Hagia Sophia Istanbul

Where to find Constantinople Today: On the Trail of Constantinople in Istanbul

Constantinople was one of the greatest cities in the world, the power seat of two major empires for over a thousand years. But where is Constantinople today? Well, it is hidden in plain sight in the heart of Istanbul, within the crumbling Constantinople Walls. Looking for Constantinople in Istanbul is a fascinating journey of discovering the Roman … Read more

Cafes in Isbanbul

11 Best Cafes in Istanbul to Experience the Centuries-Old Cafe Culture

Looking to experience centuries-old cafe culture? Then drop by one of these best cafes in Istanbul and soak up the ambience. Whether you are exploring Sultanahmet, strolling along Istiklal Caddesi, or getting lost in the twisting streets of Balat, we’ve got you covered. Coffee may have been discovered by a goat herder in ancient Egypt, but cafe culture … Read more

Church of St Mary Draperis, Istanbul

16 Charming Istanbul Hidden Gems and Underrated Sites

As a city shaped by two powerful empires: Roman (Byzantine) and Ottoman, it’s not surprising that, in Istanbul, hidden gems are as plentiful as the city’s iconic monuments, the likes of Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace & Harem. You can easily spend hours wandering the backstreets of Istanbul, where ancient structures are matter-of-factly … Read more

Topkapi Palace harem hallway

Discover the Secret Life of Topkapi Palace Harem

The opulent Topkapi Palace of Istanbul is a sprawling complex of buildings that used to be home to thousands of residents and was considered a city within a city. The power seat of the Ottoman Empire from 1465 to 1830, one of the longest-standing empires in recorded history, it preserves the finest architecture and artifacts … Read more

Hagia Sophia, Istanbul

How Many Days in Istanbul is Enough? Guide to Exploring the City

If the Earth was a single state, Istanbul would be its capital. – Napoléon Bonaparte.  An ancient metropolis lying at the crossroads between Europe and Asia and straddling both continents, Istanbul (formerly Constantinople) had been the capital of the Roman and Byzantine Empires and then became the imperial capital of the Ottomans for 600 years. It … Read more