Things to do in: Istanbul
Tucked between Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a reflection of the Greek, Roman and Ottoman empires that once ruled in this part of the world. As a bi-continental city, influence from both Eastern and Western cultures is evident, as this city is distinct in its mixture of sights, sounds, smells...
24 hours in: Istanbul
The mighty Istanbul. Famous for straddling two continents, this city’s east-meets-west vibes have been attracting travellers for decades. The city can easily overwhelm the uninitiated, so we asked our local team of Istanbul tour guides to tell us what they would do with just 24 hours in Istanbul. Morning: 7am...
How to make Turkish ezogelin soup
Made with red lentils and bulgur, ezogelin soup is one of the best-loved dishes in Turkey. In fact, we don’t think you can find a lokanta (restaurant) or kebapçı (kebab house) in Turkey that won’t have it on the menu. It is the perfect start to any Turkish meal. In...
What it’s like to visit a Syrian refugee centre in Istanbul
Our Olive Tree of Istanbul tour is run in partnership with Small Projects Istanbul, a local NGO that’s helping Syrian refugees to find their feet in a new home. Here’s what one traveller discovered on the tour. For travellers, to roam and be immersed in new cultures and landscapes is...
The complete guide to: Istanbul travel
Istanbul houses a vibrant and eclectic culture that draws from both the East and the West. With an abundance of intricate architecture, a beautiful language, fascinating traditions, and amazing food (and coffee… and desserts…), your chances of experiencing culture shock (in a good way!) are pretty likely. Travel is rewarding, but it can also be...
Making a new home in Istanbul
The future of Syria may be uncertain, but the future of Syrian students and families doesn’t have to be. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Shannon Kay is the co-director of Small Projects Istanbul (SPI), grassroots NGO with a mission to provide access to formal and supplemental education for Syrian newcomers to...
How to shop the Grand Bazaar like a pro
There are a great many things to see in Turkey, but for the traveller looking for a truly unique experience, the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is a feast for the senses. Offering about 5,000 shops, this is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Constructed in...
Photo of the week: Lunch with the Blue Mosque
With spring coming to the Northern Hemisphere (finally!), we love making the most of blue skies to eat outside! Our locals in Istanbul certainly know how to maximize sunshine and amazing views over a Turkish lunch in front of the Sultanahmet, or Blue Mosque on their Istanbul Conquered tour! Doesn’t get...
Photo of the week: Dusk in Istanbul
Dusk brings its magical glow to the narrow streets of Istanbul. This is our favourite time of day – it’s the best time to capture twinkling lights (hint for October’s Local Mission!) when colours become more vibrant, the streets fill with homeward-bound locals, and of course, it means dinnertime is...
7 cities that are better at night
To really experience a city, you’ve got to get to know it when the sun goes down. That’s when secrets come out, when friends are made and when the adventure feels just a bit more real. These places already some of our favourites in daylight, but we love even more...
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