Return to Turkey! My First Day in Istanbul 2024 🇹🇷

I return to Turkey, beginning a trip to the less travelled east side of the country. Beginning in Istanbul, I walk around the main historic centre of the city, passing some iconic places and neighbourhoods.
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I'm Jason, a full-time British Travel Vlogger and KZbinr who's been to 61 countries. I've been travelling around the world full-time since 2017.
I have travel series' from many of the world's best (and least) known destinations. I filmed the first vlogs on my channel in the summer of 2016 after spending a year living in China. A proper solo trip around Eastern Europe followed after graduating from university, taking me to Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Kosovo. This marked the start of my efforts to turn vlogging into a full-time job.
After that European trip I explored much of Asia: visiting India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Pakistan, the Philippines, South Korea and Kazakhstan.
I have also travelled to North Africa and the Middle East fairly extensively over the last five years, filming videos in Turkey, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Israel and Palestine.
I've travelled to North America just once as a KZbinr, visiting Mexico in 2021. Though I have been to both the USA and Canada, this was as a child on family holidays.
In 2022, I took my first trip to Sub Saharan Africa, visiting Kenya and Tanzania, before heading to the Middle East, stopping in Dubai and Lebanon. Europe followed, covering both the Greek and Turkish sides of Cyprus, and afterwards going back to Italy for the second time to cover Milan and Sicily. I then visited the Caribbean for the first time, covering the Dominican Republic, before heading to both Brussels and Amsterdam, then covering Taiwan and the Philippines in Asia. I finished off the year with a trip around Morocco.
I started my travels in 2023 by finally visiting Paris, taking the Eurostar from London. I then headed over to Qatar for a few days, before heading to Asia, with videos following from India, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, Mongolia, Thailand and Sumatra (Indonesia). I began 2024 by revisiting Bangladesh, India and Turkey.
#turkey #istanbul #türkiye

[@elcubbo]

I'm going September..First time!! This video really helpful.. you capture it really well

[@ViajeniBree]

I first visited Turkey in Oct 2023 and I can't wait to go back! ❤

[@liviaadam195]

Watching this video was a delightful experience. Really enjoyed your attention to detail, the stunning visuals truly captivated the essence of Istanbul! You have an amazing storytelling that makes me want to get on a plane and get there right now! I can't wait to see the rest of the videos from Turkey. Keep up the fantastic work! ❤🎉

[@JasonBillamTravel]

Happy to hear that, appreciate your kind words!

[@TheSwede70]

Agree. Thoughtful and well done as usual.

[@danielvalenzuela9764]

Thanks Jason what great place to visit. It has alot of character old and new. You always do a great job and you didnt look tired at all. Looking forward to your next video.

[@JasonBillamTravel]

Appreciate that Daniel. Istanbul is one of the best cities in the world.

[@eddie_d1233]

I can't believe it's been six years since I watched your amazing videos on Turkiye!!!

[@JasonBillamTravel]

Thanks - it’s been a while!

[@dennisdaniels2992]

Istanbul is a great place, Jason Billam!

[@AmericanEnglishBrent]

Love it. This is great. I’ll be filming content in Istanbul in one month. I’ll watch with interest. 🇹🇷

[@AmericanEnglishBrent]

Your video when you ate with the family in Turkey made me want to visit.

[@TheSwede70]

I did Istanbul in 2016. Amazing city and so easy to get around. A ton to see. The pulse, the energy is magic.

[@JasonBillamTravel]

Agreed.

[@bizhep]

On behalf of my country, the Republic of Turkiye, thank you for this excellent introduction 🇹🇷 You are a great man 👑

[@JasonBillamTravel]

That’s kind of you!

[@Adam.x89x]

The most beautiful place in the world, honestly

[@nsamiyen]

And the most beautiful part of Istanbul is KADIKÖY

[@Adam.x89x]

@@nsamiyen Oh, this is wonderful. I did not know those places. I had previously visited several places, but I did not know the names.

[@rosevilleca38.75]

Visit the Turkish RIviera, there's numerous ancient ruins along the water and inland as well.

[@JasonBillamTravel]

Ah I’d love to see more of the Riviera. Planning to head east as I said but I should come back and prioritise it next time.

[@tansuakar89]

Now that you are traveling through Eastern Turkey, here are some of the cultural and historical landmarks you might want to visit: - Gobeklitepe - Mount Nemrut - City of Mardin - Sümela Monastery - Van Fortress & Akdamar Island There are also countless natural wonders to see, but as a long-time subscriber, I realize you are more into cultural and historical spots. =) Enjoy your travel in Turkey.

[@JasonBillamTravel]

Perfect, thanks for the recommendations!

[@angel91485]

@@JasonBillamTravel you're just too charmingly handsome to be turned down Jason..no way as a Ginger you'd pass as a Turk..lol!

[@Sinemis2813]

İç anadoluyu unutmuşsun ama😂

[@Sinemis2813]

​@@angel91485kadınların da sapığı varmis onu anlamış olduk🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@mylahbarreto5265]

Ooh one of my favorite cities in the world!! Beautiful landscape, nice people, great sights, amazing history, tasty dishes … only negative is all the smoking

[@JasonBillamTravel]

Agree with you there!

[@moniabenh.7727]

Great video as usual, Istanbul is a beautiful city that's worth visiting more than once as it has a lot to offer. I was actually in Istanbul around the same time that you were visiting, too bad I didn't run into you. I only saw your video after going back to my country. It would have been nice to greet you as I've been following your channel for a couple of years, keep up the good work!

[@htas6888]

Take the ferry that leaves from Eminonu up through Bosphorus, all the way to near Black Sea, stops at different docks, then at the last one it waits for an hour as people depart and take in the place, then the ferry returns to Eminonu. The ticket is for the round trip. On the boat you can buy refreshments and the sights you see on the trip is just delightful! Taksim is pronounced with an s sound, not a sh sound.

[@JasonBillamTravel]

Got it, thanks!

[@mustafakarasu9556]

It's great to see you again in my country and wellcome to my city.

[@roula2455]

I was there one week ago, Istanbul magic, everything beautiful🎉

[@kocahmet1]

nice to see you in istanbul. gazientep can be a nice stop when you go east. it is known for excellent food, especially special baklava. iskenderun in the south is in terms of geographic beauty. you can use high speed train until half way east -from istanbul to sivas. or there is a historic regular train that goes all the way from ankara to eastern border with armenia. slover but it has a cult popularity as nice touristic train ride called ''doğu expresi''

[@JasonBillamTravel]

Good to know, thanks!

[@secaattinakyuz6778]

Hello! Jason, you have been a city which never sleeps, a lot of fun things to do in Istanbul Türkiye. Historical places, delicious street foods, hospitality, and diversify cultures. When I see your Vlog I wanted to be there again. Thanks for your videos.

[@JasonBillamTravel]

Come back!

[@asmr-pov]

I really enjoyed this vlog!

[@Khanraine]

I watched your mesmerizing Turkeiye vlogs 6 years ago. Thank you for showing again Turkeiye, one of my most fav places. ❤ from Bangladesh Jason. After Turkiye visit Azerbaijan and balkans too. ❤❤❤

[@JasonBillamTravel]

Azerbaijan is in my thinking. Let’s see how I go!

[@blususpect]

I was just in Istanbul recently and went to most of the sights in this vlog! Loved it!

[@JasonBillamTravel]

It’s an amazing city.

[@تحياالجزائر-ب2ه]

Hello my friend Jason, I hope you have fun in Türkiye. Thank you for taking us to visit different countries of the world 😊😊❤❤❤

[@carriejiramuny7051]

I've been there 4 times and still would love to go back. My most favorite city ❤

[@zehrasaricelik]

Welcomee 💛

[@amira007s]

i went aug 2023, i visited istanbul, cappadocia and antalya. i miss turkey so much, such a crazy experience!!

[@Yusyuksel]

I first encountered you in videos about Izmir and 'Is Turkey Safe?' Thank you for the nice things you said about Turkey back then. Welcome back to my country. You definitely should see the city of Mardin and the ancient city of Dara there. :)

[@JasonBillamTravel]

Thanks a lot!

[@stankormy5717]

Lots of unique things to see there!

[@roninronin6405]

Pierre Loti is also a nice place to view from a highest point. take the tram from Eminönü -Alibekoy line to Pierre Loti/Eyüp Sultan, then cross the street & take the teleferik up. Istanbul card will work all the way to the top.

[@jimakcelik6486]

Awesome video thank you for your outstanding videos ❤

[@ecemaydemir7515]

I watched some of the Indonesian and Malaysian videos 5-6 years ago, I liked them very much, then I lost them, now I came across this video and it made me happy, I wish you continued success.😊

[@mikebailey9860]

Jason I really enjoyed watching your video! :) Thank you! :) Hope you continue to enjoy your travels in Istanbul and eastern Turkey! :) I look forward to watching more of your videos from Turkey! :) Cheers from Canada! :) --- more specifically Cheers from Nova Scotia! :) Wishing you Happy Travels Jason! :)

[@nsamiyen]

The Best place to see and live is KADIKÖY in Istanbul and Asia side

[@liamgell]

Great video Jason. I spent a week here last month and also flew down to Sanliurfa - I highly recommend Urfa. Disconnected from the tourist world and offers the Gobeklitepe site as well as beautiful locations within the city. Very affordable too.

[@wanderingwelshman2858]

Cracking video Some local prices would be handy Food, coffee ferry etc. please ❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@abidsalim6183]

Love this !!

[@KenanTurkiye]

Heres something you may find interesting. :) The name of my country has nothing to do with the interesting and delicious bird 'turkey'...... .....but the name of the bird does have a connection with the name of my country, let me explain. :) In the past 40 years 37 countries have changed their name, partially or fully. Obviously one can not change the name of an apple or an orange etc in other languages, but country names are like peoples' individual names, so if you're named John we don't call you Karen. :) Name of my country has always been Türkiye, it's been known as such since around the 1200's. The name it self has a suffix, '-iye', that is Turk-iye, where the -iye suffix means 'land of/belonging to', just like the Latin suffix of '-ia', which exists in such country names like Austr-ia, Austral-ia, Indones-ia etc. Basically, the use of '-iye/-ia' is the same as the the use of '-land' suffix in country names like Ire(Eire)-land, Po(le)-land, Eng(Anglo)-land and so on and so on. Many would remember the country Czechoslovak-ia which changed it's name to Czech Republic and a few years ago changed that to Czechia (that is Czech-ia). The Latin suffix -ia probably originates from Turkish -iye as Turkish been over 10,000 years is much older than Latin which is around 1300 years old. Spelled in different languages in different ways to phonetically resemble (to sound like) 'Türkiye' we got various spellings like; Turq-uía (in Spanish), Turch-ia (in Italian), Turq-uie (in French) Turk-ei (in German) Turk-ey (in English) Mind you this was way before the animal we currently know as turkey was found by the europeans when they explored the north americas. The bird was first sent to europe from north americas in the year 1519, so up until that point there was no bird named turkey.... ...they came across the bird and thought it was a specie of the fowl/chicken they had been buying from the country of Turkiye at the time, so they named the bird 'Turkey Fowl' to define 'Turkish Chicken'... ....just like how a dog breed is known as German Shepherd (because it's from Germany), American Bulldog, British Terrier, Greek Harehound etc etc. In time you don't get to call the harehound simply as Greek or you don't call the terrier Britirsh, or shepherd as simply German, but in time the Turkish Fowl started to be called just 'Turkey' and later 'turkey', and this went on for hundreds of years. Now in modern times, this caused confusion, especially when we have people across the world unable to point to their own country on an atlas. Basically we didn't change the name of our country, we changed the mistake made in the English language. : ) So, there's some tid bit information for you to have a great day, if you read upto this point you have a great night too, ohh just have a wonderfull life. : ) Best wishes. ;)

[@Ghost1218]

I've been waiting for You to visit turkey again

[@marinas.9635]

Hermosa Estambul! Espero poder viajar a conocer esa ciudad este año! 🤗🙋🏻‍♀️🇦🇷🇦🇷💕💕

[@Ed-eg4wt]

Hey Jason, Enjoy your videos. We are visiting Istanbul for a week starting June1. Do you a recommendation regarding buying one of the visitor's passes ( Istanbul tourist pass or E-Pass, etc ) to visit the popular sights?? Or should we just pay individually? Ed

[@SN-vw9ln]

Thanks, Jason, for this sunny Istanbul video. Recommend you to visit Mardin - a unique city in the East

[@sairamissy]

i was there yesterday .. very beautiful country and lovely people but tooo many tourists toooo

[@Zykopath01]

Greetings from Turkiye !!!!

[@turkeytraveltips]

Welcome to Istanbul ❤

[@tariqkhader6196]

It's lovely to see 2 very eye pleasing entities; Beyoğlu and Jason's handsome face.

[@PieterElsen]

Hi Jason we’re great fans and have watched all your videos. We just have one request: kindly lift your text that you place in your videos up onto the screen higher. On larger tvs half the text disappears below the screen. Good luck on your travel.

[@JasonBillamTravel]

Oh I had no idea about that. I’ll see what I can do.

[@badeyavuz3328]

Kuzcuncuk close to uskudar, and Ortaköy-Bebek

[@rezarezeki28]

Hey Buddy, welcome to the magnificent Turkiye. Don't forget to visit Bursa City and let me know. I'd like to bring you around Bursa and show the city really is. Enjoy it!

[@sairamissy]

i saw green mosque but was not that worth just a darvesh figure going round n round

[@rezarezeki28]

​@@sairamissyyes you're right. There are many hidden places in Bursa that are only accessible to locals. Bursa is certainly different from İstanbul but it has its own beauty

[@HDAinsurance]

Great video including İstiklal Caddesi

[@heenamalawat5063]

Hi we are planning to go to Turkey in December .I have seen your winter videos too.Is it good time to travel we have kids and senior citizen with us.

[@ArohiJahan-h9z]

love from Bangladesh

[@zaklinailic6413]

Grate video. I been there first time this year in End of March solo and was so nice. Uskudar in Asian site is my top of the list, and Balat with colorfull houses. I have nice Werther all 7 days. Have a nice and good trip. Hi from Ljubljna (Slovenia) 🤣

[@JasonBillamTravel]

Cool to hear - I’m looking forward to exploring that part of the city.

[@nomadicolours]

I am here now in Sept. 2024 and smoking is killing me slowly :( Breathing issues setting in. Not sure I would survive the Grand Bazaar.

[@travia6688]

In Turkish the letter C is the same as the letter J in English, and Ç is the same as Ch in English Also please visit my city Bursa! It was the first capital city of the Ottoman empire

[@ctct12300]

Whattt i cant believe you welcome🥳

[@travel_and_explore_with_BIP]

Please visit some of the beaches in Istanbul, I can recommend Caddebostan on the Asian side and Florya on the European. There are others!

[@ArchiTechFit]

You would enjoy Bursa, Uludağ and Cumalıkızık Village of Bursa. Take the ferry(or seabus) to Bursa.

[@seyahatkurtlari]

welcome back, you should go Mardin and Midyat, eat Gaziantep's food, and watch the sunrise in Nemrut Mountain. I hope you enjoy

[@JasonBillamTravel]

Great recommendations!

[@SK-xw4gu]

Hi Jason: Nice vlog of Istanbul. That city never fails to captivate. I have been there twice once in 2013 and then again in 2022. The second time around, the TL I had with me (about 95) were practically worth nothing, a cup of coffee costing around 300 TL. It was quite a shock as I had not been aware of the deep devaluation of the currency and the high inflation in recent years.

[@JasonBillamTravel]

It’s a big shock. I’m going to shoot a video on the inflation situation.

[@sairamissy]

Everything is expensive even the tickets to all big mosques 😂

[@Danchris345]

Always looks an amazing city

[@JasonBillamTravel]

One of the best in the world.

[@irfanacar2007]

Çanakkale straddles two continents too!

[@Maram3279q]

I’m going in 2. Weeks!❤

[@gezginmuhendismusti]

You can visit Sapanca lake.Enjoy

[@knitnut246connie7]

❤️🇨🇦❤️I loved my trip there a few years ago.

[@tonymartin9938]

You did it the hard way. Tram to the the base of the hill, then a tram or cable car? Not sure which to Taksim square. Then it's all downhill.

[@TimB76]

Well done 👍

[@teoman1876]

Kariye Mosque It's free to visit and worth it

[@Jpkjr52]

Interesting and enjoyable Thanks again John in Chicago

[@JasonBillamTravel]

Glad to hear it!

[@suzukigsxfa9683]

Will you get a chance to video Trabzon? That would be awesome

[@AbdulhamidSeyis]

If you travel east of Turkiye, you should visit Black Sea region, in particular city of Trabzon. You can take direct flight from istanbul. Black sea region is so similar to Scotland; full of green, highlands, village up in the high mountains, great local food and very hospitable people. Trabzon is also famous with its football club Trabzonspor. It is also my hometown. Any question please le me know. I can list places to visit in Trabzon. Have a safe journey.

[@JasonBillamTravel]

The first time I visited Turkey lots of locals told me to visit Trabzon. Let’s see if I can make it up there this time.

[@deensheikh]

Your Konya video helped me plan that trip, i caught the whirling dervishes also, this was in 2022, Konya feels like a different country compared to Istanbul

[@JasonBillamTravel]

The Whirling Dervishes are so impressive and justify the visit to Konya alone. That’s why I’m quite exited for the eastern part of this trip, it’ll probably feel like a different country.

[@deensheikh]

If you have time, check out the black sea region, and the tea plantations of this Turkish tea that u really enjoy. Hope you visit Pakistan again

[@kh7688]

Istanbul is 2nd on my bucket list, after the pilgrimage to Mecca & Medina (so, technically 3rd).

[@jeffweingrad4658]

Fun fact, Istanbul used to be the 3rd holiest place in Islam before it was changed. Somewhat recently.

[@kh7688]

@@jeffweingrad4658 Elaborate...

[@cantaner1164]

welcome back :)

[@JasonBillamTravel]

TE!

[@TravelonlineWalk]

nice tour, do you plan to visit Antalya too?

[@maximodelacruz963]

Beautiful..

[@warrenphelps5342]

Would like to visit Turkey in 2025. First time visitor. Can one manage with the limit of one language -English?

[@rumanachowdhury]

Jason how long are you there for? I am going next week.

[@pnary2544]

17:17 your second pronunciation is true, 's' in Turkish is pronounced like the letter 'c' in English

[@e.jonsson6163]

Wonderful city🤘

[@Maman738]

L562 18:53 I❤💞Turkey Thank for sharing my friend 🙏🙏 Greetings of friendship ❤❤👍👍 Always success for you New subscribers from Indonesia

[@demetcelebi8347]

Türkiye'den erken ayrılmayacaksanız Şehzadeler şehri Amasya'ya gelip Kral Kaya Mezarlarını, Ferhat ile Şirin efsanesinden su kanallarini, Müzikli tedavi yapılan tarihi Bimarhaneyi de görmelisiniz. 🍀👋

[@TUNC66]

My advice to you is to visit Fenerbahçe, Baghdad Street and the empty streets when you visit Kadıköy.

[@ayesha_omar]

Hey how’s weather I am coming in next week , should I bring sweaters ? Puffer in clothes ?

[@JasonBillamTravel]

It’s differing day to day! Today it’s a little cold and rainy. But on some days when the sun is out, it’s t-shirt weather.

[@cutekiwibird9997]

Be careful so many scammers in there , I visited turkey in winter 2022 I’m from 🇮🇩

[@naranjapk1]

Very nice

[@abes2758]

The shoe brush drop is definite scam! I saw it in another video from a local. If it happened again don’t pick it up some get violent after shining your shoes saying you owe them money. Can you comment in if you think it’s safe for a solo female traveller please? I’ve always wanted to go and have mixed feelings

[@Sperry411]

I should have went before covid when prices were much lower😢. Now, it seems unaffordable if 3 people are traveling.

[@CemreNeverland]

how did you get into the first floor of Hagia Sofia? Its closed to the turists. Only the second floor is allowed and requires payment.

[@JasonBillamTravel]

I passed for a Turkish citizen!

[@themissionproductions2336]

All right so, that is pronounced like C-Meet and Tak-C-eem

[@menohablo]

Hey I am planning to come to istanbul next month.Would the price be higher than usual during this time of inflation?

[@JasonBillamTravel]

I’m making a video about it - check back on the channel over the next week or so.

[@isinsutalipler7258]

You should see Sarıyer, Beykoz, Yuşa Baba. You can traverten by sahip.

[@Pyjamarama11]

The most amazing city in history My spiritual home The little courtyard you had tea in, is next to the old Turkish Baths and is a hidden gem

[@markinboy]

I'm going to be visiting Istanbul in the future just for the Kebabs :)

[@JasonBillamTravel]

You can dedicate an entire trip to kebabs in Turkey. Can’t wait to taste the ones in Adana.

[@markinboy]

@@JasonBillamTravel Love your videos. As a Bangladeshi expat in the UK, I particularly loved your Bangladesh videos. Perhaps we can meet up when you are back in the UK. Riaz.

[@tesekkur]

Turkiye in English 🇬🇧 Türkiye in Turkish. In every language was this or very similar. English corrected the wrong word it had been going on for a while.

[@comtedetancarville]

I never been to Galata, though plenty of empty buildings !

[@deensheikh]

Bebek, do the bebek to ortokoy bosphorous walk

[@craigadams4143]

That old shoe shine scheme is HUGE in New Orleans....🙄

[@ironpandaloco]

Sezennur Cifcioglu of Istanbul

[@Purrrfect_Pleasures]

I've seen a number of recent videos that have mentioned the shoe shine guys "accidentally" dropping their brush and being so thankful and it being a known con trick to get you to part with your money after they've done your shoes.

[@jeffreyadamm6539]

JASON. WOULD YOU VISIT SUMELA MONASTERY IN TRABZON