Public transportation map Istanbul Turkey © 2015 Mikestravelguide. All rights reserved.

Istanbul – Getting Around with Public Transportation

The majority of the tourist sights and attractions in Istanbul are located in Sultanahmet-Old City.  These include the Spice Market, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cisterns, and the Grand Bazaar.  Here’s our step-by-step guide to help you get … Continue reading

Semahane Whirling Dervish Museum Istanbul Turkey © 2015 Mikestravelguide. All rights reserved.

Things to do in Istanbul – visit the Whirling Dervish Museum (Galata Mevlevihanesi Müzesi)

  One of the more noteworthy museums in Istanbul is the Galata Mevlevihanesi.  This former Whirling Dervish Lodge, and the surrounding cemetery, situated at the lower end of the pedestrian street Istiklal Caddesi make for an easy stop on your … Continue reading

Kubbeli Saloon & Tea Lounge Pera Palace Hotel Istanbul Turkey © 2015 Mikestravelguide. All rights reserved.

Things to do in Istanbul – Visit the Pera Palace Hotel

Considered to be the ‘Pearl of Istanbul’, the Pera Palace Hotel is an historic landmark located in the Beyoglu district, formerly known as Pera, on the north shore of the Golden Horn.  This luxury museum-hotel allows visitors to pop in to … Continue reading

Istanbul 'New City' North Shore View from Galata Bridge Istanbul Turkey © 2015 Mikestravelguide. All rights reserved.

Things to do in Istanbul – Walk across Galata Bridge

For a nice view of Istanbul take a stroll across the Galata Bridge.  The bridge spans the Golden Horn, a naturally protected harbor and inlet of the Bosphorus River, filled with fishing boats, tour boats, and ferries. The first bridge on … Continue reading

Harem Entrance sign Topkapı Palace Istanbul Turkey © 2015 Mikestravelguide. All rights reserved.

Things to do in Istanbul – Visit the Harem at Topkapı Palace

If you’re planning on visiting Topkapı Palace, we highly recommend that you pay the additional entrance fee for a tour of the Imperial Harem.  This section of the palace was a private and restricted area where the Sultan lived with his … Continue reading

Gate of Salutation Topkapi Palace Istanbul Turkey © 2015 Mikestravelguide. All rights reserved.

Things to do in Istanbul – Visit Topkapı Palace (Topkapı Sarayı)

Spread out over 7 million square feet, Topkapı Palace (Topkapı Sarayı) may be the highlight of any trip to Istanbul. This sprawling estate, built in the 15th century on the site of an ancient Acropolis, served as the administrative, educational, and art center … Continue reading

Orient Express Sign Sirkeci Train Station Istanbul Turkey © 2015 Mikestravelguide. All rights reserved.

Things to see in Istanbul – Orient Express Train Station (Sirkeci Terminal)

If you’re nearby to Istanbul’s Galata Bridge and the Spice Market and you have a little time to spare, you may want to check out the Sirkeci Terminal (İstanbul Garı). This historic train station is an easy 10-minute walk east of … Continue reading

Heaps of Spices and Teas in the Spice Market Istanbul Turkey © 2015 Mikestravelguide. All rights reserved.

Things to do in Istanbul – Stroll through the Spice Market

Istanbul’s Spice Market, like the neighboring Grand Bazaar, has been part of the city’s historical trading center for centuries.  Thinking about this historic market conjures up images of bags and barrels of exotic spices, and the aroma of overwhelming fragrances.  Yet, … Continue reading