Istanbul: a city like no other
Romantic, exotic, ancient, beautiful and bustling with over 15 million people, it’s not surprising that Istanbul has grown in popularity as a tourist destination in recent years.
Once known as Constantinople, the capital of the ancient Byzantine and later the Ottoman empires, the historic Turkish city is perched on the Bosphorus straits – which connect the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea ‒ and acts as a true gateway between West and East.
Bridging Europe and Asia with effortless flair, the city has for centuries merged apparently-conflicting cultures, with Christianity existing alongside Islam and other religions, with understanding, tolerance, and grace.
Everything here, from the architecture to the food, bears a tinge of influence from a melting pot of myriad cultures, making a trip to Istanbul as seductive as it is exciting.
Travelers seeking a great time can take their pick: foodies and bargain-hunters can choose from a host of fantastic markets, including the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar (also known as the Egyptian Bazaar), where colorful foodstuffs and fabrics are piled in rows.
Anyone feeling hungry can seek a street food hawker selling just-caught barbecued fish in floury buns, or a quick-yet-delicious kebab, often served with rice or fried potatoes, and fresh-tomato-sauce-soaked bread, followed by the sweet dessert, baklava, and a traditional shisha pipe.
Those looking for more adventure and sunshine can take a boat ride down the Bosphorus, with some even going to the city’s nearby Prince’s Islands. Anyone after a really relaxing trip can indulge in a proper massage in any one of the city’s excellent hammams.
Sports fans will be thrilled to know that the Ataturk Olympic Stadium still stands, while the city is also no stranger to racing: the Turkish Formula One Grand Prix and the F1 Powerboat World Championships have both taken place here.
Culture vultures and architecture enthusiasts won’t be disappointed with the huge array of landmarks and attractions, including the Hagia Sofia – whose history includes both time as an Islamic mosque and a Christian church ‒ the beautiful Tokapi Palace, the Galata Tower, and the stunning Blue Mosque, which dominates the city skyline no matter where you look.
History buffs can get lost in the Istanbul Archaeology Museum, and a wide variety of other exhibitions at museums including the Pera, the İstanbul Modern, and the Sakıp Sabancı.
Although tourists wishing to make the most of everything might choose to stay anywhere in the city, one of the most popular tourist districts is Sultanahmet, which is within easy walking distance of a host of restaurants, bars, and attractions.
Travelers looking for accommodation options will not be disappointed if they choose a hotel, villa, youth hostel, or some of Istanbul’s vacation apartments. Most of these can be found on holiday websites that allow you to tailor your criteria depending on your vacation needs, including the best prices, photos, hotel facilities, and map locations.
As the gateway to Asia, and appreciated for the unique East-meets-West gem that it is, Istanbul has captivated tourists for generations, and with so much to see, do, eat, learn, and discover, it’s not difficult to see why.
