Inside the Grand Bazaar: A First-Timer's Guide
How to explore Istanbul's Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) — what to buy, how to bargain, opening hours, and the easy 10-minute walk from The Central Hotel.
The Art of a Turkish Breakfast (Kahvaltı)
A guide to the Turkish breakfast — the cheeses, olives, eggs, jams and endless tea that make kahvaltı a leisurely Istanbul ritual, and where to enjoy it.
Old Istanbul on Foot: Walking the Historic Peninsula
A walking guide to Istanbul's historic peninsula (Fatih) — the landmarks, hidden corners and easy routes that make the old city best explored on foot.
Sultanahmet at Golden Hour: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque & Topkapı
A guide to Sultanahmet's great monuments — Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı Palace — and the best times of day to see them without the crowds.
Mornings on the Rooftop: Breakfast with a View
Start the day above the old city — a Turkish breakfast on the rooftop of The Central Hotel Istanbul, with rooftops, minarets and the Marmara Sea in view.