TÜRKIYE

Did you know that Üsküdar is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Istanbul? (The other two are Sultanahmet and Galata)  While it may be one of the oldest neighborhoods, Üsküdar is also one of the least-visited places by tourists! However, there’s a positive side: you’ll have it all to yourself, without the throngs of selfie…

Did you know that there are more than 10 Greek islands that you can visit directly from Türkiye? It’s true! If you want to escape the overcrowded beaches of Antalya or try something other than the usual Mykonos-Milos-Santorini circuit, why not go island hopping from Turkey to Greece? There are a few reasons why you…

Beautiful unspoiled nature, sandy beaches, ancient castles, and colorful seaside towns… If this sounds like your idea of a great vacation, then it’s time to travel to Lesvos.  Greece’s third-largest island is easily reachable via ferry from Ayvalık (Türkiye) or from nearby Greek islands, and offers plenty of things to do — so many, in…

Dreaming about exploring the beautiful ‘green island’ of Lesvos? Or perhaps planning a weekend getaway in charming (and under the radar) Ayvalık?  Either way, island hopping between Greece and Türkiye is easier than you think — especially with the convenient Lesvos – Ayvalık ferry! Also known as the Ayvalık Midilli feribot in Turkish, this ferry…

Where do you go in Istanbul when you want to escape the bustling streets and city’s chaos? The Prince Islands!  … But what happens if Büyükada is crowded too? Then you escape to Heybeliada. 😉  Heybeliada, also known as Halki, is a cute little gem that makes up the second-biggest island in the Prince Islands…

Ask any local about Cihangir, and they’ll likely mention one of three things: cute antique shops, cozy coffeehouses, or a neighborhood of bon vivant artists. However, we’d like to humbly add a fourth category: the effortlessly cool hotels that offer the perfect blend of style, comfort, and a local atmosphere! Despite its small size, there…

Wondering how to get from Istanbul to Ankara? This transportation guide shows you all 4 transport options to travel between Türkiye’s two most important cities!  Planning a trip to Türkiye’s capital and want to see the monumental Anıtkabir? Or perhaps you’ve always dreamed of strolling through the impressive collection of artifacts at the Museum of…

Are you planning a day trip to Istanbul’s Asian side and need inspiration? This list has more than 15 amazing places to visit and things to do on Istanbul’s Asian side! As two locals (we live in one of the neighborhoods on this list 😉), we’ve explored practically every centimeter of Istanbul’s Asian side, from…

Looking to escape the tourist traps of Sultanahmet, sidestep the crowds of Beyoğlu, and experience a different side of Istanbul? We recommend staying in Kadıköy! Located on Istanbul’s Asian side, Kadıköy offers a genuine ‘local’ experience that’s often overlooked by the average traveler. It’s a sprawling neighborhood that feels like “a city within a city”…

You’ve probably heard the famous cliche that Istanbul is one of those rare cities that’s located on two continents: Europe and Asia. But what if you wanted to actually travel between those two continents and are wondering how to get to the Asian side of Istanbul? Then you’ve come to the right place. 🙂  We…

Merhaba and welcome to Turkish 101 class! If you’re looking to learn some of the most important Turkish words and phrases before your trip to Turkey, you’re in the right place. 🙂  This massive article is packed with the most common words and phrases in Turkish for every travel situation, including basic Turkish greetings and…