IOANNINA, GREECE
The Migrated Bird
Istanbul is a city of notable cities, Istanbul's identity and existence is its culture, heritage, and history. The city has a unique fusion Distinctiveness, which is a different beauty than other European and Asian cities. Turkish food and attire also have a distinct place in their culture, the Turkish food is a mixture of glimpses of both Europeans and Asian.
Geographically and historically, this city has a unique identity, Istanbul is located between Asia and Europe, it is historically known as Constantinople and Byzantium. Bosporus strait divides the city into two-part, Asia side and Europe side, the Bosporus connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, furthermore, Istanbul city works like a bridge for two continents. The city is not only connecting two large continents, but the city is also under influence of the neighbour continents, so we can see this influence in Turkish culture which made fusion and diverse culture, which gave a unique identity to Istanbul in the world. Most of the time Istanbul had been ruled by different ruler and empires, which caused lots of transformation into Turkish culture, heritage, and foods. in present days, lots of heritages standing in good condition, but, most of earlier religious Christianity building has been converted to mosques. however, you can see the reflections of Greek and Ottoman Islamic architecture in old buildings and streets.
Safety first :
Safety is an significant factor in other countries, most travellers want to go to a place where there is security. Nowadays, governments in many countries have done imperative work for the safety of tourists and hence there is a major travel industry developed in those countries.
Istanbul has become a fast-growing city for the traveller, hence Istanbul has become a very prominent place for tourists today, but at the same time, anti-social elements in this city have also increased, so the safety and security is our responsibility, therefore before you go to those places let check safety first, Keep require emergency number with you.
There is complete security on the famous heritage sites in Istanbul, and I have not experienced any insecurities in the spaces shown below. But I felt a little uncomfortable with too many small streets and alone space, however, I had preferred to not go on those places and streets.
Many people have written their nightclub experiences on many websites. Going alone in the night at the disco club is almost as unsafe because in many cases girls have approached travellers in the club, the girls sat with the travellers, and they ordered drinks from the same table, but, when you ask for the bill, the club will add everything to your bill, they will loot you and in some cases police were involved. so be aware of this kind of fraud.
“Good Traveller has Always Think More Before Enter In Unknown Places”
Visa And Immigration:
Visa for turkey is not a big problem at all, you can apply online e-visa, you just need to give your passport details, email id, the address of your residence of your home country, and payment by credit card. The process is very easy, once you fill all require details online then the automatic email will notify your visa details, take print out because you have to show E-visa to concern immigration officer on arrival, the soft copy on your mobile or tablet, the immigration officer will not do valid.
Immigration was smooth, they had just checked my passport and e-visa detail that it. even they didn't ask any questions and purpose of my visit.
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Best Weather:
Climate is an important factor, a moderate climate is considered to be the best climate for a tourist, but due to the extreme climate of many countries, cold, heat and rains are high, and in these climatic conditions, you will have a high risk of any diseases, So, to travel to any country, it is necessary to know the climate before traveling to any country's journey. Due to the bad climate, sometimes you have to change in the journey of your journey, and sometimes have to sit in the hotel.
Istanbul and Turkey experience hot summers and cold winters with snow being a common feature. Spring and autumn, from April to May and from September to mid-November respectively, are the ideal times to visit Istanbul and the inland regions when temperatures are pleasant and the skies are clear.
BEST TIME TO VISIT : April to September
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Transportation In Istanbul :
Almost all places in Istanbul are connected to public transport. Trams and buses will take you around most of the historic buildings and their stations are also located around the historic buildings, so your walking distance will also be less.
Tram is the easiest way to transport on different places in Istanbul, which is well connected to the most historic building, also gives you advance information about the upcoming stations in the tram TV display but you may not find this information in buses.
Almost most of the historic buildings are far away from metro train stations, so you have to walk a little distance, but the bus directly takes you to the historic building but traveling in the bus is a bit complicated.
You will get open roof buses from Sultanahmet for a city tour.
Airport to City Metro train connected
Turkey is a republican country, but most of the people are Muslim, as well as all minority communities are also living in Turkey, Even most of the province in turkey are liberal about dressing, they are not orthodox like another Muslim Arab country. Most of the buildings are Islamic heritage, and those the churches made by Rome and the Greek period have also converted into mosques, The most of Spectacular old mosque have declared as a national heritage, but even today, Namaz recites in those national heritage mosques and people pray. Therefore, before going to the mosque, it is necessary to wear a complete cover. In some mosque, they provide clothes to cover your body.
Accommodation in Istanbul:
Dressing is very important for visit on some heritage :
Turkey is a republican country, but most of the people are Muslim, as well as all minority communities are also living in Turkey, Even most of the province in turkey are liberal about dressing, they are not orthodox like another Muslim Arab country. Most of the buildings are Islamic heritage, and those the churches made by Rome and the Greek period have also converted into mosques, The most of Spectacular old mosque have declared as a national heritage, but even today, Namaz recites in those national heritage mosques and people pray. Therefore, before going to the mosque, it is necessary to wear a complete cover. In some mosque, they provide clothes to cover your body.
How many days required to exploring Istanbul, depend on vacation days, but you can spend 2-3 days in Istanbul easily and it is actually required. Their lots of things to be done in the city, but if you planned full turkey then two days is enough for a full city tour. Heritage, cruise ride, and nightlife of the city, this thing you can cover in just 2-3 days.
2-3 DAYS
How Many Days Require to Visit Istanbul ?
Istanbul Tour and Places :
Istanbul had been ruled by Greek, Roman, Byzantine, ottoman or Muslim ruler, the city had been explored by Persian, Christian and many others in ancient time. The city had seen lots of wars, victory, defeat, good condition and worst from time to time, the city name had been changed by a different ruler in the different era, in that time, the building had been demolished, built and converted by the ruler. so for this reason, we can see different type architecture and heritage in Istanbul, and so the Istanbul is different from the other city in the world.
In your best time, you can explore Istanbul by seeing Mosques, Basilica, Market, Museum, Palaces, and gardens. Bosporus strait walk and the cruise will give you an idea about city’s skyline and culture.
Sultanahmet District, Galata Tower, Taksim Square, Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortakoy and Bosporus strait walk are the main attraction points for a tourist in the city.
Try Turkish Food:
DAY 1 – ISTANBUL
SULTANAHMET IN ISTANBUL
1.Nearest Metro train station (Marmaray Sirkeci Metro) to Sultanahmet : 12 Minutes Walk
2.Tram Station (Sultanahmet ) To Blue Mosque : Station located near Blue mosque
3.Bus Stand Located Near Blue Mosque : No walkable distance
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Sultanahmet district is like the fortress of historic buildings and almost most of the historical buildings are located in this area, although most of the buildings are on the walk distance, even if you are unable to walk, you can take the tram which is well connected to many tourist places or you get easily a taxi.
Sultanahmet is the most famous for the blue mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Basilica Cistern, and these are the famous monuments in Istanbul, and everybody should visit these sites in Istanbul. Furthermore, the market, Museum, Palace, and park located nearby Sultanahmet, some are walkable distance and for some, you have to take the bus, tram or taxi.
1. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)
2. Hagia Sophia
3. Basilica Cistern
4. Grand Bazar
5. Spice Market
6. Suleymaniye Mosque
7. Museum of Calligraphy
8. Column of Constantine
9. Gulhane Park
10. Topkapi Palace
1. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)
Pencil shape Minarets and mountain of domes make mosque unique in term of characters, the blue mosques is a dominant skyline in the Istanbul. The blue mosque built during the Ottoman empire, in the 16th century by Sultan Ahmet I. the blue Mosques look similar to Hagia Sophia, because of the architect of the blue mosques had transformed some of the element from the Hagia Sophia and had used in the blue mosque.
Interior of The blue mosque is spectacular and Scenic. The Blend of Marble, Mosaic, and ceramic tile creating internal space very dynamic and brighter. Mosaic and ceramic tiles design on the surface of domes and supporting columns are splendour and when the sunlight Collision on the ceramic tile, that time, the surfaces of the dome and column converting into blue and golden yellow.
Recommendation: you must visit this place
Entry fees: not charging
Dress: short clothes not allow
More Information : Link
Visiting time:
Normal days : 08:30am to 11:30am (Pray Time) 13:00 pm to 14:30pm (Pray Time) 15:30 pm to 16:45pm
Friday : Opening time 13.00pm then follow above time for their pray
Time Require : 1-2 hours Minimum
2. Hagia Sophia :
Hagia Sophia is demonstrating the world-class architecture and unique Characteristic monument in Istanbul and the World, the marvellous of architecture showing the glory of the past during Byzantine in Greek empire. The beauty and volume of the dome of Hagia Sophia will Hypnosis you, the dome of Hagia Sophia is considering one of the biggest in the world.
Hagia Sophia recognized as a one in the seven wonder and most visiting site in turkey. Once you enter into Hagia Sophia, you will feel that your present is listening to ancient dignity. in every step when you walk in you will feel the essence of the magnificent edifice.
Hagia Sophia was built in the 6th century when it was Constantinople(Now Istanbul) under Byzantine emperor, The structure was the basilica church till mid of 15th century but after Byzantine emperor fell down the Ottoman Empire took over the city, that time they converted this church into a mosque, later in the 20th century the mosque converted into museum.
Visiting hours :
Summer Schedule- 15 APRİL -30 OCTOBER Visiting Hours: 09.00 - 19.00
Winter Schedule- 30 OCTOBER- 15 APRİL Visiting Hours: 09:00- 17:00
Visiting days: 7 days a week
Entry Fees: 40 TL (Turkish Currency) Accepting credit card
Dress: People still praying, so full clothes not shorts
Recommendation: you must visit this place
More Information : Link
Time Require : 1-2 hours Minimum
How crafty were ancient people, that, we can judge from the glorious monument, and, this Basilica Cistern is a fine example of their Mastery at work. The Basilica Cistern is an underground storage water tank and, that water was mainly used for the palace during the 6th century when Byzantine Empire was ruling on Constantinople (Istanbul). But after palace relocated somewhere else, this Basilica Cistern had been forgotten by many rulers for many centuries but in 1545 it was reinvented.
Basilica Cistern stand up on 336 columns and brick vaults, Two Heads of Medusa and Crying column are the main attraction in Basilica Cistern, And both columns telling the story of past.
The Cistern Basilica is just little away from Hagia Sophia and is located within walkable distance from Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
Visiting hours :
The museum is open to visits seven days a week. Exceptionally, it opens at 13:00 on first days of religious holidays and on January 1.
• The museum is open to visits between 09:00 and 17:30(winter) every day.
• The museum is open to visits between 09:00 and 18:30(summer) every day.
Visiting days: 7 days a week
Entry Fees: 20 TL (Turkish Currency) Accepting credit card
Dress: -
Recommendation: you must visit this place
More Information : for Official Website Click on
Time Require : 1-2 hours Minimum
3. Cistern Basilica :
Gulhane park(House of Roses Park) is located behind Hagia Sophia and next to Topkapi Palace, so If you feel tired or you want to some relax for short time, then you can visit this park. Gulhane Park is an oldest and one of the biggest park in Istanbul mainly developed for a royal family of Topkapi Palace, whose main feature are, colorful Tulip, huge trees and Huge old column. If you travel along children then this place will little break for you after a little relaxation you may feel energetic to visit Topkapi Palace.
4.Gulhane Parki (Park):
One of the biggest palace built by Ottoman Empire in the 15th century, the Palace is located on high hill point of terrain, which overlooks at Bosporus Strait. The Palace is Magnificent of ottoman and Baroque architecture style which is very unique in the world. the Beautiful Art and, the imprinted surface of the wall and ceiling will impress you widely and The grill and lattice work in different part of the palace demonstration highly skilled craftsmanship of Ottoman architecture.
After Ottoman Empire ends in the year 1923, the Palace Transformed into a museum.
5. Topkapi Palace :
Night Life In Istanbul
6. TakSim Square
Taksim Means “Division or distribution” of the city the waterline. Most amazing public gathering and shopping place in Istanbul, The place is very vibrant and joyful at anytime a day and The millions of people visiting this place each week including foreigners and local. The place is vehicle free and pedestrian friendly, but police cars and Nostalgic Tram are the only vehicles allowed to enter into the street of Taksim.
Taksim Square is a modern city Centre of Istanbul and one of the busiest part of the city. People do visit for nightlife and shopping. It's one of the most important tourist points and one of the most famous avenues of the city, distinguished brands of business and entertainment world serves in this area as well. Lots of shopping centres, Restaurants, and Pubs give pleasure to tourists and local residents everyday. If you are loving Arabic or Turkish music then you should go to the safe pub. If you are a foodie then you should go try street foods, sweets, and local drinks (Ayran).
The most important monument in Taksim Square is the Independence Monument standing at the beginning of Istiklal pedestrian street, and another side you will see the cultural centre.
HOW TO REACH TAKSIM SQUARE ?
Metro: If your hotel locates Europe side of Istanbul then you have to take Tram for Kabatas, and from Kabatas you will get underground Metro for Taksim Square.
Tram: Tram is not Directly Connected to Taksim Square.
Bus: Local Buses Directly connected to Taksim Square. See the Schedule
Taxi: Available but Expensive
DAY 2 – ISTANBUL
After a long walk on different heritage sites, we were tired and we slept very late after we visited Taksim Square, therefore we wake up late in the next morning, As a result, we had to leave two places, however, those two place were not in our priority list but eventually, we stuck on our plan to visit priority places in Istanbul as per our list.
7. Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı)
The Grand Bazar look like a Covered street market which is covered by domes, Vaults, and pillar. The Grand in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, over 4,000 shops. The Market is a most visiting place for tourist and local and nearly 250,000 to 400,000 visitors do visit this market every day, and in the tourist season, you will see a most crowded place.
The Grand Market is like a cave, in which you will be surprised with the inside, the inner streets and the upper semi round-roofed ceilings show this place very long then it's normal appearance. The market is getting natural light from ceiling windows, this series of ceiling windows in vaults ceiling and arches on the wall create a perfect rhythm and blend in the old architectural monument, and that is a uniqueness of this place.
Concise History:
Grand Bazaar was built in 1455/56 during Byzantine time when Istanbul was Constantinople but within few years the Ottoman empire took over the city from Byzantine, however, the Ottoman Empire did not change any architectural elements in the market, therefore you will semi-circular arches which were used by Greek and Roman. The market was mainly built to stimulate economic prosperity of Istanbul during Byzantine time, later on, The Ottoman Ruler Sultan Mehmet II converted this market for textile and clothes seller.
What will you do in Grand Bazaar?
a. Shopping
Once you enter in Grand Bazar, you will be surprised by the scenario of inside, You will see a variety of items for shopping. the place will mesmerize you very deeply, and the display items will attract you to stop at a different location.
You will see these items on display which are highly decorative, handmade and artistic.
- Lights, utensils – Crockeries – Sweets – Carpets - Antique things – Clocks – Clothes - Dry fruits silver items - Gold Plated Items
b. Bargaining:
You can do bargain with the shopkeeper but before you do bargain please make sure about the product’s quality and defect which you want to buy. Do not do bargain for fun or laugh because sometimes the shopkeeper will do agree with your price and if you say no to buy then sometime the shopkeeper will get angry that is a bad thing to do.
c. Scuffle:
The market will be overcrowded always, so walk in the lane and do not be an obstruction for others on the walkway, if you are feeling uncomfortable, in that case, please stop on the side or find the alternative route for the exit, there are many alternative routes for exit please find the nearest one of your, and avoid scuffle in any situation.
d. The argument with Shopkeeper:
You can bargain if you like anything from the shop, but do not an argument for anything. If you do not agree with shopkeeper’s price, then do not try bargain more with him just move to another shop in the market, do not reply to the shopkeeper.
e. Toilets:
Toilet facility available on the market just follows the sign on the market.
f. Drinking Water Facilities
A drinking fountain or tap facility available in the market, just follow the sign in the market.
g. Restaurant
There are many Turkish restaurants in Grand Bazar. Shopping and eating the best thing when you in Grand Bazar, just like Turkish culture and heritage the Turkish food, sweets, and coffee or tea have to distinguish the place, so once you in Istanbul you should try.
h. Drinking Water Facilities
A drinking fountain or tap facility available in the market, just follow the sign in the market.
i. Duration:
2-3 hours minimum.
8. Spice Bazaar (Market):
The Spice Bazaar is one of the biggest covered street markets after Grand Bazaar, however, the scale of the market smaller than Grand Bazaar, but the architectural style and module of the design are the same for both markets. The identical Vaults and arcade on the floor are the same in both markets.
The Spice Market is also known as an Egyptian market, the market is not far away from Grand Bazaar so you can reach this my by walk, the Market is located near New Mosque and it is a part of the mosque complex. once you finish your shopping or visits of the market then you can exit for the Bosporus Strait.
What are there for shopping ?
the Spices are the main attraction and this market selling varieties of spices around the world. you can buy spices for curry, barbeque, and you can use for meat, chicken and vegetable food, however, in the market, few shops are selling sweets and ready-made Turkish foods. in some case, if you like some sweet in the shop then you can ask for a test. If you don’t like after you select something from the shops then just simply say no and thank you, do not argue with the shopkeeper.
Some shops are also selling Turkish tea and Turkish coffee, which consider to be one of a best tea or coffee in the world and if you are in Istanbul then forget about the regular coffee shops you should try Turkish coffee or tea.
9.GALANTA TOWER :
The Galata Tower called Christea Turris by the Genoese a medieval stone tower in the Galata/Karaköy quarter of Istanbul, Turkey, The tower is 66.9 meters tall and 16.5 meters wide at base, the tower located on the high terrain of the north side of the Golden Horn's junction with the Bosphorus.
The Galata Tower was like an observation gallery for the Bosphorus Strait during Byzantine empire, but after Constantinople fell down, the tower had been modified several times by Ottoman Empire, during Ottoman Empire, the tower was observation tower for spotting fires.
The Galata Tower is a one of growing tourist attraction in Istanbul and, the monument of Byzantine architecture still in well maintained the condition, the spiral staircase will take you to the observation gallery at the top. from top of the tower, you will be a surprise and astonish by the view of the city and Bosphorus Strait.
On the top of the Galata Tower, you can enjoy food in the restaurant and you will see old photographs of the city and the tower.
Opening Hours: 9.00 am to 8.30 pm
Admission Fee: The price of the entrance ticket to the Galata Tower is 25 Turkish Liras
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How to reach at Galanta Tower ?
Tram : Karaköy Tramvay
Tunel : Kemeraltı Caddesi Karaköy
These are two nearest station, take ticket for these station or use Istanbul card.
DAY 3 – ISTANBUL
10. Bosphorus Cruise Tour :
Short Circle Bosphorus Cruise (Kısa Boğaz Turu)
The cruise takes you from Eminönü to Istinye (well past the second bridge that is), and back. The ferry leaves the Eminönü docks at 14:30, arrives at Ortaköy around 14:50 to pick up more people, and then continues its two hours non-stop tour. The price per person is 12 TL, 6 TL for children under 12.
Full Bosphorus Cruise (Uzun Boğaz Turu)
The Full Bosphorus Tour offers a great Bosphorus experience and will take several hours in total. For a mere 25 TL, this cruise will take you from Eminönü all the way to the Black Sea, and back. Each way takes about 90 minutes since the ferry makes 5 short stops to let people on and off. You must get off the ferry in Anadolu Kavağı, the last harbor before the Black Sea. This gives you the opportunity to grab a (late) lunch in one of the town’s fish restaurants located on the shore and/or visit the fortress.
Full Bosphorus Cruise by Night (Mehtap Gezi)
It offers the exact same tour as the regular Full Bosphorus Tour, but you get to see Istanbul at night! The ferry leaves before dusk providing great Istanbul sunset views. It again stops in Anadolu Kavağı for a bit over two hours so people can enjoy dinner in the fish restaurants at the shore. Around 22:30 the ferry departs again for a moonlight cruise on the Bosphorus — a unique experience!
11. Dolmabahce Palace And Ciragan Palace :
How to reach?
Via tram, Kabatas is the nearest stop to Dolmabahce. It takes only 10 minutes to walk from Kabatas to palace. There is no tram station just near the Dolmabahce Palace.
If you do n’t want to use tram and walk 10 minutes you can easily catch a taxi to go to Dolmabahce Palace from Sultanahmet.
Opening hours: 9.00am to 4.30pm - Monday and Thursday
Admission Fees: 60 Turkish Lira
The palace is a classic example of the Ottoman empire’s architecture of last century. The palace's Turkish architecture blended into the European and Baroque architecture, which has created fusion in characters of the architecture. The spectacular view of Bosporus Strait from the palace was the main reason for the built on the location. By Interior lights, Turkish carpets, and other articles, into the palace make this place extraordinary and luxurious.
12. Ortakoy Mosque (near Bridge) :
How to reach?
Take the tram from Sultanahmet to Kabataş than take bus 22, 22RE or 25E, 40, 40T or 42T
Bus Stop Name: Kabatas Lisesi.
The dynamic appearance and cable bridge background of the mosque are remarkable and distinguish. The sunset and People catching fish on edge of the Bosphorus Strait will force you to spend a lot of time on the Ortakoy Mosque.
13.Walk on Bosporus Strait :
One of the best activity if you are in Istanbul, you will explore the Istanbul from very closely, meanwhile, you will enjoy the view of the Bosphorus Strait and you will enjoy the roadside shopping as well. And in some location, you will see small tea stalls and coffee shops, enjoy your Turkish coffee or tea by sitting next to the Bosphorus Strait. If you gourmet or you want to try street food then you will encounter lot of food stall on your walkway.
We have started our walk from Fisherman Bridge to Ortakoy Mosque (near Bridge).
Turkish Sufi Music Concert In Istanbul :
Whirling Dervishes is a Sufi music show and it has a religious touch which performs through chants, prayers, music, and a whirling dance.
Where to Best Catch a Whirling Dervishes Performance?
The best place to see this is The Galata Mevlevi Museum
The ceremony takes place every Sunday at 17:00. You can only buy tickets on location starting Saturday around noon.
Tickets cost 50 TL per person, children go in free unless they need a chair of their own.
It is located on Galipdede Caddesi, not far from Tünel at the end of Istiklal Caddesi.