Beykoz Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Apr)

Europe to Asia-Crossing the Bosphorus ⛴️

#wecreate One of the must do when visiting the heart of Türkiye. I have never felt like I’m in a movie when taking any ferry ride in other places. But taking the ferry ride crossing from the European to Asian side of Istanbul is a memorable experience for me. The ferry just cost within 6 lira (one way) for around 15 minutes if you’re taking the ferry from Eminonu (European side) to Uskudar (Asian side). I went around 4pm and visited Maiden’s Tower which about 15 minutes walk. After visited Maiden’s tower I head back to the ferry port. Before heading back to Eminonu I decided to enjoy some dessert and hot chocolate in a cafe nearby the ferry station and it’s so worth it. I head back around 6pm. There’s also busker onboard the ferry playing local Turkish songs with flute and guitar while I enjoy the sunset sky overviewing both sides of Istanbul. First timer tips to Istanbul: Stay in the European side of Istanbul so that you will be near to any attractions / if you join any join in tour the pickup is available. Plus most local that is in Europe side able to speak/understand English so its convenient for you in case you need help to go around or buy something from the shop.

Bosphorus

Bosphorus is a natural strait connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. It's one of the most popular areas of Istanbul both for its inhabitants and visitors. The narrow channel of the Bosphorus allocates two cities of Turkey and two continents, both Asia and Europe. We took a night voyage to rejoice in this unforgettable geographical strait. Indeed an outstanding experience!

Bosphorus Boat Cruise

#celebratewithtrip Istanbul is a city set on the water and to fully experience its beauty and diversity you need to get out onto the Bosphorus Strait. On this ninety-minute cruise you’ll see both the European and Asian halves of Istanbul, enjoy views of many picturesque mosques and palaces, and learn more about Istanbul’s centuries-long history through an audio guide app available in ten languages. This tour will appeal to travelers with a range of interests Follow your route with the provided tour map Waste less time with skip-the-line tickets Receive a complimentary bottle of water or juice.

Istanbul ♥️

[Xin Zhi Shi] This restaurant is listed in the "nearby ranking" in Istislal Caddest. It tastes yummy. Lamb chop is very tender. Roasted chicken wings are also tasty. Freshly hand-made hotcake is authentic. It would be much better if you take some soup. The drink is a mixture of yogurt, water and salt. It is sparse but cleanses the palate. You can have a cup of Turkey black tea after meal to keep your stomach warm. That's a perfect day!

Before I came to Turkey, I always thought that Turkey was a war-torn country, and it was "the crossroads of Eastern and Western civilizations". This kind of view seemed to be the protagonist in East and West. Turkey was just an aisle or intersection, but this trip told me that this is not the case. Turkey itself is a huge and independent civilization, with Islam behind 1.6 billion people.

When I went to Shierqi, I just heard that the hot air balloon in Turkey is very good, but there are hot air balloons in many places, so the idea of ​​going to Turkey is intermittent and has not been acted on. Of course, before departure, I thought that if it were not for Kappa's hot air balloon, the Mediterranean paraglider, the romance of the Aegean Sea, and the speciality across Eurasia, I am afraid that I would not go to Turkey?

On Independence Street, everyone is learning how to pose for photos from me

Istanbul's Independence Street is like the Champs-Elysées of Paris; it may not be as grand and opulent as the Champs-Elysées, but it is to the people of Shanghai what East Nanjing Road is. Coffee shops/boutiques/delicious food, there really is everything... even two visits weren't enough for me. 📸 About taking photos Here, I really have the photo of my life! Wherever I go, everyone is learning how to pose for photos from me! No matter the skin color! ▫️ I didn't take the photo while running. It was a 'demonstration photo pose' I did just before starting to run, when the driver had just stepped up (there will be about 5 minutes here). ▫️ After starting, I ran a quick two steps (everyone was making way for me as I ran and cheering me on) and quickly posed in front. 🔸 Vintage 'Ding Ding Car' It runs from one end of the street to the other, and then back again; after half an hour, it does it all over again. On the bustling street, it seems to have no real traffic value, but it is a place where everyone rushes to take photos. Even local lads, while it's running, hang on the back just for a good photo 📸 You can also pay by card to sit on it for 17₺ a trip 🔸 Starbucks - 'Turkish Tea Latte' The shops on this street all have this Turkey-exclusive drink (I have two cups every day when I come to Istanbul!!). Some shops will directly indicate the tea latte, see pictures 1️⃣2️⃣, if not: iced Turkish tea with milk 🧋 Don't miss out on the milk tea! ✔️ Coffee shops/cake shops/patisseries are dazzling ✔️ There are also a plethora of restaurant choices here, you can just find one that catches your eye like we did ✔️ Malls/Sephora/shopping brands, they can also help with tax refunds. ▫️ After coming down from the Galata Tower, take the tram to Beyoglu ☞ On both sides of Independence Street are Galata St (for a high view and Taksim Square (by the sea), going to see the Mediterranean, feeding pigeons, are all good choices

5 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT MOROCCO 🇲🇦 😍

The Sahara Desert, bazaars and souks are the perfect place to get lost 😍 Along the way you‘ll find many amazing animals and friendly people 🐪 🐍🐒 Our Morocco road trip felt like the perfect adventure without being too adventurous if you understand what I mean 😅 Here are our highlights to help you plan your trip: 🗺️ Places to visit / Things to do: We did an amazing road trip in the following order: 1.Chefchaouen - the blue city 💙 You’ll find many cats here 🐈 2.Fes -Make sure to visit the local tanneries but be prepared for the worst smell 🙈 3.Ouzoud - You can see wild monkeys here🐒 4.Marrakesh - Stay in a traditional riad in the Medina for at least 2-3 days 5.Ait Ben Haddou - This ancient city was in sooo many movies already 🐪 6.Sahara Desert - We stayed at Sahara Luxury Camp (dogs allowed) right in the desert 🏜️ 7.Dades Gorge - The nature looks stunning here 🌳 8.Taghazout - The perfect place to go surfing 🏄‍♂️ 9.Essaouira - If you‘re lucky you can spot goats that climb into trees to eat the fruits 🐐 It looks very funny 😄 10.Casablanca 🌈 🚗 How to get around Rent a car or bring your own vehicle 😁 We took the ferry from Algericas in Spain to Morocco (only 30 minutes) ⛴️ Always carry 2 wallets when you are on the road because the corrupt police will stop you all the time. In one wallet you can carry all of your valuables and the other one just has a little bit of cash inside to give away when the Police asks for it (they usually ask for a lot but if you show your almost empty wallet and say you don‘t have more they will accept it) 😅 ⏰ Best time to visit During the cooler months when it‘s not too hot ☀️ We visited during November and usually had around 20-25°C. cr：wanderlust_samoyed& Contact us for removal

The Blue City of Morocco

Getting There - There are many tours that charge £50-£60 online. However there is a location where ‘big taxis’ that go long journeys are located near CTM bus station in rout de tetoun. Big Taxis which are 7 seaters that costs £6pp one way. They collect the money beforehand and it takes about 2 hours to get there. Attractions - the blue city is an attraction itself, there is no fee to enter you just walk in and roam around. There are waterfalls located here too. Hotels - N/A Food & Restaurants - There are many restaurants and food here, you can find all kinds of Moroccan food and some restaurants have an upstairs if you want a view. There are also restaurants near the river and waterfalls. Shopping - The whole of Chefchouen has street vendors selling clothes, gifts and souvenirs you can buy and haggle. I really enjoyed this place but i have to warn you than the journey here has great views but the lack of straight roads may require you to take sickness pills as its very mountainous. You can spend as much time as you want here but for me 3-4 hours was enough. #chefchaoen #morocco #tanger #tangier

Cafe Restaurant Rahmouni

Cafe Restaurant Rahmouni is located in Av. Hassan II, 91000 Chefchaouen, Morocco, is open daily from 0900-0030. The restaurant offers the best variety of local and international cuisine, and has a balcony sitting overlooking the nature of the blue city at decent price. Friendly staff approach and greet you when you just come in the restaurant, and customers are free to sit anywhere. I had ordered a shrimp tagine and a banana shake. Tagine is a Moroccan cooking vessel that is conical in shape and acts as a slow cooker. Traditionally, tagine is both the pot and the food that is cooked in it and uses Moroccan bread to scope up the meat, vegetables and sauce. Normally, chicken, beef and lamb are common meats used in tagine cooking. Banana shake is not so cold, but the shrimp tagine taste nice, when you soak your bread into it.

Plaza Uta el Hamman

Plaza Uta el Hamman is the main square of the medina of Chefchaouen, this wonderful square is a great place to just bask and explore, it is filled with restaurants, souvenir shops and sidewalk cafes some with a terrace ( rooftop ) sitting and comfortable places to just relax. The Grand Mosque of Chefchaouen, which the minaret has an octagonal shaft, is the oldest mosque in the area, occupies an area of around 130 square meters. ( Only Muslim can enter the building) The incredible kasbah construction date in 1471, once a fortress protecting the area, featuring towers, many arches, domes and passageways to explore.

Çırağan Palace Kempinski Hotel Istanbul

Exquisite European Flair Along the Bosphorus, With a Magnificent View Overlooking Asia. 📍Çırağan Palace Kempinski Hotel The Ciragan Palace Kempinski Hotel Istanbul is a world-famous hotel located on the shores of the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey. The hotel offers breathtaking views of the city and the water, and is known for its luxury accommodations and outstanding service. The rooms & suites are spacious with a magnificent view of Bosphorus. The breakfast buffet spread is amazing & offers daily customise juices as well as Turkish breakfast & international dishes. Make sure to try dinner at the Tugra Restaurant located at the first floor of the Palace for great food & memorable experience. #Istanbul #Turkey #Kempinskihotel #Ciragan Palace Kempinski #Dotzsoh #luxuryhotel

Çırağan Palace Kempinski 🗺️❤️

#fallingseason Nestled along the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Çırağan Palace Kempinski is a true autumn delight. The historical charm of this 19th-century Ottoman palace is enhanced by the vibrant hues of fall foliage, making it a magical setting. During my stay, the brisk autumn air added an extra layer of romance to the magnificent waterfront views. The hotel's opulent interiors, luxurious rooms, and impeccable service left a lasting impression. Dining on the terrace, surrounded by the warm colors of the season, while savoring Turkish and international cuisine was an unforgettable experience. In autumn, Çırağan Palace Kempinski radiates elegance and offers a glimpse into Istanbul's rich heritage. It's the ideal destination for a luxurious, culturally rich, and visually stunning autumn escape. #istanbul #instatravel #trip

Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul

The palace was built between 1863 and 1867, when the Ottoman sultans had the habit of building their own palaces instead of using the previous generation's palaces. Ciragan Palace is the last attempt of this tradition. The palace was destroyed by a large fire in 1901, leaving only the outer walls. In 1989, it was purchased and renovated by a Japanese company, and a modern hotel building was newly built in the garden, managed by Kempinski. In 2023, the hotel just completed the renovation of all public areas and rooms in the new building, and the decoration is brand new. During the trip planning, I was always torn between the Four Seasons on the Strait and Kempinski. Later, considering that Kempinski has the membership treatment of GHA, and I really want to experience the renovated rooms, I chose Ciragan Palace. In the end, I found it was a choice I didn't regret at all. As soon as I entered the room, the sense of luxury came to my face. The color scheme is the dark red exclusively used by the Ottoman royal family, which is the same model in the new Dolmabahce Palace. All furniture should be specially customized, the octagonal wooden side table with the characteristic Ottoman pattern seems to really take you back to the aristocratic era 200 years ago. The luxurious bed with a canopy faces the open Bosphorus Strait, and it is a different kind of enjoyment to lie on the bed and watch the cruise ships come and go in the strait. In general, this time in Ciragan Palace is a pretty perfect experience, and I should choose here again next time I come to Istanbul. The previously old rooms dragged down this hotel with a deep historical background, but with the standard of renovation, it truly deserves to be in the first echelon in the city.

Стамбул

Стамбул - это город очень большой и самый красивый город