All about Istanbul: travel, sightseeing, shopping, cafes and hotels
With IstanbulPoints.com you can plan our trip to Istanbul — you can find all necessary information about historicsl places, museums, cafes and trips
Istanbul is beautiful city with a lot of history. The Byzantine and Ottoman cultures have influenced the city for centuries. The unique atmosphere and blue waters of Bosphorus, palaces and columns, churches and mosques, fortresses and museums — all this makes an unforgettable impression on the guests of the city. When traveling, discovering what makes a culture unique is part
» Read more
So you are going to visit Istanbul for the first time and not sure what to expect. You have never been to this part of the world or may be just have not been here for a long time. Let’s say you will come for 3, 4 or 5 days and you want to visit some museums, cafes, probably use
» Read more
If you’re visiting Istanbul, one of the primary locations to check out is definitely the Naval Museum. You can find it right near the Dolmabahce Palace, on the Bosphorus Strait Coast. What’s important to note is that the museum opened within the last 100 years, and they only had a couple of exhibits. At first, the museum was in the
» Read more
Bagdad Avenue located on the Asian side of Istanbul, is a popular street that captures the essence of daily life in the city. While places like Kadıköy and Moda are often recognized for their charm, Bagdad Avenue presents its own character and appeal. This street has become a destination for locals and visitors alike, lined with cafes, shops, and boutiques
» Read more
Kuzguncuk is a neighborhood rich in history and character. Known for its wooden houses, lively streets, and cultural sites, it stands out among Istanbul neighborhoods. As part of Istanbul’s historic districts, Kuzguncuk invites visitors to experience its heritage through its unique architecture, community spirit, and lasting traditions. Kuzguncuk, located in Istanbul’s Üsküdar district, is among the most beautiful Istanbul neighborhoods
» Read more
The Silk Road was a well-established trade route that originated in China, passed through numerous countries, crossed the Anatolian region, and extended into present-day Iran and Syria. It’s hard to imagine how traders and travelers managed such long journeys, but you can glimpse a small part of that world through one of its key features: caravanserais. Though these may seem
» Read more
Recently, it has become increasingly difficult to keep track of prices in Istanbul, and throughout Turkey. Ticket prices are regularly reviewed, some facilities are closed for restoration, and more and more new museums of various subjects are opening. Our list of prices for tickets to Istanbul museums will help you navigate and make a budget for your upcoming trip to
» Read more
Travelers today prefer walking on a par with locals — they are not afraid of traveling by public transport, visiting remote and less popular attractions, try new hiking trails and strange dishes of local cuisine. When planning a trip, more and more people prefer freedom of movement and independent walks. So many of us prefer to download convenient applications to
» Read more
Karakoy, formerly known as Galata, is a cultural hub situated in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul. It is scenically located north of the iconic Galata Bridge, at the intersection of the Golden Horn and the Bosporus. One of the oldest neighborhoods of Istanbul, Karaköy is now a major commercial and transport center. It is a thriving waterfront area featuring both
» Read more
Istanbul is packed with restaurants, cafes, and bars that are perfect for tourists to try out. While the city is filled with places to eat, only a select few restaurants received a prestigious Michelin Star for 2025. One of them even has two stars! If you visit this place you will understand why — perfect service, nice ambiance and fantastic
» Read more
May is a great time to visit Istanbul. Spring is in full bloom during the month, and the weather is warm, allowing you to explore the city that straddles the European and Asian continents. May is still considered part of Istanbul’s shoulder season, so you can avoid many of the tourists that descend on the city in the summer months.
» Read more
Istanbul surprises it’s guests throughout the year — it’s colourful and hot in summertime but thoughtful, windy, rainy or even snowy in winter! If you are looking for a place to spend your New Year’s holiday and to visit interesting museums — Istanbul can be a good choice! Especially the fact that all the palaces, mosques, museums and historical places
» Read more
Sometimes people think that the capital of Turkey is Istanbul. Because it’s the largest city in Turkey and the concentration of historical places in country. But in fact, the capital of Turkey is Ankara — city, known as Ancyra or Angora. Ankara: The Turkish capital and so much more You can be forgiven for thinking Istanbul is the capital of
» Read more
Büyükada is one of the most beautiful and green places near Istanbul. The biggest among Princes’ Islands, it has parks, beaches, hotels, restaurants, walking trackways, bicycle rental and another activities for guests. Here you can enjoy the beauty of nature among green trees with great sea view. Just take small backpack, choose the ferry which will bring you to Buyukada and
» Read more
Konya is one of the historic towns in Turkey with it’s own beautiful places to see. Seljuk Turkish Sultanate of Rum (1071 to 1275) had Konya as it’s capital. Konya is the home of the famous whirling dervish and the museum was founded by Mevlana Rumi. If you plan to visit Kappadokya take a chance and stop at Konya for one day trip. Try
» Read more
Istanbulkart (Istanbul Card) is city transport pass card and also a card which you can use to pay for many needs. For example, you can use Istanbulkart to pay in product shops an supermarkets, museum shops and some cafes, public WC’s. Istanbulcard is Istanbul Transportation Card. It’s absolutely worth to get an Istanbulkart while you travel in Istanbul: it will
» Read more
Turkish coffee isn’t like your normal coffee. There are some aspects of the popular Turkish drink that make it different to the cup of Joe you regularly drink. Despite its differences, Turkish coffee is a beverage you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to try on a holiday in Turkey. What makes Turkish coffee different than the coffee you typically drink is
» Read more
Ortakoy Mosque is one of the truly great landmarks found in Istanbul. Located on the shores of the Bosphorus River, Ortakoy Mosque provides visitors with a picturesque, relaxed setting. The famous mosque has a distinguished view of the Bosphorus Strait and tourists exploring the river via cruises can take in the religious building as they sail by. The mosque is
» Read more
Istanbul city is full of amazing historical attractions of Ottoman Empire and Byzantine times. At every part of this town there is a chance to find something interesting and amazing. Galata köprüsü or Galata bridge is one of the most recognizable symbols of Istanbul. Galata is an inique bridge which combine car road and pedestrian sidewalk with a lot of
» Read more
Anadolu Hisari Fortress and Küçüksu palace are two of Istanbul’s great tourist attractions. The two sites are within a short walking distance from each other, making it possible to explore them on the same day. The historic Istanbul venues are just a seven-minute walk away from one another. After exploring the Anadolu Hisari, a simple walk over to Küçüksu Kasrı
» Read more