5 things to do in Paris

Paris is truly an eternal city. Paris is one of the most visited city in the world. The city of love, the city of Eiffel Tower is always full of tourists, but in fall and winters the tourists’ crowd fall thinner. Paris is not worth visiting only because of its grand monuments like Eiffel tower and Louvre Museum, but also for its beautiful people, history and culture.

When you visit Paris you must want to see this entire great city, you may short list some specific spots to visit before other places. Here are the five most important things to do while visiting Paris.

1. Arc de Triomphe
Arc de Triomphe is world’s largest triumphal arch, which is situated at the center of the Place de l'Étoile. The monument overtops the hill of the Chaillot at the center of the star shaped structure of 12 shining avenues. At the base of Arc de Triomphe’s pillars, there are 4 huge sculptures that commemorate The Triumph of 1810, Resistance, Peace and The Departure of Volunteers. Around the top of the Arch, names of the major victories of The Revolutionary and Napoleonic period are engraved.


2. The Orsay Museum
The interesting thing about this museum is that is housed in a huge railway station that was built in 1900. This railway station was completely abandoned by 1961. In 1981 the practicing French president decided to use this railway station as a museum. The Orsay museum contains 2300 paintings, 1500 sculptures and almost 1000 other objects. These objects and paintings in the museum cover the era of mid nineteenth century to 1914 and these art pieces belong to Degas, Rodin, Monet, Renoir, van Gogh and others.

3. Montparnasse Tower
Montparnasse Tower was built in 1973 and at that time it was one of the tallest buildings in Paris. You must visit the tower’s observation deck to have a magnificent view of the city. May the tower is not a worth visiting place in itself but its observation deck on 56th floor makes it worth visiting. It offers you a panoramic view of the eternal city of Paris. You can see 40 kilometers far in clear days but the view is magnificent in the night when you can see illuminated landmarks.
4. O Chateau Wine Tasting
If you ever wished to taste some French wine O Chateau Wine Tasting is the place to make your wish come true. You can have some admirable wine samples from the wine yards of France. You will enjoy the time in beautiful environment of the bar along with world’s most exquisite wine.
5. Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise
Seine river cruises give you a one hour ride on board, setting off from Eiffel tower throughout the city with all its historical monuments. You can have a seat inside the glassed cruise and look out at the beautiful sights during your ride. The commentary is broadcasted in thirteen languages. You can also enjoy French music on the cruise.



Mouthwatering Turkish Breakfast

You might have thought about the very traditional Turkish breakfast, but with the name “breakfast”, everyone thinks about the standard breakfast item, the egg, coffee and the bread. However, the Turkish breakfast doesn’t include the standard items. If you are planning to visit Turkey, you should know about the following Turkish specialties served at breakfast.


TURKISH BREAD (EKMEK)
Bread might appear like it shouldn't be recompensed a spot on a breakfast list, particularly when it isn't the superstar, yet in Turkey, bread is a major food item. It is prepared as a component of each dinner to the extent I can tell, and a decent breakfast bistro will offer a few distinct sorts. Here you’ll find a white dried up baguette, a whole meal delicate baguette and with a slender, foccacia-sort bread finished with seeds and an egg wash. There will be a lot for you to taste up, however once you begin utilizing it to clean up alternate dishes and eat it with spreads, and you will begin to see the base of the dish pretty soon.


CHEESE PLATTER WITH VEGGIES & SPREADS
At most lodgings and inns in Turkey, you will be served a breakfast platter comprising of cheddar, tomatoes, cucumber and olives, alongside a few spreads. In this specific platter, you will see three distinct sorts of cheddar, bubbled eggs, a custom made cherry jam and Tahini glue, with a cucumber, dill and yogurt spread.


KAYMAK
Kaymak is playfully known as "Turkish split" and you will get to know “why”, after getting a glance of it. Much like with cakes, it is on the grounds that this specific dish is greatly addictive and delightful. Kaymak is fundamentally thickened cream, presented with nectar, and when the two are spread together on delicate new bread]. On the off chance that anybody in the UK has eaten a new scone with thickened cream and stick, then that will go some approach to envisioning how delightful this is. The nectar is additionally not a shop-purchased nectar; it has a composition and gruff sweetness to it, which makes it considerably more heavenly. This is an absolute necessity eat dish, and it makes it considerably more mischievous that you get the opportunity to have it for breakfast.


MENEMEN
Menemen is essentially Turkish fried eggs. It is a base of tomatoes and peppers cooked over a high warmth, into which eggs are then mixed. It is substantially richer with tomatoes in flavor, Mexican fried eggs, and on the other side, made right, it ought to have a slight warmth from the peppers.


BAKED EGGS WITH SAUSAGES
Nearby Menemen on verging on each breakfast menu, you will see something looking like fricasseed eggs with hotdog, which is essentially every one of this dish is. The frankfurter utilized tastes a considerable measure like an imported Hotdog, with a fiery and peppery kick to it.


GOZLEME
Gozleme is an appetizing baked good made out of flour, which is cooked over a frying pan and filled, ordinarily with vegetables, meat or cheddar (sometimes with spinach and cheddar). It tastes verging on like a thick, rich crepe with a firm external covering.

Souvenirs you MUST Buy in Turkey

You go to an unknown place and get all excited about shopping! Along with your own memoirs, bringing home small little items for friends and family is a tradition- and can be really confusing if you have no idea what to get; here’s where we come in handy! Turkey is an enchanting place and offers a variety of must-haves that anyone visiting MUST HAVE in their luggage as they check in at the departure terminal

Iznik Ceramics
Turkey is famous for beautiful Iznik art, the kind you take back home for your family and friends. You can get amazing, high quality ceramics ranging from tiles, plates, dishes, figurines and vases of every shape and colour, blue and copper being the more traditional ones. Paying as little as $50 for a small figurine or pate to as much as $1,000 for a really fine bowl. But most of the shopkeepers are up for bargain, as long as you’re good at it.


Turkish Carpets
This needs no introduction, Turkish carpets and rugs are well-reputed throughout the world and in case you’re wondering- SultanAhmet offers shops that are most in on the business, they offer a massive collection of carpets, and have a wide assortment of designs suited for any taste and budget. The stores offer carpets that are antique (Anatolia, Central Asia. Persia) as well as contemporary (patchworks, geometric patterns etc), even having a special stock for collectors. The biggest collection of silk herke carpets in traditional designs is presented at this place and is a must visit to when you’re looking for carpets in Istanbul.


Turkish Spices
From individual pure spices, to mixes perfect for lamb or chicken or beef, spice bazaar has a lot to offer for the culinary lovers. The bright colorful powders and the intense aroma of all kinds of spices force you take a bunch of them back home, for the love of Turkish food! This bazaar offers the best spices, nuts, dried fruits, baklava and of curse-the Turkish delight (which in itself is another MUST item that you should take back home; perfect for giving to friends and family). At its exterior walls are vendors catering to more locals and hence sell at a cheaper price. It is located in the Eminonu quarter of Istanbul, next to the Galata Bridge. Rarity and originality of these spices earn them a place at our list!


Evil Eye (Nazar Boncuk) Souvenirs 
It is common in Turkish culture to gift someone the evil eye bead to ward off envious evil glances from others, hence it makes wonderful trinkets. You can easily get them at the grand bazaar along with a multitude of other things that one can find at this one hell of a marketplace. Usually crowded and rushed, evil eye charms can be found in the form of jewelry, beads, key chains, decoration pieces and the like. Some vendors are open to bargain while others are strictly not. Happy shopping!

Tips for Women Traveling to Turkey

The lure of Turkey’s rich history and culture attracts tourists from across the globe. The welcoming and hospitable people of the region and the beautiful vistas are an added bonus for all those who travel to Turkey. All these factors continue to make the country one of the most favorite tourist’s destination.   
A lot of concerns are often raised with regard to females travelling to Turkey, especially alone. While a lone female traveler might have to adhere to a certain set of precautions, a few common sense principles can easily ensure a safe and enjoyable travel. A good understanding and respect for the local customs and culture can go a long way in ensuring that female travelers have a comfortable trip in Turkey. Given below are some of the tips that can help the female travelers navigate the country:

Dress and act formally
While areas like Istanbul and some other cities are fine with the western mode of clothing, the eastern parts of the country are less so. Hence, it might be a wise move to pack a conservative wardrobe with lots of loose numbers and skirts etc. Once you arrive in Turkey, let the way the other women dress up be a guide for you. This will allow you to easily gauge the acceptable mode of dress for the region and shop accordingly for our stay in the region.

Another thing that female travelers have to be a little wary of is the signals that they may unknowingly convey to men through their body language. Gestures which might be socially acceptable and normal back home can be interpreted as a sign of romantic interest by the men in Turkey. Avoid smiling at men you don’t know. Your politeness may very easily be misconstrued in the wrong direction. Similarly, do not hug your male acquaintances unless it is a norm for the group with whom you are interacting.

Traveling and getting around alone
While traveling alone as a female to most places in Turkey might not be an issue, it is advisable to have a companion with you when venturing out to certain areas. Giving off the impression that you are travelling with someone can also be a smart move. For example, if some overly inquisitive individual inquires about you travelling state, you can say that you are waiting for a friend or meeting up with group. A reserved and formal front may also deter any overzealous individual from approaching or harassing you.

Carry written details of your destination 
It is easy to sometimes get lost as traveler in a new area. Rather than relying on memory, carry a set of details about your location on a piece of paper. You can show this to your cab driver to ensure that your destination is correctly conveyed. Also, inform somebody of your destination and arrival time. In case something goes wrong, this will allow to easily track you down.

In short respect the local culture the norms and traditions to ensure that you do not find yourself in any unpleasant situation. A few common sense principles can ensure that you extract the best possible experience from your stay in Turkey while also staying safe. But above all remember to have fun! Turkey is a beautiful and hospitable place that will surely give you love and respect if you respect its traditions in return.   

Tips for Students Arriving in Istanbul

Are you excited about the opportunity of coming and studying in Istanbul? All geared up to explore and gain the best out of your exchange experience? If yes, then we are here to ensure that you are equipped with all the necessary tips for traveling and living during your stay in the beautiful and chaotic city of Istanbul.


Useful Tips for the Students Traveling to Istanbul
Once you have arrived in Istanbul, do not forget to procure your resident visa. This will give you the freedom to move in and out of the city and complete your term in the university. While English is not generally spoken and understood in the area, learning a few basic Turkish phrases, or carrying a Turkish phrase book, can prove to be helpful when commuting to places through public transport. Trams, trolleys, taxis and metro can be easily used to travel within the city at very cheap rates. The taxis can be found in the city in abundance, making them a fairly reliable transportation medium. Cheap and tasty Turkish food can be bought from the many street vendors present across Istanbul. These meals not only help the travelers experience the exotic Turkish cuisine, they are also very affordable for students on a budget.

The magical history and a deep and complex culture of the region have much to offer to those visiting. While the four month duration of the semester might not be enough to visit all that the city has to offer, there are some sites that should not be missed.

The Must See Sites of Istanbul
Your trip to Turkey cannot be complete without indulging in the joys of some friendly haggling at The Grand Bazaar. The place is ideal for getting the best bargains on items like the famous Turkish glass lamps, a perfect souvenir for your friends back home. The Spice Bazaar is another great market to explore. Its wide array of spices, teas and nuts are sure to tantalize your sense.

Istanbul will not disappoint you if you are a connoisseur of art and history. With its unlimited venues of exploration, Istanbul is a city of beautiful historical and archeological sites. Aya Sofia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Chora Church and the Istanbul Archeology museum are few amongst the many historical joys of the city. Another experience that should definitely not be missed out is bathing in the great Turkish Hammams. Don’t worry, the Hammams are segregated for men and women with steam baths and massages that are sure to leave you relaxed and content for a long time. For individual desirous to relax by escaping the hustle and bustle of the city for a little while, places like Adalaar Islands and the coastal towns of Agva and Sile are just a ferry ride away. You can kick back and relax on the beach with your friends and return to the city rejuvenated.

So for all those coming to Istanbul on exchange programs, we wish you a wonderful stay and hope that our insights will allow you to better appreciate and explore this great city.

Economical Places to Stay in Istanbul

Just got admission in a university or college in Istanbul? Or is business bringing you into this historically rich city? Whatever the reason may be, you will definitely not want to pass up the chance to visit and explore Istanbul. However, a limited budget without an accommodation can pose a problem. So, are you worried? Relax, we got your back. These places offer good facilities and most economical rates you can ever find to live in Istanbul.


Academia Hostel
Situated in the center of Istanbul makes it an ideal economical place to live.From hostel, Taksim Metro Station can be reached by just a 10 minutes’ walk. All rooms are air conditioned, have bunk beds and the facility of free Wi-Fi. You can prepare your own meals in communal kitchen and can relax in common room watching television.  It costs only €5.55 per night.
Location- BostanMahallesiKalyoncuKulluguCaddesi No:79Taksim, Beyoğlu, 34500 İstanbul, Türkiye.

Manon Hostel Galata
Offers modern style, air conditioned apartments with attached bathroom and aprivate kitchen. The kitchen is equipped with microwave, electric kettle and a fridge. It also has a comfortable dining room for family/ friends to spend quality time. Per night charge is €5.35.
Location- Emekyemezmah.okc Musa Cad.New Stairs Sok. No: 3Beyoglu, Istanbul 34430, Turkey.

Ex- Istanbul House
Is located at just a 15minutes’ walk from the Galala Tower and 5 minutes from Taksim square, saving much of transport cost. The house offers individual rooms, twin rooms, 6 bed dorm room and double private rooms with the facility of free Wi-Fi. Room charges depend on the room you take.  Bunk bed in mixed dormitory cost €6.24 per night.
Location- Hüseyinaga Quarter.AtifYilmazCaddesi. Kucukbayra Street. No: 8 Beyoglu / Taksim, Beyoglu, Istanbul 34435, Turkey

Agora Guest House and Hostel
Situated in a heart of old city, the agora is in high demand by young generation because of the mesmerizing view over the glittering blue Sea of Marmara from its terrace. The secure environment, peaceful atmosphere and clean dorm rooms have made it a first preference for many single-females students. To facilitate guests, free Wi-Fi and hostel’s laptop are available for use. Dorm rooms from €15 onwards are available.
Location- miralTafdilSokak 12, Cankurtaran.

Hotel Niles
Its modern yet comfy rooms are preferred for family stay and people who come on business tours in Istanbul.Cooperative staff and good service makes your stay more pleasant. The roof terrace is a perfect place to enjoy Turkish hi-tea and breakfast buffet with enrapturing view across the Sea of Marmara.Children can enjoy playing in courtyard garden downstairs. Free Wi-Fi is also available to their guests. Separate meeting room and exercise room are additional treat for Niles guests. Also, the hotel is located 3 minutes of walk away from the Grand Bazaar which makes it easy to move and explore different places.  Double rooms are offered from €50 onwards.
Location- OrduCaddesiDibekliCamiSokak No:19Beyazıt – Istanbul , Turkey.

20 Sightseeing Places in Istanbul

This post will show you 20 Sightseeing Places in Istanbul which are most attractive from tourism perspective. I recommend you to visit all these beautiful places in your next tour to Istanbul. Trust me you will be in love with Istanbul after visiting these amazing places. Most of the places are depicting Turkish history and architecture.

1. HAGIA SOPHIA

2. BLUE MOSQUE 
3. ORTAKOY



 4.BOSPHORUS BRIDGE
5. GALATA TOWER
6. HYDARPASA TERMINAL
 7. KIZ KULESI (MAIDEN TOWER) 
8. TOPKAPI PALACE
9. ISTIKLAL STREET

 10. TAKSIM SQUARE
11. TOP ROOF OF SULTANAHMET
 12. BEBEK


 13. AQUA FLORYA



14. KADIKOY SAHIL
 15. DOLMABAHCE PALACE

16. SPICE BAZAAR
 17. GRAND BAZAAR
 18. PIERRE LOTI
 19. VIALAND
20. KILYOS BEACH