Region: Istanbul

Hidden among the winding streets of ancient Istanbul, Rüstem Paşa Mosque is fine example of Ottoman architecture and Iznik tilework from the golden age of the Ottoman Period.

Built into Constantinople’s outer walls as a royal Byzantine residence, the Tekfur Palace went on to become a brothel, zoo, and most famously a workshop producing Turkey’s famous painted ceramics.

Once the site of Constantine the Great’s tomb and a Byzantine Church, Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror built a symbol of Ottoman rule by replacing it with a grand mosque and sultans tomb.

Full or art galleries, cafes, and bookshops, Kuzguncuk is the quaintest, greenest, and best-preserved piece of classic Istanbul you can hope to find.

Eyüp Sultan is one of Turkey’s most sacred places with grand tombs, mausoleums, and mosques, sitting just below the Hill of Pierre Loti, named after a lovestruck French novelist.

With a magnificent view of the city of Istanbul, Süleymaniye Mosque is Istanbul’s greatest and a model of the Ottoman mosque perfected.

Set in a gap in the old city walls, the Istanbul Pigeon Market is a strange yet fascinating glimpse into the popular Turkish hobby of pigeon keeping.

The crowded streets of Galata and Istiklal Avenue are home to the best of Turkish dining, shopping, and people watching. Tucked in the midst of all that are some great cultural and historical sights that every visitor to Istanbul should see.

A weird metro station in the middle of a body of water with a great view of historic Istanbul and even the odd dolphin dodging the water traffic

“The Light of Osman”, an Istanbul mosque that signified a new era of Ottoman architecture profoundly influenced by the Baroque and Rococo styles of Europe.

A theme park with over a hundred of Turkey’s greatest architectural wonders (and a couple less amazing ones) in miniature!

Home to one of Istanbul’s most iconic and beautiful views Ortaköy is famed for great food, charming streets, stunning views, and, oddly, waffles and baked potatoes.

The resident Art of Wayfaring hamam connoiseurs review of Aziziye Turkish Bath in Kadıköy, on Istanbul’s Asian side.

Üsküdar, on Istanbul’s Asian shore, is a neighbourhood of sea views, grand mosques, fish markets, and Ottoman inspired cafes; away from the tourist hubs it’s an glimpse of classic Istanbul.

Your 24 hour guide to visit to Istanbul, the Queen of Cities. Visit churches and mosques, eat ethnic foods, shop your wallet dry, and see the city from it’s best perspective before unwinding with a Turkish bath or some local entertainment.

Your 72 hour guide to visit to Istanbul, the Queen of Cities. Visit churches and mosques, eat ethnic foods, shop your wallet dry, and see the city from it’s best perspective before unwinding with a Turkish bath and some local entertainment.

Towering over the city of Istanbul, Büyük Çamlıca Mosque, Turkey’s largest, is a masterpiece of neo-Ottoman architecture and a symbol of modern Turkey and its ties to the past.

The resident Art of Wayfaring hamam connoiseurs review of Çarşı Hamamı in Istanbul’s Kadıköy neighborhood.

A unique chance to learn about the history and culture of the Jews in Turkey and an opportunity to visit an active Turkish synagogue.

A museum built on the very point it commemorates, the 1453 Panorama Museum is a celebration of Sultan Fatih Mehmet and his defeat of the Byzantines by taking the great city of Constantinople.

A 16th century mosque built by Mimar Sinan on the shores of Üsküdar in Istanbul with a royal love triangle for a backstory.

Full of deep history, great food, classic Istanbul streets, and some of the city’s most unique sights, Fener and Balat are Istanbul’s best kept secrets!

Built as a mosque and madrasah, Şemsipaşa is a miniature of the classical Ottoman religious complex, designed by Mimar Sinan and perched on the banks of the Bosporus.

Every year in April Istanbul is filled with the beautiful sights and smells of spring as the annual Tulip Festival fills the city with Turkey’s favourite flower.

The resident Art of Wayfaring hamam connoiseurs review of Atik Valide Turkish Bath in Üsküdar

The resident Art of Wayfaring hamam connoiseurs review of Büyük Hamam in Istanbul

The resident Art of Wayfaring Turkish Bath connoisseurs review of Şifa Hamam in Üsküdar

The last great Ottoman mosque built in the heart of Istanbul designed with a unique blend of architectural traditions from India to northern Europe.

The resident Art of Wayfaring hamam connoisseurs review of Tahta Minare Turkish Bath in Balat

A museum of Ottoman calligraphy and prayer beads, made from mammoth tusk, jewels, and other rare materials.

A Bulgarian Orthodox Church built completely of cast iron, designed by an Armenian, built in Austria, and assembled on the banks of the Golden Horn in Istanbul.

Istanbul’s Top Ten are famous for good reason. Here’s why no trip to Istanbul is complete without seeing these sights first!

With its magnificent mosaics, frescoes, and book-matched marble paneled walls this former church is a gallery of Byzantine fine art.

Yeni Valide Mosque in Üsküdar, Istanbul is an early 18th century mosque built in a grand architectural style with beautifully ornate detail.

A nostalgic café serving traditional drinks. If you’re going to try boza this is the place to do it!

As the spiritual centre of the Orthodox community, the Ecumenical Patriarchate is one of the most important places and institutions in Christianity.

Şehzadebaşı Mosque is an architectural masterpiece designed by renowned court architect Mimar Sinan during the golden age of Ottoman wealth and power in the heart of Istanbul.

The resident Art of Wayfaring Turkish Bath connoiseurs give their review of Çinili Hamamı in Üsküdar

A unique collection including a 16th century galley, royal caiques, rowboats, cannons, figureheads and other Naval artifacts in Beşiktaş, Istanbul.

A 13th century Byzantine Church with magnificent mosaics and frescoes that once housed the Patriarchate of the Orthodox Church and is now part museum and part mosque.

With food, music, crafts and sports, it’s a celebration of all things Turkish.