I wasn't looking for a firefighting museum in Istanbul, but İBB İtfaiye Müzesi turned out to be a surprisingly interesting piece of the city's history - and admission is free.

I actually got a bit of sensory overload from all the cats. But at the same time, the Cat Museum in Beşiktaş is one of those places in Istanbul where it’s hard not to get carried away. Two floors packed with retro toys, comics, collectibles, and cats from pop culture—and to top it off, admission is completely free.

With more than 3,000 mosques, Istanbul offers far more than the famous Blue Mosque. Some began life as Byzantine churches, while others were built by powerful sultans and grand viziers during the Ottoman Empire. Together, they tell the remarkable story of a city shaped by two great civilizations. Here are eight must-see mosques that I believe every visitor should experience.

What began as a visit to a little-known cultural centre in Istanbul turned into an unexpected journey through the Turkic world - and a reminder of how much there still is to discover.

You can experience Istanbul for free by visiting historic sites like the city walls and columns, stepping into mosques, exploring bazaars, visiting churches and art spaces, and moving around the city with an Istanbulkart. Many of the city’s most important experiences don’t require an entrance fee - just time and curiosity. I’ve put together a small guide to places and experiences where you can explore Istanbul’s history and culture without feeling like you’re constantly being