Capital of Hungary, Budapest. The beautiful city on the Danube. With more than thousand years of history and a fantastic riverside, Budapest is one of the most photogenic city in Europe. Especially at night. Weather of Budapest can be cold in winter so you may choose Spring and Fall for visit. (0 – 22 °C monthly average degrees in a year)
First impression about Budapest: Central European Beauty.
Today, Budapest is a popular tourist destination in Europe.
Language: Hungarian Population: 1,7 million Currency Unit: Hungarian Florint Visa and Entry: A Schengen Country
Seven islands can be found on the Danube: Shipyard Island, Margaret Island, Csepel Island, Palotai-sziget (now a peninsula), Népsziget, Háros-sziget, and Molnár-sziget.
Budapest has architecturally noteworthy buildings in a wide range of styles and from distinct time periods
Public Transportation : BKV City buses, metro has 3 lines in Budapest, HEV is railway for suburbs, ferry boats in Danube, funicular in Buda Castle. Airport is 15km away of city center.
Time of Budapest : GMT +1 (CET)
The first subway line in mainland Europe, the Millennium Underground in Budapest, opened in 1896
Top 6 Things to Do in Budapest– Budapest Travel Photography Guide
1. Buda Castle Hill – This World Heritage Site is easily visible from everywhere in Budapest. Also, Exploring Castle Hill’s beautiful buildings and cobblestone streets can occupy an entire day. The central Trinity Square fills daily with tourists visiting the famous Matthias Church. The Fishermen’s Bastion and the Royal Palace, together with the Hungarian National Gallery, are also popular sights.
2. Budapest Opera House – Experience the incredible acoustics inside the Budapest Opera House, considered to be among the best in the world. Built in the 1880s, the Budapest Opera House stands as one of the most prestigious musical institutions in Europe. Catch a staged opera performance by Verdi, Puccini, Mozart, or Wagner – just don’t delay for too long, performances sell out quickly!
3. The Chain Bridge– The Chain Bridge was the first bridge to permanently connect Buda and Pest. At the time of its completion, Chain Bridge was considered to be one of the wonders of the world. Chief engineer Adam Clark completed the span in 1849. Crossing the bridge is just a short walk and no matter which direction you go, the view is beautiful.
Chain Bridge and Danube River
Amazing Parliament Building
4. Hungarian Parliament Building – The Parliament building, a magnificent example of Neo-Gothic architecture, is just over 100 years old. It’s the third largest Parliament building in the world, and is also home to the Hungarian Crown Jewels. Tours are available when the National Assembly is not in session. It is the biggest building in Hungary with its 268 metres (879 ft) length.
5. Fishermen’s Bastion – Fishermen’s Bastion is one of the most fascinating sights on Castle Hill. Although fishermen from Watertown (Víziváros) reputedly defended this part of the city during the Middle Ages, Fishermen’s Bastion was built in the 1890s and it’s purely decorative. Today, it’s a favorite lookout.
Fishermen’s Bastion
6. Gül Baba’s Tomb – Gül Baba’s octagonal tomb is located on Mecset Street, a short but steep walk from the Margaret Bridge in the district of Rózsadomb. It was built by Ottoman authorities in Hungary between 1543 and 1548, on the orders of the third pasha of Buda, and has a shallow dome covered with lead plates and wooden tiles.
Photography in Budapest – Budapest Travel Photography Guide
The Buda Castle hill offers plenty of viewpoints on the whole Danube with the bridges. One of my favourite spots are located in front of the Royal Palace, looking over the Chain Bridge and Parliament.
You can get up to Buda Castle on many paths. One I recommend starts at Clark Adam Square, right next to the Funicular’s starting point.
If you go all the way up, you’ll get to the Royal Palace. From here, looking over the Dabube, you have a fantastic view on Chain Bridge and Parliament. Here it’s also fun to play with vertical compositions with the Parliament and the Chain Bridge
Fishermen’s Bastion is probably the most touristy and crowded spot in the whole city. But if you go early morning or at evening, it’s a bit calmer.
Mathias Church : You can even go up to its top, there’s a balcony around. You have to climb 197 stairsteps and take a guided tour to get there, but the view is worth it
Gellért-hill – Citadel is the best vantage point for photography.
You can see the whole Buda Castle area, the Chain Bridge, Margaret
Bridge, Parliament, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Budapest Eye at Deák
Square.
The best time to go there is at Blue Hour, after sunset, or in late afternoon in sunlight. This place is really the best vantage point in the city, offering many great compositions!
Transportation to / from Budapest
From Belgrade to Budapest is around 380km and it takes 4 and half hour by car and 7 hours by bus. Zagreb, Croatia is 350km and trip takes 4 hours by car and 5 hours by bus and train. Vienna, Austria is 250km, it takes 3 hours by car, by train and by bus. Prague, Czech Republic is 525 km and trip takes 5 and half hours by car, 7 and half hours by bus and train.
The old town of Prague , the Charles Bridge, the largest castle in the world, the fairytale scenery mixed with a completely different scene outside of the center; all make Prague a very unique city. Yes, there will be crowds of tourists around the more popular spots, but there’s still plenty of reason to travel to Prague. This Prague Travel & Photography Guide will help you.
You Should Know before Go–Prague Travel Photography Guide
Prague has been a political, cultural and economic centre of central Europe complete with a rich history.
My first impressions of Prague : Art all around, Best beer Language: Czech Population: 2,6 million Currency: Czech Koruna Visa and Entry: a Schengen State (EU)
14th largest city of European Union
Germany occupied the city between 1939 and 1945
The Prague Spring was a period of political liberalization in
Czechoslovakia during the era of its domination by the Soviet Union
after World War II. It began on 5 January 1968.
Prague is the fifth most visited European city
after London, Paris, Istanbul and Rome. Top 3 visitors coming from
Germany, USA and UK.
Nicknames for Prague have included: the Golden City, the Mother of Cities and the Heart of Europe.
Charles Bridge and Prague – Kivanc Turkalp Photography / kivancturkalp.com
Best Photo Shooting Places in Praha – Prague Travel Photography Guide
1. Old Town – In between Wenceslas Square and Charles Bridge is the Old Town Square. Outside of Charles bridge, this is usually the most crowded area in Prague. There’s a variety of architecture surrounding the Jan Hus monument in the middle, but what really draws the tourists is the medieval Prague Orloj, the oldest working astronomical clock in the world. Mixed with Prague’s amazing architecture surrounding the square, it can provide some nice photos, though.
2. Wenceslas Square – Wenceslas Square is more of a wide boulevard than a square. Many historic events have happened here and it’s become the most popular spot for demonstrations, celebrations and public gatherings. Wenceslas is lined with beautiful, older architecture that is now the home of a variety of shopping stores.
3.Josefov – Josefov is the smallest named area in Prague and is surrounded by the Old Town. Josefov was once the Jewish Ghetto of Prague, but is nothing like it used to be. Outside of a few synagogues and the famous jewish cemetery, most of the area was demolished and rebuilt.
Magical Charles Bridge
4. Karluv Most – Visually, Charles Bridge might be my favorite bridge in the world. It’s straight out of a fairytale. It’s also probably the busiest and most crowded bridge in the world. Street performers, musicians, artists and merchants line the sides of the bridge, while tourists fill the rest of it. If you get here early in the morning, though, you can beat the crowds and catch it before it fills up.
5. Hradčany – Prague Castle, Hradčany surrounds Prague’s largest castle in the world. That’s why it’s commonly called the Castle District. Much of the district consists of historical palaces, so it has much of that Prague fairytale feel. From the top, you get to see the mix of Prague’s orange rooftops, architecture, and green trees that give the city a special atmosphere. This district is full of opportunities for finding ways to mix this fairytale feeling and look into your Street Photography.
Things to Capture – Photo Shooting Alternatives in Praha
Architecture (Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, 19th-Century Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, Communist)
Fairytale Feeling with towers and churchs.
Charles Bridge.
if you get up early you can explore and capture a much different looking, and feeling, Prague. You can spend days walking the cobblestone streets of the center with your camera, or if you have time and know any locals, you can venture outside the center to capture a completely different city.
For transportation from Prague airport with Prague Public Transport, you will need a Prague Map and Prague Metro Map. You will find them in airport.
If you read this Prague Travel & Photography Guide but still have some questions about shooting in Prague, feel free to comment below or email me!
Weather in Prague – Prague Travel Photography Guide
Prague has a humid continental climate. The winters are relatively cold with average temperatures at about freezing point, and with very little sunshine. Snow cover can be common between mid-November and late March although snow accumulations of more than 20 cm (8 in) are infrequent.
Summers usually bring plenty of sunshine and the average high temperature of 24 °C (75 °F). Nights can be quite cool even in summer, though.
Average high in July is 24,5 °C (76 °F). Average low in January is *-4°C (25 °F).
Travel to Prague
From Budapest, Hungary travel takes 5 and half hours by car. Distance is 530km and it takes 7 and half hours by train and bus. Dresden, Germany is 150km and it takes 2 hours by car and by bus. Wroclaw, Poland is 330km and it takes 4 hours by car and 5 hours by bus. Nuremberg, Germany is 300km and trip takes 3 hours by car and 4 hours by bus or train. From Istanbul, trip takes 2 and half hours by plane. 2 and half hours from Athens, Greece by plane. And from New York, US trip takes 9 and half hours by plane.
Georgian capital, Tbilisi, is in the heart of the Caucasus between Europe and Asia. The city has been a target for various powers over the centuries. This has given Tbilisi a diverse mix of culture and backgrounds, which is reflected in both its people and architecture. Tbilisi Travel & Photography Guide
General Information – Tbilisi Travel & Photography Guide
Tbilisi is a unique city due to its chaotic past of struggles and war, while also bringing diverse cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.
My first impressions of Tbilisi : Old Streets, Religion and Markets
Language: Georgian Population: 1,1 million people Currency: Lari Visa and Entry: No visa required. Passport control is smooth.
Tbilisi was founded in 4th century BC.
Tbilisi means warm location in Georgian language.
It was a part of Russian Empire between 1801 and 1917.
Around 89% of the population consists of ethnic Georgians.
The architecture in the city is a mixture of local (Georgian) and Byzantine, Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, Beaux-Arts, Middle Eastern, and Soviet modern styles.
Best Places for Photography in Tbilisi– Tbilisi Travel & Photography Guide
1. Old Town – The main attraction for visitors to Tbilisi is its Old Town. Cobblestone streets, brick buildings and old Georgian Orthodox churches fill this unique and charming district.
2. Rustavelli Avenue – Rustaveli Avenue is the central street in Tbilisi. This main thoroughfare is a mix of modern and 20th-century architecture, with some of the most important cultural and government buildings in the city. The avenue is also full of cafes, shops, restaurants and entertainment, so it packs with more people than any other street in Tbilisi.
3. Freedom Square – Freedom Square is the main square of Tbilisi and has a mix of locals and tourists. It’s right by the Old Town and most of the shopping and nightlife of Tbilisi. It’s also where Rustaveli Avenue starts, so it’s in the middle of most of Tbilisi’s attractions.
4. Station Square – Surrounding the Station Square station is the biggest market in the city, which spans multiple street blocks. Produce and cheeses are the big sellers, but you can find plenty of other stuff too, including non-food items. The vibe at this market is very local, which makes for much more interesting Street Photography opportunities, in my opinion, compared to other cities’ tourist driven markets.
5. Bridge of Peace – The Bridge of Peace takes you over to Rike Park which keeps the modern style going. Rike Park is one of the newest public recreation areas in Tbilisi and it shows. The city put a lot into and it’s a very interesting park with its Dancing Musical Fountain, curvy pathways, and beautiful greenery.
You can go to Baku, Azerbaijan from Tbilisi, trip takes 8 hours by car. It is around 580km. From Yerevan, Armenia, trip takes 5 and half hours despite 277 km distance. Mahachkale, Russia is 477km and trip takes 8 hours by car. Istanbul, Turkey is 1,641 km and it takes 21 hours by car and 2 and half hour by plane. Tehran, Iran is 1,160 km and trip takes 15 hours by car and 1 hour 45 min by plane. Ankara, Turkey is 1,300km and it takes 17 hours by car and 2 hours by plane.
Another city of Georgia, Batumi is located near to Black Sea. Distance between Batumi and Tbilisi is 378 km. Travel to Batumi takes 6 hours by car and 11 hours by train. By plane trip takes 40 minutes.
In my humble opinion, Istanbul could be argued as one of the best cities to visit in the World. I don’t know of any city that has more to offer a person. Culture, history, religion, politics, people, diversity, conflict, architecture, water, sunlight, color, old world, new world, and the list goes on. All of this in a city that spans two continents. I’ve actually been living here, I decided to put even more time than usual into this Istanbul Travel Guideto make it the most expansive yet.
Development does not mean building skyscrapers, modern shopping malls and bridges. First of all, it means thinking about human psychology and building cities suitable for people’s lives. Istanbul is a very difficult city. It has very nice features like having breakfast in the Bosphorus, but apart from a few similar things, it is a very tiring city. Traffic is blocking life in every sense.
Istanbul Pre-Travel Information– Istanbul Travel Guide
Welcome to Istanbul! on both sides of the Bosphorus. Istanbul was an important city in both the Roman and Ottoman eras. Today, the city is a bit chaotic but still very beautiful.
Language: Turkish (The number of people who speak English in Turkey is quite rare) Population: 16,000,000 (10 million in European, 6 million in Anatolian side) 85 % are born outside of Istanbul. Currency Unit: Turkish Lira
Time in Istanbul : +2 hours CET . Current time in Istanbul Visa and Entry: No visa required for many country citizens
Constantine the Great made it the new eastern capital of the Roman Empire in 330 CE, the city became widely known as “Constantinopolis” (Constantinople), means the “City of Constantine”. Its name became “Konstantiniye” in Ottoman era and “Istanbul” in Turkish republic.
In Roman Empire times It was the largest city in the world.
Istanbul’s population was 300.000 in 7th century, 200.000 in 1500, 700.000 in year of 1700. In 1900 population of Istanbul became 1 million.
Istanbul’s commercial and historical center lies on the European side and about a third of its population lives on the Anatolian side.
7th largest city in the world.
The world’s fifth most popular tourist destination.
Istanbul has 936 neighborhoods.
Only 1,1 m2 green for 1.000 people.
5,5 million houses and 4,2 million vechicles.
There are 17.000 taxis in Istanbul. The reputation of Istanbul taxis is not good. Usually, the route is not the shortest, but route is chosen as the way the taxi fare will keep the most. You may check the approximate fee in here.
1. Saint Sophia Cathedral – Saint Sophia (Ayasofya) was completed and opened to the public on December 26th in 537, on the St. Stephen’s day. Saint Sophia is indubitably the most beautiful structure in Istanbul in spite of the last 1500 years. Interior of church is more beautiful than exterior. In this dim and peaceful church, there are ancient mosaics of Jesus Christ, Virgin Mary and Eastern Roman emperors. The columns which were previously found in ancient Roman temples but used in the construction of Hagia Sophia are worth seeing. During your visit to Hagia Sophia you will feel yourself beamed into the 6th century.
Jesus Mosaic in Hagia Sophia
2. Grand Rue de Pera(Istiklal Street) – The most famous street in Turkey. This 1,3 km long street starts from Taksim Square and ends in Tunel Square. France, Sweden, Russia, Greece and the Netherlands consulates located in here. And also you may find famous Flower Passage, Grand Pera Mall, Galatasaray School, St. Antoine Church, Santa Maria Church and historical metro station in Istiklal.
Istiklal Street in 1920
3. Underground Cistern – Underground Bascilica Cistern is thought to have been built after the Nika Revolt in 532. It was known as the Basilica Cistern during the Roman period, as there was a Stoa Basilica above the pre-existing one at the time. Today cistern has a rather eery and mystical ambiance.
4. Galata Bridge and Eminonu – So touristy but it’s also so full of everything that makes Istanbul famous. Eminonu is a major destination for catching the ferry, getting a fish sandwich or enjoying the view of the sea and city line. This is also one of the best spots for great light in the city. It’s wide open and that golden light Istanbul is famous for really shines beautifully here.
Galata Bridge
Other Places to Visit
5.New Mosque & Bazaars – New Mosque is always full of life with great light. It’s also the most popular place to feed the pigeons so you can try to catch something there before you head into the bazaars.
New Mosque (1665) of Istanbul
6. Balat & Orthodox Patricate – Balat does attract some tourists because of its colorful, old Istanbul styled neighborhood, but most people just stay in the touristic pockets. Some areas can get pretty eye opening with crumbling buildings, but most have colorful old houses and apartment buildings. There’s a diverse mix of turkish, kurdish, gypsies and some syrian refugees living in the neighborhoods here. While you are in Balat, Istanbul Orthodox Patricate is a must-visit place. Patriarchate is a spiritual leader for 250 million Orthodox Christians in the World. The column in the right corner of the Patricate church, seen through the opening in the iron cladding, is very important because it is regarded as the column to which Jesus was bound before Jesus was crucified. On the right are the coffins of three saints: Saint Eufemia, Teofano and Solomonie.
Traditional houses in Balat
7. North Part of Bosphorus – While Fatih gives you a more old world look at Istanbul, Northern part of Istanbul gives you a look at the trendy and chic Istanbul. Bebek is a beautiful area along the Bosphorus waterfront where you’ll walk by expensive boats and yachts, fancy cafes and restaurants, and a beautiful park. Arnavutkoy and its narrow streets and Rumeli Castle are other photo spots of the North.
Rumeli Castle in Northern part of Istanbul
8. Topkapi Palace – Mehmet II, the Conqueror, began to build Topkapi Palace in 1459 including the Harem and the fourth courtyard. The rest of the palace was built in following years. He adjusted the Byzantine city walls around the walls of Topkapi. there are three important buildings in the first courtyard of palace. Aya Eirine (the Church of Divine Peace), the mint treasury of the Ottoman Empire and famous Istanbul Archaeological Museum. In the other parts of Palace you may see imperial kitchens, the Divan (chamber of ministers), Arz Odasi (hall of visitors to the Sultan), Enderun (palace school), Sultan Dresses, Library and famous Treasury of Ottoman Dynasty.
Topkapi Palace
9. Grand Bazaar – Oldest shopping center in the World with 5,000 shops. The bazaar dates back to 1461. Receiving more than a quarter-million visitors a day, the bazaar features such items as jewelry, carpets that may or may not fly, handmade products, antiques and hand-painted ceramics.
Istanbul is a city built on hills. It gives amazing city views, but when walking the streets, it also gives you a work out. So be ready for lots of stairs and steep climbs.
The Sea – You can shoot both Bosphorus Sea Line and Marmara Seaside in sunrise or sunset time.
Color – Istanbul is very cosmopolitan, crowded and also colorful city. You can catch colorful frames in this interesting city.
Cats – Istanbul is a city with full of the cats. Let’s shoot them when they are sleeping, walking, jumping, playing….
Cultural Mix – Yes Istanbul is a cosmopolitan city. It covers different cultures and people with different backgrounds. These years there is a huge immigrant community from Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran.
Politics and Religion – Turkey is one of the secular country. But since last years Islamic movement getting strong with tollerance of EU.
Turkish Coffee & Tea – A typical instagram story… A hand, A glass of Turkish tea and Bosphorus view… You may try.
Ferry Life – Ferries are one of the most important public transportation line of Istanbul. Everytime you can see a ferry between European side and Anatolian side of the city.
Istanbul Weather for Travellers – – Istanbul Travel Guide
Weather in Istanbul : Winter is colder in Istanbul than in most other cities around the Mediterranean Basin, with low temperatures averaging 1–4 °C (34–39 °F). Spring and autumn are mild, but often wet and unpredictable. In summer high temperatures average around 29 °C (84 °F) and rainfall is uncommon.
Highest average in August is 27 °C (80 °F). Lowest average in February is is 3 °C (37 °F).
Accomodation – Istanbul Travel Guide
Taksim Area
The Marmara Taksim – The Marmara Pera :
Located in the Taksim Square, The Marmara epitomizes the essence of harmonious, yet sleek shapes and colors in an alluring and sophisticated place which makes it the first choice for the epicurean traveler.
PLACES TO VISIT around Istanbul – Istanbul Travel Guide
Kilyos, Black Sea part of Istanbul
KILYOS AND BEACHES IN ISTANBUL : Located just north of Istanbul, Kilyos, Black Sea coastal town, has been offering swimming and beach pleasure in summer days for Istanbulites for many years. Kilyos is a place where metropolitan people, looking for an oasis among huge skyscrapers in the heat of summer, flock to its beaches for a weekend getaway. It is 50km away to Taksim. You may rent a car or go by metro and than a bus.
PRINCE ISLANDS : In centuries past, the Prince Islands was a place where out-of-favor princes and other royalty were exiled to. Today, the nine islands are a place to celebrate fun in the sun, as it’s a resort for Turks. Just a short ferry ride away from Istanbul, the islands represent a slower pace of life, with bicycles and carts providing the only transport services. Besides Victorian cottages, Buyukada is home to the St.George Church and Monastery that was founded in the sixth century.
TROY : Troy is a legendary city in what is now 380km away from Istanbul, made famous in Homer’s epic poem, the Iliad. According to Iliad, this is where the Trojan War took place. Troy was destroyed many times since it was founded around the 3rd millennium BC, with a new Troy being built over the top of the previous one. Digging is still going on today, giving travelers a rare opportunity to see the past uncovered. The site also contains a large wooden horse built as a playground for children, shops and a museum. From Istanbul you may fly or drive
Horse of Troy in Canakkale
EDIRNE : Once the capital of the Ottoman Empire, Edirne’s grand past is visible all about you, as fantastic old imperial buildings, palaces and mosques are scattered about here & there. The Selimiye Mosque, for instance, is a must-see in this delightful city, and the Old Quarter is lovely to wander around. There is lots of delicious cuisine on offer. A great time to visit is in summer, when the prestigious and traditional oil-wrestling festival of Kirkpinar takes place.
Edirne and Selimiye view
GALLIPOLI : Gallipoli is famous as one of the biggest disasters for the Allies in World War I. The battle at the Dardanelles lasted in 1915, and ended with the defeat of the Allies by the Turks. The Gallipoli Peninsula offers many opportunities to learn more about this battle, including the Anzac Walk. One such site is the Battle of Çanakkale’ that led to the founding of the Republic of Turkey a few years later. Thirty-one cemeteries where the fallen of both sides are buried offer another opportunity for visitors to reflect on the sacrifices made by that long ago generation.
Gallipoli
EPHESUS and CHRISTIAN HERITAGE : Ephesus, one of the most iconic symbols of Turkey, is also one of the most majestic ancient cities in the world. Ephesus was once considered the most important ancient Greek city and the most important trading center in the Mediterranean region. Also Ephesus known as Saint John is believed to have written his Gospel. House of Virgin Mary is the place where Mary have spent her last days. It located on the top of the “Bulbul” mountain 9 km ahead of Ephesus, the shrine of Virgin Mary enjoys a marvelous atmosphere hidden in the green.
In the year 250 AD, seven Christians facing persecution for their beliefs were imprisoned. They awoke 180 years later to find Christianity fully accepted and outwardly practised. The place of their imprisonment is called The Cave of the Seven Sleepers and it is a 5 minute drive from Ephesus. Saint John’s Basilica in Selcuk, the believed burial site of the apostle. the tomb of St.John, church and baptism sections are open.
CAPPADOCIA : Cappadocia is very popular region with surreal landscape view, hot air baloon rides, tasty wines, cave churches, underground christian cities, horse rides and cave hotels. From Istanbul to Cappadocia, distance is 800km. There is a direct flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia Airport.
Cappadocia is famous with Baloons
GASTRONOMIC TOUR TO ADANA : Located in Southern Turkey, Adana is one of the most agriculturally productive areas in the world. As such, history buffs can see remnants of 10 ancient civilizations while visitors feast on fresh regional dishes. You can enjoy anAdana kebab, a sensational spicy kebab made of ground meat, as tasting local beverages like shalgam, a drink made from dark turnips, and shıra, a type of grape juice. The region’s classical cuisine will delight the palate of the most discriminating gourmet. Early april, when the scent of the charming orange flowers dominate the city and seduce the people of Adana, they now also know that the most looked forward event of the year is soon to arrive. The Orange Blossom Carnival! Colorful suits, hats and costumes, dragons and witches, most importantly lots of happy faces will populate the streets. Get ready to have fun and feel this city’s warm, Mediterranean spirit.
Orange Blossom Carnival in Adana
NORTH CYPRUS : Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean; In 1963, Cyprus has been divided into two separate states. There are plenty of beautiful sandy beaches and famous, most beautiful wild flowers grow in here. There are lots of history to see everywhere, in Northern Cyprus. North Cyprus is also popular for Gambling and luxury hotels.
Girne Harbour, North Cyprus
GREECE : From Istanbul to Athens, is 1,090km and trip takes 12 hours by car and 1 hour 15 min by plane. Pegasus, Turkish and Aegean operate flights every day. There is also a direct flight to Thessaloniki and Halkidiki from Istanbul Airport.
BULGARIA : The distance between Sofia and Istanbul is 550 km. 6 hours by car, 16 hours by train and 40 min by plane. To Varna Bulgaria is 50 min by plane. Turkish Airlines operates Daily flights from Istanbul Airport. Burgas is 330 km and you need 4 hours by car.
MACEDONIA :Skopje, N.Macedonia is 900km and it takes 9 hours by car and 1 hour 10 min by plane from Sabiha Gokcen Airport and Istanbul Airport.
Given it’s undergone five name changes, passed through the hands of everyone from the Romans to the Turks to the Austro-Hungarians, and twice been wiped off the map entirely, Podgorica has a fairly dynamic history. This Podgorica Travel & Photography Guide will help you.
General Information – Podgorica Travel & Photography Guide
The Podgorica area has been continuously inhabited since the beginning of the Ottoman Empire rule. Podgorica was reincorporated in Montenegro in 1878, when the city started to take a more European shape. Nazi and Allied bombings during the World War II were destroyed much of the historical Ottoman and Montenegro-era Podgorica architecture.
The city is definitely worth visiting. Owing to its interesting mix of old and new, its café culture and nightlife, and its laid back Mediterranean atmosphere. Both Montenegrin coastal cities and its mountain resorts are within one hour’s drive from the city. So it is an excellent starting point for day trips to anywhere in Montenegro.
My first impressions of Podgorica : Quite Relaxed Language: Montenegrin Population: 150.000 people Currency: Euro Visa and Entry: Not a Schengen State
Top 6 Things to Do in Podgorica – Podgorica Travel & Photography Guide
1. Old Turkish Town – Known as “Stara Varoš” (“old town”), with its mosques and old clock tower. A typical old Turkish “kasaba” (town), with narrow and curvy streets. Frankly, there are only few sights in this old town, in comparison with other cities in Montenegro because of the bomb attacks in WWII.
2. Trg Republike – The central square of the city, next to Hercegovačka street, a lot of life at the end of the day, when people finish to work. Lot of cheap restaurants and friendly people, a pleasant place to spend the first part of the evening.
3.Cathedral of Christ’s Resurrection – The large dome, white stone towers and gold crosses of this immense new Serbian Orthodox cathedral are a striking addition to Podgorica’s skyline. When the building was consecrated in 2014, it attracted much controversy for its lavish frescoes, one of which depicts Tito, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels burning in hell together.
4. Niagara Falls – The falls are at their dramatic best after the spring thaws, but you’ll find plenty of locals taking a dip in their somewhat depleted – but supremely swimmable – depths come Podgorica’s sizzling summer.
5. Šipčanik wine cellar – Ten minutes out of Podgorica and 30m underground, the enormous cellar – owned by Montenegro’s largest wine company, Plantaže – occupies what was once a secret underground aircraft hangar operated by the Yugoslav People’s Army.
6. Petrovic Palace – The Contemporary Art Centre operates two galleries in Podgorica. The bottom two floors of this 19th-century palace are given over to high-profile exhibitions, while the top floor has an oddball collection of traditional and modern art from its days as Yugoslavia’s gallery devoted to art from countries belonging to the Non-Aligned Movement.
Accommodation
The Capital Plaza Complex
CentreVille Hotel : Offering an entirely New approach to young interior design, energetic hospitality, and seductive customer-centered services, CentreVille Hotel is located within Capital Plaza and within walking distance from the city’s main attractions. Both leisure and business travelers will enjoy this enviable CentreVille hotel, right at the centre of Podgorica.
Verde Complex : Hotel Verde is part of the recreation complex, located out of the city, along the river Sitnica, which determined the concept and content of the hotel, tailored to the customer needs. The hotel is open for the organization of various sports, business, cultural and other events, all upon client’s request; It is ideal for professional athletes’ trainings, conference tourism, for business people, but also for beginners who simply desire to enjoy the various facilities of the Complex
Welcome to Skopje! on both sides of the Vardar River. Skopje is the capital of Macedonia. Skopje is an important city in both the Byzantine and Ottoman eras. Today, the city is undergoing a rapid transformation through a major reconstruction project. Skopje is a complete architectural chaos, with buildings of Slavic culture, terrible communist blocks from the former Yugoslavia and neoclassical buildings of the new construction.
First impression about Skopje: Turkish Impact.
Today, Skopje is not a very popular tourist destination but is often visited for its historical bazaar and culture.
Language: Macedonian, Albanian, Turkish Population: 550,000 Currency Unit: Macedonian Denar Visa and Entry: No visa required. Some questions may be asked in passport control.
The city’s foundation dates back thousands of years.
In the period of 1912-13, it came out of the Turkish government.
In 1963 Skopje was destroyed by an earthquake.
It has been the capital of the Republic of Macedonia since it declared its independence in 1991.
In 2010, Skopje 2014 has begun construction of large buildings and sculptures with the name of a city project. According to the writers, 200 to 500 million euros were spent, aiming to increase the effect of both the tourist attraction and the Macedonian culture.
Macedonian Culture and People of Skopje – Skopje Travel & Photography Guide
Because of 600 years of Turkish domination cultural ties with Turkey is strong. This connection has not tried to be destroyed after independence. For this reason, Skopje today, has not lost its multinational and diverse architectural features.
Top 6 Things to Do in Skopje – Skopje Travel & Photography Guide
1. Turkish Old Bazaar – The Old Bazaar is a destination that keeps its appeal despite the city’s rapidly changing image and perfect for slow shopping walks in the crowds. With its Ottoman inns, mosques and baths, kebab shops and small souvenir shops, Old Turkish bazaar is a must see place in Skopje.
2. Castle – A wonderful old castle; well preserved and super cool. The castle takes you back to old times to imagine what it would be like to be a warrior. Entrance is free.
Old Bazaar in Skopje, Macedonia
3. Millennium Cross – The second largest cross of the world built on the mountainous side of Vodno. You can take the cable car there and watch Skopje from above by drinking hot wine or coffee in the cafeteria above.
4. Mustafa Pasha Mosque – The mosque built in 1492. Temple was damaged in the 1963 earthquake but restored. It is pleasant to watch the old bazaar and skopje view from the courtyard of the mosque, which is very close to Castle.
5. Mother Teresa’s House – It can be seen when you are in Skopje.
6. Matka Canyon – If you have an extra day in Skopje, the canyon is a must-see for nature.
Tavche gravche is the national dish of Macedonia. It is composed of beans and other vegetables and prepared in a skillet.
Ćevapi or ćevapčići is a grilled dish of minced meat, a type of skinless sausage, found traditionally in Macedonia.
The Destan in the old bazaar, a Turkish restaurant, is one of the best traditional restaurants in the city for Cevapcici and Tavche Gravche.
You also should try Turkish Coffee and traditional sweets in Old Bazaar.
Accommodation in Skopje– Skopje Travel & Photography Guide
City Park Area
Park Hotel & Spa :
Located in the Skopje city park, Park hotel epitomizes the essence of harmonious, yet sleek shapes and colors in an alluring and sophisticated place which makes it the first choice for the epicurean traveler.
The unique atmosphere of Park Hotel & Spa, with an impeccable choice of art objects organically intertwined amidst the city park greenery, provides you with the best experience of being a guest at the crossroad of the Balkan region.
Whether you’re visiting Macedonia for business or on vacation, you’ll love the stylish accommodation, friendly service and convenient city center location of Hotel Marriott Skopje.
