Istanbul is one big cosmopolitan city that lies both in Asia and Europe with 2 bridges connecting the land on both continents. You have endless restaurants from which to choose,; I tried to pick great restaurants from both sides that won’t hurt your budget. And don’t be intimidated about the size of the city. Without [...]
On the edge of Europe, the fascinating Turkish city of Istanbul has more than enough to entertain pretty much every traveller. This round-up of posts about the city on Europe a la Carte will give you plenty of ideas of things to do in Istanbul. Podcast on Things to Do in Istanbul Subscribe to [...]
I was intrigued when I first heard about one of Istanbul’s latest attractions: an ice museum because that’s one of the last things you would associate with a city in a generally hot country. In fact, the ice museum which opened its doors in April 2010 is the only one in Europe created in a [...]
Known as one of the world’s most glamorous and opulent palaces, Dolmabahce on the European side of the Bosporus in Istanbul, attracts thousands of visitors each year. You should experience the overwhelming architecture and decorations of this Istanbul attraction for yourself. Photo from wikipedia, author: SBarnes Dolmabahce is Turkey’s largest palace, built by Sultan Adbülmecid [...]
Where in the world can you travel from one continent to another for less than a simple London bus fare? Exactly, only in Istanbul. For a very enjoyable day trip take the ferry from either Eminönü or Karakoy and embark on a 40 minute ‘cruise’ to Kadiköy. Arriving at the ferry terminal you feel the [...]
With all the stunning historical sites in Istanbul around you, it’s easy to forget that Turkey has prestigious modern artists too. To create a home for their work and give Turkish modern art the exposure it deserves, the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, commonly referred to as ‘Istanbul Modern’ opened its doors in 2004.The museum [...]
Orient Express and Sirkeci Gare are two tightly connected key words. Although the famous luxury train no longer runs all the way to Istanbul, a visit to the station is a worthwhile trip down memory lane. The pink brick, white stucco and black wrought iron structure is a prime example for late 19th century Ottoman [...]
Here are my recommendations for some of the best Istanbul hotels, whether you’re looking for a budget option or something really special. I searched for a double room for two nights 20 – 22 October 2010. All the accommodation received an average of at least 75% in mainly verified (i.e. guests actually stayed there) guest [...]
Let’s be honest. What’s a holiday without a bit of local shopping. Browsing the markets, looking out for souvenirs, even buying necessities just to find out which brands such and such country has and how the locals do things is fun and educational at the same time. Thinking about Istanbul, such world famous places like [...]
Endless books and stories have been written about Turkish food which does not come as a surprise because this country with influences from many cultures has a sin fin of culinary delights to offer. Not only do the Turks treat their food with respect which means only fresh ingredients are used and nothing is boiled [...]
