The “Closed door”

At the day that Constantinople was conquered, Angel of Lord ceased the service at Hagia Sophia and led the priests behind a door! It is said that the priests are still waiting for God to wake them up so they can finish the ceremony!

The “Construction and the bees”

Rumors has it that the Emperor wasn’t satisfied by the construction plans of the master builder and he was searching for something even greater. One day, during a Sundays ceremony at Hagia Sophia, a bee took the piece of the Holy bread which was accidentally dropped by the Emperor. So he ordered all the bee keepers to search for the bee and find his piece of bread. The master builder, also opened his hives and unexpectedly found the bee! Inside the hive, the bees made a church by wax, so beautiful and carved, like nothing else he ever seen! The bee had left the piece of the holy bread, right on the top of the Holy Table. Emperor was so impressed by this, which used it as a base for Hagia Sophia

The “Holy table”

Shortly before the conquest of Constantinople, the Emperor ordered some ships to transfer the Holy Table and all the relics of Hagia Sophia, away from Istanbul. Somewhere close to the Marmara sea, the ship which was transferring the Holy Table, sank! Thenceforth, the waters there are always calm no matter the weather of the city

The “Tower of the Princess”

The highest tower at a Greek town, is known as the Tower of the Princess, because of a legend which says that the king’s daughter committed suicide from there. One day the King went for hunting and left his daughter on his behalf. Turks took advantage of this and using the head scarf of his father, asked her to give them the key of the castle. The legend says that this caused the conquer of the city! When the princess found out the truth, she fall of the tower

The “Underground arcades”

Rumors has it that there are underground arcades which lead to Princes Islands! And that the Sultans, wanting to pray at Hagia Sophia, extended their arcades to reach it from the underground. Moreover legends says that Hagia Sophia is linked with the Palace of Constantine and the Byzantine Aqueduct!

The“Magic marbles”

During the construction of Hagia Sophia, Justinian ordered the best and most beautiful marbles of the Empire! He wanted Hagia Sophia to be the best structure all over the world! The legend says that these marbles foretells the future and especially the major disasters!

The “Sacred column”

A famous column inside Hagia Sophia, where it is said that one night, Justinian rested his head while he was praying at God to ease him from his chronic headaches! And then a miracle happened! While neither doctors couldn’t find a treatment, Justinian rested his hopes to God. After that night, the column became very famous among the sick people

The post Top Myths about Hagia Sophia appeared first on Tour Operator Istanbul.

Istanbul

A modern metropolis which doesn’t forget her history! A place where East meet West, a city of over 16.000.000 inhabitants and million of visitors every year! The starting point for all the journeys in Turkey, offering wonderful sites and monuments of significant eras! Sail between two continents, on the famous Bosphorus and admire the queen of the cities!

Mardin

An amphitheatrical town, built on a rocky hill overlooking the plains of Northern Syria. Mardin is a unique place and the oldest cities in the region, known for the Arabic architecture of the old town. Imposing houses the one next to the other, made by rock, with open terraces providing amazing views! At the new town you can find everything you want… from galleries to medieval astronomical observatory.

Konya

One of the oldest cities in the world and at the same time one of the most developed in the country. The place where Jalaluddin Rumi, the founder of the order of Whirling Dervishes, lived during his lifetime. Konya combines muddy neighborhoods and beautiful buildings at wonderful districts, full of lively people who love music and dance!

Cappadocia

An unreal landscape, located in the depths of Anatolia at an altitude of 1.500m, where you can still recognize Greek elements, at the monasteries, frescoes and the mansions! An extraordinary scenery full of amazing geological formations, weird rock resembling mushrooms, fairy chimneys and canyons! The highlight is a ride with a hot balloon!

Marmaris

One of the most famous resorts in Turkey! A place which is preferred both from the tourists and the locals, receiving one million visitors every year. Marmaris offers 5 marinas and a harbor where you can see cruise ships and luxury yachts! Sandy beaches, turquoise waters, magnificent nature, lively nightlife and a historic old town, with the highlight to be the Sultan Suleiman’s castle, built in 1522.

Halicarnassus (Bodrum)

At Bodrum you will not need to use maps! A paradise where there are no names or signs at the streets. Million of tourists walking every year the paths leading to the old town with the castle of St Peter, built by the Knights of Rhodes in the 15th century. Except the beautiful landscapes with the fantastic beaches, you can also admire the derelict windmills, the stone churches, the fountains and the villages which reach the sea!

Trabzon

A significant town on the Black Sea coast of Turkey which served as a Silk Road and a trade gateway to Iran! Trabzon offers many beautiful landscapes to relax and connect with nature. The two highlights are the Sumela Monastery, located on a very steep mountain and Hagia Sophia, which was an amazing Byzantine church and now serves as a mosque.

The post Best Places to visit in Turkey appeared first on Tour Operator Istanbul.

Smell and taste the Street Foods Istanbul and immerse yourself in the Turkish culture! 

Simit ”the most famous product, which you can find it all over the city! A circular kind of bread full covered with sesame seeds. Usually eaten in the morning, it is the first choice for thousands of people every day

Fish Sandwich (Balık Ekmek) For the lovers of the fish, this is an alternative choice! A delicious sandwich, with bread, grilled fish fillet, tomato, onion and lettuce! The best areas to enjoy it is at the Eminonu and Karakoy area

Chestnuts (Kestane) A famous tradition dating back hundred of years ago! Roasted chestnuts are all over the city, all year long but mostly during the winter months. Make sure they are not undercooked

Fresh Juices The best way to start your day. Freshly squeezed juices mainly from pomegranate and oranges, give you vitamins and energy!

Mussels (Midye) These small mussels are stuffed with spicy rice! They accompany perfectly all kinds of drinks and they are sold by piece. Open it, squeeze lemon and enjoy!

Corn (Mısır) Everyone loves corn! This is why you can find this delight boiled or grilled, all over the city! Served on corn leaves with salt. Some of them are boiled into milk

Fresh Candy A treat very famous especially among children! A soft and sweet toffee paste, full of colors, prepared with many herbs and spice, served in a round tray with separate parts

Fresh Fruits Cut and cleaned fruits, in small boxes ready to be eaten! Vendors offer different kind of fruits depending on the season

Pop Corn (Patlamış Mısır) You can find those vendors, mostly in front of bars and cafes, selling pop corn with which you can accompany your drinks. Really fresh and really delicious!

Beef Sandwich (Köfte Ekmek) Small grilled pieces of minced meat, make the famous Turkish kofte! Turks take the kofte, some green salad and tomato and put them together in a piece of bread! A delicious sandwich which you can accompany with ayran

Nuts (Ceviz) eanuts, walnuts, pistachios, almonds, rice puffs, candy balls and dried fruits are some of the nuts you can find on the table of this vendor. Sold in packets depending on the amount you want

Rice With Chickpeas (Nohutlu Pilav) A very common street food in the city, which you can find all day long. It is a meal which consists mixed rice and chick peas and sometimes you can also add piece of boiled chicken on the top

Stuffed Meatballs (Içli Köfte) A small fried croquette made of bulgur, onions, lean beef or lamb and many spices! It has a cylinder shape and comes from Lebanese

Almond on Ice A seller that you will come across many times during the evening, especially if you are out for drinks, because they sell the almonds as a good accompaniment to your drinks. The almonds are left for few hours in water and then served on ice to remove the peel easily

Wet Burger (Islak Burger) Although it hasn’t an appealing look, this wet bread rolls with sweet tomato and onion sauce, are a very famous and delicious meal amongst the locals and the tourists. Being left in steam glass cases so they remain wet all day long

Gözleme A quick, cheap and delicious choice is these savory crepes! You can fill these thin dough crepes, either with potato, spinach, cheese or a mix with the three of them

Börek The perfect meal for your breakfast, accompanied with Turkish tea. Börek is made of several thin layers of phyllo. The fillings are usually with cheese, minced meat, vegetables, potato and spinac

Cotton Candy (Pamuk Şeker) A pink delight, made by heating sugar also known as candy floss! Very famous among the kids

Raw Meatballs (Çiğ Köfte) A very spicy food! Lots of spices and onions are mixed with bulgur and create these raw meatballs. Sold either by piece or as sandwich

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Tramway T1 line

The public transportation you will use most, during your stay in the city. The tramway, covers the most touristic areas starting from Kabatas (Dolmabahce Palace, ferry docks), Tophane (Istanbul Modern museum), Karakoy (Galata bridge, Istanbul Tunel, ferry docks), Eminonu (Spice Bazaar, Rustem Pasha Mosque, New MOsque, ferry docks), Sirkeci (railway station), Gulhane (Gulhane Park, Basilica Cistern), Sultanahmet (Hagia Sophia,Blue Mosque,Topkapi Palace), Cemberlitas, Beyazit (Grand Bazaar, Suleymaniye mosque)

First route starts at 06:00 in the morning and stops at 00:00 at night. Frequency: every 5 minutes.

Metro line

The metro lines extends every year more and more to many parts of the city, both in the European and Asian side. It does not cover the old part of the city (Sultanahmet) and most parts of the Asian side, although works for extension have already begun. The most useful line for the visitors, is the M1 and M2 lines, which cover main parts of Istanbul, such as Taksim, Sisli, Levent, Sishane, Golden Horn, Yenikapi, Airport and Otogar (main bus station).

First route starts at 06:00 in the morning and stops at 00:00 at night. Frequency: every 4 minutes during rush hours. There is also the Marmaray line, an underwater metro which connects the European to the Asian side of the city.

Funicular

Funiculars are small underground inclined lifts. In Istanbul there are two! The most famous one is located at Karakoy, being the second oldest one in the world. Covers the area between Karakoy and Istiklal street. The duration is one minute and there are no stops. The other funicular is located at the Taksim square, at the metro station. This is a modern funicular, covering the distance between the square and Kabatas. The duration is 2 minutes and there are no stops.

Cable Cars

There are two aerial tramways in Istanbul. One of them is located in the Macka Park at the Besiktas area and the other one on the Pierre Loti hill at the Golden Horn.

Buses

In Istanbul there are hundred of buses serving the residents and the visitors of the city, covering all the parts of the European and the Asian side. Some of the main bus stations are near Grand Bazaar, at Eminonu, Taksim, Besiktas. Buses come with different colors, depending their use. For example: green buses means they are environment friendly, yellow means they serve disabled people with special equipment, turquoise means they run by private companies.

For detailed information: http://www.iett.gov.tr/en/

Ferries Line

The best way for you not to be stuck in the traffic and enjoy at the same time the views of the city is to use ferries going from one part of the city to the other (European to Asian side). At the European side, you can take the ferries from Eminonu, Karakoy and Kabatas. At the Asian side, from the Kadikoy and Uskudar docks

For detailed information: http://en.sehirhatlari.com.tr/en

How to Pay for Public Transportation?

There are basically two ways to pay for the fare:

–with a token, called Jeton, which you can buy from machines close to tram or metro stations. Each Jeton is equivalent to a one way ride and it costs 4 liras

–with an Istanbul Card, that you can charge with the amount you want to use, both in self service machines or in Kiosks/Newsposts all over the city. The initial value of the card is 7 liras and each route costs 2,30TL. İf you use the card twice or more within the same hour the price will be reduced.

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A magical city for which there will always be things to learn! Istanbul, reveals one by one its secrets… 

Learn some of the things you didnt know about Istanbul:

1. Istanbul s the only city in the world which extends in two continents! Europe and Asia!

2. The Emperor of Constantinople, Constantine the Great, built the city on seven hills to match the seven hills of Rome

3. 1.400 were the public toilets in the city during the Ottoman Empire! In the rest of Europe… were none!

4. The biggest covered market in the world is located in Istanbul. Grand Bazaar, hosts over 4.000 shops!

5. The famous novel “Murder on the Orient Express” was written in the Pera Palace Hotel in Istanbul, by Agatha Chirstie

6. Istanbul was the most populated city in the world, in the year of 1502

7. The second oldest subway in the world, is located in Beyoglu area, covers 573 meters and was built in 18758

8. Istanbul has never hosted Olympic games even though it was the European Cultural Capital in 2010

9. With a population of over 17 million inhabitants, Istanbul is the third biggest city in the world

10. In Istanbul there are 3,113 mosques

11. Through out the years, Istanbul has been the capital of three Empires: the Roman, the Byzantine and the Ottoman

12. Hagia Sophia was the biggest Christian Church for hundred of years, attracting over 3,500,000 tourists every year

13. The Turkish post office didn’t deliver mails addressed to ‘Constantinople’, to ensure that people will stop using this name and start using Istanbul

14. There are 237 hamams in Istanbul, but only 60 of them are still in use

15. One of the top contemporary art shows in the worldis the Istanbul Biennial

16. The four bronze horses that decorated the San Marco Cathedral in Venice were taken from Istanbul (at that time Constantinople), by the crusaders in the 13th century

17. In 1954 was the last time that Bosphorus was freezed! People could cross over the Asian side, walking on the ice

18. “The world is not enough”, the famous James Bond film, features scenes from the Maiden’s Tower

19. In 2014, Istanbul broke the Guiness world record, for the most people per square meter. Metrobus was the winner!

20. Blue Mosque is the only Mosque in Istanbul with six minarets

21. The capital of Turkey is Ankara and not Istanbul! This was proclaimed by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in 1923

22. The city hosts 333 cemeteries

23. Istanbul was the world’s top travel destination in 2014

24. The first traffic accident in Istanbul, occured in Sisli area. In 1912, a driver of the Italian Embassy hit a pedestrian and tried to run away from the scene

25. Istanbul is inhabited for more than 2,500 years

26. Over the years, Istanbul was attacked more than 60 times

27. About 36% of exports and 40% of imports in Turkey, pass through Istanbul

The post Things you didnt know about Istanbul appeared first on Tour Operator Istanbul.

1) Ataturk airport (on the European side) and the Sabiha Gocken airport (on the Asian side), are the two airports in Istanbul

2) To reach the city center (Taksim) from the airports, you can use the Havatas buses. There is always one right outside the aiport, which charge 11TL from Ataturk and 14TL from Sabiha (per person)

3) Buy the Istanbul Card for all your transfers in the city. Load it with TL and save money instead of using tokens. Each route costs 2.30TL

4) Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are the two famous covered markets in Istanbul… where you should try to bargain and not buy impulsively!

5) In order to visit a mosque, there are 2 significant rules. Firstly, take of your shoes and secondly wear a scarf on your head if you are a woman

6) Most places in Istanbul accept Euro and Dollars, but you should exchange your currency in Turkish Lira. You can find exchange offices all over the city. The best rates are close to Grand bazaar and Spice Bazaar

7) Before you enter a taxi, you should either ask the driver to use the meter or prearrange the amount to be paid

8) May is the best month of the year to visit Istanbul

9) Visitors can wear anything they want, as if they were to visit a European city

10) The Museum Pass is the best way to visit the museums in Istanbul and at the same time save money and time

11) Istanbul is one of the safest major cities in Europe with a relatively low incidence of violent crimes

12) The Taksim (city center) and Sultanahmet (historical center) areas, are the two best places to stay during your trip to Istanbul

13) You can get an e-Visa before your arrival in Istanbul. Check here for details: https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/

14) During summer months, most of the museums stay open until 18:00 and until 17:00 during the winter months

15) In Istanbul there are no places you should avoid visiting. Using common sense during your stay in the city, you can wander around all the areas

16) In case you are allergic to cats, you should bring your medication treatment, because Istanbul is a city full of cats! Turks love them and treat them as member of their family

17) There are 3 telecommunication stores: Vodafone, Turkcell and Turk Telekom(Avea). In order to buy a Turkish number or internet, you will need your passport

18) Public toilets are all over the city! You can use them either by giving 1 TL or by using the Istanbul Card

19) Do not misunderstand the warm behavior of the Turks to your kids! They love all of them and they will do anything to please them

20) Ordering drinks, the waiter usually brings nuts or fruits. Most of the times they are not free of charge, so before you accept them, ask him if you have to pay for them

21) The emergency numbers are: 112 for Ambulance, 110 for Fire, 155 for Police

22) Istanbul is a city where you can find dozens of stalls selling food,beverages,fruits and many more! Street food in Istanbul is not only famous but also safe!

23) You will meet many beggars on the roads. If you feel you want to help them, either give them money or food

24) Mostly at the touristic places of the city, you will see men outside each shop, restaurant and cafe, trying to convince you to get inside. If you are not interested, kindly let them know and continue on your way

25) In Istanbul, you have to check twice before you cross the road. The drivers are very experienced but they also think they always have priority!

26) On the 1st of May, you should avoid visiting the center of the city, because during the day many demonstrations take place

27) Turks are warm-blooded men and like to state their admiration to the opposite sex! In case you feel offended or awkward, kindly let them know and continue on your way

28) Solo women or group of women travellers, have nothing to worry about during their stay in Istanbul. They will feel absolutely safe especially if they don’t walk around deserted alleys and side streets at late night hours or follow men whom they don’t know

29) There are ferries every 20 minutes, which connect the European with the Asian side of the city

The post Things to know before visiting Istanbul appeared first on Tour Operator Istanbul.

Stroll around the city and enjoy all the wonderful sights! Dozens of attractions and places to visit, which are free for all of us…Learn the things to do for free in Istanbul

Spice Bazaar

The second most famous covered bazaar in Istanbul.. and not only! Located at the Old Part of the city, hosts 88 small shops. Also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, is a place full of flavor and colors, famous for the fresh spices, herbs, delicacies and many more… 

Yildiz Park

One of the largest public parks in Istanbul! Located in the Besiktas area, was once part of the imperial garden of Yildiz Palace. A colorful place with beautiful flowers, plants and trees, gathered from every part of the world, dating from the Ottoman era

Blue Mosque

The only mosque in the country, with six minarets! Its name comes from the thousand blue and green toned tiles adorning its walls. One of the most famous sights in Istanbul and not only… dating from the 17th century

Caferaga Medressi

 This place was a religious school, during the Ottoman era! Constructed by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, in 1559. Located next to Hagia Sophia, offers a large variety of workshops for handicrafts and music, sponsored by the Fine Arts College. Music and art exhibitions also take place in the Medresesi

Fransiz Street

 This beautiful and unique place, is a narrow downhill street… tribute to the French influence in Turkey, which lasted for centuries. Beautiful restored buildings, house boutiques, galleries, small cafes, wine houses and restaurants! The street has a graceful vibe, thanks to a carefully planned restoration project led by Parisian architects

Ortakoy

An old fisherman village, that has turned into a lovely and traditional neighborhood! Located under the first bridge on the banks of Bosphorus, offers amazing views to the city. There are many cafes, restaurants, bars and every Sunday takes place a flea market, with clothes, accessories and decorations!

Grand Bazaar

One of the largest, oldest and the most famous covered bazaar in the whole world! It hosts more than 4.000 shops full of traditional Turkish artifacts, leather clothing, jewelry, hand woven fabrics, bags, accessories, decorations and many more…

Gulhane Park

The oldest public park in Istanbul, once part of the ground of Topkapi Palace, which was used as hunting place by the Sultans. A large park, located in the old part of the city and one of the top spots during April, because of the Tulip Festival that take place there every year

 St Anthony of Padua Catholic Cathedral

This red-brick Venetian neo-gothic building is situated on Istanbul’s busiest pedestrian street, Istiklal. It is the largest and one of the most important Roman Catholic cathedrals in the city

Haydarpasa Railway

One of the most scenic transport centers in the world, imposingly standing on the edge of the Marmara Sea on the Asian side of the city. The German Kaiser Wilhelm II offered it as a gift to Ottoman Sultan Abdülhamid II. Resembling a German Castle with its Neo Renaissance style

Suleymaniye Mosque

An imposing mosque, located on a hill in the old part of the city, making it even more visible! The largest mosque in the city and one of the most famous sights in Istanbul. It was built by the well known Mimar Sinan (who is also buried there), in 1557. Within the complex there are also two separate small buildings which house the tombs of Süleyman the Magnificent and his wife, Sultana Hürrem

Galata bridge

 One of the four bridges located at the Golden Horn, connecting the Old with the New part of the city. A very famous bridge, where there are fishermen trying to catch fishes and people walking along the bridge, enjoying the amazing views. Under the bridge, on both sides, there are many cafes and restaurants, especially serving fish

Valens Aqueduct

A Roman aqueduct which was the major water-providing system of the Eastern Roman capital of Constantinople (Istanbul). Completed by Roman Emperor Valens in the late 4th century AD, it was maintained and used by the Byzantines and later by the Ottomans. Nowadays remains one of the most important landmarks

The post Things to do for free in Istanbul appeared first on Tour Operator Istanbul.

Hagia Sophia ”The eighth wonder of the world”, sits proudly in the center of the Old Part of the city for almost 1700 years! One of the most precious and imposing jewels of the World Heritage, dedicated to the Wisdom of God. Built in 537, it was a Christian Church for over 900 years, until the conquest of Istanbul by Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1453. In 1935, Kemal Ataturk converted this amazing architectural sample of the Byzantium Era, into a museum

Blue Mosque One of the two mosques in Turkey with six minarets! A 400 years old imposingly beautiful mosque, which dominates the sky of Istanbul. Built between 1609-1616 for Sultan Ahmet, right next to the ancient Hippodrome. Blue Mosque took its name because of its amazing blue-tiled interior. Besides of being a tourist attraction, it is also an active mosque, closing its’ doors five times a day

Dolmabache Palace A stunning palace, which was the last resident of the Ottoman Sultans! It is extensively decorated with gold and crystal while the design contains elements of the Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical styles. The main Palace, was built by the leading Ottoman architects of the era and it is consisted of three parts: the Imperial Mabeyn (State Apartments), Muzayede Salon (Ceremonial Hall) and the Imperial Harem. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk lived and passed away in the palace and later on his death it was converted into a museum

Chora Church Described as one of the most beautiful surviving works of the Byzantine architecture… this lovely church lies outside the old walls of Istanbul (Constantinople). It was probably built around the 5th century, but what you see now is the building’s 6th reconstruction! Chora museum offers magnificent mosaics and frescoes, representing the genealogy of Christ

Basilica Sistern Located next to Hagia Sophia, this huge underground structure, was built to supply water to the city, in time of sieges. Basilica Cistern built in the 6th century by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian and it is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath Istanbul. At the end of the walkway, there are two big upside down Medusa heads, supposed to hold the walls of the Cistern. A place with a mysterious vibe and a chance for an underground excursion!

Galata Tower One of the city’s most fascinating landmarks! A medieval stone tower, located in Karakoy, just to the north of the Golden Horns junction with the Bosphorus. During the 16th century, Ottomans began to use the tower for spotting fires in the city. A high cone-capped cylinder that dominates the skyline, offering a panoramic vista of Istanbul’s historic peninsula…

Bosphorus Cruise Taking a cruise on Bosphorus is one of the best ways to discover the elegance of Istanbul. From Bosphorus, you can admire the beauty of the city from a new viewpoint! Travel between the two continents and be enchanted by all the amazing sights…

Suleymaniye Mosque The biggest mosque in Istanbul and an absolut masterpiece of Mimar Sinan, the finest Ottoman architect. Suleymaniye is located on the third hill of Istanbul, providing amazing views to the Golden Horn and not only! There is a big garden behind the main mosque, where are located the two mausoleums with the tombs of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and his wife’s Hurrem Sultan

Topkapi Palace The first stage of this palace was built by Mehmet the Conqueror, after the Conquest in 1453. A palace that housed for almost 400 years, Ottoman Sultans, their families and about 4000 people who also lived there. A place that housed not only the Sultans, but also many unbelievable stories, countless intrigues, schemings and murder scenarios between the wifes of the Sultans and not only! Topkapi is a complex of many buildings full of color and indelible beauty! Consists of four main courtyards and the Harem which in Arabic language means…“a holy place that everyone is not allowed to enter”

Grand Bazaar One of the most famous, largest and oldest covered bazaar in the world! It hosts 61 covered streets and over 4.000 small shops! The complex houses also two mosques, four fountains, two hammams and several lovely cafes and restaurants. Grand Bazaar is well known for the beautiful Turkish carpets, the glazed tiles and pottery, the copper and brassware, the apparels made of leather,for the hand-painted ceramics, the fresh spices and herbs, the glittering jewellery and all sorts of other things

The post Top 10 Istanbul attractions appeared first on Tour Operator Istanbul.

Istiklal The biggest and most famous pedestrian street in Istanbul! Located in the center of the city, is the most lively place, offering along its length dozens of bars, clubs, restaurants, taverns, traditional coffe shops and many more!

Ortakoy Under the first bridge of Bosphorus, you can find this lovely neighborhood which was a fishermen village! Located right on the banks of Bosphorus, offers not only great views but also well designed restaurant and bars!

Karakoy A totally modern area, which begins from the Eminonu pier and ends almost next to Tophane. Many small roads jumbled with each other, creating a beautiful result! Karakoy offers gorgeous places for your meals and drinks. Newly renovated buildings… beautifully decorated! Dozens of bars, cafes, restaurants and traditional shops waiting you to visit them…

Asmalimescit A lively place, located at the end of Istiklal street, full of narrow streets and buildings with beautiful old facades. A neighborhood, where even if you get lost, you will definitely end up somewhere inside the quarter, enjoying your drinks and having fun!

Akbiyik A beautiful neighborhood with cute cafes, bars and restaurants that put tables and chairs into the street, making a unique scenery! Located in the Old part of the city, offers also several hotels in a big range of prices

Nisantasi Located very close to city center, is one of the most elite and high class areas of Istanbul. A classy choice for a night our, offering many luxury cafes, bars and restaurants…

Besiktas Located almost on the banks of Bosphorus, this vivid neighborhood offers numerous of choices for those who want to spend a great night. Near the main street (Barbaros), there are many shops for doner, street food and Turkish taverns…lovely small traditional coffee shops and nice bars!

Cihangir Although it is located very close to the city center, this neighborhood has a totally different atmosphere! A quiet place, with many small but lovely coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants and bars with very nice decor, ideally for relaxed evenings…

Nevizade Right in the middle of Istiklal street, a side road where you can find plentiful food, small souvenirs shops, lively gypsy music and crowds fusing together to create an atmosphere like no other. Turkish taverns fill the area, offering a dizzying assortment of mezes, seafood and raki!

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Taxi Scams

Prefer to take taxis that use taxi meter, so the drivers will not cheat you. In case you take a taxi with no meter, agree the money for the fare in advance. Target is anybody but especially tourists

Shoe Shine

This is a very common trick, targeting mostly tourists. A shoe shiner, walks on the street holding his toolbox, when ”accidentally” his brush drops down. The normal reaction from the people walking behind him, is to call him and give it back. This is what they expect from you to do in order to start talking and convince you to shine your shoes for free as a thank you for your help… but at the end will ask you money. If you indeed want to shine your shoes, then agree on the price in advance…for both shoes!

”Let’s have a drink”

The targets of this scam, are usually solo traveller men. A well dressed man, who speaks good English, approach you in order to ask you for a lighter (most of the times). He will be very friendly and polite. He will approach you either if you are standing on the road waiting for something or someone, or even if you are dining at a restaurant. The next think you know is that you will start a conversation which always ends the same way. He asks you to join him for drinks. If you indeed go with him, suddenly some half naked women will show up and when the bill comes, you will have to pay houndreds of Euros. Decline the invitation from the beggining!

Carpet or Leather Shop

A friendly man, will approach you, asking if you need any help, if you are lost or if you want directions to someplace. Most of the times he speaks many languages. If you accept his offer you will end up at one of his Carpet or Leather shop, drinking tea with him and his family. Of course he will try to convince you to buy many things. If he understand that you are not intresting, he will escort you to your destination

Pick Pocketing

There are some people who will try to steal from you! Either your wallet or even the whole bag. Usually that happenes at crowded streets. So keep your wallet in a safe place and your bag always close to you. Try not to leave your things unattended!

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