Istanbul

Istanbul: “2 Continents 1 City” where history, culture, and civilizations meet

Regarded as one of Europe’s most stunning cities, Istanbul stands as Turkey’s largest metropolis. This unique city is globally renowned for being the only one situated across two continents: Europe and Asia. This extraordinary geographical feature contributes to Istanbul’s rich and diverse history. Tracing its origins back an impressive 7,000 years, Istanbul has served as the capital for three major empires: the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman.

The city’s charm is evident in the mesmerizing Bosphorus Strait, its enchanting monuments, vibrant streets, bustling social life, and a melting pot of cultures. Istanbul’s culinary delights are a testament to its cultural diversity, and the warmth and hospitality of the Turkish people add to its allure. These are just some of the many reasons why a visit to Istanbul is highly recommended.

Istanbul has become an increasingly popular tourist destination, drawing over 12 million visitors each month. In 2018 alone, it ranked as the third most-visited city in Europe, following London and Paris, with 13.5 million tourists.

For those planning a trip to Istanbul, we suggest allocating at least 4-5 days to fully experience the city. However, even a week may seem insufficient to explore all that this vast city, with its 16 million inhabitants, has to offer.

On our pages, we will continuously provide essential information for visitors. You’ll find useful travel tips, as well as historical insights about the city and its remarkable monuments. Let’s embark on this journey together!

Essential places to visit in Istanbul

• Bosphorus Boat Tour
• Topkapi Palace
• Haghia Sophia
• Blue Mosque
• Basilic Cistern
• Roman Hippodrome
• Suleymaniye Mosque
• Grand Bazaar
• Chora Museum
• Maiden’s Tower
• Galata Tower
• Pera, Cihangir, Cukurcuma, Istiklal Districts
• Balat and Fener Districts
• Kadikoy District
• The villages in Bosphorus
• Princes Islands

Things to do in Istanbul

• Climb the Galata Tower and take bird’s-eye view photos of Istanbul.
• Join a food tour to taste Istanbul’s street food.
• Walk along Istiklal Street from end to end.
• Discover Rumeli Fortress on the Bosphorus.
• Enjoy fish sandwiches in Eminönü.
• Attend the tulip festival in Emirgan Park during April-May.
• Eat kumpir in Ortaköy and take a boat tour on the Bosphorus.
• Drink tea against the view from Pierre Loti Hill in the Golden Horn.
• Explore the mystical historic streets of the Grand Bazaar.
• Visit the Pera Museum and see the “Turtle Trainer” painting.
• Visit the Maiden’s Tower and photograph Istanbul from the middle of the sea.
• Take a ferry from Eminönü to Kadıköy.
• Cross the Bosphorus Bridge for an intercontinental journey.
• Travel between two continents under the sea by metro on the Marmaray.
• Pass through the Eurasia Tunnel by car, traveling under the sea between two continents.
• Discover Bebek, the chic district of the Bosphorus.
• Explore Kuzguncuk, the most intimate district of the Bosphorus.
• Try Turkish coffee and Turkish tea.
• Taste salep and boza during the winter months.
• Attend a whirling dervish ceremony at the Galata Mevlevi House.
• Explore lively streets and venues of districts like Beşiktaş, Kadıköy, Karaköy, filled with young people.

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