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]]>Hagia Sophia
No visit to Istanbul is complete without stepping into the Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Originally built as a cathedral in the 6th century, it was later converted into a mosque and now serves as a museum. The Hagia Sophia is a testament to Istanbul’s rich and diverse history.
The Grand Bazaar
For a taste of Istanbul’s vibrant market culture, the Grand Bazaar is a great stop. One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, it’s easy to go into sensory overload here. There are hundreds of shops to explore. As you wander through the labyrinth of streets, you’ll find everything from hand-painted ceramics and lanterns to spices, jewelry, and Turkish textiles.
Bosphorus Strait
This narrow, natural strait not only separates Europe and Asia but also offers some of the best views of the city. For a fun activity, consider taking a cruise to see all of Istanbul’s most famous sights from the water.
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]]>The post Top 3 Neighborhoods to Explore During Your First Visit to Istanbul, Turkey appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Sultanahmet
Sultanahmet neighborhood is usually the place most tourists go to first. Considered the historical part of the town, it features an intriguing mix of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman architecture, as well as some of the city’s best shops and restaurants. Here, you’ll find the majority of Istanbul’s famous tourist attractions, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace.
Taksim
Taksim is dubbed as the commercial center of Istanbul. Offering a more modern feel than Sultanahmet, the neighborhood is full of shops, restaurants, bars, hotels, and cultural institutions. The list of its most prominent tourist attractions includes Dolmabahce Palace, Galata Tower, St. Anthony of Padua church, and a large number of traditional hammams and Turkish baths.
Kadikoy
Located in the Asian part of Istanbul, Kadikoy offers a slightly more unique experience for visitors. The neighborhood is especially famous for its markets that sell local food and spices, handmade souvenirs, vintage clothes, and accessories. You’ll also be able to explore intriguing mosques and churches, see unusual landmarks, and enjoy live performances from street musicians while here.
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]]>Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast, known as “kahvalti,” at a local cafe. Sip on some tea while you enjoy a spread of cheeses, olives, bread, and eggs.
@sali_mamutchadze The best place for Turkish Breakfast in Istanbul #turkeytravel #traveltiktok #traveltips101 #istanbulturkey #IstanbulTravel #turkishbreakfast ♬ original sound – bestspedup
Next, head to the iconic Blue Mosque, a beautiful example of Ottoman architecture. Make sure to dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering.
From there, walk over to the Hagia Sophia, a historic museum and former mosque. Marvel at the stunning mosaics and learn about the building’s fascinating history.
For lunch, grab a quick bite from one of Istanbul’s many street vendors or head to a local restaurant for some kebabs and meze.
In the afternoon, wander through the vibrant Grand Bazaar and indulge in some shopping. From colorful textiles to intricate ceramics, you’re sure to find the perfect souvenir.
@istanbulexplore Step into the vibrant past of Balat 
Have you ever heard of Balat neighborhood?
@darling_traveler
Balat, Istanbul #balat #istanbul #turkey #türkiye #visitistanbul #UnlimitedHPInk ♬ Gizli Aşk – RadyoTikTok
End your day with a sunset cruise along the Bosphorus, offering stunning views of the city skyline and iconic landmarks.
Of course, there is so much more to explore in Istanbul, but this 24-hour itinerary will give you a taste of the city’s rich culture and history. Get excited and ready to experience the magic of Istanbul in just one day!
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]]>The post Don’t Miss Out on These Amazing Hidden Gems in Istanbul, Turkey appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>In case you don’t have enough time to look for them yourself, here are some of the best-hidden gems in Istanbul that you shouldn’t miss out on while visiting.
Belgrad Forest
Situated next to the Black Sea, Belgrad Forest is a perfect spot if you want to escape the busy inner city. You’ll get to enjoy lush green trees, calming walking trails, and have an opportunity to take part in outdoor activities like ATV safari. Or, you can simply pick out a nice-looking spot and have a relaxing picnic.
Nevmekan Sahil
Istanbul definitely doesn’t have a shortage of libraries, but Nevmekan Sahil has to be one of the most intriguing ones. The library’s building features a combination of traditional and modern architecture that gives it a unique look. It is also a multi-functional space, housing café, art gallery, and study space. This is a great place to meet the locals, as tourists rarely come here.
Rustem Pasha Mosque
Rustem Pasha Mosque is far from Istanbul’s most famous mosque, but many believe it is definitely the most beautiful one. Designed by famous Ottoman imperial architect Mimar Sinan, the small mosque is notable for its remarkable Iznik tiling that covers the majority of the interior and features 80 different patterns.
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]]>The post 3 Classic Ancient Cities to Visit in Europe appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Athens, Greece
One city that deserves a top spot on your bucket list is Athens, Greece. Known as the cradle of Western civilization, Athens boasts iconic landmarks like the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Wander through the ancient ruins and immerse yourself in the birthplace of democracy.
Rome, Italy
Another must-visit destination is Rome, Italy. With its impressive ruins, such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, Rome offers a glimpse into the glory of the mighty Roman Empire. Lose yourself in the narrow streets of the historic center, enjoy mouthwatering Italian cuisine, and toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain for good luck.
(@gmarcod91)Istanbul, Turkey
Don’t forget about Istanbul, Turkey, a city that straddles Europe and Asia. With its blend of Eastern and Western influences, Istanbul mesmerizes visitors with its stunning mosques, bustling bazaars, and enchanting palaces.
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]]>The post The Grand Bazaar: A Shopper’s Paradise in Istanbul, Turkey appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>As you step through the ornate entrance, you’re immediately transported into a world of sensory overload. The narrow alleys are lined with countless shops, each offering an array of treasures. From intricately woven carpets and handcrafted ceramics to gleaming jewelry and luxurious textiles, the Grand Bazaar has it all.
Wandering through the maze-like corridors, you’ll encounter friendly shopkeepers eager to showcase their wares. They’ll entice you with colorful displays, inviting you to explore their collections. Don’t be afraid to haggle and negotiate; it’s all part of the game. Bargaining is an art form here, and it adds an extra thrill to your shopping experience.
The Grand Bazaar is not just about shopping; it’s also a window into Istanbul’s rich history. The market dates back to the 15th century, and its ancient walls whisper tales of centuries past. Allow yourself to get lost in the stories as you browse through traditional Turkish crafts and antiquities.
Make sure to take breaks along the way and indulge in the delicious flavors of Istanbul. Pause at a charming tea house tucked away in a hidden corner of the market. Sip on a steaming cup of Turkish tea and savor the taste of sweet pastries, baklava, or Turkish delight. Let the bustling atmosphere and tantalizing aromas engulf your senses.
Beyond the bustling stalls and vibrant atmosphere, the Grand Bazaar is a place to connect with the heart and soul of Istanbul. It’s a microcosm of the city itself, where East meets West and tradition intertwines with modernity. Embrace the diversity of cultures and traditions that converge in this lively market.
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]]>Marvel at the Grandeur of Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace served as the center of the Ottoman Empire for over 400 years. These days, it’s a museum where you can explore opulent gardens, grand courtyards, and ornately decorated ceremonial rooms and view an extensive collection of artifacts and treasures. Don’t miss it.
Get Lost in the Winding Streets of the Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is one of the world’s oldest covered markets still functioning today. This bustling bazaar has over 4,000 shops and is the perfect place to purchase some souvenirs to take home. Haggling with the sellers is encouraged.
Sample Traditional Turkish Food in Taksim Square
After all that walking, you’ll be hungry. Turkish cuisine is some of the most delicious food on the planet. Head to the area around Taksim Square to sample authentic Turkish food alongside the locals. You’ve got to taste kebabs, kofte, lahmacun, borek, and a traditional Turkish breakfast.
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]]>The post Don’t Fall For These Common Tourist Scams in Istanbul, Turkey appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>To make sure this isn’t the case, check out some of the most common tourist scams in Istanbul.
Free Food and Drinks
In some bars, coffee shops, and restaurants, you might be welcomed with a complimentary drink or snacks on the table. Then, when you want to pay the bill, you will discover that it isn’t complimentary and that you need to pay for it. That’s why you should always ask if it will cost you extra, and don’t eat or drink “complementary” offerings until you know for sure they are free.
Shoe Cleaner’s Brush
Most shoe cleaners in Istanbul are honest people doing their job. However, there are some that will try to scam you with a sophisticated technique. They will walk in front of you, and it will seem they dropped their brush. Being a kind stranger, you will pick it up and return it to them. As soon as you do that, they will sit down and start cleaning your shoes. You will believe this is their way of thanking you, but it isn’t. They will ask for a cleaning fee after and can get quite loud about it.
Friendly Local
If you are walking alone and look like a tourist, you might get approached by a local who will act super friendly. They will start chatting with you, telling you that you seem like a cool person, and invite you for a drink in the nearby bar. But if you accept, you will most likely be served with a bill that is way pricier than it should be, and the staff and your “friend” will try to pressure you into paying it.
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]]>The post This Turkish Hotel is a Haven for Baklava Lovers appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>These days, baklava filled with pistachios, walnuts, and even hazelnuts can be found in many cafes and markets around the Middle East and parts of Europe like Greece and Turkey where the origin of the sweet treat is still claimed by both countries.
A place well worth visiting for any baklava enthusiast is the Shangri-La Bosphorus in Istanbul. The name derives from the fictional utopian location in the novel Lost Horizon, and it truly is an earthly paradise for those who adore baklava.
Those who stay at the Shangri-La on the Bosporus Strait are entitled to their own Baklava Butler. Upon arrival, guests receive an ornate key to redeem the exclusive service which involves a butler serving a portion of speciality baklava alongside traditional Maraş ice-cream.
The baklava is made at the Karaköy Güllüoglu bakery in the city of Gaziantep which is known as the birthplace of baklava. The bakery has been family-run for 5 generations.
The butler program has now expanded to include a tour of the bakery so guests can see first-hand how the sweet treat is made.
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]]>The post 4 Tips for the Best Shopping Experience at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Don’t Forget to Haggle
Haggling is an activity enjoyed by both sellers and buyers at Grand Bazaar. Don’t rush to pay the first price you are given and instead try to knock it down. If they start too high for your taste, you start too low, and you can meet in the middle. Maybe you managed to find a seller in a good mood and ended up with some great things for cheap.
Visit in the Morning
Grand Bazaar opens its doors at 9 AM, and you should look to visit around that time for various reasons. The most important one is that you won’t have to go through crowds and will have enough time (and space) to really explore it. Also, the sellers will tend to give you better prices in order to start the day with a sale.
Don’t Buy the First Thing You See
There are close to 4,000 shops in Grand Bazaar, so you shouldn’t buy the first thing you see. There is a good chance you’ll find it cheaper or better somewhere else. Also, being patient will help you not to save money.
Know When to Say No
Sellers can be really pushy and might try to trick you into buying things you don’t want or don’t need. Don’t crack under pressure, and learn to say no. Buy on your own terms, and don’t forget to have fun.
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