ISTANBUL CITY GUIDE -
Istanbul is one of the coolest European and Asian towns. It is the handiest metropolis in the world located on continents, touching Europe and Asia. Yet in parts it additionally has the appearance of a North African or Middle Eastern town, giving it the difference of now not being defined by means of any particular continent or area.
While status on the crossroads of East and West, the city's breathtakingly lovely landmarks also merge cultures and religions. The famous Hagia Sophia has been a church and a mosque, at the same time as remnants of the metropolis's former incarnations as Byzantium and Constantinople are everywhere in this sprawling town.
While records may additionally ooze from each street, Istanbul is a 21st-century city mixing interesting cutting-edge points of interest with timeless monuments. It's also a modern metropolis with modern cafés and golf equipment, that's a fascinating marvel to every traveler.
Spend a morning browsing the Grand Bazaar and your afternoon inside the Blue Mosque, followed by way of a visit to the Istanbul Modern Art Museum. Then take the possibility to dine in Asia and birthday party back in Europe until sunrise, with the Bosphorus providing photo-postcard perspectives along with the manner.
What to See and Do in Istanbul
Decide what you really need to peer in Istanbul based totally on your pastimes -- whether it's art, architecture, street existence or simply snapping a few pix via the primary landmarks. We highlight the first-rate points of interest in special categories and, to help you plan, hyperlink you to their vicinity on Google Maps () or to their legit internet site or excursion options.
THE LANDMARKS, ICONS, AND INSTAGRAM SPOTS
Hagia Sophia was the finest church in Christendom till the fifteenth century when it became a mosque. In 1935 it become become a museum and stands today as one of the globe's greatest homes. Another one is the Blue Mosque, only some steps away. It changed into first built within the seventeenth century as the world's grandest mosque, and its famous call comes from the blue tiles decorating the walls of the interior.
Another Istanbul landmark is the Galata Tower, formerly known as the Tower of Christ. It become constructed by using the town's Genoese community and gives a viewing platform on the top.
Also don't leave out Dolmabahçe Sarayi, the palace that the sultans moved into in 1856. It's a marvelous baroque production with an expensive indoors, which incorporates the arena's largest chandelier and nearly 300 rooms and 6 hammams.
MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY ART
The Istanbul Modern changed into Turkey's first national current artwork museum. It opened in 2004 in a former warehouse and promotes Turkish artwork in its everlasting collection together with temporary exhibitions by means of global artists. It's additionally home to a popular café and offers metropolis views from its 2d ground.
STRIKING ARCHITECTURE AND MAJOR MONUMENTS
Bosphorus Bridge seen from the baroque Ortakoy Camii Mosque is arguably Istanbul's fine photo-postcard picture. The suspension bridge links Europe with Asia and was opened in 1973.
ANCIENT SITE
The Yerebatan Sarayi (Basilica Cistern) is an underground cistern that is one of the town's maximum astounding points of interest. It dates from the sixth century and has over 300 marble columns, of which with blocks carved into Medusa heads.
CITY LIFE AND MAIN STREETS
Every traveler to Istanbul passes by way of the Grand Bazaar. Located within the historic heart of the city, it has over 4000 vendors, and it's a very atmospheric experience even in case you don't plan to fall into the tourist traps and purchase something. From there, do some more shopping down the pedestrian Istiklal Street. It's the metropolis's liveliest, domestic to many global shops and welcoming cafés.
SHOPPING
The exquisite bazaars and souks from ancient times at the moment are changed with the aid of modern-day department stores consisting of Kanyon with nearly 2 hundred shops worldwide and Turkish manufacturers. But of course, the Grand Bazaar continues to be there, although it's greater of a traveler's sightseeing experience than a real purchasing vacation spot. Look for a souvenir around its included alleys, browsing through carpets, spices, fabrics, or rings, whilst for products you're extra acquainted with, head to the Nisantasi district. Its Abdi Ipekci Street is wherein the town's properly-heeled populace is going for their luxurious brands.
Where each vacationer and locals save together is on Istiklal Caddesi, a pedestrian avenue regarded for its stores and cafés. It's a sophisticated road that needs to now not be neglected with the aid of everybody journeying the city, going from Taksim Square to the iconic Galata Tower.
EATING AND DRINKING
Nowhere else inside the world are you able to dine with extra perspectives. Overlook the Bosphorus at some restaurants in Europe or Asia without ever leaving the same town, and experience contemporary Turkish dishes or worldwide fusion menus. An exact quantity of cafés and restaurants are located in the pedestrianized Istiklal Caddesi.
