Historic Areas of Istanbul(The Old City of Istanbul, Sultan Ahmet Old Town)

#europetravel Hagia Sophia stands as one of the most breathtaking landmarks in the world, blending Byzantine and Ottoman history in a single awe-inspiring structure. Once a church, later a mosque, then a museum, and now a mosque again, its rich past and stunning architecture make it a must-visit in Istanbul. 🏛️ What to See: ✔️ Massive Dome & Interior – The grand dome, intricate mosaics, and colossal calligraphy panels create a mesmerizing sight. ✔️ Byzantine Mosaics – Stunning gold mosaics, including the famous Virgin and Child, showcase its Christian past. ✔️ Ottoman Touches – Elegant minarets and Islamic calligraphy added during its time as a mosque. ✔️ The Wishing Column – A legendary pillar where visitors place their thumb and make a wish. ⭐ Top Tips: ✔️ Go Early or Late – Avoid long queues by visiting early in the morning or before sunset. ✔️ Dress Modestly – Since it’s an active mosque, shoulders and knees should be covered. Women should bring a scarf. ✔️ Look Up – The ceiling details and dome are breathtaking, so don’t forget to admire them! ✔️ Pair It with a Visit to the Blue Mosque – Located just across Sultanahmet Square, making it a perfect itinerary stop. 📍 Location: Sultanahmet, Istanbul ⏰ Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds. A visit to Hagia Sophia is like stepping through centuries of history, where Christian and Islamic influences beautifully merge in one of the world’s greatest architectural masterpieces!

Winter trip to Türkiye: 5-day highlights! Save this heartwarming guide and enjoy a romantic trip to Türkiye! -------- Türkiye, the crossroads of Europe and Asia 🌍, is a country with a rich history and unique regional customs. It is home to the magical hot air balloons of Cappadocia 🎈 and the romantic strait of Istanbul. Come and explore! -------- Itinerary: Day 1: Old City of Istanbul Explore the historical core of Istanbul. Day 2: Basilica Cistern - Dolmabahçe Palace - Bosphorus Cruise - İstiklal Avenue - Galata Tower Visit the ancient Basilica Cistern and feel the weight of history; visit the luxurious Dolmabahçe Palace and experience the grandeur of the royal family; take a cruise on the Bosphorus and enjoy the scenery on both sides of the strait; stroll along İstiklal Avenue and experience the local life; finally, climb the Galata Tower and enjoy a panoramic view of Istanbul. Day 3: Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Experience - Uçhisar Castle - Kaymaklı Underground City - Pigeon Valley - Avanos - Devrent Valley Take a hot air balloon ride and enjoy a bird's-eye view of the magical landscape of Cappadocia; visit the spectacular Uçhisar Castle; visit the mysterious Kaymaklı Underground City; enjoy the natural beauty of Pigeon Valley; stroll through Avanos and experience the charm of ceramic art; finally, explore the picturesque Devrent Valley. Day 4: Göreme - Cappadocia ATV Safari Experience the unique charm of Cappadocia in Göreme, and then enjoy an exciting Cappadocia ATV Safari. Day 5: [Cappadocia - Return] Enjoy some free time before taking a private transfer to the airport. End your wonderful trip to Türkiye. 🌟 -------- Must-visit attractions: 🌟 Old City of Istanbul: This area is home to many famous attractions and museums. Every step you take is a step back in time, allowing you to experience the vicissitudes of a thousand years. 💦 Basilica Cistern: Explore the Byzantine cistern, which is full of stone columns and exquisite reliefs. 🌊 Bosphorus: Stand on the border between Europe and Asia and enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides of the strait. The sea and sky are the same color, which is breathtaking. -------- Some tips: 🚇 Airport transportation: The subway in Türkiye is convenient. You can take it during peak hours to avoid traffic jams. 🌦️ Weather in December: It is cool and rainy in Türkiye in December. Remember to bring a warm coat and rain gear! 🍽️ Food: Food prices are higher in tourist areas, but more affordable in residential areas. You can eat your fill for 50-100 yuan per person! 💳 Payment: Public transportation cards can be used by multiple people. They are easy to top up and have no limit, making travel more convenient. 📶 Signal: The signal is poor on the airport subway line, so be prepared in advance. -------- Come and explore the romance and mystery of Türkiye. Don't forget to leave your footprints and stories! 🌟

Copy and paste this guide for effortless travel planning‼️ 💌 Instagram-worthy European experiences + insider tips to avoid common pitfalls + hidden gem destinations! Learn how to maximize your European adventure on a budget. 🛂【Visa Hacks】 🔸 Schengen visa appointment secrets: France releases appointments the fastest! Switzerland grants the longest visas! 🔸 Essential tip for solo female travelers: Include an English itinerary and hotel confirmation for a higher visa approval rate.✅ 🔸 Pro tip: Purchase travel insurance that covers visa rejections. Search for "Schengen insurance" on Taobao; it's about ¥50 for ¥2,000 coverage. 🗺️【Regional Highlights】 ▪️ Western Europe: Capture the sunrise at the Eiffel Tower 🌅 + scenic Swiss road trip (Grindelwald → Lungern). ▪️ Southern Europe: Witness the sunset at Mount Carmel in Barcelona 🌇 + visit the filming locations of "Chinese Restaurant" in Sicily. ▪️ Northern Europe: Relax in Iceland's Blue Lagoon ♨️ + hike to Norway's Trolltunga (June–August only). ▪️ Eastern Europe: Enjoy coffee at the New York Café in Budapest ☕️ + experience the magic of Charles Bridge in Prague at 6:00 AM before the crowds arrive. ▪️ Balkans: Take a boat tour of the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro ⛵️ + explore the cinematic ruins of Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 🚂【Effortless Itinerary Ideas】 🔥 7-Day Express Trip: Paris → Interlaken → Venice (3+1 train pass deal). 🔥 12-Day In-Depth Exploration: Barcelona → Southern France → Milan → Switzerland (epic road trip along scenic cliffside highways). 🔥 15-Day Ultimate Loop: Iceland Ring Road → Norway in a nutshell → Copenhagen (budget-friendly Nordic travel pass). 📸【Photography Tips】 ▫️ Paris: Capture the Eiffel Tower's reflection in the Trocadéro Gardens fountains. ▫️ Rome: Visit the Trevi Fountain at 7:00 AM to avoid the crowds and make a wish. ▫️ Budapest: Enjoy free entry to Fisherman's Bastion before 9:00 AM and capture stunning castle views. ▫️ Iceland: Take the shuttle bus to the plane wreckage; don't hike! ⚠️【Safety Tips】 ▪️ Anti-theft essentials: Phone lanyard + chest bag + decoy wallet (filled with supermarket receipts). ▪️ High-risk areas: Paris Metro Line 10 / Roma Termini train station / La Rambla in Barcelona. ▪️ Evasive tactic: If approached by people offering flowers or asking for signatures, say "No English" and walk away quickly. 🍽️【Foodie Guide】 🔸 Paris: Try the falafel at Chez Marianne in the Marais district (add hot sauce for an extra kick). 🔸 Rome: Indulge in the truffle pasta at Trattoria Luzzi (closed on Sundays). 🔸 Budapest: Savor Langos at the Central Market's second floor (garlic, cheese, and sour cream are a winning combination). 🔸 Reykjavik: Grab a hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu (try it with double onions, just like Bill Clinton). 🏨【Accommodation Recommendations】 ▪️ Paris: Stay in the Marais district (safe and close to vintage shops). ▪️ Florence: Stay near the Duomo (wake up to breathtaking views). ▪️ Prague: Stay on the east bank of Charles Bridge (enjoy the bridge in the early morning without the crowds). 🚨【2025 Special Events】 🔹 Venice Biennale: April–November (visit on a Wednesday to avoid crowds). 🔹 Munich Oktoberfest: September 20–October 5 (book a tent spot six months in advance). 🔹 Amsterdam Light Festival: November 28–January 18 (enjoy the light show from a canal cruise).

4-day Istanbul and Cappadocia tour, a must-visit for museum lovers! Explore the must-visit museums, take a deep dive into the history and culture of Turkey! . 🎈 Itinerary: Day 1: Istanbul Old Town Experience the ancient charm and historical depth of Istanbul's Old Town. Day 2: Basilica Cistern – Dolmabahçe Palace – Bosphorus Cruise – Istiklal Street – Galata Tower Start from the mysterious Basilica Cistern, visit the luxurious Dolmabahçe Palace, take a cruise on the Bosphorus, stroll along the bustling Istiklal Street, and finally climb the historic Galata Tower for a panoramic view of Istanbul. Day 3: Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Experience – Uchisar Castle – Goreme Open-Air Museum – Love Valley – Cappadocia – Fairy Chimneys Take a hot air balloon ride over the magical landscape of Cappadocia, explore the ancient Uchisar Castle, visit the rock formations of the Goreme Open-Air Museum, stroll through the romantic Love Valley, and finally admire the unique fairy chimneys. Day 4: Goreme Panorama – Goreme Town Admire the panoramic view of Cappadocia at Goreme Panorama, then delve into Goreme Town, experience the unique charm and cultural atmosphere of this small town. 🎉 End of the 4-day wonderful journey! . Must-visit attractions: 🌟 Istanbul Old Town: This area is home to many historical sites and museums, each step you take is a journey through time, feeling the vicissitudes of time. 💧 Basilica Cistern: Imagine strolling through a Byzantine-era water storage tank, surrounded by exquisite bas-reliefs, as if you have traveled through time. 🎈 Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Experience: Imagine soaring through the sky in a hot air balloon, overlooking the moon-like terrain below, especially at sunrise, the scenery is breathtaking. . Travel essentials: 🇹🇷 When traveling to Turkey, these items are a must! 📘 Documents: Passport, visa, and flight tickets. Don't forget to bring them with you for convenience. 🔌 Electrical appliances: European standard plug adapter is a must, chargers and power banks are also important, so you can stay connected at all times. 👕 Clothing: February in Turkey is slightly cold, so bring a coat and sweater. Comfortable shoes and a scarf and hat are also essential. 💊 Other: Bring your usual medications with you, so you don't have to worry in an emergency. Also, get a phone card in advance for convenient communication. . Turkish journey, waiting for you to explore! With this guide, embark on a fantastic journey and experience the unique charm of Turkey!

Winter break is here! Spend four days in Türkiye, where you can enjoy romantic hot air balloons and ancient ruins. Check out this guide and start your dream trip! / 🚩Itinerary: Day 1: Explore the old city of Istanbul and experience its rich history and culture. Day 2: Visit the Basilica Cistern to explore ancient ruins -> Admire the grandeur of Dolmabahçe Palace -> Take a boat tour of the Bosphorus Strait -> Stroll along İstiklal Avenue to experience the local culture -> Climb Galata Tower for a panoramic view. Day 3: Take a hot air balloon ride over the magical landscape of Cappadocia -> Visit the ancient ruins of Uçhisar Castle -> Visit the Göreme Open Air Museum to learn about history and culture -> Stroll through Love Valley to experience the wonders of nature -> Visit the unique landscapes of Cappadocia -> Marvel at the natural wonder of the fairy chimneys. Day 4: Enjoy the panoramic view at Goreme Panorama -> Visit Göreme to experience the local culture. / Travel tips: 🎁 Be careful of the prices of local specialties. Dried black apricots and pistachios are delicious and affordable, but dried figs may be expensive. ❄️ Türkiye is cold in January. The average temperature in Istanbul is about 10°C, so remember to bring a warm coat! 💸 The exchange rate between the Turkish lira and the Chinese yuan is about 1:4.9, so calculate the price when shopping to get the best deal! 📒 You need to apply for a visa to visit Türkiye in advance. Visa-free countries are limited, so be sure to confirm your visa information before traveling. / The romance and mystery of Türkiye are waiting for you to explore. Bring this guide and start your dream trip!

#ruins #ephesus #turkey #travel #istanbul So much to see in beautiful Turkey. The ancient ruins capture your imagination as you explore an ancient world as it is slowly uncovered for all to see. Travelling in April was incredible as it wasn’t too crowded and the weather was great. Definitely recommend the off season particularly if you have children. Many options to stay close to Ephesus that allow activities outside of just seeing ruins. Beaches, shopping, fantastic food. Turkey has it all!

Spend your Qingming Festival holiday on an unforgettable trip to Türkiye! In just four days, experience a magical hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia and watch the sunset over Göreme town. Don't miss this guide to exploring Türkiye! Türkiye, a transcontinental nation with thousands of years of history🌍, is a place where history and civilization intertwine🏛️. From the romantic city of Istanbul to the mystical Cappadocia, every step is legendary🌈. It's known as the land of the star and crescent🌟🌙. 🎉Itinerary: Day 1: Istanbul's Old City Immerse yourself in the historical charm of Istanbul and experience the convergence of millennia of civilization. Day 2: Basilica Cistern->Dolmabahçe Palace->Bosphorus Strait Cruise->Istiklal Street->Galata Tower From the mysterious Basilica Cistern to the opulent Dolmabahçe Palace, take a boat trip on the Bosphorus Strait, stroll along the bustling Istiklal Street, and climb the Galata Tower for panoramic city views. A day full of diverse experiences. Day 3: Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Experience->Göreme Open-Air Museum->Cappadocia->Fairy Chimneys Take a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia and enjoy a breathtaking flight. Afterwards, visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, explore the unique landscapes of Cappadocia, and marvel at the magical fairy chimneys. Day 4: Goreme Panorama->Free time in Göreme town & Sunset Viewing Enjoy the panoramic view from Goreme Panorama, then explore Göreme town at your own pace. Don't miss the charming town and the magnificent sunset!🌅 Tips: - Food: Turkish cuisine offers a rich variety of flavors. Don't forget to try the kebabs and Turkish desserts!🍖🍰 - Airport Transportation: Istanbul Airport is easily accessible, with direct flights to many cities and intercity buses.✈️🚌 - March Weather: The weather in Türkiye in March is moderate, warm, and comfortable during the day, but cooler at night. Remember to bring a warm jacket.🧥🌡️ - Currency Exchange: Exchange currency for Turkish lira at the airport or hotel for convenient shopping!💶💵 - Cultural Customs: Please respect local customs when visiting mosques. Women are required to wear headscarves.🕌👳‍♀️ That's all for the Türkiye trip. I hope this guide is helpful! If you like it, don't forget to like and follow!😉

This was my first trip to Türkiye, and our first destination was Istanbul. We arrived at Istanbul Airport and booked accommodation near Taksim Square. We explored Galata Tower and its surroundings. One of the most famous tourist attractions near Kyrgyzstan Mall is Aya Sofya, so we decided to visit it over the weekend. Aya Sofya is one of the most renowned mosques in Istanbul, Türkiye. We felt it was a must-see, so we made sure to visit. We booked our tickets in advance through Trip.com, which allowed us to skip the ticket line. With the provided QR code, we could directly join the entry line and enter. Aya Sofya was so impressive that it became one of the places we’d love to revisit. Inside, there’s a guide app available in Korean, making it easy to navigate and explore. The interior isn’t particularly large, so the tour can be completed within an hour. However, the atmosphere is so overwhelming and captivating that it’s definitely worth visiting again. If you ever travel to Türkiye, I highly recommend stopping by Aya Sofya.

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is a colossal city that spans across the Bosphorus Strait. The blue waters complement the swathes of white buildings on both shores, creating an exceptionally fresh appearance. There are many fun and delicious places to visit in Istanbul, and the Grand Bazaar is one of the most worthwhile. There are several Grand Bazaars in Istanbul, and the one we visited is said to be the oldest. Walking through it, the shops are dazzling with an array of goods. The Istanbul Grand Bazaar is said to be one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. It is located in the old city of Istanbul and attracts millions of tourists every year. The Grand Bazaar covers an extensive area, and if you were to walk through all the alleys, it would probably cover several kilometers. Inside the Grand Bazaar, there are about thousands of shops, as well as mosques, post offices, cafes, banks, and police stations. Looking back at its history, the Grand Bazaar was founded in 1455, during the Ottoman Turkish period, contemporary with the mid-Ming dynasty in China. Over such a long period, it has inevitably suffered from wars, earthquakes, and fires, but it has also undergone countless reconstructions, continuing to this day, which is quite a testament to its resilience.