Visiting the mosques of Istanbul

When you think of Istanbul the first image that comes to mind is probably that of Hagia Sophia. The Mosque that once was a Church, the Church that became a Mosque, and the Mosque that became a Museum to be turned back into Mosque. Yet I doubt anyone really goes to Hagia Sophia for prayer. …

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A cruise on the Bosphorus & visiting the Dolmabahçe Palace

If you have more time in Istanbul, one of the things I definitely recommend is a cruise on the Bosphorus. I indulged in a small group yacht cruise that included some drinks and snacks, information about the places we were cruising by and took us to the Asian side of Istanbul. I used Velena Cruises …

The Cats of Istanbul

I'm so happy to finally be writing about one of the most wonderful things about Istanbul - the cats. Avoiding them when visiting the city is impossible - they are everywhere. If anything, you've got to be careful not to step in one. And the most incredible thing is that while these cats would be …

The mystical experience of visiting Basilica Cistern in Istanbul

I never thought I would ever say in my life how a cistern became one of my favourite places to visit of all time. I was simply in awe whilst walking through the aisles of the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, so impressed with the way they managed to use and conserve a space that was …

Topkapi Palace & the Harem, the residence of Ottoman Sultans

Main entrance to the Topkapi Palace If there is something you should not skip in your visit to Istanbul, is the Topkapi Palace complex. This was the residence of lustful sultans, courtiers, concubines and eunuchs - all living and working within the complex between the 15th and 19th centuries. Mehmet the Conqueror started to build …