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Istanbul Travel Blog

An Insider's Guide to Istanbul

  • Activities
  • Bazaars
  • Bosphorus
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Where to Buy Authentic Turkish Rugs in Istanbul (2026)

If you’ve wandered through the vibrant bazaars of Istanbul, you’ve probably been drawn to the mesmerizing patterns of Turkish rugs hanging like works of art. More than just decorative pieces, these rugs are woven with stories — each motif a reflection of centuries-old culture, tribal memory, and regional identity. In this article, you’ll not only…

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Spotlight

Istanbul Tourist Map as PDF files [Free Download 2026]

If you’re planning a trip to Istanbul in 2026, one of the smartest things you can do before you arrive is take a quick look at a good…

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Istanbul Metro & Tram Map PDF [Free Download 2026]

If you’re visiting Istanbul in 2026, getting familiar with the metro map, tram, and ferry system before you arrive can make a huge difference. After guiding travelers around…

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Grand Bazaar Istanbul Opening Hours [2026 Guide]

Is the Grand Bazaar open today? What time does it close?These are usually the first questions travelers ask before planning a visit to Istanbul’s most famous market. In…

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Spice Bazaar Istanbul Opening Hours [2026 Guide]

Is the Spice Bazaar open today? What time does it close?These are usually the first questions travelers ask before heading to Istanbul’s famous spice market. In this guide,…

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Visiting Topkapi Palace – Tickets, Hours & Insider Tips (2026)

Where power once wore silk robes and whispered behind golden screens, Topkapi Palace rises like a dream of empire. For nearly 400 years, this sprawling complex served as…

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Visiting Dolmabahce Palace – Tickets, Hours & Insider Tips (2026)

Where the Bosphorus meets the sky in a shimmer of silver and blue, Dolmabahce Palace rises like a final verse in the poem of an empire. With crystal…

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Visiting Galata Tower – Tickets, Hours & Insider Tips (2026)

Where the rooftops of old Istanbul meet the seagulls and sky, Galata Tower rises like a storybook sentinel. Built by Genoese merchants, crowned by Ottoman watchmen, and now…

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Visiting Blue Mosque – Opening Hours & Insider Tips (2026)

Where cascading domes rise one after another and soft blue tones filter the light inside, the Blue Mosque stands as both a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture and Istanbul’s…

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Visiting Basilica Cistern – Tickets, Hours & Insider Tips (2026)

Beneath the buzzing streets of Istanbul lies a quiet world of shadows and echoes — the Basilica Cistern. Built in the twilight of the Eastern Roman Empire, this…

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Visiting Hagia Sophia – Tickets, Hours & Insider Tips (2026)

Rising in golden harmony where empires once rose and fell, Hagia Sophia is more than a monument — it’s a living archive of Istanbul’s soul. From cathedral to…

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Private Tours

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ISTANBUL MOSQUES Opening Hours (Updated 2026)

If you want to truly understand Istanbul, sooner or later you need to step inside one of its mosques. From the monumental…

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Is the Museum Pass Istanbul Worth It? (2026 Guide)

Is the Museum Pass Istanbul worth it in 2026?For many travelers, the short answer is yes — if you plan to visit…

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ISTANBUL MUSEUMS Prices & Hours [Updated for 2026]

Planning to visit Istanbul Museums and wondering where to begin?You’re in the right place. As a licensed tour guide who has been…

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Best Bosphorus Cruise for First-Time Visitors [2026 Guide]

Most first-time visitors to Istanbul begin their trip around Sultanahmet, exploring icons like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Hippodrome. These…

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Istanbul Guided Tours

blankHello, I'm Serhat Engul. I am a licensed tour guide based in Istanbul. I do private walking tours in Istanbul focusing on Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history. If you want to join a private guided tour in Istanbul, you can check out my references and tours from this page

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Istanbul Travel Blog

Istanbul Travel Blog is designed to introduce you to the history, museums, restaurants and culture of istanbul.

Private Tour Guide in Istanbul

Author of this blog, Serhat Engul, is a licensed tour guide based in Istanbul.

Recent

  • Istanbul Tourist Map as PDF files [Free Download 2026]
  • Istanbul Metro & Tram Map PDF [Free Download 2026]
  • ISTANBUL MOSQUES Opening Hours (Updated 2026)
  • Grand Bazaar Istanbul Opening Hours [2026 Guide]
  • Spice Bazaar Istanbul Opening Hours [2026 Guide]

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