Dolmabahce Palace is a jewel located on the Bosphorus shores of Istanbul. The palace, which started operating in 1856, was the place where the sultans lived in the last years of the Ottoman Empire. Topkapi Palace in Sultanahmet hosted the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. However, as the shores of the Bosphorus gained importance in the 1800s, the Ottoman throne was also … [Read more...] about Dolmabahce Palace Entrance Fee & Opening Hours (2024)
Istanbul Sightseeing
Blue Mosque History & Opening Hours (Updated 2024)
Blue Mosque is one of the most popular historical places in Istanbul. Located in the Sultanahmet district, the mosque dates back to the 17th century. Although the mosque is associated with blue due to its decoration, its original name is Sultan Ahmed Mosque. Blue Mosque has all the classical period decoration elements of the Ottoman Empire. Among them, there are blue colored … [Read more...] about Blue Mosque History & Opening Hours (Updated 2024)
Bosphorus Cruise Price, Schedule, Map (Updated 2024)
Bosphorus cruise is one of the most entertaining activities to do in Istanbul. While touring the Bosphorus, you can realize how Istanbul acts as a bridge between Asia and Europe. Because this hybrid culture was embodied in the structures on the Bosphorus coast. During the Bosphorus cruise, you will see the historical palaces and mosques of Istanbul as well as the most … [Read more...] about Bosphorus Cruise Price, Schedule, Map (Updated 2024)
10 Best PHOTO SPOTS in Istanbul (Updated → 2024)
Istanbul has a very diverse culture with a history dating back thousands of years. There is a lively life in Istanbul, one of the largest metropolises in the world. The best photo spots in Istanbul offer reflections of the city's deep-rooted history and energy. As a local tour guide born and raised in Istanbul, I also enjoy taking pictures in the city. Most of these photos … [Read more...] about 10 Best PHOTO SPOTS in Istanbul (Updated → 2024)
Topkapi Palace Entrance Fee & Opening Hours (2024)
Topkapi Palace is in Sultanahmet, the heart of the Old City. Inside the walls surrounding the palace, there are exhibition rooms spread over 4 large courtyards, the Harem, the Hagia Irene Church and the Istanbul Archaeological Museums. Topkapi Palace entrance fee is 1500 Turkish Liras in 2024. Museum Pass Istanbul is valid in the palace. Topkapi Palace is open between 09:00 … [Read more...] about Topkapi Palace Entrance Fee & Opening Hours (2024)
Galata Tower Entrance Fee & Opening Hours (2024)
Galata Tower is located in the north of Golden Horn. During the Byzantine period, Venetian and Genoese trade colonies lived in this neighborhood outside the walls of Constantinople. Galata Tower is located in the heart of Beyoglu, one of the most touristic districts of Istanbul today. For this reason, there are many activities to be done around the tower. Galata Tower … [Read more...] about Galata Tower Entrance Fee & Opening Hours (2024)
Chora Church (Kariye Mosque) Istanbul [Updated 2024]
Chora Church is one of the most important Byzantine structures in Istanbul. It even overshadows Hagia Sophia when it comes to Byzantine mosaics adorning its walls. Chora Church is one of the oldest buildings in the city. The church, which was used as a mosque in the Ottoman period, became a museum in the Republic period. With a decision taken in 2020, it was converted into a … [Read more...] about Chora Church (Kariye Mosque) Istanbul [Updated 2024]
HAREM ROOMS in Topkapi Palace (Updated → 2024)
Harem Rooms are the most interesting part of Topkapi Palace. The Harem, described by 19th century orientalist painters, looked like a place where women danced all day. However, in reality, Harem was also a school where women from many different parts of the world were educated. The greatest authority in the Harem was the "Mother of the Sultan". The Sultan's mother was known … [Read more...] about HAREM ROOMS in Topkapi Palace (Updated → 2024)
Basilica Cistern Entrance Fee & Opening Hours (2024)
Basilica Cistern promises its visitors a mysterious journey back to ancient times. The 1500-year-old cistern is located underground and is dated to the Byzantine period. Basilica Cistern is adjacent to the famous Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. In the last restoration, a lighting system and modern artworks were installed inside, allowing you to take great … [Read more...] about Basilica Cistern Entrance Fee & Opening Hours (2024)
SULEYMANIYE MOSQUE Opening Hours (Updated 2024)
Suleymaniye Mosque is located in the heart of the historical peninsula of istanbul. The mosque has a view of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus from the most beautiful hill of the Old City. The Suleymaniye Mosque was built in the 16th century, when the Ottoman Empire was at the height of its power. Dedicated to Suleiman the Magnificent, the most famous sultan in Turkish … [Read more...] about SULEYMANIYE MOSQUE Opening Hours (Updated 2024)