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You can learn more interesting things about Istanbul with our articles.

The best museums in Istanbul are a journey through time

The best museums in Istanbul are a journey through time

With centuries of historic remains scattered amid its modern streets, and more still continually being uncovered, Istanbul is a museum unto itself.

These top Istanbul parks showcase the city's history and natural beauty

These top Istanbul parks showcase the city's history and natural beauty

Green spaces are at a premium amidst Istanbul’s dense urban sprawl, but the city does have some lovely spots to take a breather, ranging from leafy historic parks to waterfront promenades with dramatic views.

A hotel in Istanbul has the world's first baklava butler

A hotel in Istanbul has the world's first baklava butler

Guests at this Istanbul hotel are in for a sweet surprise, as the world’s first baklava butler has been announced at Shangri-La Bosphorus. Dressed in traditional Turkish attire, the dedicated member of staff is now on hand to serve up the historic sweet dish that dates back to the Ottoman empire.

When is the best time to visit Istanbul?

When is the best time to visit Istanbul?

There’s rarely a dull moment in vibrant Istanbul. The city's historic attractions can be appreciated any time of year, but its vibe does change dramatically with the seasons, from wet and moody winters to sunny and sticky summers – and accommodation prices vary accordingly.

How to get to the six best beaches near Istanbul

How to get to the six best beaches near Istanbul

Lapped by water on all sides, Istanbul had a thriving beach culture in the first half of the 20th century, but rapid population growth and urbanization have squeezed swimming spots out of the city center.

Local's guide to Istanbul

Local's guide to Istanbul

I’ve been enchanted with Istanbul since my first visit in 2001 and have now been living and working here as a journalist for 12 years and counting.

How to get around in Istanbul despite the traffic

How to get around in Istanbul despite the traffic

Sprawling over more than 2000 sq miles and heaving with upwards of 15 million residents, Istanbul is massive – and often mired in traffic. But this megacity is also crisscrossed by a large array of reasonably well-integrated transport options. 

The dying art of bargaining in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar

The dying art of bargaining in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar

The elaborate etiquette of the Ottoman Empire lingers in many day-to-day rituals still observed in its greatest creation, the city of Istanbul

Exploring İstanbul’s hip, historical Fener and Balat neighbourhoods

Exploring İstanbul’s hip, historical Fener and Balat neighbourhoods

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 history dating back to Byzantine times. 

The 25 best sights to see in Istanbul that don't cost a thing

The 25 best sights to see in Istanbul that don't cost a thing

With its lively streets layered with history, just walking around Istanbul is an attraction in itself. You can feast on street food for pocket change or visit the city’s marvelous mosques, markets and parks for no cost at all.

A hotel in Istanbul has the world's first baklava butler

A hotel in Istanbul has the world's first baklava butler

Guests at this Istanbul hotel are in for a sweet surprise, as the world’s first baklava butler has been announced at Shangri-La Bosphorus. Dressed in traditional Turkish attire, the dedicated member of staff is now on hand to serve up the historic sweet dish that dates back to the Ottoman empire.

When is the best time to visit Istanbul?

When is the best time to visit Istanbul?

There’s rarely a dull moment in vibrant Istanbul. The city's historic attractions can be appreciated any time of year, but its vibe does change dramatically with the seasons, from wet and moody winters to sunny and sticky summers – and accommodation prices vary accordingly.

How to get to the six best beaches near Istanbul

How to get to the six best beaches near Istanbul

Lapped by water on all sides, Istanbul had a thriving beach culture in the first half of the 20th century, but rapid population growth and urbanization have squeezed swimming spots out of the city center.

How to get around in Istanbul despite the traffic

How to get around in Istanbul despite the traffic

Sprawling over more than 2000 sq miles and heaving with upwards of 15 million residents, Istanbul is massive – and often mired in traffic. But this megacity is also crisscrossed by a large array of reasonably well-integrated transport options. 

The 25 best sights to see in Istanbul that don't cost a thing

The 25 best sights to see in Istanbul that don't cost a thing

With its lively streets layered with history, just walking around Istanbul is an attraction in itself. You can feast on street food for pocket change or visit the city’s marvelous mosques, markets and parks for no cost at all.

The best museums in Istanbul are a journey through time

The best museums in Istanbul are a journey through time

With centuries of historic remains scattered amid its modern streets, and more still continually being uncovered, Istanbul is a museum unto itself.

These top Istanbul parks showcase the city's history and natural beauty

These top Istanbul parks showcase the city's history and natural beauty

Green spaces are at a premium amidst Istanbul’s dense urban sprawl, but the city does have some lovely spots to take a breather, ranging from leafy historic parks to waterfront promenades with dramatic views.

Local's guide to Istanbul

Local's guide to Istanbul

I’ve been enchanted with Istanbul since my first visit in 2001 and have now been living and working here as a journalist for 12 years and counting.

The dying art of bargaining in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar

The dying art of bargaining in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar

The elaborate etiquette of the Ottoman Empire lingers in many day-to-day rituals still observed in its greatest creation, the city of Istanbul