Istanbul Guide
What to know before you go and what you'll wonder once you're there: tickets, hours, getting there and the stories behind the places. Every piece shows when it was last updated.
Bosphorus Cruise from Eminönü: Public Ferry Times, Piers and Prices
Take the public Bosphorus cruise from Eminönü: long and short tour times, October 2026 fares, stops, private boats, and which side of the ferry to sit on.
Free Museums in Istanbul (and Other Free Things to Do)
Free museums in Istanbul: SALT Galata, İş Bankası Museum, Pera Museum's free Friday evenings, Sakıp Sabancı's free Tuesdays, plus free mosques and walks.
Galata Tower: Tickets, Opening Hours and How to Get There
Galata Tower tickets cost €30 and it opens daily 08:30–23:00. How to get there, Museum Pass Istanbul rules, night visits and the tower's story.
Galataport Istanbul: How to Get There, Opening Hours, Parking and Bosphorus Tours
How to get to Galataport Istanbul, opening hours, parking, Bosphorus tours from the quay, the underground cruise terminal and the waterfront's history.
Museum Pass Istanbul vs Müzekart: Which Card Do You Need?
Museum Pass Istanbul or Müzekart? Who can buy each, 2026 prices, what's covered (Topkapı, Galata Tower), what's not, and when a single ticket is better.
Picnic Spots in Istanbul: Best Parks and Forests on Both Sides
Where to picnic in Istanbul: Belgrad Forest, Emirgan Park, Polonezköy and Fethi Paşa Grove. Barbecue rules, the 2026 forest ban, fees and how to get there.
Spice Bazaar Istanbul: Opening Hours, How to Get There, What to Buy and History
Spice Bazaar Istanbul (Egyptian Bazaar): opening hours, Sunday and holiday closures, how to get there, what to buy, bargaining tips and history.