In my opinion, this is the most interesting tourist attraction inside the Rhodes citadel. What makes this museum stand out compared to others of its kind is that it is housed in the former hospital of the Knights Hospitaller, giving it an architecture and atmosphere completely different from a typical museum. Positive points: The entire complex is like an oasis of peace in the heart of the citadel — although you’re only 10–15 meters away from the hustle and bustle of the old town’s streets, you feel as if you have the place all to yourself. The impressive architecture. The garden, where you can sit for hours and relax (especially pleasant in the evening). Unique views of the surrounding streets (such as the famous Street of the Knights). Well-organized collections that illustrate the three major civilizations that shaped the island: Greek, Venetian, and Ottoman. Negative points: The museum’s various sections don’t share the same closing/opening hours. Some close much earlier than the times displayed at the entrance. (For example, we visited twice but never managed to see the harem.) To fully enjoy the museum, it’s best to arrive in the morning or, at the latest, around lunchtime. Little information available or, in some cases, no information at all. Bonus point: For just a few euros more, you can purchase a combined ticket that grants access to several attractions: the Archaeological Museum, the Palace of the Grand Master, the Museum of Decorative Arts, and the Church of Our Lady of the Castle (the last two are more suited for true history enthusiasts, or for tourists with plenty of time on their hands.)

An absolutely gorgeous museum. You get to feel the aura and the vibe of the old town without the crowds. We had the entire place to ourself and it was magical. The old hospital was gorgeous and the artifacts were very well preserved. A truly magical place.

I really liked it, but here is something nobody is telling you about: some exhibitions are opened in certain hours&days only. I literally came for the prehistoric period and didn't get to see it as I was 30 minutes late for it. Thursday, Tuesdays and Saturdays only, 9 to 16:50. Rather visit in these times to be able to fully enjoy the otherwise great museum with rich exhibition.

Much to our surprise and dismay this archaeological museum was not an amazing experience. I had expected a well organized museum. Instead we had a sprawling museum with small galleries spread across very large building with many rooms and not very much signage. Very disappointing experience:

The museum is so beautiful with the garden and areas to sit and enjoy the sun. The statues are so incredible to see in person especially the tumbled one that was found in the ocean. I highly recommend i was in a rush to to a booking but I was there for 2 hours and didn't even realise! I went late September around 5pm and there was like no one there it was great!

An absolute must visit I'm so serious. you enter somewhere rather empty and once you step into the real museum section it's like it comes to life, there's SO much theres literally corners just filled with pillars and such because I can only assume they have so many that they don't know what to do with them?? 😭 History from all throughout the ages in a building that reflects that, it's honestly all just beautiful I was awestruck. I could've been there all day I think. €10 for adults and free for under 18s (maybe 21??) and moree than worth the price. Genuinely really miss it, wish I was there now. Quick warning however!! There are some rather uneven stairs with no handrails so if this is something you might struggle with I wouldn't say not to visit but I'd definitely say to be prepared for it. Not to call him out but my grandad stumbled on them and definitely could've hurt himself rather badly, we were lucky he was alright. Could happen to anyone, take care with those stairs

One of the best archeological museums in the world. It’s in the old hospital of the knights of St. John and the building itself is a hidden gem. There are so many rooms, beautiful gardens and pieces from ancient times on Rhodes, the medieval times and even the Ottoman period. Highlights for me where: the mosaic floors exhibit in a beautiful gardens, an old Ottoman house inside the building and the other great remains of ancient Rhodes. You have to go here.

Beautiful place, respectful and kind servise, central location in the town. 10/10 experience.

The perfect stay in the center of rhodes. Close to everything and with an amazing view. Clean and perfect service!!!

Lovely privste courtyard. Quirky rooms. Very clean on arrival. Very close to restaurants and bars.

Ancient & Unique palace in the heart of old town , Rhodes.Great hospitality suggested !!

Best experiance ever! Host is super and the place is awesome!

Amazing hidden gem inside the walls of the Medieval Town of Rhodes!

Amazing host and Vila

This place is so neat! Tickets are 20Euro or about $23 USD. Get there as early as you can, it gets crowded fast. Amazing restored rooms and furniture and so much to learn and see. It is an impressive building and beautifully decorated. There is a wonderful museum at the end to view as well.

Not just a medieval palace, a real voyage in time. We visited the Palace of the Grand Master on a Sunday morning and it seems like we got there before the crowds. We had plenty of time to visit every room and also the opportunity to snap a lot of pictures without too many people around. First things first, the Palace is in pristine condition. I was expecting a nice place but this visit totally blew our minds. It's big, and I mean BIG. Lots of history, stunning architecture, and even more. There are a few places you visit where you feel like words aren't enough to describe, this is one of them. It seems like every room we visited brought a new dimension to the history of the place and wowed us with mosaics, furniture, views or just absolute grandeur. We were lucky enough to visit during a museum day so we got the chance to visit for free, but to be honest, it's totally worth the regular price ice of admission. Take the time to stop by the windows and take a look outside, views are amazing at almost all of them.

A magical place full of history and beauty! I absolutely loved the stunning architecture of the Palace of the Grand Master — as soon as I walked in, it felt like stepping into a Disney movie! Every artifact inside the museum is so well preserved, and the royal rooms are simply beautiful. The atmosphere takes you back in time, letting you imagine the life of the knights who once lived here. The ticket was €20, but it was totally worth it. A must-visit when in Rhodes!

Thoroughly enjoyed our visit to this beautiful palace. It is huge and absolutely stunning and gives a real insight into the Rhodes of yesteryear. We found it fascinating, the architecture, statues, rooms, mosaic floors are awe inspiring and the audiovisual elements really brought it to life. Stop off for a coffee at the lovely coffee shop within the courtyard and enjoyed a lovely coffee. If you are visiting Rhodes this is a must see!

Fantastic - really worth a visit. The architecture of the Palace is wonderful. All of the artifacts inside the museum are well preserved, and the various rooms are terrific to see. It was not overly busy when we went and the tickets were ~€20, but worth it.

Its.very interesting.destinations and full. History in every wall.or street of Rhodes Island. Its quiet amazing to see all those.wall still standing from the past 200 or.500.years passed by .u can still recall how.this.city in period of ancient ruler and invaders. Amazinh artifacts from all.meseum we see. Such a treasure.of history👍👍👍👍 Overall we enjoy the visit🇬🇷🇬🇷🇬🇷

I went on the castle walls and honestly for 5 euro it was a lot of fun! It's a nice walk and you get a nice view of the town. I will say that there are no benches or shade so it can be intense in the heat so ensure you have water.

Very nice, spacious and clean sandy beach. Water is crystal clear and it's shallow for like 20 meters. The only downside was the parasols; they're rather small and don't have great coverage. However the beach is pretty cheap -100 TL for a couple of beds and a parasol - so it's definitely worth it.

Great beach with cafe , toilets, changing etc. entrance is 200TL for the car and 350TL for 2 sunbeds .

This is our first trip to İztuzu Beach by car, and the journey is quite long. The breathtaking views on the drive to the beach make it worthwhile. The parking lot costs ₺200, and payment is required upon entry. They also provide changing rooms and restrooms. There is a restaurant and tanning area where you can pay ₺165 per person or ₺350 for two wooden sun loungers, or choose a free one on the sand. The beach was extremely crowded. The only thing you have to do when you go swimming in the sea, all you have to do is walk far enough until the water is deep enough. İztuzu Beach is absolutely stunning; unfortunately, we did not get to see any turtles, but we had an enjoyable time. I recommend it purely for the experience.

İztuzu Plajı is one of the most beautiful and unique beaches in Turkey. The sand is golden, the water is shallow and warm, and the scenery is amazing with mountains on one side and the river delta on the other. What makes it special is that it’s also a protected nesting area for Caretta Caretta turtles, so it feels like you’re visiting both a beach and a natural reserve. There are no big hotels or loud music, which keeps it peaceful. Best to bring your own snacks and water, and respect the turtle areas. Truly a natural paradise!

One of my favourite in Turkey. Perfectly clean, wise, and beautiful. Dalyan in general is a magic place for a vacation. You can get there by the boat, or by the bus service. It takes around 30 minutes, both ways are enjoyable though, views etc. A lot of empty space, if you walk a little far from the sun lounges. Sandy clean beach, warm clean sea, perfect

I liked this beach a lot. The fee is not that much (2€ per car, no matter how many people are inside it), there are public toilets and showers (with cold, salty water) and the beach is clean. The water doesn't get deep enough for swimming for more than 50meters which makes it ideally for kids. You can also visit the Turtle Hospital (which is located close to the entrance). There is also shadow under some pine trees, but if you arrive after 10am most probably you will find it already occupied. At times it gets very windy. The restaurant inside has reasonable prices.

Very nice!! Wish we had better weather

Great place great scenery

Enjoyed the trip by boat all the way to the mud and thermal water park. Mythologically, It is been said that the river is filled by tears of a prince whose love left him for his brother. On the mountains there, they crafted their Graves.

Great place. Beautiful scenery in the boat ride that we took. The ancient graves in the mountains is a great scene and not to be missed.

Fantastic day trip whilst staying in Dalaman area of Turkey. Natural Mud baths and heated pool, boat ride, turtles and beach. A real must for anyone visiting this region of Turkey. £20 per person food included

Heaven, whether you are on a public river taxi or a private hire

Stunning scenery, highly recommend the River trip to turtle beach.

Nice trip by the boat

Most people friendly and salt of the earth. Couldn’t do enough for you. Any time of the day or night, there would be shops open. Some phenomenal evenings, breakfasts and lunches at The Majestic by the beautiful flower lined and walkbridge connected Canal. Surprisingly though, prices were similar to Sydney, Aus. prices or a little cheaper. It wasn’t as cheap as I had expected for such a small town. Overall, my experience in Içmeler was fondly memorable! Worth the trip.

A nice beach in the centre of icmeler. It was empty in October so Marmaris is better if you want a more lively atmosphere, however if you want some peace and quiet this is the place to go. I’d imagine it’s quite different in the middle of the summer!

Pleasant little town. We walked here from our hotel in Marmaris. Took just under an hour. Bars and shops aplenty. Water taxi to take you to and from Marmaris is a nice and fairly inexpensive form of travel if don't want to walk.

Sunbeds free of you buy drinks / for from the bars. Didn't get hassle once we got a bed and service was great

Just went today.. was awesome water pure clear and clean.. there was a public beach in between the two business which was wide enough and had a good space for all. Sandy Beach and market nearby with reasonable price.. enjoyed and chilled a lot

Nice beach bit crowded in places best to get sunbeds from one of the restaurants and have food and drinks there. You get free sunbeds and WiFi while there then

The beach is nice but tiny pebbles and not sand . We used the sunbeds belonging to coco bar there.if you buy a drink you don't pay for sunbeds and they come round for you to order drinks , Had food in there too and was very nice ,people are so lovely there

Marmaris Marina is a stunning waterfront destination that captivates visitors with its beauty and charm. The marina boasts a picturesque setting, surrounded by azure waters and lush greenery, creating a serene oasis in the heart of the city. Strolling along the promenade, visitors can admire the luxury yachts and sailboats, adding to the glamorous atmosphere. The marina is also home to a variety of cafes, restaurants, and shops, offering something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're taking a leisurely walk, enjoying a meal with a view, or simply soaking in the tranquil ambiance, Marmaris Marina is a must-visit destination in Turkey.

Lovely for a swim but lots of stones so u will need beach shoes. No sun beds or loungers. Just bring ur Towel and sit on sand. There is a little bit with a rail that has man made hard floor under sea to get into sea to avoid the stones

Very nice place to wait for a ferry. Bathrooms are super clean! See a bunny or two while you are there.

Very nice well designed place with whatever a sailor can need such as warm water, every time clean big spaced toilets with hair dryer. Good shopping area with many cafes restaurants and sailing shops, a very close super market just next to marine, close to heart of Marmaris just a few minutes walk you are in castle historic area and bar streets.

It used to be very nice and friendly, in the last two years prices have become unreasonable. Let me explain: first of all is very noisy at night (both from night clubs but also fron other boats partying) but the worst thing is the high speed powerboats entering or leaving the marina. So once in while unexpected waves come out of the blue caused by tenders. Additionally the behavior of certain staff + the refusal to speak English is funny when working in tourism! There is a rule in marketing called "willingness to pay", i don't mind the higher cost BUT downgrading the quality of your services is serious.

The marina is impeccably clean and well run, the town has everything you cod need to refit your boat with. Most of the mariners speak good English and are very helpful and the technical support is also readily available. It is also a very safe and secure marina with someone attentively patroling on a tender through the night .

A very beautiful landscape, a well-maintained and clean promenade, lots of services.

Came here mid November we were fortunate enough to have lovely weather for a couple days, the beach is clean and if you sit near one the the restaurants or bars they allow you to use the Sun Loungers and give you free WiFi providing you purchase a drink from them.

clean water, clean beach, you can have tours from there, lovely sun

The sand is brown ,it's kind of dry clay in most of the parts, don't expect white fine sand. The sea is brown as well, if you go to the deep part it can be a little bit more clear. If you want to go snorkeling ,that's isn't the beach ,go to Turunç, Turunç is amazing. Marmaris beach facilities are spectacular, showers everywhere, places to get changed and toilets. Amazing facilities.

A sandy beach stretches on the part of the coast of Marmaris and belongs to the municipality, it is crowded most of the time in the morning and evening, there are public sanitary facilities and places for changing clothes, as well as places for bathing and washing the body after going to the sea. There is a nearby park that has children's games.

Parked in the new carpark along the front, lots of space and walked the whole length of marmaris, there was a kite festival so they were everywhere. Wandered back along the pazar area which has lots of little shops, lovely afternoon

Great place to go if you want to just have a swim and peace and quiet.

Lots to do and some fantastic restaurants

Another must-see archeological site. İt is about a 3hrs drive from Izmir. What impressed me the most was the 170mt pool, it is unrestored now but I hope it will be one day. One remark: the museum building is closed to visitors.

One of the most fascinating places I have ever been to. Absolutely stunning peace's with very well preserved parts. I loved the masks wall and also the pool at the main square. Don't miss the Theatre. Less expensive (€12) and much less crowded than Ephesus

Enchanting archeological site. Some buildings are in incredible good state and the visit is very enjoyable as there aren’t crowds of tourists.

The archeological site is fantastic, interesting and beautiful. You can easily spend there 2 hours. Take some water and a hat, as it can be very hot on the sun. However, the Museum is currently closed...and this was very dissapointing.

It is one of the best places I have ever been. 100% worth it. We were alone

Absolutely beautiful, well-preserved and off the beaten path. Low crowds mean you can walk on and around the ruins. Come early and explore in near silence and solitude.

We had limited time and we were not sure if we should include this in our itinerary, but we did and we were delighted. Way less crowded than Ephesus, and from my point of view experientially deeper and easier to immerse into the history of the place without the tour busses. Though smaller than Ephesus, the 170 m long swimming pool must have been a treat, and Aphrodisias had plenty of water the gardens were reportedly magnificent. Definitely a City I may have wanted to live in back in the day…

Lovely service here all staff members are kind and friendly happy to go above and beyond this was meant to me a lovely getaway for my and my partner are 1st holiday together away in the middle of no where was told there will be entertainment here as we arrived there was no entertainment the rooms aren’t what they look like we will both won’t be coming back here it’s are 1st time and last night we come along with the room not being cleaned enough walked into the bathroom as previous person has left stuff on the walls(snobs) all dried and all the mirrors and shower was stinking no entertainment or anything only music nothing in the description on us viewing the hotel before booking was here what a big let down on are first holiday together

This hotel is classed as all inclusive. If you go please bring lots of money to eat out because the food is disgusting full of flies and cold and the same nearly every day I would not give it to a dog. The only good this is the beach is right outside. Don’t expect to get wifi in your room. Only accessible by the pool or the lobby and it is terrible. The bathroom sink leaking water all over the floor as well.

I come here every year. Just had my 4th holiday here. Amazing service as usual from all the staff, Roger Metin oruno furkhan ahmed bedir on the bar and all the boys in the restaurant. Lovely food, good variety, rooms lovely and cleaned every day, entertainment almost every night which was brilliant as always. And yes I’ll be back again next May, look forward to seeing it. Highly recommend my favourite hotel and resort.

Awful experience. HOTEL AND MINDSET OF STAFF LOCKED IN ANOTHER CENTURY. Very basic old run down hotel. Only Turkish food. NO food labels. Pool tiny. NO AIR CONDITIONING IN 50 -55%DEGREE HEAT. FOOD LIMITED NO ENGLISH SPEAKING STAFF DISCRIMINATION NO WIFI NO KETTLE IN ROOM HAVE TO PAY A FOR TEA AND COFFEE more like a hostel than hotel. I was sexually assaulted by member of staff. He was told to stay away from me. Crazy. My bag and personal belongings stolen Staff orginally refused to check CTV. Very traumatic experience However there were some very kind members of staff Jasmine maid, Ikle reception 2 of ladies and guys who took me pice station and manager Sadik was helpful, letting me use his phone. Bar staff lovely. Only basic drinks, no snack bar, no ice cream or lollies Still trying to wrap my head around the whole experience.

Where do I start …The hotel is very basic ,we had no WiFi ,shower door and it was dirty and beds were like rocks.The food was disgusting barely edible and no staff members spoke English.There was no activities or entertainment.The only saving grace was the beach and weather even though people fight over sun-beds and if you didn’t want that needed to pay extra for them.Turkey is beautiful but don’t go near this hotel

We booked a room one month in advanced, for 3 people. When we arrived we were told that the reservation got mixed up and that we would stay at another hotel . They didn’t give our money back and refused to take any responsibility for their mistake . We got to the other hotel and it was much smaller and the rooms were tiny . The bathroom wasn’t even a proper bathroom. The only accommodation we got was that we could eat and use the pool at the other hotel but that was it .

Very old dated Needs modernising No food labeling No bottled water have to pay Have to pay for teabags Not disabled friendly Cold and unwelcoming staff apart from a few No air conditioning in 55% heat No wifi only in foyer and by tiny pool that only works intimidating. If have fussy eaters or dietary requirements your going to starve No safe in room

The site is closed indeed, as they are actively building a new entrance pavilion (I have seen no restoration being done on the site itself). Still you can get a good view from behind the fence and you can also walk around the temple behind the fence - there is a paved path, getting views from several angles - it still gives an unforgettable grandeur impression. The security cameras on the perimeter make sure nobody scales the fence. The temple is so massive it’s surprising it has suffered such severe damage, but apparently a powerful earthquake has destroyed it in 7th century A.D.

I visited the Temple of Apollo in early September on a weekday, and it was a great, with hardly any other tourists. The quiet made it easy to take in the atmosphere. We skipped the headphone guide since there are plenty of well-written boards around the site. You’re free to walk right up the temple steps and wander around at your own pace, which I loved. The inner sanctum, where the oracle once spoke, still carries a strong presence. The acoustics there are striking; even a soft voice carries. If you’re after an authentic ancient site that hasn’t been overrun by crowds, this is a place I’d highly recommend. It feels both accessible and special.

Beautiful ruins. Little tip... Admission is only 6 euros per person so save yourself some money and dont buy a tour. It a 12 minute walk off the No.4 bus route. The same bus will take you to the Mavisehir Market. The bus is 25 lira each which is a bargain but it can get very very crammed.

It is a very very great historical place and it is in quite good situation and well preserved… Definitely recommend to visit it… We visited the Temple of Apollo and it was really really great due to the fact first of all that the facade lightings were very lovely and second it was marvellous to run away from day heat so by the evening visit you really can enjoy the the site in a more different way because the evening hours provides more cooler temperature and on the other hand it has also less crowded environment…

The Temple of Apollo in Didim is an absolute gem! From the moment you arrive, you're greeted by the awe-inspiring ruins. It wasn’t just a temple; it was home to one of the most famous oracles of the ancient Greek world, second only to Delphi. Pilgrims from across the Mediterranean traveled there to consult the oracle, making it a major spiritual and cultural hub. You should definitely visit this historical place.

Visited with my partner and two young kids and all loved it, Beautiful Greek ruins. Definitely worth the visit if staying in the didim/Altinkum area

Its a very pretty and popular place a lot to explore city centre the cost for a taxi to this place is 250tl. The ticket to go in is 300tl per person you can only pay in TL.

Since you can’t really drive all the way through the park I have to get a rating at three. Is our understanding that there is a military base at the end of the peninsula which overlooks Greece so they do not allow your access to that part of the pregnancy.

Rated as one of the top 10 beaches we found in an online article we decided to head along in the car. The park is separated into around 4 or 5 beach areas each with its own car park and its own access to the beach. Several have cafes serving soft drinks (non alcoholic) and snacks only in what I can only describe as an archaic fashion. With dirty sunbeds at a cost there are however, free to use picnic benches which I would highly recommend but seemingly a feature well recognised by the locals. If you're lucky enough to be traveling in a car then I'd recommend finding your own private beach!

I went to Dilek National Park on a weekday in May 2023 driving a motorbike. You can only enter from the north side of the peninsula for a ticket. There are a few beaches that you can visit and are not too far from the entrance. Beaches are beautiful and equipped with facilities for pic-nic, bars and plenty of toilets. At the time of my visit, none of the cafes/restaurants were open. Unfortunately the area that you can visit is quite limited compared to the extent of the peninsula, I wish I could visit more. Also, if you need info about the peninsula and trekking possibilities there isn’t much available and I recommend visiting the tourist information point in Kusadasi (opposite the port).

best place for cycling, swimming or trekking

If you have a car or go by bus or taxi the beaches are a refreshing change from the resort complex! Relatively harmless boar roam around scavenging but only because idiots feed them and don't understand they'll keep coming!

Beautiful beaches and many areas to rest and eat on the waterfront.

Absolutely beautiful. The park was perfect for any family get together or picnic for two. The beauty in Turkey is spectacular. Friendly people everywhere.

I was pleasantly surprised by Ladies Beach - the water was so clear and clean. It got very busy throughout the afternoon but when we arrived at 10.30 there were plenty of sun beds available - all 300tl each and parasols are free. I was happy to see lots of people dispose of their rubbish although there are a lot of cigarette butts all over the sand.

The best beach in Kusadasi There are a lot of free umbrellas and beach beds, but as demand is quite high, you should come early to get them. A lot of shops and cafes are nearby, as well as Migros store. Water is clean, the sand is being cleaned daily, views are quite pleasant. Really nice place, however could be crowded in summer peak times. But is early September it was quite good and not crowded

The sea is shallow and crystal-clear. Unlike other touristic places, businesses with a sea view don't have exaggerated prices. There are also regular shops in the promenade so that u can easily get a drink without having to leave the seaside. We spent a pleasant afternoon swimming here. I recommend it.

A wonderful beach with soft white sand and crystal-clear water — truly one of the most beautiful spots in Kuşadası. However, it’s sad to see that some visitors leave trash and throw cigarette butts around. When you have such a stunning natural place, it’s everyone’s responsibility to keep it clean and take care of it. Despite that, the beach itself is amazing - perfect for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the view.

One of the best beachs! I love Kusadisai! It's crowded so if you're looking for a quiet beach, this is not the one, but the water and beach are beautiful! You can get there early and snag a umbrella already set up on the beach, or rent one for £100 at one of the shops on the boardwalk.

Nice beach close to the city centre. Sunbeds available for a fee, but also free areas in the beach. Several restaurants and bars on the street above the beach.

The beach was ok. The umbrella rentals were reasonable at €15 for two chairs and an umbrella. The ocean water however was full of debris from trees or plants, not sure which. However, we walked a little further to the right and the water seemed a bit clearer, not too bad. The waves were very strong so we had to keep a close eye on the kids. The vendors on the beach were very reasonable, I bought cotton candy and a candy apple at €2 each. Overall, not too bad of an experience at lady beach. The cab charged us €20 each way from the cruise Port.

The most beautiful island, if you like Greece it's a place you must go, still very authentic, lots of beautiful beaches, churches, historic places to visit, if you don't go you will never understand the peace it brings to the soul.

The pleasant atmosphere of the island sets you up for rest. There are places for quiet relaxation and fun, noisy recreation. A large selection of taverns and souvenirs. But the cats here are not fed or given water either How to change this???

I visit the island every year! It is a big island with lovely places full of restaurants and coffee! The beaches are lovely and you can still find beaches that don't charge the umbrella and the sunbeds on top of your order! Pythagoreio, Marathokabos, Kokkari, and psili Ammos are a few of the places you can visit!

While being over in Turkey we done the day visit to the Greek island Samos. We had a really nice day over on the island and would recommend going if you've got the chance. It's absolutely beautiful! The only thing I would say is make sure you know what you want to do before going and possibly think about hiring a motorbike or car for the day as some of the main attractions are more inland of the island. We visited a lovely little pizza restaurant just along down from the main square of the marina which I would also highly recommend, really reasonable priced and amazing food!

Very nice island. In September the water was too cold to really swim or dive, but the people are very nice and the prices are only high in Pythagoreo and Kampos, everywhere else it's pretty cheap. The highlight of the island is the village Manolates there you can also find the only museum of the island. You need a car to explore the island. Its big enough to keep you occupied for a couple of weeks, but nearly all churches are closed or in disrepair. Honest review: Its totally worth a visit and has its own charme, but don't expect too much.

Wonderful place. The locals are really friendly and the island is great for hiking. It has a bit more foliage than some of the smaller islands which makes for great shade when the sun's burning. There are a lot of affordable places to eat and quite some nice hotels (I stayed at Villa Maria). You can get around the island by car or bus (or walking but that takes a bit long if all you need are some tomatoes for dinner). If you intend to use the bus often, which is what I did, make sure to inquire about departure times with locals, as this appears to change often. *Sidenote: I added a photo of the bus schedule as for april 2022.

Big surprise! Green island with beautiful beaches and warm, crystal clear sea and a few attraction. For active people I highly recommend hiking to Seitani beach and swimming in potami waterfalls, for lazy days Livadaki beach is a must, you won’t be bored. The people are super friendly, kind and talkative. Food tasty and affordable. I would say the west side prefer meat, in the East sea food is more common. There is no clubs. A lot of elderly tourists mainly from Germany. The city of Samos and Karlovasi looks like abandoned with its damaged buildings in other hand Pitagorio is absolutely lovely. Rent a car is a need. Take your swimming shoes but can forget snorkling. Temperature in October still warm 23-28°, evenings are chill and windy. Overall It is nice place to visit and rest.

Beautiful and sacred holy ground. Be prepared to do a lot of walking as most vehicles are not permitted close to the entrance. We enjoyed seeing the home of the Virgin Mary. The wall of intentions was moving and special. We enjoyed walking the grounds and looking at the landscape. Recommend dressing modestly or you will need to wear a covering. Photography is not permitted in the house.

In Meryemana, Turkiye, the Virgin Mary's House is located. Reverant, quiet, with a prayer wall we stood in a contemplative mode, remembering the struggles of Jesus and the prophecy that was to unfold. I thought of the pain Mary and her sisters endured, but still after all these years Mary provides love and forgiveness to all those in need. These prayers and requests were represent at the prayer wall at Mary's House. It was symbolic of the needs from people all over the world. One gentle man touched my heart so, as he went around retrieving prayer notes that had fallen off the wall. He tenderly returned each note from the ground to the wall. A qentle act of kindness. There are no photographs allowed in Mary's House but prayer candles may be purchased there. Worth the visit!

Mary lived in this house after death of Jesus Christ. The house has two small rooms. The environment is very peaceful here. You will need to walk 10 mins to reach the house. Because of queue you may get a few seconds only inside the house. Overall, a must visit place if you are in Izmir.

Is it actually Mary’s house or just a tourist trap? Jury is still out. Is it worth a visit for you to decide for yourself? Yup. They herd you through the house at a gallop so don’t expect to spend much time checking things out inside the house. Basically just a quick walk through of a tiny house. There’s a holy fountain and a wishing wall too. The whole site might take you 20 minutes to get through.

We are overjoyed after visiting this beautiful place. We were fortunate to arrive before closing time, so we had enough time to explore this magical place and appreciate its magnificence. Very peaceful and calm atmosphere.

Very special and sacred. Be prepared for a bit of walking as cars are not permitted close to the entrance. The wall of intentions was special, and the grounds are lovely. Dress modestly or take a covering. Photography is not permitted in the house.

There was about a 30 minute wait to reach the house. As you reach the house there is an open air alter with priests leading mass. You would need to check the schedule if necessary. Our guide shared that only about 12-14% of the house found in the foundation is from an archeological dig. You walk thru 3 rooms that include religious pictures and statue. After you leave the house you come to 3 fountains that have been blessed. There is then a fence where people tie their prayers. At the end of the walkway are restrooms and a museum shop.where you can purchase blessed icons. Right outside the gates and at the entry are shops selling souvenirs, candy and food. To me this seems out of place at a religious place.

Beautiful location. A lot of the structures are intact and well preserved it was difficult to get there without a guide, taxi or tour group, so it can be pricey. The ancient library is a major highlight and they do live reacting of Roman guards. Lots of history. There is a small bathroom and market stand will snacks and food around the midway point of the walk. When we went (end of June) it was 103 degrees F° with no shade. We spent about an hour and a half walking through but needed to leave due to the heat. Would love to walk around more. Important: bring good hiking shoes that grip, the marble floors are polished and slippery. We had hiking boots and sandals and still slipped a few times, but our friends with simple sneakers had to walk very slowly and carefully to avoid falling down.

Visiting the land of Ephesus, the Ancient Greek Theaters and the Ancient Great Library of Celsus is a very special visit. The rain was pleasant and the temperatures cool ondaywevisited. Most visitorsshouldexpecthightemperaturesandverylittlecoolingbreezes. The Library of Celsus is an ancient Roman building in Ephesus, Photos of the library are world reknown. Ephesus is located in Anatolia, near the modern town of Selçuk, in the İzmir Province of western Turkey. It is world famous. It was designed not only to store scrolls and books—holding an estimated 12,000 manuscripts at its peak—but also to serve as a monumental tomb for Celsus, whose sarcophagus lies in a crypt beneath its main floor. Mark Anthony walked here long ago and households thrived and m markets prospered.

*Echoes of the Apostles and Empire* Standing in the Great Theatre of Ephesus is like standing in history itself. With a capacity of over 25,000 seats, this awe-inspiring structure was the largest theatre in ancient Asia Minor and still dominates the site with its grandeur. Built during the Hellenistic period and later expanded by the Romans, it hosted dramas, political events, and gladiator fights. For Christians, this theatre holds profound significance. According to Acts 19, the Apostle Paul’s preaching led many Ephesians to abandon idol worship, especially that of the goddess Artemis. This angered local silversmiths who made shrines for Artemis, causing a riot. The mob dragged Paul's companions into this very theatre, and for two hours the crowd shouted, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" Knowing this brings the stones to life with spiritual history. Unfortunately, during our recent visit, the theatre was under restoration, so we weren’t able to go inside. Still, seeing it from the outside was deeply moving. One unexpected highlight was meeting the famous local cat “Garfield,” who’s become something of a mascot at the theatre. We took so many fun photos with him—it truly made the visit even more memorable. We recommend visiting early morning or late afternoon to avoid the strong sun and crowds. #EphesusTheatre #Acts19 #ApostlePaul #GarfieldTheCat #BiblicalSites #UNESCO #TurkeyTravel #AncientDrama #FaithJourney

Believed to be the largest in the ancient world: could host up to 25,000 seated spectators. Initially used for drama, in Roman times gladiatorial combats were also held on its stage. Elton John performed a special, solo concert at the Great Theater on July 17, 2001.

We stayed in Izmir and drove to it. It was roughly an hour to get to it. Very nice site and well preserved.

A must see. Our guide was very knowledgeable and made it easy to visualize how the residents lived. Very advanced facilities such as water pipes, tolet system etc. Make sure you arrive early. When our tour bus left the cars trying to enter was out of sight.

Nice sunny ☀️ weather, you pay 💰 per person 28.71 euros 💶 if you get the deal. Parking 🅿️ cost 💲 around 3€ There are a small market with lots of options. We did all the walking around in 3 hours but this will definitely depend on you. January is great as there are not many tourists and prices of hotels are cheaper.

It is a good place to have fun, especially if you have children. There are also many slides for adults. The ticket price includes food and drinks. However, we could not eat it. Everything was not tasty. Even the pasta was not cooked properly. The sausages were disgusting and seemed to be made of paper. The burger was also not tasty. You will have fun on the slides, but you will remain hungry.

The location and the sea are wonderful, and there are many enjoyable water slides. However, I am a bit concerned about the safety aspects. The metal platforms and stairs appear rusty, and the columns do not inspire confidence. I believe it would be beneficial to have a third party conduct a thorough inspection to ensure everything is in proper order. Regarding the inclusive lunch, while the concept is appreciated, the food is basic, and the quality is not particularly appealing, making it more of a necessity than a culinary delight.

Except for its price of ₺645 ($25), food and facilities were good enough. I'd recommend.

We visited last year. Cheap, nice but crowded and the food is not great.

Have really good water slides and very safe there are too many lifeguards. But there are many queues. And foods is not good. The prices cannot be said to be fair.

Good location and good premises for aqua park in the area. Friendly staff.

A very nice water park. A large selection of slides and attractions, both for children and adults. The water park itself is clean. The waiting time to enter the slides is quite short, especially when compared to other water parks. Lockers are available on site. There is a snack bar in the aquapark and juice dispensers. I don't know the price of the entrance, because we had them for free as part of our stay, but being there, it's definitely worth a visit with the kids.

This place is huge. One can find anything from printing service to suits and souvenirs. Of course there are a lot of restaurants and cafes. There is no need to visit every corner of it. Maybe just casually stroll and see where one is lead to.

Beautiful place, lots of stores to buy just about anything. Some are cheap and others expensive. Cool experience seeing the historical building and having a tasty Turkish coffee in the middle of the market. It’s closed on sundays. Free to walk around

AMAZING PRODUCTS+GOLDSHOPS🔥 BUT you must be careful… some shops are shady and try to sell you 8k as 14k gold❗️ I tell u what to watch out for!⬇️ The ones on the PICTURES ARE TRUSTWORTHY & HONEST PEOPLE🙏 offering AMAZING PRICES and sell REAL 14k GOLD👌 u can TRUST THEM🩷 My FAVOURITE shop is HALIS&ORHAN i bought nearly all of my jewelery from them. They tested all of their products and my old ones also in front of my eyes. They r the BEST shop in the whole Bazaaar hands down!🙌😍🤩🤘 There are some other shops where even the 14k tester-liquid is fake!!!! 585 stamped is 14kgold dont forget!! I solved it by cross testing a lot of shops, 😉 these down always gave me good products 🥰⬇️ Have fun🩷 hope my information helps you🙏

A great place to walk around. We tried the mussels and rice. They were excellent. We also did the pickle juice which was also excellent. Lots and lots of interesting shops.

Unique bazaar as there is no goods and shops for tourists. Most of famous bazaar in Turkey is full of shops for tourist with expensive price. But here, most of customers are Izmir people. I like this bazaar. Merchants are friendly and kind! Visit here and feel some authentic turkey bazaar vibe!

Kemeralti bazaar is quite a busy place. You can find hundreds of things to buy from there as the prices are reasonably low. Make sure you have enough space in your suitcase before visiting the bazaar because there are too many souvenirs to buy. There are beautiful bags with Turkish embroidery patterns and praying beads and countless teas and coffees. There are numerous cafes to have a quick bite but they are all super busy. This bazaar is a must visit place.

Really nice bazaar with everything from food to house utilities and party supplies. I had a lot of fun just walking and exploring

A well-preserved site. Don't miss the underground gallery abs tunnel as well as the very well-restored theater.

Healing Sanctuary of the Ancient World / The Asclepieion of Pergamon was not only a center for physical healing, but also a symbolic heart of ancient Greco-Roman medical science. Founded in the 4th century BC and flourishing during the Roman period, it was one of the three most famous healing temples of antiquity, alongside Epidaurus and Kos. It functioned as a sacred place where medicine, religion, and ritual came together in harmony. Patients would undergo purification rituals, offer sacrifices, and enter the temple through a long sacred way. Inside, treatments included dream interpretation, the use of medicinal herbs, hydrotherapy, mud baths, and even sound therapy using music and theater. The sacred spring was believed to have healing powers, and the underground tunnel—used to guide patients from the entrance to the heart of the sanctuary—symbolized a spiritual transition. When we visited the site, we were truly amazed by the scale of the sanctuary, especially the tunnel and the sacred water area. Even though centuries have passed, the infrastructure was still impressive. The massive columns, the length of the healing tunnel, and the well-preserved water systems reflected how advanced and well-planned this place was. It made us appreciate how seriously healing and human well-being were taken in the ancient world. #AsclepieionOfPergamon #AncientHealing #GalenLegacy #SacredSpring #AncientTunnel #PergamonHistory

We went as part of a tour towards the end of January and the place was very quiet. It is a beautiful location, steeped in the history of being the first medical healing space in the Western world. We were accompanied by a knowledgeable tour guide who explained everything to us. We were lucky to be the only 6 people there and had plenty of time to take a lot of uninterrupted photos. Highly recommended.

Interesting ruins with restored amphitheater.

Amazing to hear the story and see the ruins

Very beautiful and very important archeological site that was once one of the first Asclepeions ever and one of the most important as well, which were the first form of modern-day hospitals. I highly recommend visiting it if you’re in Izmir or its surroundings. (Pics are from July 2021)

The first hospital and treatment center in the history. Wonderful place to see and learn about history. The water that cures people is still running from a little fountain-tap.Museumpasses and museum card is valid. Entrance fee is 35 tl for a person for 2019.

It was an okay ride. The price was high compared to the ride. There was a bit of a wait to get the tickets and there was a part of the lift that was not working so we only were able to ride half of it. If you have money to spare do it or else, it’s okay to miss it. One of the employees spoke arabic so that was very helpful.

The view is absolutely stunning and worth seeing at least once. However, the cable car is quite expensive—especially for non-Turkish visitors, and it's unclear why there's a price difference. What's more frustrating is that they still charge the full fare even when the second station is closed, meaning you can't reach the summit. While it's officially "due to maintenance," it's clear that this closure is seasonal, as the upper section is simply not open in summer. Overall, it felt overpriced for a partial experience. I’m glad I saw it once, but I wouldn’t go again.

While the views from the Uludağ cable car are undeniably breathtaking, the overall experience left much to be desired. As a foreigner, I was charged 950 TL (around €22), which feels unfairly steep—especially considering that half the line was apparently "under maintenance" (we were told we couldn’t reach the summit, a common excuse it seems during the low season). There was no prior warning about the limited access, and no reduced fare to reflect the shorter ride. Beyond the scenic ride itself, the rest of the experience felt disorganized and poorly managed. For the price paid, I expected more than just a one-way view and vague explanations. The natural beauty is there, but everything else—from pricing to transparency—needs serious improvement.

Love it... Very organized. The fast line cost 300 lira but it's worth it... You don't have to wait to get there. Clean cars, the mountains are beautiful, touring the forest is a must. Must try if u visit Bursa

Wonderful experience to fly through the mountains covered with trees and clouds on top. I am so happy that the people and government of Turkey have taken a good care of their country. Would love to visit again.

The views were great. But the prices were outrageous. My Turkish fiancé was 90 tl to ride the cable car whereas, they charged me 300 tl because of my USA passport. It’s not fair. We spent 110 tl on just 2 coffees. Make sure to bring your own food because everything is overpriced. Other than that, the mountain is a great place to escape the heat and stress of the city. Many playgrounds for children.

One of the amazing experiences I had in Turkey. The cable way has 2 stops. The first one (Satialan) is at 1635 m altitude. Once out, you will fund many activities and things to do for the whole family. You can have nature walks in the amazing fir forest, play at the adventure park, rent a bike or ATV, have a picnic in nature and many other things. You can easily spend the day there especially for families. The second stop (kurbagakaya) is at 1810 m altitude. It has ski resorts and chalets. The ride in the cable way itself is amazing since you go up Uludag mountain, then ride almost horizontally, then ride to to the top very close to the trees where you can enjoy the fir trees. It is a must when in Bursa.

Impressive old historical mosque surrounded by businesses and recreation area. The grounds are always busy with worshippers and tourists as well. I did not see the inside but from what I gather it's also very impressive.

Visiting Bursa Grand Mosque was truly unforgettable. The architecture is stunning, with incredible mosaics, domes, and history in every detail. Stepping inside felt peaceful and inspiring. A must-visit in Türkiye!!

🕌 A must-see place in Bursa! Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque) is one of the finest examples of early Ottoman architecture. The atmosphere inside is peaceful, and the historical details are truly impressive. A perfect spot to take photos and feel the spirit of history.

The Ulu Cami Mosque is an absolute must-see! If you visit Bursa, this magnificent mosque should definitely be on your list. It was commissioned by Sultan Bayezid I after his victory at the Battle of Nicopolis in 1396 and completed around 1399. The mosque was designed by the famous architect Ali Neccar, and it stands as one of the finest examples of early Ottoman architecture. Built in the Seljuk multi-dome style, it features 20 domes supported by massive pillars, a design that symbolically reflects the Sultan’s vow to build twenty mosques, which he instead fulfilled by constructing one grand mosque with twenty domes. As its name suggests, the “Great Mosque” is truly majestic, richly decorated with intricate calligraphy, geometric motifs, and a central fountain used for ablution. Ulu Cami marks an important transition between the Seljuk and classical Ottoman styles, blending simplicity, symmetry, and spiritual harmony.

The grand mosque of Bursa is beautiful, it’s old, it’s reminiscent of old Islamic architecture, its calligraphy is one to see, and the cover of the Holy Kaaba in Mecca is just icing on an already very beautified cake

Ulu Camii (Grand Mosque) is one of the most impressive landmarks in Bursa. The architecture is stunning, with 20 beautiful domes and amazing calligraphy inside. The atmosphere is peaceful, and it’s a must-visit for anyone coming to Bursa.

Its a great mosque , Its had a great History. I hope we can visit this mosque again and pyayer at this mosque. I came to this mosque on feb 2025 with air temperature is - 1 deg celcius and it 's a momorable moment that i can'nt forget

Everyone needs to pay 100 tl for entering the place. If you want to order a refreshment you need to pay 150 tl for a lemonade, 40 tl for a Turkish tea. Prices are high for the locals.

Absolutely ridiculous experience. This place has nothing to do with hospitality — they simply don’t care how you feel. Avoid eating here if you don’t want to risk food poisoning. We went as a large family on a trip and had to raise a complaint as soon as the food arrived. The food was cold, and the meat was undercooked. It was completely unacceptable. They are nothing but scammers. Do not go! They charge an entrance fee plus overpriced, low-quality food. When we complained, the only response we received was: “Don’t come here again.” Terrible service, awful food, and absolutely no respect for customers. Stay away.

Two stars just for beautiful sunset, too crowded, cars squeezed past each other, the prise on the entrance is 100tl. Too crowded to enjoy. I add the photo, this is the road, not the parking place itself.

100tl to enter cash /credit card options. Sunsets are amazing. Very busy during that time. They serve drinks

Breathtaking view of reportedly largest natural preserve in Türkiye.

Great view of the city! However the nature and the terrace was occupied by a private company charging a good bit of price to see the nature that was created by God ! This is robbery and I am not sure who is responsible for this thievery !

Şeytan Sofrası is a stunning spot offering breathtaking views, perfect for photography and capturing unforgettable moments. The panoramic scenery from this viewpoint is truly mesmerizing and makes every visit special. It’s a great destination for families: children under 12 can enter for free, while adults pay around 100 TRY to enjoy this incredible location. There’s also a cozy café on-site serving refreshing drinks. Their lemonade and fresh mulberry juice are especially popular, and mixing the two creates an amazing flavor experience. The site offers convenient parking, making access easy and stress-free. The area is clean, well-maintained, and features walking paths for those who want to explore nature up close. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, stunning photo opportunities, or a fun family outing, Şeytan Sofrası is an ideal choice. A combination of beautiful scenery, peaceful surroundings, and delicious drinks makes this place a must-visit spot that’s worth every moment.

The Blue Mosque is a truly peaceful and beautiful place. I had the opportunity to pray salah inside, and it felt very calm and spiritual. The atmosphere is serene, and the architecture is stunning — definitely a must-visit in Istanbul. You can also find free souvenirs here for visitors; I received two English-translated Qur’an Al-Majid as a gift, which was a wonderful gesture. Overall, a deeply meaningful experience.

The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) is not just a place of worship — it is a masterpiece that breathes history, devotion, and artistry. The harmony between its majestic domes, elegant minarets, and the endless blue Iznik tiles creates an atmosphere that is both serene and awe-inspiring. Stepping inside feels like stepping into a gentle whisper of centuries, where light dances softly across patterns that were crafted with love, patience, and deep spiritual meaning. The peaceful ambiance invites you to slow down, breathe, and simply be. Whether you come to pray, admire the architecture, or reflect quietly, the Blue Mosque embraces you with a warm, timeless beauty. It stands proudly in the heart of Istanbul — a city where the past and present walk side by side. Truly, it is one of the world’s most enchanting treasures, a monument that touches both the eyes and the heart.

Absolutely loved my visit to the Blue Mosque. The iconic blue tones inside are truly breathtaking, even more beautiful in person. The entire area is very clean and well-maintained, making the experience feel calm and comfortable. What impressed me the most is how rich it is in ancient history—you can really feel the heritage and stories behind every corner of the mosque. A must-visit spot in Istanbul, whether you love architecture, culture, or simply want to enjoy a peaceful moment in a historic place. Highly recommended!

Mosque itself is beautiful, but I have to remove one star because of the crowds. The ques are endless so prepare for waiting. We came early so somehow we managed to get inside quite quickly. Inside of mosque it was packed, the air was heavy, not a peaceful experience as mosque should be, people were pushing each other there, very hard to enjoy the beauty or make a picture. We went out very quickly. There are many mosques with free entry around which are beautiful and not so crowded so you can actually enjoy it.

Stepping into the Sultan Ahmed Mosque is like entering a different realm of tranquility. Known globally as the "Blue Mosque," this 17th-century masterpiece was commissioned by a young Sultan Ahmed I to rival the grandeur of the Hagia Sophia sitting just across the square. Its exterior is a breathtaking cascade of domes and semi-domes, framed by six slender minarets—a daring architectural choice that caused a scandal at the time for rivaling the architecture of Mecca itself. The true marvel, however, awaits inside. The nickname derives from the more than 20,000 handmade Iznik ceramic tiles that adorn the high interior walls. While the lower levels feature traditional designs, the upper galleries explode in varying shades of turquoise and deep blue, featuring intricate tulip, carnation, and cypress motifs. When the sun streams through the 260 stained-glass windows, the blue tiles glow, creating an ethereal, underwater atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the massive "elephant foot" pillars supporting the structure. Unlike a museum, this remains an active place of worship, which adds a profound layer of reverence to the visit. You must remove your shoes and dress modestly to enter. I recommend visiting mid-morning on a weekday to avoid the prayer closures and see the light at its peak. It is an essential, soul-stirring stop in Istanbul.

This place is well-decorated, open and gives you the vibe of a spiritual place. The entrance is free. During prayer hour it's closed for public. Anyone can visit this mosque, but make sure your legs are covered and women need a head scarf. If you are not carrying one, you can get a free head cover at the mosque, beware of the sellers around the mosque they will inform you that you need one but forget to mention that the mosque provides one for free at the entrance. They even provide pants.

What a beautiful mosque constructed back in 1600 century also called Sultan Ahmet Mosque. I was there mostly for Fajr prayer also had Jummah prayer and Namaz e Janazah. The only disadvantages i have found is communication barrier as their all conversation was in turkish language even the khutbah knowingly that there are so many foreigners praying there... Secondly if come at an odd time for prayer you will find the mosque close and then you have to pray outside of the mosque. Their qirat was so beautiful and they prefer to recite quran before and after of all Namaz

This was a beautiful space there is no doubt however it’s outshine by the fact it’s disgustingly overpriced. We bought tickets at the ticket box, maybe it’s better to book online? I almost can’t remember the beautifully preserved walls, the stunning architecture and the theatrical visual display at the museum. Very unfortunate that some of Istanbul best kept history is so incredibly inaccessible due to cost.

The mosque itself is gorgeous and quite impressive from the outside. It is costly to get in but you do get to see some historical Byzantine era artwork alongside Islamic calligraphy. There are even seraphim’s that decorate the mosque. However, it is unfortunate that only Turkish nationals are allowed to visit the lower part of the mosque where foreigners are relegated to the visitor areas. Nevertheless it is an iconic landmark and there are some interesting historical pieces that are worth looking at. If you go later like at 18:00 there are little to no lines.

This is an Amazing architecture with history. It was interesting how the religion identity of this Mosque evolved with different rulers. Some of the views look way better than the pictures. It is a must visit when you are in Istanbul.

The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is something that all tourists must visit when in Istanbul. It was very interesting to learn that this beautiful building is 1500 years old. I highly recommend buying tickets online to avoid the long queues.

One of the oldest historic landmarks in Istanbul. The grand mosque was recently opened as a mosque 2020 after being a museum for long time which was a mosque before that and was originally a church once built. The place contains a museum. A must-visit landmark in Istanbul.

There is nothing much I can say that someone hasn't already said. No one should visit Istanbul without seeing the Hagia Sophia. My photos are only a sample of what to expect. Be aware that it is closed from 12 to 14, but if you get your timing wrong, there are plenty of small cafes for you to enjoy a coffee or tea whilst you wait. I admit to being a little ashamed of one of my ancient forefathers having carved his name in the marble railing 🫤 We visited in November, queues were manageable, but I cannot imagine what this place might look like during the more busy times.

The place really beautiful, must visit! At least once in lifetime. Try to visit the cafe in front of the mosque. They offers turkey tea ☕️ which is really authentic 😍

I think this is a place that should be visited. It is impressive, massive, and it truly makes you wonder how such a structure was built so long ago. Pay attention to timing — go early in the morning or later in the evening if you don’t want to move through the crowds like cattle. It gets very busy, but the experience is worth it. You don’t need to pre-book tickets or wait in long lines; there are ticket machines available on site.

Breathtaking place to visit. Light changing colours may seem a little awkward but nice. If you're a photo enthusiast you will find a good place to practice. Maybe the most iconic columns are guarded by a not-so-nice guy who's hurrying people with an annoying whistle. Entrance is around 3.000 TL per person. But it's worth the price.

Must go when in Turkey. There’s 2 other cisterns nearby that is less popular with cheaper entry too to visit. But this one is quite spectacular. The way the walkway is laid out is good too as you make your way above the water level to the exit. Keep a lookout for Medusa and try not to stare into her eyes, less you become one with the cistern. In stone. It is recommended to buy tickets before hand to skip the line which could take more than an hour to enter. The only line you have to do is the security check and it is even more cheaper if you buy the combo skip the line tickets with Topkapi and Hagia Sophia. The walkway is dry so no special shoes needed. There’s also a ramp for wheelchair access.

Archeology and history at its greatest. The place is very well structured, but do mind if you can, to buy skip the line tickets-the queues are enormous. The ambience inside is really well placed, including the lighting and the way the route is positioned. Do not forget to make a wish next to Medusa Pilar stand.

The Basilica Cistern is one of Istanbul’s most impressive historical sites and a must-see landmark. Located near Hagia Sophia, this ancient underground water reservoir was built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I. The atmosphere is unique: dim lights, classical music in the background, and rows of 336 marble columns reflected in shallow water create a mysterious, almost cinematic feeling. The highlights include the two Medusa heads, placed sideways and upside-down, which are some of the most photographed elements in the cistern. The site is well-restored, and the walkways make it easy to explore, although it can get crowded during peak hours. Typically, a visit takes 20–30 minutes. Overall, the Basilica Cistern offers a combination of history, architecture, and ambiance that makes it one of the most memorable attractions in Istanbul.

This place is amazing! I first saw it in the movie Inferno. I thought, it's quite a character of a place. Such a magical place! Such mystery! So worthy of your time when you visit. So full of "wow" effect on me personally. What a historical place! If you can, get a guide to fully understand what and why particular things are inside the cistern.

The Basilica is a superb example of Roman/Eastern Roman architecture on display. In the construction, they have reused building materials. This is why some of the capitals, columns and bases are different (like the famous medusa one). It was quiet on a Monday in November, but I would imagine on other days in the peak period it will get busy

A luxurious palace with extensive grounds! Definitely worth a visit to immerse yourself in the culture of the Magnificent Century. Don't forget to wear something Turkish and appropriate for the atmosphere to take memorable photos. It is a very beautiful and historic place. There is an entrance fee, and you will have to wait in line (as everywhere), but it is worth it.

Served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire from 1465 to 1856. The name means 'Cannon Gate'. Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours there, I recommend buying the 'skip the line' tickets upfront. The guide took us into the harem (it has a dedicated entrance) - and then you are on your own to explore. Don't miss the sacred relics rooms: there could be a line but it totally worth waiting.

Visiting Topkapı Palace is like stepping straight into Ottoman history — a truly breathtaking experience that feels as if you’re walking through the streets of the empire itself. The palace complex is vast, atmospheric, and beautifully preserved, with many original sections still intact. Every courtyard, gate, and corridor carries a sense of authenticity that transports you centuries back in time. I highly recommend visiting the Harem section as well. It offers a deeper and more intimate look into palace life, showcasing the private quarters, architecture, and traditions that shaped daily life behind the walls. The Harem is beautifully maintained and provides a fascinating contrast to the more public areas of the palace. Despite its historical significance, the palace grounds are very modern in terms of visitor facilities. There are plenty of amenities, clear signage, and well-organized paths that make the visit smooth and enjoyable. We visited with a stroller, which is possible for most of the route. However, I strongly advise bringing a baby carrier as well, since certain narrower streets and historical walkways are not accessible by stroller. Fortunately, you can safely leave your stroller in designated areas when needed. Overall, Topkapı Palace is an unforgettable cultural and historical highlight of Istanbul. With its rich heritage, impressive architecture, and immersive atmosphere, it’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to truly understand the depth of Ottoman history.

A massive Palace, across three areas. Not well curated, although we didn't use the audio guides. The queues to get in was busy and disorganised (midweek in November), but didn't take too long. One of the areas had a massive queue, so we didn't bother. The veneration of religious relics not holding much interest for non Muslims (but each to their own beliefs). In fairness, the palace purposely wasn't built to be grand, to give the impression of modesty. It was built in the late medieval period and used until the Sultans moved to a more opulent, European style Palace at Beylerbeyi. It is a fascinating place to see, as this was the centre of power in the Ottoman world, controlling from the balkans, levant, Arabia and north Africa. I do note some people have called it a romantic place, but it nowhere does it address the nature of the people in palace. Many of women were slaves in the harem and kept for one purpose. The eunuchs, were castrated black and white boys. Unsavoury to say the least, but that is what it was like. They weren't the only empire to do this.

This museum is huge. It has 4 courtyards. Best part for me were the belongings of Rasoolullah (pbuh). You get to see a lot from that collection. Truly beautiful and what a feeling it was!!. Also this palace gives you snapshot of ottoman sultans life at Harem. Do take your tickets online to cut the looooong line. We went during off season in November and still it was super crowded. Once you have the QR code, assemble at the meeting point to find your guide and the rest of the group. They have timings for entry and you enter as a group. Our guide took us through the gate and explained about the courtyards and we did the tour ourselves. You gotta spend atleast 4 hours to see this in detail. Must visit when you are in Istanbul.

My visit to Topkapı Palace was nothing short of extraordinary. This isn’t just a museum. it’s a living testament to centuries of faith, power, artistry, and devotion. Every room pulls you deeper into history. The Ottoman weapons collection is mesmerizing. The craftsmanship on the swords, daggers, bows, and armor is beyond anything I’ve seen. Intricate gold work, precious stones, and beautifully forged steel. You’ll find legendary pieces, including swords and clothing belonging to the Prophet’s companions (the Sahaba) and even the iconic sword's of Khalid ibn al-Walid, which was a surreal and unforgettable sight. The most moving part of the palace, however, is the Sacred Relics Section. This is where time seems to stop. I stood just a few steps away from items attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ — including his sandal, personal garments, and even an impression of his blessed footprint. These relics carry a deep emotional and spiritual presence. The collection also includes the staff of Prophet Moses (Musa) and items associated with Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) including a stone pot dating back thousands of years.Drapes from the tombs of various prophets are also carefully preserved, adding to the profound feeling of connection with sacred history. Walking through this section is an experience words can hardly capture: humbling, powerful, and spiritually uplifting. Even beyond the relics, the palace itself is stunning: gorgeous İznik tiles, elegant courtyards, breathtaking Bosphorus views, and halls filled with treasures of the Ottoman sultans. If you visit Istanbul, Topkapı Palace is absolutely essential. Give yourself plenty of time, you’ll want to absorb every moment of this captivating journey through the past. A truly unforgettable experience.

This museum is very large. It is likely to take 2-3 hours or even more because it has a few sections to explore. The architecture and decor is amazing. In terms of accessibility, some areas of this palace may be difficult to reach (maybe like 5-10% of the museum, in reference to some rooms that have an upstairs). Also, there is a bit of a hill on the way to the entrance.

I visited the Rüstem Pasha Mosque today and it was truly amazing. The architecture is breathtaking, with its elegant domes and tall minarets creating a serene atmosphere. Inside and outside, everything is clean and well-maintained, making it a peaceful place to pray or simply enjoy the beauty of the design. The people were welcoming and respectful, which made my visit even more special. I highly recommend stopping by if you’re in the area.

So this historic mosque was semi-difficult to find in the spice bazaar; after Google maps brought me to the endpoint of my route, I eventually found a plaque next to an open door that said the name. Love that all are welcome here, beautiful architecture on the outside, and very famous iznik tiles patterns on the inside. You are welcome to take photos inside as long as you don’t cross the line for prayer, and your shoes are off. Everything about this mosque is aesthetic. It was peaceful and I am grateful to have prayed here.

A peaceful environment inside the masjid with a separate section and entrance for women. Outside in the courtyard, the noise of the people from tons of shops around can be quite irritating. All in all a typical look to the beautiful mosque design and feel as the traditional mosques here. A huge ring of lights just under the main dome adds to the beauty of Turkish feel of mosques.

I was truly awed by the beauty of this mosque. Tucked away above the bustling streets, it feels like stepping into a hidden gem. The Iznik tile work is breathtaking, with intricate patterns and vibrant colors that surround you in every direction. It’s peaceful, intimate, and filled with history — a place that leaves a lasting impression and peace.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hidden gem that makes other mosques look positively understated 💎🎨 Rüstem Paşa Camii is what happens when a 16th-century grand vizier decides to show off - and thank goodness he did. Tucked away above the shops near the Egyptian Bazaar, this architectural marvel is Istanbul's best-kept secret hiding in plain sight. The climb up those narrow stairs might leave you slightly breathless, but nothing prepares you for the visual assault waiting inside. This place is absolutely dripping in İznik tiles - and I mean proper, gorgeous, museum-quality ceramics covering nearly every surface. The floral patterns, geometric designs, and that distinctive blue-and-white palette create a kaleidoscope effect that'll have you spinning around like a kid in a sweet shop. What's brilliant about this mosque is how it punches well above its weight. It's smaller than the big-name mosques, but the attention to detail is absolutely extraordinary. Every tile, every pattern, every colour choice screams quality over quantity. Sinan knew exactly what he was doing when he designed this beauty. The best part? It's usually blissfully quiet compared to the tourist crowds elsewhere. You can actually take your time to appreciate the craftsmanship without someone's selfie stick poking you in the ribs. Pro tip: The lighting is magical in late afternoon when the sun streams through the windows and hits those tiles just right. Pure Instagram gold, but more importantly, pure architectural poetry.

Rüstem Pasha Mosque is smaller than other famous mosques nearby, but it is very special. The İznik tiles are beautiful—blue, red, and white patterns cover the walls and make the place feel peaceful and artistic. You can see that the builders worked with great care and skill, just like in the big mosques. It’s quiet, not crowded, and perfect if you want to enjoy the art and take your time. A hidden treasure in Istanbul!

Mosque is hidden in Eminonu area and surounded whit many shops. Not very big but very beautiful mosque. Entrance is hiden in small street. Mosque has a special energy and is nice place to take a break from vandering thrue the bazzar shoos