Istanbul Travel Blog

The BBQ and roast are not as big an issue in Istanbul as they might be in London or D.C. As the summer dawns in, people do start to move outdoors, but it is not so much for the picnics and the BBQ, as it is for the Bosphorus. That said, if you will be in Istanbul on a sunny Sunday and you really are...

Bogazici Zoo, Bird Park and Botanic Garden are all founded on the same territory near Bayramoglu, Darica. Darica is approximately and hour and a half away from the center of Istanbul with car. The Zoo and its Gardens were founded in 1991. In 1993, the area was opened up for public visitation as well. One...

Istanbul is a city located directly by two Seas: the Balck sea and the Marmara sea. And, it is further intersected by the Bosphorus. As such, swimming becomes quite tempting in Istanbul, but you have to find the right place. My parents tell me, that it was much simpler to go swimming in Istanbul in their...

I had started writing a new series about the markets of Istanbul. In that article I had already briefly touched upon the Beşiktaş Fish Market. This is a tiny little fish bazaar, in the middle of the commercial Beşiktaş. The fish market of Besiktas is pretty concise, but you can still find fresh...

May is like the most beautiful festival month of the year… There are so many things happening this month. I feel like I have only been blabbing about where you should be going and giving out directions “do this, that and this again”. :) Joke aside, we have been having a busy week for...

Istanbul is at a junction point of the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea. The very famous Bosphorus is the canal that locates itself at the connection of both Seas. This unique combo of multiple Seas on all sides of the city create a nice opportunity for the nature lovers: they can enjoy the seaside, whilst...

Each district of Istanbul has its own open market one day a week. People living in those districts go to the open markets to get fresh fruit and vegetable, fish, cheese, cheap clothing & underwear, cosmetics etc, etc… These are much like the farmers’ markets of UK or the street bazaars of...

The Haydarpaşa Portl or Haydarpaşa Railroad Station, is near to Kadıköy. In fact, when you take the ferry to Kadıköy, you will actually cross this beautiful building and the harbour nearby the station. The construction of Haydarpaşa Port began for the first time in 1906 and it was finished in...

As we leave the shopping festival behind, it may be time to focus back on history, the city and sight-seeing. As such, one of the places that you should make time to see, whilst in Istanbul is the Mahmutpaşa Mosque. It would not be totally out of your way, as it is in the proximity of the Grand Bazar. What...

Your getaway to Ağva starts before you actually arrive. The road from Istanbul, which slides through the green countryside, pacifies even the most stressed out soul. The one and a half to two hour drive to Şile is peppered with street vendors selling honey, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and cooking...