istanbul – Istanbul Insider TV

Best Walking Routes of Istanbul

09/04/202209/04/2022Posted in Life, PlacesTagged üsküdar, bebek, blog, bosphorus, camlica, camlica hill, eminönü, eminonu, emirgan park, galataport, gülhane park, gulhane park, istanbul, istanbul blog, istanbul insider, istanbul walk, istanbul walking routes, istiklal avenue, istiklal street, karaköy, karakoy, kumpir, maiden’s tower, ortaköy, ortakoy, princes' islands, sarayburnu, spice bazaar, taksim, tulip festival, turkey, uskudar

Ortaköy is one of the most popular districts in Istanbul. It also has one of the best views of Bosphorus Bridge. You can walk around Ortaköy Mosque and enjoy eating Ortaköy’s famous dish; kumpir (staffed baked potato) at the coast. We recommend walking the coastline towards Bebek.

Stroll along Emirgan Park. With its walking tracks, restaurants, picnic areas, playgrounds, festivals and an amazing Bosphorus view through centuries old trees, Emirgan Park has everything you need for a sunny Istanbul afternoon. The park is especially lively during annual Tulip Festival, held in April each year.

Çamlıca Hill is one of the highest hills in Istanbul and has a breathtaking view. If you want to spend a day in a calm and green atmosphere Çamlıca Hill is the great choice.

Üsküdar coast walkway offers a great view of the famous Maiden’s Tower.

If you have plans to visit Topkapı Palace, make sure to have a walk in Gülhane Park and Sarayburnu coast afterwards.

Take a walk through the famous old bazaars of Istanbul in Eminönü district.

Walk down Istiklal Street to explore historical buildings like Narmanlı Han, Flower Passage…

Karaköy is one of the most historical districts in Istanbul. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists with its third wave coffee shops, art galleries, restaurants and cool designer shops.

Princes’ Islands is the perfect destination when you want to escape hustle of the city. Since they are car-free, they make the best place in İstanbul to explore on foot.

Shopping Malls in Istanbul

23/10/202106/01/2022Posted in Life, PlacesTagged Akasya Shopping Mall, Aqua Florya Shopping Mall, Özdilek Park Shopping Mall, blog, Buyaka Shopping Mall, Capitol Shopping Mall, Carousel Shopping Mall, Emaar Square Shopping Mall, Forum Istanbul Shopping Mall, Historia Shopping Mall, Isfanbul Shopping Mall, istanbul, istanbul blog, istanbul insider, istanbul malls, istanbul shopping malls, istanbul transportation, Istinye Park Shopping Mall, Kanyon Shopping Mall, mall, Mall of Istanbul, Marmara Forum Shopping Mall, Metrocity Shopping Mall, Optimum Outlet Mall, Sapphire Shopping Mall, shop, shopping malls, turkey, Venezia Mega Outlet, Viaport Asia Outlet Shopping Mall

EUROPEAN SIDE:
Mall Name	Location	Public Transportation
1- Cevahir Shopping Mall	Şişli View on map	M2 Metro Line Şişli Station
2- Özdilek Park Shopping Mall	Levent View on map	M2 Metro Line Levent Station
3- Metrocity Shopping Mall	Levent View on map	M2 Metro Line Levent Station
4- Kanyon Shopping Mall	Levent View on map	M2 Metro Line Levent Station
5- Sapphire Shopping Mall	4. Levent View on map	M2 Metro Line 4. Levent Station
6- Istinye Park Shopping Mall	İstinye View on map	M2 Metro Line İTÜ Station + Taxi
7- Vadi Istanbul Shopping Mall	Ayazağa View on map	M2 Metro Line Seyrantepe Station
8- Historia Shopping Mall	Fatih View on map	M1 Metro Line Aksaray Station
9- Forum Istanbul Shopping Mall	Bayrampaşa View on map	M1 Metro Line Kocatepe Station
10- Marmara Forum Shopping Mall	Zeytinburnu View on map	M1 Metro or T1 Tram Line Zeytinburnu Station
11- Olivium Outlet Center	Zeytinburnu View on map	Marmaray Line Kazlıçeşme Station
12- Carousel Shopping Mall	Bakırköy View on map	Marmaray Line Bakırköy Station
13- Aqua Florya Shopping Mall	Florya View on map	Marmaray Line Florya Akvaryum Station
14- Venezia Mega Outlet	Küçükköy View on map	M7 Metro Line Karadeniz Mah. Station
15- Isfanbul Shopping Mall	Alibeyköy View on map	M7 Metro Line Akşemsettin Station
16- Mall of Istanbul	İkitelli View on map	Taxi
ASIAN SIDE:
17- Capitol Shopping Mall	Altunizade View on map	M5 Metro Line Bağlarbaşı Station
18- Akasya Shopping Mall	Acıbadem View on map	M4 Metro Line Ünalan Station
19- Emaar Square Shopping Mall	Ünalan View on map	M4 Metro Line Göztepe Station
20- Buyaka Shopping Mall + Meydan Istanbull Mall	Ümraniye View on map	M5 Metro Line Ihlamurkuyu Station
21- Optimum Outlet Mall	Kozyatağı View on map	M4 Metro Line Kozyatağı Station
22- Viaport Asia Outlet Shopping Mall	Pendik View on map	Taxi

Istiklal Avenue

18/09/202106/01/2022Posted in PlacesTagged beyoglu, blog, galata, istanbul, istanbul blog, istanbul insider, istiklal, istiklal avenue, istiklal street, museum of illusions istanbul, taksim, tram, turkey

Istiklal Avenue is one of the best places to see and feel the spirit of İstanbul. It is a pedestrian street located in Beyoğlu district; between Taksim Square and Galata and a great attraction for tourists and a favourite meeting spot for locals. That is why it is almost always filled with crowds.

With its modern shops located in 19th century Neo Classical and Art Nouveau buildings and nostalgic trams actively carrying passengers up and down the street all day; Istiklal is a spot where you can witness the fusion of old and new in İstanbul.

Here are some spots you shouldn’t miss:

Museum of Illusions, Madame Tussauds, Historical Çiçek (Flower) Passage, Saint-Antoine Church, Church of the Holy Trinity, Pera Museum, historic Atlas and Beyoğlu Cinemas. A ride on the Nostalgic Tram is also highly recommended. From art galleries, historical buildings and churches to lively cafes, restaurants, shops and cinemas İstiklal Avenue has it all. So make sure you make a visit and enjoy both the culture and liveliness of the city.

Istanbul Grand Bazaar & Old Local Markets

26/08/202106/01/2022Posted in Life, PlacesTagged blog, covered bazaar, eminonu, grand bazaar, istanbul, istanbul bazaar, istanbul blog, istanbul insider, istanbul old market, istanbul shops, kapalicarsi, mahmutpasa bazaar, spice bazaar, turkey

The Grand Bazaar (Covered Bazaar)

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 3,000 shops which attract between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily.

Mahmutpaşa Bazaar

Mahmutpasa Bazaar is a shopping street in Istanbul, Turkey. It is located in the area between The Grand Bazaar and Eminönü. This market area, with copious small shops on both sides of the main street, is a symbol of cheap shopping in Istanbul. The bazaar hosts 256 shops.

The Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar)

The Spice Bazaar is one of the largest bazaars in the city. It is the most famous covered shopping complex after the Grand Bazaar. Spice Bazaar has a total of 85 shops selling spices, Turkish delight and other sweets, jewelry, souvenirs, and dried fruits and nuts.

Eminönü

This is the heart of the walled city, the focus of a history of incredible richness. Eminönü covers roughly the area on which the ancient Byzantium was built. The Galata Bridge crosses the Golden Horn into Eminönü and the mouth of the Bosphorus opens into the Marmara Sea.

Istanbul Museums & Places for Families & Kids (UPDATED: Summer 2022)

05/08/202104/05/2022Posted in Museums, PlacesTagged beyoglu, beşiktaş, blog, chocolate museum, golden horn museums, isfanbul, isfanbul theme park, istanbul, istanbul aquarium, istanbul blog, istanbul golden horn museums, istanbul insider, istanbul maritime museum, istanbul museum fees, istanbul museums, istanbul museums entrance fees, istanbul museums information, istanbul museums location, istanbul museums maps, istanbul museums visiting days, istanbul museums visiting hours, istanbul naval museum, istiklal avenue, istiklal street, madame tussauds, madame tussauds istanbul, maritime museum, miniaturk, miniaturk museum, museum, museum of illusions, museum of illusions istanbul, museum pass card, museum pass card istanbul, naval museum, panorama 1453, panorama 1453 museum, pelit chocolate museum, rahmi koç museum, sea life aquarium, taksim, theme park, turkey

1- Miniaturk (Miniature Turkey Museum)
Location:	Sütlüce, Golden Horn
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours (Winter):	09:00 – 19:00 (9:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	90 TL

2- Rahmi Koç Museum
Location:	Hasköy, Golden Horn
Closed Days:	Mondays
Visiting Hours (Winter):	11:00 – 17:30 (11:00 A.M. – 5:30 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	90 TL

3- Panorama 1453 History Museum
Location:	Topkapı
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours (Winter):	08:00 – 18:00 (08:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	80 TL

4- Vialand Theme Park
Location:	Yeşilpınar, Alibeyköy
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours (Winter):	10:00 – 18:00 (10:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	750 TL

5- Sea Life Aquarium
Location:	Forum Istanbul Shopping Mall
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours (Winter):	10:00 – 20:00 (10:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	230 TL

6- Istanbul Aquarium
Location:	Aqua Florya Shopping Mall
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours (Winter):	10:00 – 19:00 (10:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	275 TL

7- Pelit Chocolate Factory & Museum
Location:	Esenyurt
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours (Winter):	10:00 – 17:00 (10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	60 TL

8- Museum of IllusIons (Istanbul Istiklal)
Location:	Istiklal Avenue
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours (Winter):	11:00 – 20:00 (11:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	185 TL

9- Madame Tussauds Istanbul
Location:	Istiklal Avenue
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours (Winter):	11:00 – 19:00 (11:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	210 TL

10- Naval Museum
Location:	Beşiktaş
Closed Days:	Mondays
Visiting Hours (Winter):	09:00 – 17:00 (9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	25 TL

Istanbul Museums – Entry Fees & Visiting Hours & Location Information – Asian Side Museums (UPDATED: Summer 2022)

05/08/202104/05/2022Posted in Museums, PlacesTagged anatolian side, asian side, beykoz, beykoz museums, beylerbeyi, beylerbeyi palace, blog, camlica tower, istanbul, istanbul asian side museums, istanbul blog, istanbul insider, istanbul museum fees, istanbul museums, istanbul museums entrance fees, istanbul museums information, istanbul museums location, istanbul museums maps, istanbul museums visiting days, istanbul museums visiting hours, kucuksı palace, kucuksı pavilion, kızkulesi, maidens tower, mecidiye palace, mecidiye pavilion, museum, museum pass card, turkey, uskudar, uskudar museums

1- Beylerbeyi Palace
Location:	Beylerbeyi, Üsküdar
Closed Days:	Mondays
Visiting Hours (Winter):	09:00 – 18:00 (9:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Valid
Entrance Fee:	90 TL

2- Küçüksu Pavilion
Location:	Göksu, Beykoz
Closed Days:	Mondays
Visiting Hours (Winter):	09:00 – 18:00 (9:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Valid
Entrance Fee:	40 TL

3- Beykoz Mecidiye Pavilion
Location:	Beykoz
Closed Days:	Mondays
Visiting Hours (Winter):	09:00 – 18:00 (9:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Valid
Entrance Fee:	40 TL

4- Maiden’s Tower
Location:	Salacak, Üsküdar
Closed Days:	Museum is closed (Renovation)
Visiting Hours (Winter):	*
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	*

5- Çamlıca Tower
Location:	Çamlıca
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours (Winter):	10:00 – 22:00 (10:00 A.M. – 10:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	200 TL

Istanbul Museums – Entry Fees & Visiting Hours & Location Information – Beyoglu, Taksim Museums (UPDATED: Summer 2022)

05/08/202104/05/2022Posted in Museums, PlacesTagged beyoglu, beyoglu museums, blog, galata, galata mevlevi house, galata museums, galata tower, galata tower istanbul, istanbul, istanbul blog, istanbul insider, istanbul museum fees, istanbul museums, istanbul museums entrance fees, istanbul museums information, istanbul museums location, istanbul museums maps, istanbul museums visiting days, istanbul museums visiting hours, istiklal avenue, istiklal street, madame tussauds, madame tussauds istanbul, museum, museum of illusions, museum of illusions istanbul, museum pass card, taksim, taksim museums, turkey1 Comment

1- Galata Mevlevi House Museum
Location:	Şişhane
Closed Days:	Mondays
Visiting Hours (Winter):	09:00 – 20:00 (9:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Valid
Entrance Fee:	40 TL

2- Museum of Illusions
Location:	Istiklal Avenue
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours (Winter):	11:00 – 20:00 (11:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	185 TL

3- Madame Tussauds
Location:	Istiklal Avenue
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours (Winter):	1100 – 19:00 (11:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	210 TL

4- Galata Tower
Location:	Galata, Beyoğlu
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours (Winter):	08:30 – 23:00 (8:30 A.M. – 11:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Valid
Entrance Fee:	130 TL

Istanbul Museums – Entry Fees & Visiting Hours & Location Information – Golden Horn Museums (UPDATED: Summer 2022)

01/08/202104/05/2022Posted in Museums, PlacesTagged aynalikavak palace, blog, chora church, fethiye mosque, golden horn museums, halic, halic museums, haskoy, haskoy museum, istanbul, istanbul blog, istanbul fatih museums, istanbul golden horn museums, istanbul insider, istanbul museum fees, istanbul museums, istanbul museums entrance fees, istanbul museums information, istanbul museums location, istanbul museums maps, istanbul museums visiting days, istanbul museums visiting hours, kariye mosque, maslak pavilions, miniaturk, miniaturk museum, museum, museum pass card, pammakaristos church, panorama 1453, panorama 1453 museum, rahmi koç museum, sutluce, sutluce museums, tekfur palace, topkapı, turkeyLeave a comment

1- Rahmi Koç Museum
Location:	Hasköy, Golden Horn
Closed Days:	Mondays
Visiting Hours (Winter):	11:00 – 17:30 (11:00 A.M. – 5:30 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	90 TL

2- Aynalıkavak Pavilion
Location:	Hasköy, Golden Horn
Closed Days:	Mondays
Visiting Hours (Winter):	09:00 – 18:00 (9:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Valid
Entrance Fee:	40 TL

3- Miniaturk (Miniature Turkey Museum)
Location:	Sütlüce, Golden Horn
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours (Winter):	09:00 – 19:00 (9:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	90 TL

4- Panorama 1453 History Museum
Location:	Topkapı
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours (Winter):	08:00 – 18:00 (08:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	80 TL

5- Pammakaristos Church / Fethiye Mosque
Location:	Fatih, Çarşamba
Closed Days:	Museum is closed for renovation
Visiting Hours:	*
Museum Pass Card:	Valid
Entrance Fee:	*

7- Kariye Mosque / Chora Church
Location:	Edirnekapı, Fatih
Closed Days:	Museum is closed for renovation
Visiting Hours:	*
Museum Pass Card:	*
Entrance Fee:	*

8- Tekfur Palace
Location:	Edirnekapı, Fatih
Closed Days:	Mondays
Visiting Hours (Winter):	09:00 – 17:00 (9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	24 TL

Istanbul Museums – Entry Fees & Visiting Hours & Location Information – Bosphorus Museums (UPDATED: Summer 2022)

22/07/202104/05/2022Posted in Museums, PlacesTagged blog, dolmabahçe museum, dolmabahçe palace museum, istanbul, istanbul blog, istanbul insider, istanbul maritime museum, istanbul military museum, istanbul museum fees, istanbul museums, istanbul museums beşiktaş, istanbul museums bosphorus, istanbul museums entrance fees, istanbul museums information, istanbul museums location, istanbul museums maps, istanbul museums visiting days, istanbul museums visiting hours, istanbul museums şişli, istanbul naval museum, maritime museum, maslak pavilions, museum, museum pass card, museum pass card istanbul, national palaces painting museum, naval museum, painting museum, palace collection museum, rumeli fortress, rumelian castle, turkey, yıldız museum, yıldız palace, yıldız parkLeave a comment

1- Dolmabahçe Palace Museum
Location:	Dolmabahçe
Closed Days:	Mondays
Visiting Hours (Winter):	09:00 – 18:00 (9:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:
Dolmabahçe Palace Selamlık + Harem + Painting Museum (Combined Ticket)	300 TL

2- National Palaces Painting Museum
Location:	Beşiktaş
Closed Days:	Mondays
Visiting Hours (Winter):	09:00 – 18:00 (9:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	90 TL

3- Palace Collections Museum
Location:	Beşiktaş
Closed Days:	Mondays
Visiting Hours (Winter):	09:00 – 18:00 (9:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Valid
Entrance Fee:	40 TL

4- Naval Museum
Location:	Beşiktaş
Closed Days:	Mondays
Visiting Hours (Winter):	09:00 – 17:00 (9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	25 TL

5- Yıldız Palace
Location:	Beşiktaş, Yıldız Park
Closed Days:	Museum is closed for restoration
Visiting Hours:	*
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	*

6- Ihlamur Pavilions
Location:	Teşvikiye, Şişli
Closed Days:	Mondays
Visiting Hours (Winter):	09:00 – 18:00 (9:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	40 TL

7- Military Museum
Location:	Harbiye, Şişli
Closed Days:	Mondays
Visiting Hours (Winter):	09:00 – 16:30 (9:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	25 TL

8- Rumeli Fortress Museum
Location:	Rumelihisarı, Bosphorus
Closed Days:	Mondays
Visiting Hours (Winter):	09:00 – 18:30 (9:00 A.M. – 6:30 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Valid
Entrance Fee:	40 TL

9- Maslak Pavilions
Location:	Maslak
Closed Days:	Mondays
Visiting Hours (Winter):	09:00 – 18:00 (9:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Valid
Entrance Fee:	40 TL

Istanbul Museums – Entry Fees & Visiting Hours & Location Information – Old Town Museums (UPDATED: Summer 2022)

15/07/202104/05/2022Posted in Museums, PlacesTagged basilica cistern, blog, Carpet Museum, hagia irene museum, istanbul, istanbul Archaeology Museums, istanbul blog, istanbul insider, istanbul museum fees, istanbul museums, istanbul museums entrance fees, istanbul museums information, istanbul museums location, istanbul museums maps, istanbul museums old city, istanbul museums old town, istanbul museums sultanahmet, istanbul museums visiting days, istanbul museums visiting hours, museum, museum pass card, museum pass card istanbul, The Museum of Great Palace Mosaics, Theodosius Cistern, topkapi palace, turkey, Turkish and Islamic Arts MuseumLeave a comment

1- Topkapı Palace Museum
Location:	Sultanahmet
Closed Days:	Tuesdays
Visiting Hours (Winter):	09:00 – 18:00 (9:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Valid (Except Harem section)
Note:	Separate Harem ticket is 150 TL
Entrance Fees:
Topkapı Palace & Hagia Irene (Combined Ticket):	320 TL
Topkapı Palace & Hagia Irene & Harem (Combined Ticket)	420 TL

2- Hagia Irene
Location:	Sultanahmet, Topkapı Palace
Closed Days:	Tuesdays
Visiting Hours (Winter):	09:00 – 18:00 (9:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	120 TL

3- Istanbul Archaeological Museums
Location:	Sultanahmet, Gülhane Park
Closed Days:	Mondays
Visiting Hours (Winter):	09:00 – 20:00 (9:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Valid
Entrance Fee:	75 TL

4- Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam
Location:	Sultanahmet, Gülhane Park
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours (Winter):	09:00 – 20:00 (9:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Valid
Entrance Fee:	40 TL

5- Basilica Cistern
Location:	Sultanahmet
Closed Days:	Museum is closed for renovation
Visiting Hours (Winter):	*
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	*

6- Şerefiye Cistern (Theodosius Cistern)
Location:	Sultanahmet
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours (Winter):	09:00 – 19:00 (9:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Not Valid
Entrance Fee:	150 TL

7- Museum Of Turkish And Islamic Arts
Location:	Sultanahmet Square
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours (Winter):	09:00 – 20:00 (9:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Valid
Entrance Fee:	75 TL

8- Great Palace Mosaics Museum
Location:	Sultanahmet, Arasta Bazaar
Closed Days:	Open everyday
Visiting Hours (Winter):	09:00 – 20:00 (9:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.)
Museum Pass Card:	Valid
Entrance Fee:	45 TL