Turkey Travel

Istanbul is gearing up for a year-long programme of events in order to live up to its title of European Capital of Culture in 2010. This guide picks out the highlights

Dec 17, 2009 - Michael Pedley

Turkey is a spectacular country with great food and wine and a variety of ancient ruins and geological wonders. The locals are friendly and budget travel is easy.

Dec 15, 2009 - John Mattson

Çiya Sofrasi is one of Istanbul's most frequented restaurants for traditional Turkish food but it requires a little patience to locate it in Kadiköy's busy back streets.

Dec 8, 2009 - James Heywood

In the same area as the famous Aya Sofia, Blue Mosque and Underground Cistern, this charming museum of rugs, ceramics and calligraphy is often overlooked by visitors.

Dec 4, 2009 - James Heywood

The male tourist can take advantage of the world's best barbers without speaking a word of Turkish. A close shave, trim and head massage come at a very cheap price.

Dec 4, 2009 - James Heywood

First-time visitors to Istanbul need to maintain a common-sense approach to both security and haggling to ensure they'll enjoy Turkey's most wondrous city.

Dec 3, 2009 - James Heywood

The sleek shopping malls of Turkey can be reached using the underground metro system and there'll be absolutely no reason to haggle over the price. Ticketed items only.

Dec 2, 2009 - James Heywood

Take breakfast overlooking Rumeli Citadel and the Bosphorus before descending to visit Istanbul's most elegant museum, where an evening meal awaits at Müzedechanga.

Dec 2, 2009 - James Heywood

The museums, galleries and historic sites of Istanbul get ready to put the best foot forward in a program of art and culture. Prepare to be enraptured, Turkish style.

Dec 1, 2009 - James Heywood

The best stroll along the city's waterfront takes in the late-Ottoman Imperial residence, the shopping area of Besiktas, Ciragan Palace and the famous mosque at Ortakoy.

Nov 30, 2009 - James Heywood

With countless boutiques, cafe latte and cosmetic surgery, the visitor may wonder whether this neighbourhood is actually still part of Turkey. Fabulously superficial.

Nov 30, 2009 - James Heywood

Fresh and exciting SantralIstanbul is an art and cultural complex situated just outside the usual tourist-zone of the city. Ideal for mxing art, electricity and pleasure.

Nov 30, 2009 - James Heywood

As Istanbul becomes European Capital of Culture in 2010, the city's principal modern art gallery is celebrating its fifth birthday. After all the history, see the art.

Nov 29, 2009 - James Heywood

Istanbul Arkeoloji Muzeleri displays word-class Turkish, Hellenistic and Roman artefacts in fascinating collections highlighting the cultural wealth of civilisations.

Nov 28, 2009 - James Heywood

The Turkish language doesn't come easy to many, but in half an hour it's possible to master a few key words and phrases to have the essential basics. Buyurun!

Nov 28, 2009 - James Heywood

For first-time visitors to Istanbul's Ataturk International Airport, the Havas Shuttle Service or the many taxi cabs are the best way to transfer to hotels and hostels.

Nov 27, 2009 - James Heywood

Istanbul provides tasty and appealing Turkish snacks, fast foods and takeaway all along Istiklal Avenue, where it's possible to eat 24/7. It pays to be adventurous.

Nov 27, 2009 - James Heywood

Too often Istanbul begins to wear out the over-zealous visitor. Yet two often-overlooked places are but a brief stroll from Topkapi Palace and Sultanahmet.

Nov 26, 2009 - James Heywood

Drinking coffee in Turkey majorly influences the nation's psyche and nowhere is this truer than in Istanbul. The history-steeped coffee houses here truly are world class.

Nov 25, 2009 - Luke Waterson

Turkey's famous avenue demands more than a single look. Leb-i derya restaurant offers gobsmacking views and bookshops stock that perfect coffee-table book to take home.

Nov 25, 2009 - James Heywood

Life in Istanbul is nowhere better witnessed than on the major artery that offers great boutiques, theatres, cinemas, cafes, pubs, nightclubs and galleries.

Nov 23, 2009 - James Heywood

For those who prefer a sit-down dining experience to eating on the hop, the best quality selection of the Turkish staple is easily accessible in the heart of Istanbul.

Nov 23, 2009 - James Heywood

A stroll that encompasses the ancient, impregnable walls and watchtowers of Constantinople and a visit to St Saviour that was once, literally, out in the fields.

Nov 22, 2009 - James Heywood

For those in search of pre- and post-dinner beverages in Istanbul, Tunel allows bar-hopping and food all night in a neighbourhood that doesn't go to sleep.

Nov 22, 2009 - James Heywood

Turkey's greatest city offers a great walk near the Golden Horn's old Genoese district, and Istanbul's most panoramic cityscape view is to be found in a rooftop cafe.

Nov 20, 2009 - James Heywood