Absolutely fabulous experience making Ebru, marbled paper. Betul and Ali are excellent teachers…read more We have been their students before and it's like meeting old friends again!

I came here with a tour group through Viator and this show was incredible. I have always had a…read morefascination with the poet Rumí and Sufism and the culture. To be able to see this meditative practice done live was such an honor. While it is a show, it is an actual ceremony and the participants take it seriously. No photos or videos or talking is allowed (can you imagine how distracting that would be if we could). You need advance tickets, check in at the front and then walk up a flight of stars where you can read about the practice and see some artifacts on display. It is assigned seating once the doors open. The dervishes spin as a symbol of the cosmic dance of creation and the planets orbiting the sun. The hat symbolizes the death of the ego and the right hand is held up to God for receiving wisdom and the left hand is held down to share that wisdom with the rest of humanity.

I really hate to say that I probably wouldn't recommend this hour long show to a friend because…read morewhile I actually enjoyed learning about and seeing the Whirling Dervishes, the overall consensus of our group (4 adults, 3 kids ages 13-15) was that it was just too long. We all understand and appreciate that it is a ceremony and that walking in late or leaving early would have been distracting and, well, rude, but if there was a way to get a peak or 30 minute version, it would have been better received, especially with the kids. The $41 full rate for the 7pm (19:00) show seems excessive and luckily, I discovered the 5:00 daily "Happy Hour" rate of $31 which doesn't appear on their website when you click on "Whirling Dervish". Instead, you must go to: https://www.hodjapasha.com/en/online-ticket-sale-2/ . But even $31/each for a family of four is pretty pricey. Now, me personally, I enjoyed the music, lesson in their culture and tradition, seeing the Dervishes incredible faith, commitment and balance, especially at full spinning speed. I am glad we did the experience and it was only an hour of our 2 days in Istanbul, after the Turkish Bath (Cagaloglu Hamami is the best!) and before a wonderful dinner (Gulhane Sark Sofrasi was excellent). The venue (inside an old Hamam) is beautiful. I was between giving 3 or 4 stars...3 for the price and length of the show (although the kids would likely say 1 or 2)...4 because of the cultural authenticity and music. But again, if you're with kids, I'd suggest you pass. Ours tolerated it and one fell asleep.

We went to a yoga class here during a recent trip to Istanbul and had a great experience with the…read morepeople who run the space and the yoga instructor, Lacey. One of few English speaking yoga classes offered in the area, the format proved challenging but our instructor was very encouraging and supportive! My husband and I felt very comfortable and welcomed by the local " regulars". Circuit is a space that promotes sustainability through art so whenever they sponsor community gatherings, you will find no paper plates or plastic forks! They have a water cooler and actual glasses for guests to use. They recycle and use composting trash bags, too. The decor is eclectic, light and bright with a very chill vibe. Aside from yoga classes, they offer art classes and host second-hand resale bazaars. The space is available for rent, too.

We went for a music show. Food was okay and entertainment was okay too, nothing too memorable. They…read morehad Turkish dances, belly dancing, Georgian dances and Karaoke at the end.....food was okay too. I paid €30 so I was not disappointed.

Moda deniz klübü a privatized social club that requires membership . We had to attend to a wedding…read moreceremony with my wife. Lovely food very good location and music.

If you spend time in Istanbul you end up back in the ancient past. Once you've seen too many…read moreOttoman era mosques and Roman era ruins, it's time to see a very unique collection of modern and contemporary art in a most artistic 21st century building, itself a work of art. Impressive sculptures in front, awesome view of the Bosphorus from the terrace and one of the more affordable admission prices in town. Fear no Art.

Located in the cruise ship port, this is a super modern museum with lots to see…read more I enjoyed the photography exhibition best. The upper and lower terraces have amazing views and worth every penny. Two floors of viewing. Sculpture. Painting. Mixed media. Photography. Textiles. The works on display and well done although by the time we finished my head hurt. Not too expensive and well positioned to get those cruise dollars.

Decent place. The lounge is a bit expensive and inattentive. Not many food options. The staff is…read moremostly friendly. The room was real nice and the ambiance and decor was well structured. Nothing really stood out to me as far as out of the norm or special. It would have been nice to have breakfast options. Good location to everything and the transit lines. Worth a stay if you are in town.

When I travel with Jeremy, I don't pick the hotels. He picks and pays…read more This was a great location for all the old historic area of Istanbul that we wanted to see. And access to other areas were too difficult. The hotel building has fabulous history, see attached photo of it. It was once four separate apartment buildings melded into a beautiful inclusive hotel. A bar, restaurant, full breakfast buffet that lasts until 11:30 am, an indoor pool and spa. Several of the staff were extremely helpful. The purser walk with me to the corner bank to help decipher the Turkish on the ATM. Gentlemen at the front desk wrote out instructions for the ferry to Asia so we could show them to the ticket agent. Our twin room was American sized. Plenty of space and large bathroom. Finally in time of covid, this hotel serviced the room every day. Fresh towels, toiletries and complimentary water and teas restocked. We didn't take advantage of the breakfast service, we found it more fun to pick up street food or local cafes. The hotel spread is huge though. On a rainy afternoon I did grab lunch and late one evening we had dessert and cocktails in the bar. Both fabulous. I never rent a car in cities, so I can't vouch for parking on site. But cans are available out front all the time. And you are right on a tram line and three blocks from a metro station. Yes I would stay here again.