Istanbul Basics & Guides

Unpredictable Spring showers can put a real dampener (pun intended) on one's social calendar. But even if you have exhausted the city’s museums and...

When I first came to Turkey six years ago for a vacation, one of the first things that enamored me was the food. The...

So, you’ve been in Turkey for a while and decided that it might make sense to buy a home or maybe you have your...

If I knew then what I know now: Which neighborhood has the best, cheapest or most fashionable dresses? How much should I pay? Should I...

Editor's Note: This piece was first published in 2015, and was most recently updated in 2026 by our editor. The response to first-time applications...

Summer just won't seem to quit, and we all know how the heat tends to stifle any imagination when it comes to finding ways to...

Galata is a beautiful neighborhood in the apex of Beyoğlu district. It used to be a sanctuary for Turkey’s Greek, Armenian, Italian and Jewish...

As a vegetarian or vegan, by now you may have realized that Turkish people love their meat! Walking through the city you’ll see families...

All of us - single or in relationships, with or without kids - need help at home from time to time. It can be...

If you've landed here, you're likely in need of health insurance for your residence permit application. We've partnered up with an insurance provider to...

The work permit process in Turkey is unclear or confusing for many people because of the bureaucracy and inconsistent manner in which information and...

The residence permit application process in Turkey is an ever-changing and often complicated process. While we stand by the belief that a thoroughly compiled...

There are several reasons why residents of Istanbul need a Turkish bank account - the most obvious being that it is required for most...