You must see Istanbul, Turkey at least once and free walking tours? A short walk down the street takes you to the Grand Bazaar for the most exciting shopping experience you’ll ever have. There are more than 5,000 shops in the Grand Bazaar covering 60 streets. It was an important trading center dating back to the 15th century. I can only imagine how it once was with traders coming in from Asia and Africa bringing their exotic items for merchants to peruse from Europe. Spend a day losing yourself in the giant labyrinth that houses Mosques, hammams, cafes, and jewelry stalls.

With the majority of tourist attractions located on the European side, most first-time travelers to Istanbul don’t venture into the Asian side of the city. Had it not been for Ciya Sofrasi and Walter’s Coffee Roastery, then we wouldn’t have gone there either. Home to a maze of cafes, bars, restaurants, and some trendy neighborhoods, the Asian side has much to offer and is well worth a day if you can spare it. We traveled around Turkey for two weeks so we went to these places on our own, but if you don’t have as much time, then you can visit them on day trips from Istanbul as well. Domestic flights are inexpensive and efficient in Turkey, making these day trips to other regions highly possible.

Emirgan Park is one of the biggest public parks in Istanbul, covering some 117 acres (47 hectares) and surrounded by a high wall. The land was once covered with cypress trees, and the estate passed through many owners over the years, eventually becoming available to the public in the 1940s. Filled with many plant and flower species, the pleasant park has two ornamental ponds and three beautiful mansions. A popular recreational spot, there are jogging tracks, walking trails, and places to eat and drink. Take a stroll around the extensive park, seeing the wide array of pretty flora. Trees in the park include pine, cedar, beech, ash, spruce, and willow. The plants attract plenty of birds and insects. Don’t miss seeing the tulips in full bloom if you visit in the spring. Keep fit on the running tracks, relax alongside the ponds, enjoy a picnic, and let kids run and play in the wide open spaces. Discover extra details at Free walking tour Istanbul.

For a closer look at the glory of the Ottoman Empire, you should go to Topkapi Palace during your trip to Istanbul. Topkapi Palace was built in the 15th century. Mehmed the Conqueror ordered the construction of the palace in 1459. At first, the palace was named Yeni Saray, or the New Palace. Before this palace, the Sultan used to live in the Old Palace in Beyazit Square. The name was changed to Topkapi Palace in the 19th century. Topkapi means canon gate. After the fall of the Ottoman Empire in 1923, Topkapi Palace was turned into a museum in 1924. The palace, occupying a vast area of around 592,600 to 700,000 m2, has hundreds of rooms and chambers, but not all of these rooms are accessible for tourists. Only some of the most important ones are open to the public.

Our free walking tour of Istanbul take you on a travel thru Istanbul’s deep history. Our Tours are educative and entertaining, we don’t offer unexciting details! Check out Istanbul’s bustling avenues and explore 10.000 years of remarkable and interesting history. Our Istanbul walking tours promise enough laughs thru fun information and facts as well as stories. Explore extra info on https://www.freeistanbultours.com/.