balat istanbul

Visit and discover Istanbul with us!

 

TOO ISTANBUL was launched in 2013 with the aim to give you our advice and our recommendations to enable you to participate fully in the Istanbul life by sharing with you our knowledge and experience of the city. Driven by the quick success of our online guide, we decided to launch our travel agency to devote ourselves exclusively to your trip to Istanbul and allow you to enjoy and discover the city in depth by offering several services always with the same philosophy, make you live Istanbul like a local.

So, we started by creating day-long itineraries, in small groups (up to 8 participants) to make you discover the time of a walk, neighborhoods that breathe Istanbul and Turkey. Then, we developed itineraries also over half days to best adapt to your desires to discover a little more the treasures of Istanbul. These excursions are real explorations and moments of exchange with locals

balat istanbul : All articles

Must-see museums

Must-see museums

0 Comments

The little guide to our favorite museums in Istanbul, the ones you shouldn’t miss during your stay in Turkey.

Istanbul in February

Istanbul in February

0 Comments

Find our list of all the cultural events (concerts, matches, exhibitions) not to be missed in Istanbul in February 2022!

Winter in Istanbul

Winter in Istanbul

1 Comment

Istanbul offers another face of winter, very authentic and mysterious. Here is the list of activities to enjoy all the monuments and museums of the city peacefully

Week in Turkey, from Istanbul to Cappadocia

Week in Turkey, from Istanbul to Cappadocia

0 Comments

A program that invites to travel to the two most mystical regions of Turkey: Set off on a week-long journey to discover Istanbul, the capital of three Empires – Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman – and Cappadocia, a region with lunar landscapes, including Göreme, Uçhisar, and Urgup.

Weekend in Istanbul, between history and culinary culture

Weekend in Istanbul, between history and culinary culture

0 Comments

Istanbul is a crossroads between east and west, modernity and tradition, Christianity and Islam, but also a gastronomic crossroads where flavors and spices intersect and mix. The city itself is not uniform and each neighborhood stands out for its lifestyle, its dress codes, and its architecture. We offer you a glimpse, for a weekend, of this organized and bewitching chaos.

Visit the neighborhoods of the Bosphorus

Visit the neighborhoods of the Bosphorus

1 Comment

The Bosphorus is a 42 km long strait connecting the Sea of Marmara (in the South) and the Black Sea (in the North). It divides Istanbul into two parts, but also Europe and Asia. Do not miss this beautiful area during your stay in Istanbul.

Istanbul’s Asian side

Istanbul’s Asian side

0 Comments

Istanbul straddles two continents: Europe and Asia. Come and discover the Asian part of Istanbul with among others the districts of Kadıköy, Moda, Kuzguncuk, or Caddebostan, but also its magnificent monuments.

The Nazar Boncuğu

The Nazar Boncuğu

0 Comments

The Nazar Boncuk, the Turkish blue evil eye found everywhere and sold in abundance in all souvenir shops, is a talisman with ancestral origins that is present from Greece to the Middle East, but it is in Turkey that one finds the most variants.

Being a woman in Istanbul

Being a woman in Istanbul

0 Comments

What is the place of women in Turkish society? Is Turkey a safe country for women? These are all questions to which Manon, a young French student living in Istanbul, answers by giving you an article tracing her experience as a woman in Turkey.

Other specialties

Other specialties

0 Comments

One thing we particularly like about Istanbul is the multitude of caterers, the “esnaf lokantası”, serving homemade food. Most of these small caterers offer a wide variety of dishes to discover in our article.

Street food in Istanbul

Street food in Istanbul

0 Comments

Street food is an integral part of the city of Istanbul. In Turkey, there is no time to eat! You can’t walk more than a kilometer without bumping into street vendors and a dozen fast-food restaurants during your trip to Istanbul.

Spices

Spices

0 Comments

A brief overview of the best of Turkish spices, Turkish cuisine is rich in spices, and although the majority of them are not grown in Turkey, there is a real market dedicated to spices.

Turkish cinema

Turkish cinema

0 Comments

A bit of history about Turkish cinema which is undergoing an interesting cinematic transformation through quality productions, as well as our selection of films to see.

The incredible growing interest in Turkish TV shows

The incredible growing interest in Turkish TV shows

2 Comments

From Dubai to Athens via Pakistan, the Middle East, South America, and the Balkan countries, why is everyone is getting crazy for Turkish television series? Discover our selection of the best Turkish shows.

Taxis in Istanbul

Taxis in Istanbul

0 Comments

There are nearly 18,000 taxis in Istanbul, you will find everywhere at any time of the day and night. Find our guide to taxis in Istanbul to know the main prices and avoid the main scams.

Istanbul in December

Istanbul in December

0 Comments

Find in Istanbul in December many concerts, festivals, exhibitions as well as the program of all football and basketball matches!

Istanbul in October

0 Comments

In Istanbul the month of October 2019 promises to be rich in cultural events, you will find in particular the biennale of contemporary art, the festival of the film but also concerts and interesting football matches!

Istanbul in September

Istanbul in September

0 Comments

Many events on the menu, such as the Istanbul Biennial, one of the world’s largest contemporary art biennials, and also Contemporary Istanbul, the largest contemporary art fair in Turkey. You will also find plenty of concerts and sports events including the derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe!

Istanbul in August

Istanbul in August

0 Comments

Discover the cultural agenda of August 2019 in Istanbul. Find the whole program between concerts, festivals, exhibitions, the football’s Supercup and many more!

Istanbul in July

Istanbul in July

0 Comments

Between concerts, exhibitions, numerous festivals including the Big Burn or the One Love festivals and lots of outdoor activities, here is the little agenda of things to do in June 2019 in Istanbul!

Istanbul in May

Istanbul in May

0 Comments

Between concerts, exhibitions, matches and festivals including the Istanbul Jazz Festival, and also the end of the football season, here is the little agenda of things to do in May 2019 in Istanbul!

Istanbul in April

Istanbul in April

0 Comments

Between concerts, exhibitions, matches and festivals,including the Istanbul Film Festival, here is the little agenda of things to do in April 2019 in Istanbul!

Transfer from the new Istanbul Airport

Transfer from the new Istanbul Airport

0 Comments

The new airport in Istanbul opens its doors, in addition to presenting the various means of locomotion to make your transfer, here are also some tips to prepare your arrival in Istanbul.

In March in Istanbul

In March in Istanbul

0 Comments

The small guide in order not to miss anything of the shows, the concerts, the festivals, sports and the many other things to do in March 2019 in Istanbul.

Asian side of Istanbul: half-day tour to Kadıköy

Asian side of Istanbul: half-day tour to Kadıköy

0 Comments

Kadıköy is the new cultural and arty center of Istanbul, located on the Asian side of the city. It is a fast-growing area! Between its rich market, its musical and artistic culture, its lifestyle and its open-mindedness, this is a place not to be missed when you are in Istanbul!

Holidays and important dates in Turkey in 2019

Holidays and important dates in Turkey in 2019

2 Comments

Here are the important dates of 2019 in Turkey and Istanbul to not miss anything of the cultural agenda and which will help you to organize your trip according to the key dates of this year.

In February 2019 in Istanbul

In February 2019 in Istanbul

0 Comments

The small guide in order not to miss anything of the shows, the concerts, the festivals, sports and the many other things to do in February 2019 in Istanbul.

Where to celebrate new year eve in Istanbul?

Where to celebrate new year eve in Istanbul?

2 Comments

New year 2019 in Istanbul, between restaurants, different concerts, boats or nightclubs, here are some addresses as well as tips for a successful evening on the 31st of December 2018 in Istanbul!

In December 2018 in Istanbul

In December 2018 in Istanbul

0 Comments

The small guide in order not to miss anything of the shows, the concerts, the festivals, sports and the many other things to do in this en of the year 2018 in Istanbul.

In October in Istanbul

In October in Istanbul

2 Comments

The small guide in order not to miss anything of the shows, the concerts, the festivals, sports and the many other things to do in October 2018 in Istanbul.

Istanbul in September 2018

Istanbul in September 2018

0 Comments

The small guide in order not to miss anything of the shows, the concerts, the festivals, sports and the many other things to do in September in Istanbul.

In July in Istanbul

In July in Istanbul

0 Comments

Between the concerts, exhibitions and festivals, here is the little agenda of things to do in July 2018 in Istanbul!

Istanbul in June 2018

Istanbul in June 2018

0 Comments

The small guide in order not to miss anything of the shows, the concerts, the festivals, sports and the many other things to do in June in Istanbul.

Istanbul in May 2018

Istanbul in May 2018

0 Comments

The small guide in order not to miss anything of the shows, the concerts, the festivals, sports and the many other things to do in May in Istanbul.

In February 2018 in Istanbul

In February 2018 in Istanbul

0 Comments

The small guide in order not to miss anything of the shows, the concerts, the festivals, sports and the many other things to do in February in Istanbul.

Discover the contrasts of Istanbul

Discover the contrasts of Istanbul

0 Comments

Between history and modernity, this day is a journey through Istanbul that will allow you to discover and understand the many contrasts of our city.

In October 2017 in Istanbul

In October 2017 in Istanbul

0 Comments

The small guide in order not to miss anything of the shows, the concerts, the festivals, sports and the many other things to do in October in Istanbul.

In september 2017 in Istanbul

In september 2017 in Istanbul

0 Comments

The small guide in order not to miss anything of the shows, the concerts, the festivals, sports and the many other things to do in September in Istanbul.

In June in Istanbul

In June in Istanbul

0 Comments

The small guide in order not to miss anything of the shows, the concerts, the festivals, sports and the many other things to do in June in Istanbul.

Istanbul’s April cultural events

Istanbul’s April cultural events

0 Comments

The small guide in order not to miss anything of the shows, the concerts, the festivals, sports and the many other things to do in April in Istanbul.

March’s cultural events

March’s cultural events

0 Comments

The small guide in order not to miss anything of the shows, the concerts, the festivals, sports and the many other things to do in March in Istanbul.

What to do in December in Istanbul?

What to do in December in Istanbul?

0 Comments

The little guide to what’s happening right now: exhibitions, concerts, festivals and other things to do in December 2016 in Istanbul.

What to do in November?

What to do in November?

0 Comments

Here is the detailed program of the events of the upcoming days not to miss the culture mix of this November 2016 in Istanbul!

The cultural agenda of this summer

The cultural agenda of this summer

0 Comments

The summer will be rich in culture in Istanbul and there is something for all tastes, from concerts, exhibitions and festivals, discover all the summer 2016 program!

What’s happening in June ?

What’s happening in June ?

0 Comments

In June the sweetness of the summer settled in Istanbul and the season of the music festivals continues, it is a month that promises to be rich in culture and emotions, find the whole program in the article!

May 2016’s agenda in Istanbul

May 2016’s agenda in Istanbul

0 Comments

In May the good weather settles down and the music festival season begins ! In addition to the festivals it is a month that promises to be rich in culture and emotions, find out the whole program in the article!

The cultural agenda of April

The cultural agenda of April

0 Comments

Between the film festival, the ATP Master of Istanbul, Galatasaray – Fenerbahce’s derby, the opening of the stadium Beşiktaş as well as many concerts and exhibitions, the program of April looks colorful!

Visit the Karaköy area

Visit the Karaköy area

0 Comments

The Neighborhoods of Karakoy and Tophane, two neighborhoods that besides being among the oldest of Istanbul, are also among the most interesting to discover.

Spring in Istanbul

Spring in Istanbul

0 Comments

Here are the activities we propose you in spring to not miss anything of our vibrant city and have a pleasant stay!

Small-group aperitif cruise on the Bosphorus

Small-group aperitif cruise on the Bosphorus

0 Comments

Discover the Bosphorus on a private boat in a small group, and enjoy an incredible sunset. We will also share a delicious aperitif of local products. Our must-do in Istanbul!

Summer’s specials

Summer’s specials

0 Comments

From May to October, summer settles in Istanbul, and the temperature rises. It is now out of...

Where to go out in Beyoglu

Where to go out in Beyoglu

0 Comments

The district of Beyoglu and its neighbourhoods have been and remain the center of Istanbul's...

Turkish alcohols

Turkish alcohols

0 Comments

The local alcohols you want to drink during your stay in Turkey.

8 current facts about Istanbul and Turkey

8 current facts about Istanbul and Turkey

0 Comments

Far from the usual clichés and information, here are 8 current facts about Istanbul and Turkey that you probably do not know, and that will make you want to visit our country, and more particularly our city.

Autumn in Istanbul

Autumn in Istanbul

0 Comments

What to do in Autumn in Istanbul? Here is a list of activities we’ve selected for you this fall in our city.

A day to the Princes’ Islands

A day to the Princes’ Islands

0 Comments

Discover for a day the Princes’ Islands that were the favorite holiday spot of the Istanbulite elite during the Ottoman Empire, the old bourgeois mansions and old religious buildings, as well as the cosmopolitanism that is still present there.

Tailor-made trip to Istanbul

Tailor-made trip to Istanbul

0 Comments

As each traveler is different, we aim to organize tailor-made travels to Istanbul with hotel booking, our advice with the best activities and restaurants; tour-guides passionate about their city, private drivers, and all our good tips for you to spend an unforgettable moment in Istanbul!

Turkish desserts

Turkish desserts

1 Comment

Turkish desserts are worth a look and will not let you indifferent. Here’s a list with an overview of the desserts that you will come across in the windows or menus of Istanbul’s restaurants

Big Bosphorus boat

Big Bosphorus boat

0 Comments

THE BOAT: It is a very beautiful and spacious boat of 25 m for up to 30 people. On board you have...

Turkish Cuisine

Turkish Cuisine

1 Comment

During your visit to Istanbul you can not miss out the richness of the Turkish cuisine.

Summer in Istanbul

Summer in Istanbul

1 Comment

What to do, what to see, where to party? The guide to summer in Istanbul.

A day sailing in Istanbul

A day sailing in Istanbul

0 Comments

What is better than to spend a day sailing in Istanbul? Dicover the sea of Marmara and the Prince Islands on a sailing boat.

The best fish and mezes restaurants in Istanbul

The best fish and mezes restaurants in Istanbul

0 Comments

Where to eat good fish and seafood in Istanbul? Discover the Raki-Balik culture of Turkish cuisine, and all the fresh meals that come with it, the mezes! The secrets to eat and drink like a local while in Turkey.

Must-see monuments

Must-see monuments

0 Comments

Top monuments to visit in Istanbul, a city with 5000 years of history.

Shopping in Istanbul

Shopping in Istanbul

3 Comments

In this article, you will find our selection of the best shopping malls in Istanbul as well as neighborhoods renowned for their stores.

Boat tour on the Bosphorus

Boat tour on the Bosphorus

1 Comment

A boat tour in Istanbul is something not to miss, they are no better way to discover the city than cruising on the Bosphorus