What’s the best mosque to visit in Istanbul?
Updated July 26, 2024 What’s the best mosque to visit in Istanbul? It took five trips to Istanbul before I finally visited the Sülemaniye. It wasn’t by design. I put it down to so many amazing mosques gracing the city. Now that I’ve visited quite a few, my advice is...
Explore Istanbul on a budget: get an Istanbulkart
Updated July 12, 2024 If you relish getting off the beaten tourist path and getting lost with the benefit of a safety line back to more familiar territory, a transit pass might be just the ticket to feed an adventurous spirit. To explore Istanbul, get an...
35 best things to do in Istanbul for a memorable visit
Istanbul is one of those places where one visit leaves a person longing for more, especially if you've created a long list of the best things to do in Istanbul. If you're planning a trip, a few days aren’t enough. Plan for at least a week. Learn a few words...
7 Reasons to visit Derinkuyu ancient underground city in Türkiye
A hot-air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s fairy chimney landscape is a major attraction for most visitors to central Türkiye. Those who stay longer quickly discover that the region boasts a fascinating history. Not to be missed are the magnificent underground cities...
Connect with a rich history by visiting a caravanserai on the ancient Silk Road in Türkiye
You won’t find Ağzıkarahan on any top destinations list. There are no tour buses, souvenir shops, or ticket booths. You might need to search for the caretaker to pay the modest entrance fee. These make visiting a caravanserai on the ancient Silk Road in Türkiye all...
An amazing two-continent food tour in Istanbul: a review
Istanbul and Turkish food. Two favourites blend delectably in Istanbul's ‘Two Markets, Two Continents’ food tour by Culinary Backstreets. It was an intriguing premise … breakfast in Europe, followed by lunch in Asia. Where else but in Istanbul could a culinary walk...
Is hot-air ballooning in Türkiye’s Cappadocia worth it?
Is hot-air ballooning in Cappadocia worth it? is it worth the price? If being entertained at dawn appeals to you, then set the alarm and prepare to be wowed. Admission is free, so the price is more than right. With several hotel terraces and public viewpoints, you...
The fascinating story of Istanbul’s rainbow stairs
In a centuries-old neighbourhood in the centre of Istanbul, retired forestry engineer Hüseyin Çetinel spent four days painting almost 200 steps of a public thoroughfare in a myriad of bright colours. Little did he realize that Istanbul's rainbow stairs would be the...
A relaxing blue cruise on a Turkish gulet: Seaborn Legend
If you’re looking for the ultimate in relaxing travel experiences, consider a blue cruise on a Turkish gulet off Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. Along the coast, a host of “Mavi Yolculuk,” (Blue Voyage) options are available at budget prices, making a blue cruise...