If you're in Istanbul near Istiklal Caddesi, you have to stop here! This is a unique location that…read moreis a lot of fun to see souvenirs from all over the world. The space is huge! A lot bigger than it looks on the exterior and sprawls over several floors with indoor and outdoor sitting areas. I walked by and was intrigued by the myriad number of mugs and flags displayed. That was a couple years ago. This past summer (July 2022) I had the pleasure of dining here with my daughters. Everything we ate was very good (pizza, fries). What was even better was hearing about how the idea for this place was started by a math teacher and how students are give the opportunity to backpack all over the world and bring souvenirs back to be displayed. This spot is also awarded a white oleander award. Check out my videos!

This is such a cool concept and the decor is reason enough to stop and take a look inside this…read morefunky bar! It's location has great views on the top floor, and they also have several board games to check out. The beer selection is massive, hard to choose as I wanted to try a little bit of everything! I am so glad a local showed me this hidden gem, definitely a memorable experience during my time in this beautiful city!

If ancient chariot races, imperial intrigue, and architectural drama rev your historical engine,…read morethen the Hippodrome in Istanbul is the pit stop for you. This is right outside the Blue Mosque so convenient to see both. Originally built by Roman Emperor Septimius Severus and later expanded by Constantine the Great, the Hippodrome once held up to 100,000 cheering fans. Maybe the original Fast & Furious franchise. Now, it's more of a contemplative stroll. For example, The Serpent Column, it's still twisting the minds of historians. You see what I did here?

The site of a former Byzantine stadium for chariot races with seating for 100,000 people. Now a…read moreplaza with an Egyptian Obeliski and the Serpentine column. Also the Column of Constantine Porphyrogenitus that was once covered by bronze that was stripped off by vandals.