Kemal Usta Waffles

If you like waffle, you should try it in Kemal Usta Waffles once.It is located in Moda, Kadıköy. It has been serving one of the most delicious waffles of Istanbul for almost 15 years. There are so many ingredients to choose for your waffle, so it is hard for you to decide but all of them look nice.

Bomonti Çay Bahçesi

Bomonti Çay Bahçesi offers you a great view of Kalamış. You can smoke hookah in its garden while watching sea. It also has a rich menu. You can have a great breakfast in its garden. Playing cards, backgammon or rummy with your friends is another option for you.

Beer's Cafe and Restaurant

 If you are in the Anatolian side of Istanbul and looking for a good place to hang out with friends, this cafe is the right place for you. It is located in the seaside of Bostancı. It has a beautiful garden and good, classy decoration. They have a rich menu which gives you many choices. You can drink or eat for suitable prices and as you are doing that, you can watch the sea and islands.

Emirgan Korusu

As summer comes, parks and forests of Istanbul become more and more beautiful. Emirgan Korusu (Emirgan Grove) is one of the best places in summer time. You can have a great time and see the great nature view. There are many flowers in there. Especially a lot of tulips exist in that park. Also there are 3 historic pavilions where you can visit. These are called white, yellow and pink pavilions. If you are interested, you can buy flower seeds from here too.

You are by the seaside, entertain your life, Balon Cafe

 Today, I would like to inform you about a cafe and restaurant by the seaside in Kadıköy =))

 You also have an opportunity to have group events in this nice restaurant. Although I do not like smoking, there is a good news for smokers. You can smoke in a private area with this magnificent view.

When I entered into the place, I felled relieved because of being the seaside. The cafe has a nice view of Kadıköy ports and Haydarpaşa. You may have some information about these places from the official website of Istanbul The cafe provides you various types of foods, beverages and desserts. Today I decided to have a crepe with chicken and mushroom. It is served in a casserole with grated cheese on it. It was delicious when you have it with a cup of Turkish tea. In addition to this, I also recommend you to have a slice of cheesecake. Chefs have prepared them very well. By discovering this nice cafe, I feel myself better. Now I have added this place into my list and when I want to refresh myself, I will visit and have a cup of coffee.

Have a nice day !!

Atatürk Arboretum

Located in a relatively easily accessible section of the Belgrad Forest near the village of Bahçeköy (about 15 minutes of walking away from the last stop of public buses 42T from Taksim and Beşiktaş.The entrance of the arboretum is 10 minutes walk down that road, on the left.The arboretum, surrounded by a natural oak forest, is planted with many non-native tree species. It is an almost mystic place during hazy autumn days, but is always highly scenic no matter what the season, anyway. There is also a wooden observation tower  offering a view of the surrounding forests and a spectacular sight of Bosphorus which is seen like a turquoise lake from that point.

  That same tower can also be used for birdwatching during autumn, as these hills are on one of the major routes of migratory birds on their way from Europe to Africa. During weekdays arboretum is open to public for a token fee (about 3 TL, which is not always collected), however weekends are exclusively for members.

Belgrade Forest

The Belgrade Forest was once a place only visited by foreigners. In 1956 the first picnic areas were established around the Neşet spring and around the dams, and today there are seven picnic areas, the most popular being the one near the Büyük Bent. The café in the middle of the Bent provides biscuits, toasts, tea and soft drinks. When you are hungry you can either spread the food you brought to the wooden tables or make barbecue. Around Neset spring you can also find alternatives of "Kendin Pişir Kendin Ye" (Cook Yourself, Eat Yourself) for a meat banquet!

Especially during the summer months, Belgrade Forest is a place to go to escape the heat of the concrete jungles. However don't forget there are going to be thousands of other people with the same idea. Once you enter the forest the atmosphere of a different Istanbul will encircle you, first a light and wet coolness than the deep shadows created by the high trees hindering the sunlight.

İstanbul Islands

If you are looking for an Istanbul city break with a difference, or a Turkish island beach holiday with some added excitement then look no further than the Princes' Islands.

Stay in the Karamanyan, a beautifully restored Ottoman house, which has been converted into apartments. Sleeping from 4 to 6 people, these self-catering apartments are conveniently located on Heybeliada, the second largest of the islands. it can work out more costeffective than staying in an Istanbul hotel

Turkey may be one of the UK's top holiday destinations, but Istanbul's Princes' Islands are still well off the beaten track for foreign visitors. Mostly visited only by day trippers from Istanbul, the Princes' Islands are a world apart from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Despite this, they are only 45 minutes by ferry from the historic sites of Istanbul. The Princes' Islands offer a choice of relaxing Turkish beach clubs so you really can have all a holiday combining history and culture with sea, sun sand and relaxation.

Çorlulu Ali Paşa

Çorlulu Ali Pasha Mosque is one of the last representatives of the Ottoman style built between the years 1707 and 1709 and at the same time it is a complex. Çorlulu Ali Pasha Mosque is located in the left coming from theGrand Bazaar to Çemberlitaş and nex to the old Şimkeşhane building. Transportation is easy.

Beyazıt has an magnicifent view. Located at the beginning of the Eminönü, days and nights are always offering quality time.It is a great place to get water-pipe and also traditional Turkish coffee. My suggestion for water-pipe can be Bahrain Apple water-pipe. Tobacco of Bahrain is coming from Arabia and I have to mention that it is not easily be found.

Yeniçeriler Cad. 36, Beyazıt Istanbul

Sade Kahve

Sade Kahve is placed in the Rumelihisarı District which has one of the magnificient view of the Bosphorus. You can try Turkish Coffee in here which is still being boiled on ashes like in traditional way.

Also you can enjoy a rich breakfast menu in here for suitable prices. Eggs scrambled with domatoes and green pepper is very delicious here. They are preparing it in copper stewpots and i think that makes it very delicious.

You can relax in that cute coffee by drinking tea like Turkish people at any time of day.

Have you ever tried "Turkish Coffee" from Fazıl Bey ??

Ladies & Gentleman,

Today, I would like to share some information about a coffee shop in Kadıköy. This nice shop is located in Kadıköy's local bazaar.

In the photo you can see the entrance of the coffee shop. Turkish coffee is a beverage which consumes usually in the morning in order to feel yourself better. The coffe usually cooked on an over by using a coffee pot. You may drink it without sugar or with a little, medium or too much sugar. Actually, I prefered to have a coffee without sugar. -It tastes great =)) - One of the most important things while consuming coffee is bubbles on the beverage. Also it is served with a piece of Turkish Delight - However I ate it in the photo =)) You can also see a glass of still water on the left side of the coffee. If you want to taste coffee better in each shot you should drink a piece of water first than coffee for your own good. Fazıl bey provides you various types of coffee to drink. It consists coffee with lavors of mastic, ginger, chocolate, mint and so on. You may also have powdered coffee in order to cook it at your home.

Turkish coffee has also a symbol in Turkish culture. When a couple decides to marry, the candidate groom visits brides family and bride serves Turkish Coffee with salt. Please never try that at your home =))

For more information about Istanbul you can visit the official website =))

Have a nice day !!

A cosy cafe with a nice garden

Ladies & Gentleman,

In my last post I gave some information about a nice shopping street in Kadıköy. While I was explaining the details in that street I also mentioned about a cultural center. Now, I am going to share my experiences in this nice café. “Nazım Hikmet Kültür Merkezi” is one of the “secret” places in Kadıköy. While I was wandering in the shopping street, I realized that there is a huge door at my left side.  

When I entered in, I realized a huge building on my left side and a garden, covered with tall trees, was standing on my right side. Many tables are placed in the garden for entertaining yourself in a warm and silent area. In addition to this, if you continue walking through the garden, a winter garden is waiting you for bad weathers in winter. Fortunately the winter garden is covered with glass doors and servers open them during summer. While people are chatting or meeting with their friends, they may drink coffee or tea and they can also eat aperitifs or main dishes. Turkish cuisine mostly consist foods that are prepared from fresh ingredients. Moreover, most foods are cooked in a sauce. The daily menu is written on a white board at the entrance of the building. I preferred having an “Ayvalık tost.” This is a toasted bread which contains sausage, French fries, salami, ketchup and mayonnaise. That was delicious…


Have a nice day

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Hanedan Cafe

Yesterday me, my roommates, my boyfriend and her sister met up. Since we were itching to talk about the things going on in each others' lives, we wanted to sit in a place where we can hear each other. This time we chose to go to Beşiktaş, one of the most popular places of Istanbul.

Shore of Beşiktaş has an magnicifent view. Located at the beginning of the Bosphorus, days and nights are always offering quality time. Hanedan Cafe is located by the sea at the boulevard of Barbaros. It is a great place to get water-pipe and also traditional Turkish coffee. My suggestion for water-pipe can be Bahrain Apple water-pipe. Tobacco of Bahrain is coming from Arabia and I have to mention that it is not easily be found.

You have to come and feel the lovely atmosphere of this unique place :)

All in one "Wood"

I was looking forward to met my highschool friends to have a full night fun. This meeting was planned well before this day, so we were able to select ahead where we were going; "Wood" which is located in western part of Ataşehir. Ataşehir is a part of Istanbul which is newly renewed according to the urban renewal project. It is located at the center of Asian side of Istanbul which makes it so preferrable to live in it.

We arrived there around 6pm which was too early for a dinner so we chose to play one-two sets of bowling first :) Either I was playing too good or my rivals were a bit soft I don't know but it was an easy win ;)

The bar of the bowling saloon offers some snacks ofcourse but we needed some decent dinner after the game so we moved to upstairs where the restaurant part of the Wood is placed. I must admit that, the decoration of the restaurant exceeded my expectations. If you not stick with only my photos and check the website you will surely understand what I mean. The service also great; the waiters are always watching carefully for the needs of the guests. Unfortunetely I am not a meat person  however as far as my friends said the kebap is something else in here. If you visit Istanbul someday, right spot to eat Kebap is here.

I hid the most fun part to the last, karaoke!! The karaoke bar is openning at 10 pm at night and fun continues till morning. Different fun events are arranged for different days of the week; some nights are selected as only 80s, some nights everybody sings rock and etc. There is also one VIP room, which can be rented by making a reservation. We did not know that VIP-karaoke was so large and comfortable before coming to Wood but we were also lucky that there was an hour avaliable space for that night. With five girls sharing one microphone you can guess how the night ended at last :))

  Anyway, "Wood" is one of unique places that offers wide range of joy at same place. I strongly advice you to come and visit here if you happen to be passing by. Cheers,

Mercan Kokorec Kadıkoy

Adress:Caferağa mahallesi Yasa sokak No: 15 Kadıköy

When you come to Turkey , you should try kokorec ,one of the delicious food of Turkish cuisine. You need to try it in a proper place like Mercan. Mercan serves one of the best kokorec you will ever eat in İstanbul. It has a 4 floored shop in İstanbul. On the toppest floor you can eat your food with the beautiful view of İstanbul and also smoking is allowed on that floor. Mercan has an alcohol license so that you can drink when you eat. You can also taste traditional turkish drink which is called raki. It is called ‘lion milk’ in Turkish because it is a tough drink. There are another sea foods in the menu of the restaurant  like stuffed mussels which i recommend you to try. You can come mercan when there is a football match between the two rival clubs of İstanbul: Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray. You can watch the game while drinking and eating and you can feel the derby atmosphere with the locals, but you should reserve a table before you come because all tables are being booked on the match days.

A Hidden Street In a Shopping Boulevard

Ladies & Gentleman,

As you understood from my previous post, I have been searching for hidden "entertaining places" in Istanbul. Today I would like to inform you about a nice street.  

Just hours ago I had an opportunity to discover a nice street in Kadıköy. The area is called "Sanatkarlar Sokağı" -The photo shows the monument at the beginning of the street.- When you enter the street, at the left side there is a catholic church, which I will have an opportunity to visit on Sunday. Just opposite the church, there are cafes where you can eat some kind of street food, such as kumpir -baked potato.- Beyond these, there are small shops along the street. You can find souvenirs, which are handmade. These products are made from wool, glass or wooden. Moreover, you can find nice bars in which you can relax and make a route plan for a trip in Istanbul -Note:Having a Bosphorus trip is an indispensable idea.- Lastly, I would like to mention a cafe in the street. "Nazım Hikmet Kültür Merkezi" is a secret place, which serves for us. Actually, during winter, foods and beverages are served in the building; however, I had a chance to sit in the garden because of the warm weather. In the next time, I will mention about this "secret" place. Please wait for my next share. 

Have a nice day…

 @Istanbul

A Rainy Day in Emirgan

Today was a lovely day for me. My boy friend had the day off from work and we decided to visit Emirgan. It is located between Bebek and Sarıyer which is the ideal place if you want to be in the region of a big metropolitan like Istanbul and being away from fuss of the horde of people. The unique location of Emirgan, provides attraction from all other parts of the Istanbul. You can enjoy the marvellous scene of Bosphorus from here while having a walk with your beloved ones while feeling a nice breeze in your ears.
The weather was a little rainy and warm enough to have a romantic weekend. After having a nice breakfast, we went to shore of Emirgan. While walking by the sea with the accompany of seagulls, we come across to fishermen. There are several spots where you can rent fishing rod which is very good alternative activity for a day.

After a long walk, we decided to stop by a cafe to enjoy nargile with the scene of Bosphorus. There are many high quality cafes located by the shore in Emirgan. The waiters are very polite and the service you get is worth the price. The cafe we selected for this time was "Orga". Orga is located just by the shore so it has a magnicifent view. If you are travelling with your own private car, there is car parking service of Orga which makes life easier for you; else there is a bus stop right in front of the cafe so transportation is ultra easy. Wide range of oppourtunities included in the menu; so you can find something that suits your taste even if you are very picky. Orga in Emirgan is one of the chain restaurant which is specialized in the desserts mainly so without tasting one in the menu, I would definately not leave there :)) We order a wet cake which was perfect for me, why don't you come and find your own perfect one.

What is this blog for ??

Ladies & Gentlemen,

People are travelling since they existed on the world. Nowadays, travelling is an indispensible lifestyle for some of us. Thus, we are planning to share our memories and experiences with you via our blog. Now, you are just a click away from the news.

Please, do the "work of mouse"

Have a nice day...