Hello, I’m Serhat Engul, a local tour guide based in Istanbul. As a history buff, I organize private guided tours that tell the stories of historical districts in Istanbul. These districts include Sultanahmet, Fener & Balat and Beyoglu. Sultanahmet and Fener & Balat districts are within the boundaries of Istanbul’s Historical Peninsula (former … [Read more...] about Half-Day Tours in Istanbul [by Local Tour Guide 2024]
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Istanbul Tourist Map as PDF files [Free Download 2024]
As a local guide, I aimed to provide up-to-date information to those who want to study the Istanbul tourist map before planning a trip to the city. Below you can find maps of Istanbul tourist attractions as free downloadable PDF files. In the article, you can see a compilation of Istanbul maps provided by Turkish Airlines, Istanbul Municipality and Google. I made minor … [Read more...] about Istanbul Tourist Map as PDF files [Free Download 2024]
Istanbul Metro & Tram Map PDF [Free Download 2024]
The public transportation network in Istanbul has developed rapidly in recent years. In this article, you can find the tram, ferry and metro map of Istanbul updated for 2024. There are links to full resolution maps in the article, as well as downloadable PDF files (for free). For those who visit Istanbul, it is essential to visit Sultanahmet (Old City), Beyoglu (Taksim), … [Read more...] about Istanbul Metro & Tram Map PDF [Free Download 2024]
ISTANBUL MOSQUES Opening Hours (Updated 2025)
If you want to understand Istanbul, you have to step into its mosques. From the iconic domes of Ottoman imperial mosques to the tranquil neighborhood sanctuaries built in the Republic era, these sacred spaces offer much more than religious function. They are places where architecture, history, and daily life still breathe together—often with birdsong in the courtyard and the … [Read more...] about ISTANBUL MOSQUES Opening Hours (Updated 2025)
FENER BALAT Walking Tour (with Private Guide) 2025
Fener and Balat districts stand out with their centuries-old churches, mosques, synagogues and colorful houses. As a licensed guide, I organize private guided tours in Istanbul and you can discover the hidden treasures of these districts on my Fener Balat walking tour. On the Fener and Balat tour, you can learn a lot about the life of non-Muslims in Istanbul during the … [Read more...] about FENER BALAT Walking Tour (with Private Guide) 2025
Byzantine Istanbul Tour (with Private Guide) 2024
Hello, I am Serhat Engul. I have been a licensed tour guide based in Istanbul for nearly 20 years. If you are reading this article, you have probably asked me about the details of the Byzantine Istanbul tour that I offer in Istanbul. Since 2019, I have been organizing half-day or full-day tours introducing Byzantine history in Istanbul. The programs of these tours may vary … [Read more...] about Byzantine Istanbul Tour (with Private Guide) 2024
Theodosius Cistern Ticket Price & Hours [Updated 2025]
Theodosius Cistern is located in Sultanahmet, one of the most popular touristic centers of Istanbul. There are light shows every hour in the cistern, which was recently restored and opened to visitors. The most famous cistern in Istanbul is the Basilica Cistern from the reign of Emperor Justinian. But Theodosius Cistern is essentially even older than Basilica Cistern. This … [Read more...] about Theodosius Cistern Ticket Price & Hours [Updated 2025]
Grand Bazaar Istanbul Opening Hours [2025 Update]
It’s easy to get swept away by the glittering malls of modern Istanbul — sleek, air-conditioned, and filled with global brands. But just beyond the polished storefronts lies the Grand Bazaar, a place where time slows down and centuries of craftsmanship still whisper through vaulted corridors. Welcome to the Grand Bazaar — a mesmerizing labyrinth of over 3,000 shops sprawled … [Read more...] about Grand Bazaar Istanbul Opening Hours [2025 Update]
Istanbul SPICE BAZAAR Opening Hours [Updated 2025]
Spice Bazaar is located in Eminonu, one of the busiest districts of Istanbul. You can experience the traditional shopping style of the city in this 350-year-old historical bazaar. In this article, you can find insider tips you need to know about the Spice Bazaar. About Spice Bazaar Spice Bazaar was originally a place where only spices were sold during the Ottoman … [Read more...] about Istanbul SPICE BAZAAR Opening Hours [Updated 2025]
10 Best PLACES TO VISIT in Istanbul [Updated 2024]
There are many mosques, churches and museums among the best places to visit in Istanbul. In this article, you can find 10 of the most popular historical monuments in the city. As a private tour guide in Istanbul for many years, I accompanied hundreds of tourists. In this article, I have selected the most preferred places among tourists visiting the city. Thus, I believe that … [Read more...] about 10 Best PLACES TO VISIT in Istanbul [Updated 2024]