Istanbul’s shopping malls – paradises for the modern shopper
While Istanbul is a unique city, particularly due to its location and history, it is by no means just about history. Istanbul is also a modern and international metropolis. One example of this is the city’s numerous splendid shopping malls, which are shopping paradises for trend-conscious shoppers. As we now go on to explore this luxury, you may be surprised to see how far we’ve come in nearly 600 years from Constantinople’s Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s first shopping centers – where you can still shop to this day.
Residential construction – part 2: yards of apartment buildings
In my previous post, you were introduced to the architecture of modern apartment buildings in Istanbul. Now, in this second post on residential construction, let’s admire the yards of apartment buildings, or more precisely, their charming gardens. In so-called desirable areas, each apartment building boasts at least a small, well-maintained, and beautiful garden, tended to by a professional gardener. Did that surprise you?
Residential construction – part 1: contemporary architecture in Istanbul
In my blog, I have promised to describe everyday life in Istanbul, so now in this two-part post we will return to the basics: housing. First, I will share photos of contemporary architecture, i.e. today’s residential apartment buildings. In the second part, I will focus on the yards of these buildings, or more correctly, the gardens. I find both the buildings and gardens visually very enjoyable whilst wandering the modern residential areas of Istanbul. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same about my home country, Finland – I think we still have a lot to improve in these matters.
Istanbul guide for beginners
When we plan a trip, we hope to find as much information as possible about our destination – preferably even as easily as possible. As the information is often fragmented, I have compiled in this post both important general information about Istanbul as well as a variety of tips for your visit. In this post you will also find practical information about everyday life for your trip, for example, tips for the ways to commute in Istanbul. And please remember, I will publish new stories about the oriental wonders of dazzling Istanbul on my blog every month.
Ways to commute – part 1: ´Istanbul Airport´ (İstanbul Havalimanı)
As I write this, Turkish society has reopened since the pandemic eased. Let´s hope that the situation will remain good and we will begin to enjoy traveling again. In this first part of my ´Ways to Commute´ -posts, I will tell you about Istanbul´s new airport (in part 2, I will tell you about the public transport in Istanbul). Despite its large size, the airport is a pleasant, easy, and friendly airport – and even visually charming. So let’s land in Istanbul – a warm welcome!
A rental apartment from Istanbul skyscraper
In this post I’m talking about something as mundane as renting an apartment in Istanbul. There are a wide range of housing options, from modest to a palace. The options at both ends are so extreme they don’t even exist in Finland. I’ll also present you an average option for living in Istanbul, a modern and brand new skyscraper home with both great services and a stunningly beautiful sea view.
Modern Istanbul – skyscrapers & Istanbul Sapphire
Although we mostly know Istanbul for its dazzling history, Istanbul is also very modern and international city. The silhouette of Istanbul has been transformed in recent years by skyscrapers built around the city, featuring versatile businesses as well as homes.
10 most interesting and best things in Istanbul
Naturally the history is by far the best thing in Istanbul, and you can read basic information about it from the post “Seven hills cities”. Here I’ll introduce the important things that touches me at the moment of writing. Of course, it would be easy to list at least the 100 best things in Istanbul, and in the future you’ll get to know many of them through my posts. Even in addition to these, Istanbul always manages to surprise you; for example, have you ever, on the basis of a shop window, thought of going to a luxury cosmetics store that turned out to be a luxury butcher shop?