Essential advice for the world’s most interesting city

How to visit Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia at night

The finest example of Byzantine architecture in the world can still be visited in 2022 with a few restrictions. And it’s now free to enter.

How to use Istanbul’s ferries

No visit to Istanbul is complete without a ride across the Bosphorus, along the Golden Horn, or to the Prince’s Islands. Here’s how to do it.

Turkish phrases for restaurants

Whether fine dining or enjoying delicious street food, these useful phrases to help you fully enjoy your Istanbul restaurant experience.

How to drink coffee in Istanbul

The perfect cup of Turkish coffee in Istanbul, accompanied by a piece of loku, Turkish delight

Coffee is an intrinsic part of life in Istanbul. Read the history of coffee in Constantinople, and discover its mystical qualities.

Istanbul high-speed airport train to have first test run

Istanbul high-speed airport-train - Istanbul Vacation Tips

The much-awaited high-speed train for Istanbul’s shiny new international airport (IST) has been put on its rails for the first time, and will undergo its first test run at the end of September. The train, which will run on the yet-to-be-completed M11 line, will run from the new airport to the Gayrettepe interchange where travellers will be […]

Covid-19 update: airport regulations at Istanbul airport

Covid-19 pandemic test rules Istanbul airport

Here are the latest rules for those arriving at Istanbul airports during the Covid-19 pandemic. Important notes: All passengers must undergo a medical examination, and those showing symptoms similar to the common symptoms of Covid will have a PCR test performed. In general, you get the test results in 2-4 hours but it also depends […]