak period of summer. During these times, Istanbulites go on vacation to the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts to cool off. However, even though they are far from the center, there are many places to go swimming in Istanbul as well, and they host beaches full of activity. Private beaches in some … [Read more...] about 12 Places to Go Swimming in Istanbul (Updated → 2023)
Istanbul Sightseeing
Rumeli Fortress Entrance Fee & Hours (Updated → 2024)
Rumeli Fortress is a 550-year-old building located on the European side of the Bosphorus. Built during the Ottoman period, the fortress was built to prevent interference from the Black Sea during the siege of Constantinople. The surrounding of Rumeli Fortress is a very lively tourist center today. There are great restaurants and cafes in this neighborhood where Istanbulites … [Read more...] about Rumeli Fortress Entrance Fee & Hours (Updated → 2024)
BYZANTINE SITES (Museums & Ruins) in Istanbul (2024)
Hello, I am Serhat Engul, a historian and tour guide based in Istanbul. In this article, I would like to share information about the Byzantine sites in Istanbul. You can find Byzantine churches, museums, walls and cisterns that you can see today in Istanbul. Towards the end of the article, I briefly mentioned the Byzantine palace ruins. With its history dating back to 660 … [Read more...] about BYZANTINE SITES (Museums & Ruins) in Istanbul (2024)
PANORAMA 1453 Museum Entry Fee & Hours (2024)
Panorama 1453 Museum gives us clues about the history of the Ottoman Empire. Constantinople became the new capital of the Ottoman Empire from 1453 and remained so until the fall of the empire after WW1. Conquered during the rise of the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul witnessed the empire's most glorious period. However, since the Ottoman history dates back to the 1300s, it is best … [Read more...] about PANORAMA 1453 Museum Entry Fee & Hours (2024)
Galata Mevlevi Museum Entrance Fee & Hours (2024)
Galata Mevlevi House Museum is the most powerful icon representing Rumi's philosophy in Istanbul. There are also whirling dervish performances in the museum, which is an old Mevlevi lodge. Konya is actually the most important city of Mevlevi dervishes in Turkey. Once a year, a ritual of Mevlevi dervishes is held in Konya and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the … [Read more...] about Galata Mevlevi Museum Entrance Fee & Hours (2024)
Istanbul Archaeological Museum (Price & Hours) 2024
Istanbul Archaeological Museum houses one of the world's largest collections of historical artifacts. Located in Sultanahmet, the museum welcomes millions of visitors every year. You can find brief information about the history and artifacts of the Archeology Museum in this article. In addition, the entrance fee and visiting hours of the Istanbul Archaeological Museum have … [Read more...] about Istanbul Archaeological Museum (Price & Hours) 2024
Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum (Updated → 2024)
Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum is located in the heart of Sultanahmet, one of the most touristic districts of Istanbul. The museum serves in Ibrahim Pasha Palace. This structure was originally built in the name of Pargali Ibrahim, the famous Grand Vizier of the 16th century. There are many historical artifacts related to the Seljuks and Ottomans, who were the ancestors of … [Read more...] about Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum (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)
26 Things to Do in Istanbul (Updated → December 2023)
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 26 Things to Do in Istanbul (Updated → December 2023)
30 Places to Visit in Istanbul (Updated → December 2023)
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 30 Places to Visit in Istanbul (Updated → December 2023)