Straddling the boundary between Europe and Asia, Turkey is a country shaped by layers of empire, faith, and culture unlike anywhere else. This category focuses on Istanbul — a city that has been Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman, and where centuries of history are woven directly into everyday streets, cafés, and neighbourhoods.
Explore Istanbul through its imperial landmarks and quieter corners: from the opulence of Topkapi Palace and the hidden world of the Harem to atmospheric backstreets, historic cafés, and hidden gems that reveal the city’s depth beyond the obvious icons. Follow trails through Constantinople’s past, wander Istanbul’s lesser-known neighbourhoods, pause in centuries-old coffee houses, or discover how nature still slips into the city — from seabirds along the Bosphorus to unexpected green sanctuaries woven into the urban fabric.
Looking to experience centuries-old cafe culture? Then drop by one of these best cafes in Istanbul and soak up the ambience. Whether you are exploring Sultanahmet, strolling along Istiklal Caddesi, or getting lost … Read more
The opulent Topkapi Palace of Istanbul is a sprawling complex of buildings that used to be home to thousands of residents and was considered a city within a city. The … Read more
If the Earth was a single state, Istanbul would be its capital. – Napoléon Bonaparte. An ancient metropolis lying at the crossroads between Europe and Asia and straddling both continents, … Read more
As a city shaped by two powerful empires: Roman (Byzantine) and Ottoman, it’s not surprising that, in Istanbul, hidden gems are as plentiful as the city’s iconic monuments, the likes of Hagia Sofia, … Read more
Istanbul’s umbrella streets are some of the most atmospheric hidden gems in Istanbul. While the city is famous for its Ottoman and Byzantine sites, the umbrella streets are delightful features of modern Istanbul. But they can … Read more
Constantinople was one of the greatest cities in the world, the power seat of two major empires for over a thousand years. But where is Constantinople today? Well, it is … Read more
Wondering where to find birds in Istanbul without diverting from your cultural explorations too much? Here are the species I spotted in a couple of days in the city. My … Read more