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Istanbul Travel Blog

An Insider's Guide to Istanbul

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10 Best Breakfast Places in Istanbul [Updated 2025]

17 April 2025 by Serhat Engul

The best breakfast places in Istanbul are on the shores of the Bosphorus (Ortakoy and Bebek), in Beyoglu (Karakoy, Galata, Taksim) and Sultanahmet (Old City). When you go to these districts on the weekend, you can see that Istanbulites enjoy their delicious breakfasts. It is a great pleasure to have breakfast in Istanbul, especially with the view of the Bosphorus. For this, … [Read more...] about 10 Best Breakfast Places in Istanbul [Updated 2025]

MUSEUM PASS Istanbul Worth It? (Updated 2025)

24 August 2025 by Serhat Engul

Are you planning a culture-filled trip to Istanbul and wondering whether the Museum Pass Istanbul is worth it? You’re in the right place. As a licensed tour guide who has been helping travelers explore this magnificent city for over two decades, I’ve seen firsthand how valuable this pass can be — especially if you plan to visit several museums over a few days. During … [Read more...] about MUSEUM PASS Istanbul Worth It? (Updated 2025)

History of Istanbul (Summary in 5 Titles with Maps)

20 May 2024 by Serhat Engul

The history of Istanbul officially goes back 2700 years. The history of the city consists of multiple layers and has the heritage of Ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations. In this article, you can find a brief history of Istanbul under five headings. Short History of Istanbul Istanbul has been known by three different names throughout the course of … [Read more...] about History of Istanbul (Summary in 5 Titles with Maps)

Topkapi Palace Entrance Fee & Hours [Updated 2025]

7 September 2025 by Serhat Engul

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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 the beating heart of the Ottoman dynasty — a city within a city, veiled in ceremony, secrecy, and splendor. From jeweled daggers to shadowy courtyards, it holds stories not only of sultans, but of eunuchs, … [Read more...] about Topkapi Palace Entrance Fee & Hours [Updated 2025]

Sultanahmet Square (Hippodrome of Constantinople)

6 January 2025 by Serhat Engul

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Sultanahmet Square was known as the Hippodrome of Constantinople during the Roman and Byzantine periods. Chariot races, the most important activity of the city, were held here. Historical ruins from those days can still be seen in the square. Sultanahmet Square is one of the most popular historical places in Istanbul today. Around this square, there are historical monuments … [Read more...] about Sultanahmet Square (Hippodrome of Constantinople)

12 Best Places to Stay in Istanbul [Updated 2024]

25 May 2024 by Serhat Engul

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You may be confused when you check the map to find the best places to stay in Istanbul. Because there are various accommodation options all over Istanbul. While luxury hotels and convention centers attract attention in some parts of Istanbul, there are budget-friendly boutique hotels in other places. When considering where to stay in Istanbul, the first places that come to … [Read more...] about 12 Best Places to Stay in Istanbul [Updated 2024]

Dolmabahce Palace Entry Fee & Hours [Updated 2025]

24 August 2025 by Serhat Engul

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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 chandeliers grander than any ballroom waltz, and staircases that seem to float in air, this palace tells the story not of conquest — but of elegance, longing, and change. Built in the twilight of the Ottoman era, Dolmabahce … [Read more...] about Dolmabahce Palace Entry Fee & Hours [Updated 2025]

GALATA TOWER Entrance Fee & Hours [Updated 2025]

24 August 2025 by Serhat Engul

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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 embraced by selfie-takers from around the globe — this stone giant has watched empires rise, ships sail, and dreams take flight. Climb its spiral stairs or glide up the elevator, and you’ll find one of … [Read more...] about GALATA TOWER Entrance Fee & Hours [Updated 2025]

ISTANBUL MUSEUMS Prices & Hours [Updated for 2025]

28 August 2025 by Serhat Engul

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Planning to visit the best museums in Istanbul during your trip? You’re in the right place. As a licensed tour guide who’s been showing this city to curious travelers for nearly two decades, I’ve created this list to help you make the most of your museum days — with up-to-date ticket prices, opening hours, and insider tips for 2025. Keep in mind that museum policies, prices, … [Read more...] about ISTANBUL MUSEUMS Prices & Hours [Updated for 2025]

EPHESUS RUINS Ticket Price & Hours [Updated 2024]

20 May 2024 by Serhat Engul

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Ephesus ruins are among the most visited places in Turkey. Famous for the legendary Temple of Artemis and the Library of Celsus, Ephesus welcomes an average of 3 million visitors a year. In this article, you can find the things to do in and around Ephesus. In addition, Ephesus ticket price & opening hours in 2024 are noted. Ephesus Ruins attract visitors from all over … [Read more...] about EPHESUS RUINS Ticket Price & Hours [Updated 2024]

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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.

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