Istanbul Travel Stories

May 15, 2025 • 5 min read

İstanbul is itself a museum, but the city also has astonishing collections of treasures old and new in institutions both intimate and grand.

Mar 2, 2025 • 7 min read

From mosques and markets to art galleries and monuments, some of Istanbul's best attractions don't cost a thing.

Jan 21, 2025 • 10 min read

The overnight service between Istanbul and Sofia combines two adventures into one. Our resident rail expert, Tom Hall, shows you how to do it.

Jan 14, 2025 • 8 min read

Plan your time in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar with this guide to shopping strategies and haggling.

Nov 20, 2024 • 5 min read

Fascinated by the hamam experience but don't know where to start? We've got the answers to all your questions in our guide to hamam in Istanbul.

Sep 3, 2024 • 5 min read

From street snacks to long evenings spent over meze in local taverns, here's where to eat and drink in Istanbul.

Jul 30, 2024 • 4 min read

This vibrant city always has something going on but the weather can impact your trip. Here's how to pick the perfect time to visit Istanbul.

Apr 15, 2023 • 5 min read

Istanbul's scale and traffic jams can be daunting to travelers but the city's compact center and transport options make it a breeze if you're in the know.

Nov 22, 2022 • 2 min read

Demi Perera, a London-based travel journalist, shares a snapshot of her recent trip to Istanbul, Turkey

Mar 20, 2022 • 7 min read

Istanbul has always lured traders and shoppers. Here's our guide to shopping in this dazzling city, from the Grand Bazaar to the boutiques of Nişantaşı.

Dec 13, 2021 • 5 min read

The Turkish city's green spaces offer options that include cafes, ancient monuments and places to simply take a stroll.

Oct 22, 2021 • 5 min read

Istanbul is defined by its watery boundaries, but going for a dip takes a little doing. Here are six of the best beaches in or near the city.

Mar 23, 2020 • 4 min read

Get to know Istanbul from a local's perspective, from where to find cheap eats to the best place to relax in a city filled with 15 million people.

Nov 5, 2019 • 5 min read

The Kadıköy neighbourhood on the Asian side of Istanbul is full of lively cafes, bars, shops and galleries. Here are the best places to soak up the vibe.

Oct 7, 2019 • 4 min read

Two days in İstanbul will give you a taste of its attractions while leaving you eager to come back for more. Here's our guide to a perfect weekend there.

Jul 13, 2019 • 5 min read

Historic prisons are fascinating, tragic and often macabre places, which is why those that have been converted to modern hotels and hostels make such…

Mar 16, 2018 • 5 min read

Hidden behind the busy road that runs along the western bank of İstanbul’s Golden Horn, the intertwined neighbourhoods of Fener and Balat have a rich…

Mar 22, 2012 • 4 min read

The day starts early and evocatively in Turkey’s biggest city. At dawn, the amplified strains of the call to prayer issue from tapering minarets in every…

Jul 17, 2009 • 2 min read

Known more for its history and architecture than its child-friendly attractions, Istanbul might not seem the obvious place to bring the kids. Yet this…