Istanbul’s Ancient Land Walls: A Guide for Travelers
The 1600-year-old land walls of Istanbul (city walls of Constantinople) are an unforgettable urban adventure. What to know before you visit.
Europe
15 Awesome Things to Do in Istanbul with Kids
Visiting Istanbul with kids? Here are our 15 favorite things to do in Istanbul with kids, geared to active families and adventure seekers.
Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise on a Budget: A Guide for Travelers
Doing a DIY Istanbul Bosphorus cruise was a surprise highlight of our Turkey visit. Here’s our detailed guide for taking the cheaper Sehir Hatlari Bosphorus cruise public ferry.
Istanbul’s Mysterious Basilica Cistern
Enigmatic, evocative, and overflowing with history, Istanbul’s ancient Basilica Cistern will surprise you (and maybe even creep you out a bit too).
Istanbul: Palatium Cafe…and Dungeon?
When we found Palatium Cafe in the heart of Istanbul, we thought we had stumbled upon just another trendy coffee shop in the heart of the Old City…until we went searching for the restroom!
Antique Hippodrome B&B: Best Budget Hotel in Istanbul?
Antique Hippodrome B&B just minutes away from the Blue Mosque is an unbeatable hotel deal. It might just be the best budget hotel in Istanbul Old City.
Brussels to Vientiane
The wait is over! After months of waiting and a few days getting Noe’s travel feet wet in Brussels, the real adventure is about to begin!
Brussels: Ixeles & Bourse
Exploring the Brussels neighborhoods of Ixeles and Bourse with a three-month-old in tow while Lori attends orientation for her new job.
Bruges Day Trip (Pt.2)
Continuing on our day in Bruges, we arrived at Markt, the main market square.
Bruges Day Trip (Pt.1)
Lori didn’t have to report to work until Tuesday, so we spent Monday on a day trip to charming and historic Bruges.
Brussels: Arrival
Belgium is one of those countries that I enjoyed a whole lot more than I thought I would. I mean, what’s not to love about a country whose major exports include some of the best beer, chocolate and waffles on the planet?
Portland to Brussels
By his seventeenth it was pretty clear that Noe was starting to get bored with wineries, so we got on a plane and moved to Laos. While that might not be entirely true, the weather leaving Portland was a good sign it was time to move on.
Istanbul: Asia and the Land Walls
Our fifth and final day offered a glimpse of Istanbul’s ancient past and promising future, as we trekked the city’s 2,600-year-old ramparts, had tea in view of a legendary island tower, and took a quick trip from Europe to Asia on a subway.
Istanbul’s Mysterious Underworld
What happens when empires build cities upon empires? A lot of cool stuff gets buried in the process.
Istanbul: Exploring Galata & Taksim
We visit infamous Taksim Square where protests/ clashes with security forces made headlines recently — but not before we visit hippie-alternapunk-central.
Istanbul: Suleymaniye & New Mosque
Exploring two of Istanbul’s mighty mosques: the mammoth and magnificent Süleymaniye, and the lively New Mosque.
Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace & Grand Bazaar
A delicious Turkish breakfast, a tour through Topkapi Palace, an amble through the Grand Bazaar round out the morning of our second full day in Istanbul.