James Joyce, the Only Irish Pub in Istanbul

November 10, 2008

The James Joyce Irish Pub is the only authentic Irish bar in Istanbul. It has been around for years and has become an integral part of the Istanbul bar scene. With daily live music, sports TV nights, folkdance lessons and easy listening music during the day, the Irish Centre is a great place to socialize […]

Read the full article →

The Secret of the Bodrum Cafe & Restaurant in Sultanahmet

November 7, 2008

After visiting main tourist attractions such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque or Topkapi Palace and before descending into the Basilica Cistern or heading to the Grand Bazaar, people often end up in the Sultan Pub for a refreshing drink. Not surprising, given its location. It’s the first pub you come across on Divanyolu […]

Read the full article →

Leb-i Derya Is Not Your Regular Istanbul Bar with a View

November 4, 2008

Leb-i Derya is one of the first rooftop bars and restaurants – 5. Kat was the pioneer – and still ranks among my favorite establishments in Istanbul. It’s simply hard to beat its marvelous views over Istanbul. In 2007 they opened up their second branch on the sixth floor of the Richmond hotel, but I’ll […]

Read the full article →

Enjoy Meze and Rakı like the Locals in the Nevizade Meyhane

November 2, 2008

If you want to enjoy a typical Turkish dinner consisting of mezes (Turkish starters) accompanied by one or more glasses of rakı (Turkish national anise-flavored spirit), then head for one of the meyhanes (casual restaurant) in Nevizade Sokak. And although you really can’t go wrong with any of the eateries there, my favorite is the […]

Read the full article →

The Grand Bazaar – Maze or Oriental Feast?

October 27, 2008

A trip to Istanbul is not complete without a visit to the Grand Bazaar. But hold your horses. Without proper advice, what is supposed to be a great oriental bargain hunt may become a big disillusion at best, or even a small nightmare. When to Visit the Grand Bazaar Morning or Evening –The truth of […]

Read the full article →

The Grand Bazaar – Video Gallery

October 23, 2008

The Grand Bazaar in the historical part of Istanbul is an intriguing maze of over 4.000 shops. Below you’ll find a fair impression it. There are two versions available: a YouTube version (smaller in size) and a WVM version (bigger in size). The length of both movies is the same: 2:48 min. Enjoy! YouTube Version […]

Read the full article →

How to Prepare For the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul, World’s Oldest and Biggest Covered Market

October 19, 2008

The Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı), built in the 15th century, is the oldest covered market in the world. Covering an area of 54.653 square meters, it also still ranks as one of the world’s biggest covered markets. In other words, keep on reading if you want to be prepared before entering this maze of 56 […]

Read the full article →

Rumeli Café and Mozaik Serve Ottoman Dishes, With or Without a Mediterranean Twist

October 14, 2008

Rumeli Café and Mozaik are two restaurants in Sultanahmet, located in the historical part of Istanbul, that stand out of the crowd for several reasons. First of all they don’t (falsely) promise you a terrace with a supposedly great view, but instead offer a nice, relaxing atmosphere. And most importantly, they both offer a wide […]

Read the full article →

Don’t Miss the Exquisite Kebaps of the Hamdi Restaurant

October 11, 2008

If you’re a carnivore, you should at least eat once in The Hamdi Restaurant (Hamdi Et Lokantası). Located on Eminönü Square, close to the New Mosque (Yeni Camii) and more or less next to the Spice Bazaar, this restaurant has turned grilling meat into an art. Combined with a panoramic view of the Golden Horn, […]

Read the full article →

Sultanahmet – Video Gallery

October 7, 2008

The Sultanahmet neighborhood, located in the historical part of Istanbul, is the focal point of first time visitors to Istanbul. Below you’ll find a fair impression it. There are two versions available: a YouTube version (smaller in size) and a WVM version (bigger in size). The length of both movies is the same: 2:59 min. […]

Read the full article →

← Previous Entries

Next Entries →