The Bosphorus Strait is the thin staight that bisects Istanbul and splits the continents of European and Asian apart.
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Istanbul
“If the earth were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital.”
– Napoleon Bonaparte
Where Two Continents Meet
About Istanbul
Istanbul the magical city where east meets west in perfect harmony, bridging Europe and Asia, a melting pot of over 15 million people where traditions, culture and cuisine intertwine making it one of the worlds top destinations to visit.
Istanbul is one of the largest cities in the world Straddling over two Continents. Each district has it’s own atmosphere and offers it visitors something unique. To get a good feel for the city, we recommend that with each visit you see at least three or four of the different areas on your trip. This magical meeting place of East and West has more top-drawer attractions than it has minarets (and that’s a lot).
Art & Architecture
The conquering armies of ancient times tended to ransack the city rather than endow it with artistic treasures, but all that changed with the Byzantines, who adorned their churches and palaces with mosaics and frescoes.Miraculously, many of these remain. Their successors, the Ottomans, were quick to launch an ambitious building program and the magnificently decorated imperial mosques that resulted are architectural triumphs that together form one of the world’s great skylines. In recent years, dynasties have reprised the Ottomans’ grand ambitions and endowed an impressive array of galleries, museums and festivals for all to enjoy.
Living History
İstanbul’s strategic location has attracted many rulers over the centuries.
Local Life
Some ancient cities are the sum of their monuments, but İstanbul factors a lot more into the equation.
Culinary Heritage
‘But what about the food?’ we hear you say. We’re happy to report that the city’s cuisine is as diverse as its heritage, and delicious. Locals take their eating and drinking seriously – the restaurants here are the best in the country. You can eat aromatic Asian dishes or Italian classics if you so choose, but most visitors prefer to sample the succulent kebaps, flavoursome mezes and freshly caught fish that are the city’s signature dishes.
Places You Must See
Istanbul's Gems
The bridge between the two continents
Basilica Cistern
Istanbul is not only fascinating above ground, but also underground with the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan). This exquisite piece of Byzantine engineering is a spectacular underground cistern, once bringing drinking water with aqueducts from current Bulgaria to Istanbul.
Grand Bazaar
Bargain hunting at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. Over 500 years old, but still one of the largest covered bazaars in the world.
Archaeology Museum
People often skip the Archaeology Museum (Arkeoloji Müzesi), and that’s a pity.
Süleymaniye Mosque
Instead of the iconic Blue Mosque, I prefer the less famous Süleymaniye Mosque. I think it’s the nicest and most impressive Istanbul mosque, and not invaded by thousands of tourists every day.
Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace is just fascinating. A few facts to demonstrate my point here.
Galata Tower
The Galata Tower is one of the best spots in town to get a 360 panoramic view of Istanbul.
Bebek and Ortaköy
ebek and — to a lesser extend — Ortaköy are two village by the Bosphorus worth visiting, yet lesser known among tourists. Bebek is a lively, green and wealthy neighborhood by the Bosphorus. It’s well known and frequently visited by locals during the weekends.
Chora Church / Kariye Museum
The Chora Church, Church of St Savior, or Kariye Museum is a bit off the beaten track, but well worth a visit. Located in Chora/Edirnekapi, next to the old city walls, it is one of the most amazing religious building Istanbul has to offer.
Istanbul’s Nightlife
Istanbul’s nightlife can compete with the rest of the world. Whether you want to enjoy a (local) live performance while sipping on your favorite drink, attend concerts of current and past world stars, or dance the night away in open-air venues by the Bosphorus or while enjoying a rooftop 360 view, Istanbul has it all.
Getting Scrubbed in a Hamam
There is nothing better to rejuvenate your body than getting scrubbed in a hamam. Just picture this after a long day of walking: wearing nothing but a cotton cloth, first relax in a steamy room laying on hot marble, listening to the echoes of running water. Then a brisk soapy body scrub, followed by a sultan’s massage until your skin is smooth and soft.
Visit Local Markets
Turkey’s kitchen is among the richest of all, blending flavors of different continents and cultures. All these dishes are made with fresh produce, stuff you too can buy first hand by visiting local markets in Istanbul. These town markets (pazar) can look overwhelming at first, but be assured that you’ll receive a warm welcome by stallholders.
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Places to be
Istanbul Neighborhood Guide
Sultanahmet
Sultanahmet is the historic and cultural heart of Istanbul. It’s the oldest part of the city and is surrounded by bodies of water to the north, east and south, and old city walls to the west.
Beyoglu
Located north of the Sultanahmet district, Beyoglu is one of the liveliest districts in Istanbul and our top recommendation for where to stay for those on a budget. Home to the popular pedestrianized Istiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue), this district attracts locals and tourists day and night.
Beyoglu
Located north of the Sultanahmet district, Beyoglu is one of the liveliest districts in Istanbul and our top recommendation for where to stay for those on a budget. Home to the popular pedestrianized Istiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue), this district attracts locals and tourists day and night.
Galata
Galata is a neighbourhood located north of the Golden Horn. Although technically part of the Beyoglu district, this neighbourhood has a distinct feel and flair.
Karaköy
Karaköy is a small district situated at the mouth of the Golden Horn. Once one of the city’s most important ports, this area was left to deteriorate for decades and is rich in authenticity of ancient history. There are lots of restoration projects currently underway to restore the buildings to its old glory.
Karaköy
Karaköy is a small district situated at the mouth of the Golden Horn. Once one of the city’s most important ports, this area was left to deteriorate for decades and is rich in authenticity of ancient history. There are lots of restoration projects currently underway to restore the buildings to its old glory.
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is a colourful and chaotic district located in the centre of Istanbul. Built around the centuries-old Grand and Spice Bazaars, this area is where you’ll find a wide variety of vendors, shops and boutiques. Grand Bazaar is our top recommendation of where to stay in Istanbul for families.
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