Visiting the best museums in Istanbul is a journey into a city of dreams, the capital of empires and a modern voyager. The many exhibitions, galleries and cultural art centres look back at a rich metropolis history and showcase the achievements of empires, civilisations and people both past and present. As an iconic city, history, arts and culture stalks every corner and no … [Read more...]

Every day, 3 million people visit the 1.4-kilometre Istiklal street, that is the heart of new Istanbul and the shopping and nightlife hub of the city. Some work in establishments on and surrounding it, while others visit as tourists eager to experience the many things to do in Istiklal Street including theatres, libraries, art galleries, boutiques, music and bookshops. Then … [Read more...]

5 days in Istanbul is ample time to see the best tourist attractions that make the metropolis, one of the top city break destinations in the world. Despite its enormous size and bustling population, Istanbul has welcoming vibes that leave visitors with lasting memories of their time there. Anyone visiting for 5 days should prepare for an intensely diverse city that wows and … [Read more...]

Yearly, many travellers and tourists, both novice and experienced arrive in Istanbul to see the Sultanahmet attractions and iconic landmarks. The city’s reputation as a major hub of business, trade, finance, education, and tourism, is already firmly guaranteed. However, the Sultanahmet area is more engrained in the timeline of the globe thanks to its great past as the capital … [Read more...]

In a large and bustling city like Istanbul, there is so much to see and do. From the modern and historic sites to the experiences that will make your holiday one to remember. There are must see sites like the Blue mosque and Hagia Sophia but there are also well kept secrets known only by the guides and locals. With all this in mind, we have listed our best Istanbul day tours … [Read more...]

The bustling metropolis of Istanbul in  Turkey is a vibrant city with everything going for it. Not only is it a hub of business, finance, real estate and cultural trends but also home to many historic landmarks. From the days of Byzantine rule to the era of the Ottomans, most of the historical places in Istanbul are open to the public for viewing. Including palaces, mosques, … [Read more...]

The powerful Byzantine and Ottoman empires ruled their lands from Istanbul for hundreds of years. They called the city Constantinople, and it became a metropolis for royal rulers and influential religious leaders to leave their mark.These days, the city has embraced the modern world while maintaining its traditional heritage. It is one of the top destinations in the world for a … [Read more...]

As much for its tourist haunts and delightful way of life, did you know that Istanbul has some quirky facts to its own history? From tulips to the population to Agatha Christie, there are quite a few facts that will surprise anyone who is not knowledgeable about the large city. Here are 15 surprising facts about Istanbul 1. Istanbul is the only city in the world that … [Read more...]

Walking up to the gatehouse of the Topkapi palace is unimpressive, yet behind the stone walls originally built more than 500 years ago, is a staggering collections of courtyards, rooms, and imperial places that portray the varied and certainly colourful life of the Ottoman sultans and their entourage. Having invaded Constantinople in 1453, Topkapi Palace was the first home for … [Read more...]

To call Istanbul, bland or boring would be an incorrect statement. The large, bustling metropolis is anything but that. Formerly known in history as Constantinople, the capital of the Ottoman empire and Byzantium, the capital of the Eastern Roman empire, the city is now one of the top destinations in the world for business, trade, economy and of course, tourism. Reasons to … [Read more...]

The Ottoman dynasty firmly secured a place in history as a powerful and ambitious empire. At one point they ruled nearly half the world and their reign successfully lasted more than 400 years. The pinnacle time of their seat in power was in 1453 and the event was the capture of Constantinople which they made their capital. Mehmet the 2nd, the sultan who captured the Byzantine … [Read more...]

There is an extremely good reason why Istanbul is one of the most visited city-break destinations in the world. The old landmarks of former Byzantine and Constantinople stand in the Sultan Ahmet area and draw in thousands of visitors every month, who are eager to see the iconic buildings that once belonged to two of the greatest empires in history. One such building is the … [Read more...]

Istanbul is currently the hottest discovery in the travel industry and because of this, a treasure chest of fun things to do has sprung up.  Historical mosques and buildings make for gorgeous vacation photos, but the city was thrust into the tourism limelight due to an influx of world-class restaurants, stylish bars, art galleries and a hip fashion scene. There is a loud, … [Read more...]

As the former capital of Byzantium, old Constantinople was an important center of the Christian religion that at one stage even threated to topple Rome. Despite the hundreds of years that have passed during that time, many Christian and iconic buildings are still standing. As the Turkish government looks to emphasize religious tourism in the country, the importance of these … [Read more...]

The former official residence of the sultans can be found on the European shore of the Bosphorus, and on the Asian side lays their summer residence, the Beylerbeyi Palace. It is not as large or luxuriant as the Dolmabahce Palace, but its gardens, filled with different kinds of trees are truly conducive for the warm Istanbul summer. It also has kiosks and a pool where the … [Read more...]

Turkey covers two continents, including Europe but a majority of it is in Asia Minor, of which Jews have lived in since the 5th century BC. The Ottoman Empire during their reign was also respected for offering shelter and homes to Jews, expelled from other countries, especially during the 15th century, when the Alhambra Decree, ordered the explosion of Jews from catholic Spain. … [Read more...]

I love private tours, especially around the large and bustling city of Istanbul. Don’t get me wrong, I like socializing and getting to know new people on group tours but private tours ensure a more personalized experience. It gives me a chance to ask questions and enjoy a two-way conversation with an informed and knowledgeable guide. It also allows more flexibility to the … [Read more...]

Many famous leaders in history are remembered for their speeches and not just their accomplishments. These include Martin Luthor King whose speech “I have a dream” was seen as a turning point in the struggle for equality of black Americans. Winston Churchill was steadfast in the determination of his soldiers and told them “We will fight on the beaches”  and of course, Julius … [Read more...]

To explore all of the historical sites, monumental buildings and landmarks of Turkey would take years. To begin, it is said that there are more historical ruins in Turkey than the whole of Greece.  Add the buildings of importance such as the Topkapi Palace of Istanbul or the Anitkibar of Ankara. Also don’t forget landmarks such as the Horse of Troy. It is impossible to see them … [Read more...]

Most attention focused on the Bosphorus talks about its role separating the east and west. The long stretch of water divides the exotic city of Istanbul into two continents, defining the land mass as either Asian or European. Many wars and battles took place in the Bosphorus as powerful rulers aimed to gain control of this strategically important strait. These days, it is more … [Read more...]

Istanbul has a world-renowned reputation as a hot destination to visit while on a cruise. Formerly known as Constantinople, the busy city has a population of more than 13,000,000 people who live in one of two continents.It is impossible to describe Istanbul in one word, as it is a blend of historic and modern, and a combination of traditional and new. The city can be anything … [Read more...]