Fener and Balat districts offer a wonderful experience for those who want to go beyond the classic tourist route in Istanbul. Fener and Balat were the Greek and Jewish districts of old Istanbul, and it is still possible to see the traces of those days. As a local tour guide, I have been giving history and culture themed walking tours in Istanbul for many years. Among these, … [Read more...] about Fener and Balat Walking Tour (with Local Guide) 2024
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Byzantine History Tour in Istanbul (with Local Guide)
Hello, I am Serhat Engul. As a local guide living in Istanbul, I organize a walking tour focusing on Byzantine history. On this tour, it is possible to trace the events that took place in the city between the 4th and 15th centuries and to get to know the legendary Constantinople. History enthusiasts from all over the world have joined my Byzantine Istanbul tour so far. It … [Read more...] about Byzantine History Tour in Istanbul (with Local Guide)
Istanbul Museum Card Options (As of June 2024)
There are many museum card options for fast entry to museums in Istanbul. In this article, you can find a comparison of the features of Istanbul museum pass cards in 2024. In the following headings, I have examined what museum cards in Istanbul offer to foreign visitors from the eyes of a local tour guide. In addition, you can find links to online platforms where you can … [Read more...] about Istanbul Museum Card Options (As of June 2024)
Blue Mosque Ticket Price & Hours (As of June 2024)
The Blue Mosque was built in the 17th century, when the Ottoman Empire was at the peak of its power. The mosque is a wonderful example of classical architecture and takes its name from the blue tiles inside. The mosque is located in the most touristic spot in Istanbul today. The building is surrounded by the Roman-era Hippodrome, the Byzantine-era Hagia Sophia and the … [Read more...] about Blue Mosque Ticket Price & Hours (As of June 2024)
Dolmabahce Palace Ticket Price & Hours (June 2024)
Dolmabahce Palace hosted the last sultans of the Ottoman Empire between 1856 and 1923. Located in one of the most beautiful places of the Bosphorus, the palace stands out with its magnificent view. The first palace of the Ottoman sultans was the traditional Topkapi Palace in Sultanahmet. However, with the influence of Westernization in the 19th century, the sultanate moved … [Read more...] about Dolmabahce Palace Ticket Price & Hours (June 2024)
Galata Tower Ticket Price & Hours (As of June 2024)
Galata Tower was built for military purposes by the allied Genoese colony located in Constantinople in the 14th century, when the Byzantine Empire still ruled the city. During the Ottoman period, the tower became a watchtower used by firefighters. The square around the tower is today one of the most beautiful tourist centers in Istanbul. Great boutique wineries, local … [Read more...] about Galata Tower Ticket Price & Hours (As of June 2024)
Basilica Cistern Tickets Price & Hours (As of June 2024)
Basilica Cistern was built by the famous Byzantine emperor Justinian in the 6th century. The Cistern is a masterpiece of Eastern Roman architecture and is today one of the most important Byzantine buildings in Istanbul. The Cistern stands out as a Byzantine structure built in the same period as Hagia Sophia, the most famous historical monument in Istanbul. The cistern was … [Read more...] about Basilica Cistern Tickets Price & Hours (As of June 2024)
Hagia Sophia Ticket Price & Hours (As of June 2024)
Hagia Sophia was built in 537 and after serving as a church for 900 years, it was converted into a mosque in 1453. Although the building serves as an active mosque today, its upper floor can be visited with a ticket as a museum. Muslims who want to worship in Hagia Sophia and tourists admitted through different entrances. In order to pray, you can enter from the main gate on … [Read more...] about Hagia Sophia Ticket Price & Hours (As of June 2024)
Topkapi Palace Ticket Price & Hours (As of June 2024)
Topkapi Palace was the residence of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire between 1470 and 1850. Located on a hill overlooking the Bosphorus in Istanbul, the Palace is one of the best viewing points in the city. Topkapi Palace fell out of favor with the influence of Westernization in the 19th century and was replaced by Dolmabahce Palace on the Bosphorus. However, the most … [Read more...] about Topkapi Palace Ticket Price & Hours (As of June 2024)
Great Palace of Constantinople (Brief Information)
The Great Palace was one of the first buildings of Roman Constantinople. Designed during the reign of Emperor Constantine, the palace was not a monolithic building but consisted of various structures spread over a large area. The Roman Empire, whose center of power shifted to the east in the 4th century, became Hellenized over time and turned into a Greek-speaking structure … [Read more...] about Great Palace of Constantinople (Brief Information)