Tag: Istanbul

  • How to Spend 24 Hours in Istanbul: Exploring Markets, Mosques, and More

    How to Spend 24 Hours in Istanbul: Exploring Markets, Mosques, and More

    These are the Top 11 Istanbul Places to visit for the flavors, religion, sights and sounds. Straddling two continents, Istanbul, figuratively and literally, has roots in both Europe and Asia. Visit for its unique geographic distinction, heavy in Islamic influence. But fused with European culture, Istanbul is certainly unique because it’s truly…

  • The Best Shopping in Istanbul Turkey

    The Best Shopping in Istanbul Turkey

    Shopping for Turkish souvenirs in Istanbul, Turkey can be fun, cheap, historic, and delicious. Street vendors, shopping malls and centuries-old markets sell treasures that will remind you of your travels. Whether it’s something fun, edible or just pretty, shopping in Istanbul is an adventure you won’t soon forget. 

  • Where to Find The Most Scenic Views in Istanbul

    Where to Find The Most Scenic Views in Istanbul

    The Best views of Istanbul include the iconic cityscape– mosques, palaces, minarets, and the boats skipping across the waves of the Bosphorus. Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia on the Bosphorus Strait. Its Old City reflects cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here, making it world-class for history…

  • Night Long Layover Night Tour in Istanbul from Turkish Airlines

    Night Long Layover Night Tour in Istanbul from Turkish Airlines

    We land at 4 pm— a half-hour past the free tour offered by Turkish Airlines. That sucks, I’ve taken one of those tours before, and they are pretty good. But we’re not out of luck. There is another night layover tour we’ll catch that’s not free. Watching Istanbul go from…

  • How to Fall in Love with Istanbul

    How to Fall in Love with Istanbul

    It’s so easy to fall in love with Istanbul. The city is so beautiful– so romantic, it resembles the set of an epic love story. Romance in Istanbul is around every corner. You can smell it, hear, feel it with each step. And every street brings you face to face with a…

  • Best Things to Do on the European Side of Istanbul

    Best Things to Do on the European Side of Istanbul

    I love Istanbul, Turkey. Apart from its architectural beauty, it’s also the only city in the world that straddles two continents– Europe and Asia. The Asian side does have its share of attractions– especially the food stalls and cafes in Kadiköy Market. However, the majority of the well-known tourist attractions…

  • How to Experience Istanbul’s Asian Side Like a Local

    How to Experience Istanbul’s Asian Side Like a Local

    Because they visit the more popular areas, most first-time visitors skip the Asian side of Istanbul. That’s a shame, since it’s one of the best places to enjoy authentic Turkish food and drink. While the European side has the big tourist attractions, the Asian side offers a calmer pace, welcoming…