Dolmabahce Palace is one of the most magnificent landmarks on the shores of the Bosphorus, reflecting the Ottoman Empire’s final golden era in the 19th century. With its dazzling crystal chandeliers, grand ceremonial halls, and a unique blend of European and Ottoman architecture, it offers visitors an unforgettable journey into history. As a licensed tour guide with over 20 … [Read more...] about Dolmabahce Palace Ticket Price & Visiting Hours (2026 Update)
Istanbul Sightseeing
Blue Mosque Opening Hours & Entrance Fee (2026 Update)
In the heart of Istanbul’s historic peninsula stands a structure so graceful, it seems to float above the city’s skyline. The Blue Mosque — known locally as Sultanahmet Camii — is not only a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture but also a living monument of faith and serenity. With its six slender minarets, cascading domes, and intricate Iznik tiles that give it its famous hue, … [Read more...] about Blue Mosque Opening Hours & Entrance Fee (2026 Update)
Bosphorus Cruise Options in Istanbul (2026 Update)
There are few experiences in the world as memorable as a Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul, sailing along the narrow strait that has shaped the fate of empires for more than two thousand years. This is where Europe and Asia meet not as borders, but as neighbors—connected by water, history, and daily life flowing between two continents. From the deck of a boat, Istanbul reveals … [Read more...] about Bosphorus Cruise Options in Istanbul (2026 Update)
10 Best PHOTO SPOTS in Istanbul (Updated → 2024)
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 → 2024)
Topkapi Palace Ticket Price & Visiting Hours (2026 Update)
Topkapi Palace is one of the most fascinating landmarks in Istanbul, where you can walk through the corridors once used by Ottoman sultans and admire priceless treasures. Located in the heart of the Old City (Sultanahmet), it is neighboring Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, making it a must-see stop during your visit. Often called the Topkapi Palace Museum, it is one of … [Read more...] about Topkapi Palace Ticket Price & Visiting Hours (2026 Update)
Galata Tower Ticket Price & Visiting Hours (2026 Update)
Galata Tower, rising proudly over Istanbul’s skyline, has witnessed nearly seven centuries of history. Built in 1348 by the Genoese, this medieval stone tower once served as a watchtower protecting one of the world’s busiest trade harbors. Its iconic silhouette has seen the rise and fall of empires, devastating fires, and countless ships passing through the Golden Horn — a … [Read more...] about Galata Tower Ticket Price & Visiting Hours (2026 Update)
Chora Church (Kariye Mosque) Price & Hours | 2026 Update
Chora Church, now known as Kariye Mosque, is one of Istanbul’s most extraordinary monuments, celebrated for its late Byzantine mosaics and frescoes—often considered second only to those of Hagia Sophia. Located near the Theodosian Walls, this compact yet profoundly rich complex captures Constantinople at its artistic and spiritual peak. What makes Chora exceptional is not … [Read more...] about Chora Church (Kariye Mosque) Price & Hours | 2026 Update
HAREM (Topkapi Palace) Fee & Hours [Updated → 2025]
Harem Rooms are the most interesting part of Topkapi Palace. The Harem, described by 19th century orientalist painters, looked like a place where women danced all day. However, in reality, Harem was also a school where women from many different parts of the world were educated. The greatest authority in the Harem was the "Mother of the Sultan". The Sultan's mother was known … [Read more...] about HAREM (Topkapi Palace) Fee & Hours [Updated → 2025]
Basilica Cistern Ticket Price & Visiting Hours (2026 Update)
Beneath the busy streets of Istanbul lies the Basilica Cistern, a vast underground reservoir built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian. At first glance, it feels less like infrastructure and more like a hidden palace — a forest of columns rising from the water in carefully measured symmetry. For those of us who explore Istanbul through its Byzantine … [Read more...] about Basilica Cistern Ticket Price & Visiting Hours (2026 Update)
Süleymaniye Mosque: History, Opening Hours & Tips (2026)
Süleymaniye Mosque is one of the rare places in Istanbul where monumentality and serenity feel perfectly balanced. Rising on one of the city’s highest hills above the Golden Horn, it is not only a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture but also the heart of a vast imperial complex designed to serve education, charity, healthcare, and daily urban life. Commissioned by Sultan … [Read more...] about Süleymaniye Mosque: History, Opening Hours & Tips (2026)