Topkapi Palace (Topkapı Sarayı) is undoubtedly one of Istanbul’s top tourist attractions. Strategically located on Seraglio Point (Sarayburnu) in the historical part of Istanbul, it has been the heart of the Ottoman Empire and the residence of the sultans and their women of the Harem for over three centuries, until Sultan Abdülmecid in 1853 decided to move the court to the … [Read more...]
Review of Rhythm of The Dance Show at Hodjapasha Cultural Center
Rhythm of The Dance is one of the shows you can enjoy at Hodjapasha. The cultural center was once a bathhouse that is now converted into a dance theater. It is a place where tourists from all over the world come to admire Turkish arts. Hodjapasha lies in the heart of old Constantinople – Eminönü. The place is easily accessible from anywhere in the city. In addition, you will … [Read more...]
Review of Whirling Dervishes Ceremony at Hodjapasha Cultural Center
Last week, I decided to go and watch a ceremony of the whirling dervishes at the Hodjapasha Cultural Center. There are some places where you go and you feel you will be happy there. Hodjapasha is one of them, and here's why. Finding the dance theater is very easy. All you need to do is go to the heart of Istanbul: Eminönü. You can do it by taking a tram, bus or a ferry … [Read more...]
Top 15 Things to Do in Istanbul
Here are my top 15 things to do in Istanbul, in no particular order. I chose these not because they are popular, but because I think they are worth seeing or experiencing. Therefore, for instance, I didn’t include the world famous Blue Mosque, but suggest something different. I also want to draw attention to many hidden gems, often overlooked when preparing for your visit. … [Read more...]
What Is the Istanbul Museum Pass, and Should I Get One?
Is the Museum Pass Istanbul something I should apply for? I get this question a lot from people planning to visit the Turkish metropolitan. Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer to this question. It all depends on what you plan to visit and/or whether you mind standing (for a long time) in a queue or not. So let me explain what the Istanbul Museum Pass is, … [Read more...]