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3 Days in Istanbul Itinerary Day 1 – Sultanahmet – Historic Center Day 2 – Sultanahmet and Taksim Day 3 – Asian Side Of Istanbul Istanbul, once known as Constantinople, served as the capital of the Roman and Ottoman Empires, famously dubbed Basileousia, or “Queen of Cities.” Today, its rich history makes it a must-see…
Summary of Key Attractions in Istanbul Hagia Sophia Blue Mosque Grand Bazaar Süleymaniye Mosque Beylerbeyi Palace Hippodrome of Constantinople Walls of Constantinople Galata Tower Indulge in Turkish Delight Belly Dancing and Whirling Dervishes Istiklal Street Topkapi Palace Archaeological Museum Eat with the Locals Visit a Local Family Ortakoy – Nightlife Ortakoy Mosque Sip Turkish Coffee…
Summary The Blue Mosque How to Visit the Blue Mosque Where to Take a Good Photo of the Blue Mosque The Blue Mosque The Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is an architectural marvel in Istanbul. This stunning landmark is renowned for its exquisite interior tiles, which are the reason behind its…
Summary The Beauty of the Bosphorus: Discover the luxury hotels that offer stunning views and a unique experience. Voting Process: Understand how readers voted in the World’s Best Awards to select their favorites. The Winner: Explore the top hotel in Istanbul as chosen by readers. There is so much beauty to take in alongside the…
Discover Istanbul: A Comprehensive Guide Istanbul stands out as a distinct city in the world. Spanning two continents, it is a city characterized by layers and contrasts. Historic sights such as Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace sit alongside bustling bars and lively cafes. Furthermore, Ottoman-era mosques are just a short walk from contemporary art museums…
Perfect Weekend in Istanbul A city that has enticed visitors for centuries can hardly be done justice in one weekend. However, this sampling of İstanbul’s highlights will give you a good taste of its many attractions – while leaving you eager to come back for more. Here’s iBestTravel’s guide to a perfect weekend in İstanbul….
Shopping Experiences in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar The elaborate etiquette of the Ottoman Empire lingers in many day-to-day rituals still observed in its greatest creation, the city of Istanbul. A good example is the ubiquitous and highly formalised system of greetings used by all locals, which harks back to the courtly manners refined in the imperial…
I’ve been enchanted with Istanbul since my first visit in 2001 and have now been living and working here as a journalist for 12 years and counting. After all this time, the city’s combination of rich history and kinetic energy continues to captivate me, making up for the challenges and frustrations of living cheek by…
Hagia Sophia: A Historic Site in Istanbul The ancient , often referred to as Hagia Sophia in English and one of ‘s most iconic and enduring monuments, is nearly 15 centuries old. Recently, it has transitioned from a museum back into a mosque following a decree from Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The building was…
Experience the World’s First Baklava Butler at Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul Guests at this Istanbul hotel are in for a sweet surprise, as the world’s first baklava butler has been announced at Shangri-La Bosphorus. Dressed in traditional Turkish attire, this dedicated staff member serves up the historic sweet dish that dates back to the Ottoman Empire….
The Hagia Sophia was recently converted from a museum back into a mosque © Salvator Barki/Getty Images The news of Gli, the famous resident cat of Hagia Sophia, passing away has filled the hearts of both Istanbul’s residents and visitors with sadness. Gli had become an iconic presence at this historical monument, known in Turkey…
Lapped by water on all sides, Istanbul had a thriving beach culture in the first half of the 20th century, but rapid population growth and urbanization have squeezed swimming spots out of the city center. Nevertheless, there are still some beach (plaj) options at the upper end of the Bosphorus. Most opportunities to swim are…
Green spaces are at a premium amidst Istanbul’s dense urban sprawl, but the city does have some lovely spots to take a breather, ranging from leafy historic parks to waterfront promenades with dramatic views. When the weather is fair, you’ll find many of them bustling with local residents seeking a respite from the concrete jungle….
10 Fascinating Museums to Explore in Istanbul With centuries of historic remains scattered amid its modern streets, and more still continually being uncovered, Istanbul is undoubtedly a museum unto itself. Moreover, the city boasts astonishing museum collections – showcasing ancient relics, modern art, and craftsmanship both old and new – in a variety of institutions,…
Thanks to its extraordinary geographical gifts, the transcontinental city of Istanbul has always lured serious traders and shoppers. In the 13th century, crusader Robert de Clari was dazzled by its richness, noting in his journal, “There were so many rich vessels of gold and silver and cloth of gold and so many rich jewels.” Fast-forward…
From traditional kilims and homegrown skincare to contemporary jewellery and off-beat homewares, shopping in Istanbul is a unique experience. The one-time capital that straddles two continents and has seen the rule of multiple empires is a mash-up of influences. Alongside the historic spice bazaars and street sellers are a growing number of curious boutiques and…
Aydin Buyuktas’ Surreal Photography Series ‘Flatland’ Photographer Aydin Buyuktas turns Istanbul’s Galata Bridge into a vertigo-inducing roller coaster ride in his series “Flatland.” This captivating project combines artistic vision with cutting-edge technology, showcasing the beauty and complexity of urban landscapes. Photographer Aydin Buyuktas turns Istanbul’s Galata Bridge into a vertigo-inducing roller coaster ride in his…
The Impact of the Armenian Genocide on Contemporary Art at the Istanbul Biennial Throughout history, the Armenian Genocide has left an indelible mark on arts and culture. The Istanbul Biennial showcases the profound effects of this tragedy through various artistic expressions. Artistic Expressions of Trauma and Memory Francis Alys mesmerizing film The Silence of Ani…
Astride the glittering Bosphorus, Istanbul is the hotspot where worlds, cultures, religions, and empires collide. A unique fusion of East-West, ancient-modern, grit, and grandeur. Old bohemian neighborhoods thrum with new-wave chefs and contemporary artists. Exquisitely restored Ottoman palaces and mansions now house an abundance of top-drawer hotels – some all faded grandeur from a former…
Sitting astride Europe and Asia, the best things to do in Istanbul reflect the colourful, clamorous culture-clash of East meets West in a fascinating city where old meets new, religion meets hedonism, and grandeur meets tumbledown. Its food alone is an exuberant coming-together of cuisines, from the ancient spice markets to contemporary waterfront restaurants. Part…