Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) – an iconic symbol of Istanbul
Galata Tower is one of the key structures defining Istanbul’s skyline. It is considered one of the world’s oldest towers and also one of Istanbul’s most iconic symbols. Galata Tower was included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2013. If you only have a short time in Istanbul, I highly recommend visiting Galata Tower in addition to a Bosphorus cruise.
Tünel – the world’s second oldest underground railway
A one-way trip on Istanbul’s historic, 150-year-old Tünel subway takes less than two minutes, and there is only one route option. Despite this, Tünel remains extremely important and widely used to this day. In addition to its practicality, Tünel still retains the charm of a bygone era, when things were built to a “human scale.” Let’s now take a historical ride on the Tünel subway.
Viktor Levi Şarap Evi – a historic and green wine restaurant
As you wander through the Kadıköy-Moda area on the Asian side, you can’t help but notice the charm of Viktor Levi Şarap Evi wine restaurant. And for good reason – it beckons you with its beauty, elegance, history, and, of course, its extensive wine selection. Inside, there’s also a special, green surprise awaiting you. In this post, our direction is clear: cheers & şerefe!
Charming and captivating Moda
You will find Moda, a charming neighborhood surrounded by the Sea of Marmara, in Kadıköy district. Moda’s small streets will seduce you with culture, colors, the aromas of delicacies, and authentic Istanbul life. Eventually, you’ll be enchanted by the stunning views and beauty of the Sea of Marmara’s coastal landscapes. What more could you wish for?
Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) – a sacred masterpiece of architectural history
Despite my lack of religious faith, Hagia Sophia represents sanctity to me – in addition to its history and beauty. Throughout its eventful history, it has served as a sacred place for over 1500 years for both Christians and Muslims, and for almost 100 years also as a museum. Hagia Sophia is one of the wonders of world architectural history and is considered one of the masterpieces of Byzantine architecture. Since 1985, Hagia Sophia has also been part of the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Balat – international history and unpretentious splashes of creativity
Balat is different. It’s not just another neighborhood among many. It tells you about life in a way that may confuse and astonish you. Balat wildly exposes the whole crazy spectrum of life. At first, perhaps crudely, but then with such genuine power of art and emotion that it ignites a great flame of love in your soul. Balat justifies these flames of creativity with its perspective. It knows… because it truly exudes world history.
Road trip from Istanbul to the turquoise Aegean coast
What if you combined the grandeur of history with the beauty of seaside landscapes on your journey? We drove from Istanbul along the small coastal roads of Turkey’s western coast towards the south, admiring the breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, and I highly recommend this combination – a city and beach vacation all in one.
İstanbul Modern – modern art in many different ways
The modern and contemporary art museum, İstanbul Modern, surprised me pleasantly with its diversity and stunning location. The range of art in this museum is vast and intriguing. Additionally, the museum building itself holds a dazzling architectural surprise.
Food – part 2: delicacies, pastries and desserts
I can promise you that this post is guaranteed to be sweet. And furthermore, I can assure you that if you taste all these treats, you won’t have to feel a sweet craving for a while – Turkish treats are that rich. In this post, you’ll first see delicious options and assortments with photos, and finally, you’ll hear interesting stories about traditional Turkish delicacies.
Food – Part 1: everyday food culture, top restaurants and traditional street food
The delicious flavors of Turkish food culture are renowned worldwide. In this post, I am delighted to guide you to expert-recommended favorites: the best and most popular restaurants in Istanbul in 2023, as well as traditional street food. But first, let me share a bit about the everyday food culture in Istanbul.