Kadikoy: A Local’s Istanbul
The first thing you need to know when you arrive in Kadıköy is that none of the street names so carefully written on your map will actually be visible or known. Turkish people use familiar landmarks to orient themselves, and this vibrant Asian side centre is no exception. After you step off the ferry head …
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Tantalising Taksim
Whether you want to experience traditional Turkish culture, shop till you drop or dance until dawn, everything you need can be found on Istiklal Street. Only a mile long, this broad avenue links Taksim to Tünel and is lined with grand consulate buildings, Turkish and western restaurants and cafes, shops selling local and international clothing …
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Surprising Karakoy
Once home to itinerant sailors, in recent years Karaköy has been attracting a lot of attention. The section east of Galata Bridge already boasts an eclectic collection of cafes, bars and galleries. However I prefer the area to the west of the bridge. There among the iron mongers and hardware sellers an older Istanbul waits …
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Princess Islands, Great Escape
Take a short ferry ride from Istanbul and find yourself among small streets lined with bougainvilleas, seagulls flying over the bright blue sky, ferries on the blue waters of Marmara, horse carriages as the only transportation option, kids playing fearlessly on the streets and people riding bikes from the beach to their house. This is …
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4 Landmarks of Istanbul That Will Blow Your Mind
Annually, the bustling metropolis of Istanbul receives millions of visitors. They flock to enjoy the vibrant nightlife, active shopping scenes and of course, to explore the historical value of the city steeped in history from the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. From my own experience, one visit is never enough. I have been three times to …
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Where to stay in Istanbul?
Istanbul has over 900 hotels and finding the best one for your stay can be a little overwhelming. First, you need to figure out which area you want to stay. Here are few tips. Sultanahmet & Sirkeci: If you have limited time and want to be closer to the major sites then Sultanahmet and Sirkeci …
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Best Turkish Bath (Hamam) in Istanbul?
No visit to Istanbul is complete without taking time out of your sightseeing schedule to experience a real Turkish Bath; a hamam. The ritualistic cleansing process is more than just a wash, it is a chance to soak in the history and culture of Turkey in a thoroughly relaxing manner. There are many options for …
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7 Reasons to visit Istanbul Now!
7 Reasons to Visit Istanbul Now I am often asked to describe the city of Istanbul in one paragraph but for many reasons, this is impossible. The metropolis is a complicated blend of historic and modern, European and exotic, scenic and urban, tradition and innovation. Despite the miss-mash of direct contrasts, all aspects have fused …
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To market to market
Everyday, in a suburb somewhere in Istanbul, a weekly street market is being held. One of the many traditions brought to the big city from small towns and villages, these vibrant, crowded, noisy events persist, despite the increasing number of supermarkets opening up every year. Trucks loaded with produce criss-cross the city before light to …
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Semsi Pasa Mosque
No matter the weather in Istanbul, there is always something to be found along the shores of the Bosphorus that intrigues and delights. One of my favourite buildings is the small but perfectly proportioned Şemsi Paşa Mosque in the neighbourhood of Üsküdar. It was designed by Turkey’s pre-eminent architect, Mimar Sinan, who lived from 1489/90 …
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