The question of tipping often comes up when planning any travels abroad. Tipping in Turkey, unlike the rigid tipping expectations that characterize the United States and the more relaxed attitude prevalent in Europe, falls somewhere in the middle. Tipping in Turkey is mostly optional, although it remains a welcome gesture of appreciation when service exceeds…
Istanbul welcomes thousands of visitors each day and has been a tapestry of cultures since the days of the Silk Road. The turquoise waters of the Bosphorus connect East and West. It is a city well-equipped to welcome visitors of all backgrounds. Still, I often get asked by friends and acquaintances: “Is Istanbul safe for…
I’ve gotten the question of ‘where to stay in Istanbul’ from multiple friends over the years. Given the magnitude and the vast beauty of Istanbul, it can be daunting to choose the best area. Istanbul is composed of 39 districts spread between two continents. Of those, there are a few that are best suited for…
Cunda Island is a popular destination on Turkey’s Aegean Coast. The island is characterized by its lovely antique houses, accentuated with colorful doors and windows often graced with bougainvilleas. In the summer evenings, the town square comes alive with families dining in the traditional meyhane style. Turkish music bounces off the walls to accompany food,…
Sitting between the Euphrates and the Tigris, two of the most notorious rivers in history, is a place called Mardin. Once a part of northern Mesopotamia and the Fertile Crescent, it is now a province in southeastern Turkey. The capital carries the same name and welcomes visitors with a view of ancient limestone houses and…
Yes, Uber in Istanbul works, but not in the way you might expect. Uber in Istanbul and in Turkey is different from Uber in other countries, primarily because there are no civilian vehicles on the app; only taxis are available. Essentially, the Uber app is simply a method to efficiently request a taxi. There are,…
Often referred to as the “Pearl of the Orient,” Istanbul is a city with a rich and intricate past that has left behind monuments, artifacts, and cultural influences from all those who have conquered, inhabited, or used it as a refuge throughout time. Connecting East and West, today, a short ferry ride across its turquoise…