Istanbul is the bustling economic, cultural, and historic center of Turkey, on the Bosphorus channel between the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea.
With one leg in Asia and the other in Europe, the city reflects its beautiful mix of east and west.
Founded in the 7th century BC, the city served as an imperial capital for almost sixteen centuries, during the Roman, Byzantine, and the Ottoman empires.
Being one of the world’s most popular tourist destination, the city offers rich and unique eastern culture, historical architecture, and vibrant entertainment, in its historic centre and across the city’s natural harbor, the Golden Horn.
The city is known for its impressive Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, but there are also some Roman monuments including;
- The obelisk in Sultanahmet Square
- The section of the 4th century Valens Aqueduct
- The 4th century Column of Constantine not far from the Hippodrome, and more.
The highlights of Istanbul iconic Ottoman architecture are;
- The must see beautiful and grand mosque of Hagia Sophia, founded as the world’s largest cathedral for centuries, then converted to a museum and a mosque.
- The largest Sultan’s palace and Harem, Topkapı
- The imperial magnificently decorated Sultan Ahmed Mosque, The Blue Mosque.
- The huge Süleymaniye Mosque.
There are quite a few interesting museums and art galleries in the city, with the leading one being the Istanbul Archaeology Museums complex.
Visit Sultanahmet district, the historic center and oldest neighborhood of Istanbul and other districts where you will find great attractions;
- In the Sultanahmet square, enjoy the Egyptian obelisk, the German fountain and the many coffee shops and restaurants.
- Visit the nearby bustling bazaars and the charming narrow winding streets with their small shops and tea houses.
- Climb to the top of Galata tower, north of Sultanahmet, to enjoy the great scenery of the Bosphorus, and stroll the surrounding winding cobblestone streets of Galata quarter (Karaköy), with their small coffee houses, vintage clothing stores, antique shops, and restaurants.
- Continue to Istiklal Avenue with its shopping opportunities, and Taksim Square, the center of modern Istanbul.
- In the morning head to the waterfront in Karakoy, to watch the fishermen at the harbor, explore the fish market, and later enjoy a fish restaurant right by the water.
Princes' Islands
Chora Church
Galata Tower
Istanbul has a very vibrant nightlife with nightclubs, live music bars, concerts and more. You will find nightlife opportunities in the streets surrounding İstiklal Avenue, Çiçek Pasajı, Nevizade Street and others. Other Istanbul’s neighborhoods offering nightlife activities include Nişantaşı, Ortaköy, Bebek, and Kadıköy, the fashionable clubs along the shores of the Bosphorus, and the waterfront terraces facing the Bosphorus Bridge.
Istanbul is also known for its seafood restaurants, along the shores of the Bosphorus in the neighborhoods of Ortaköy, Bebek, Arnavutköy, Yeniköy, Beylerbeyi, Çengelköy, Kumkapı along the Sea of Marmara, and in the Princes’ Islands.
Visiting Istanbul with children enjoy attractions which will be enjoyable for the whole family, including the Istanbul Aquarium and Dolphinarium, Legoland Discovery Center, and more.
While in Istanbul be sure to take a cruise along the Bosphorus (day or night), visit a Turkish Hammam for an hour of relaxation, and enjoy a Whirling Dervishes Show in Hodjapasha Square.
To enjoy some relaxation and tranquility during your visit of the vibrant and bustling city, Thetjoy.com suggests few options for nice Day Tours out of Istanbul,
We would recommend a minimum of 2-3 days visit to Istanbul, not including a day trip if desired.
The Spring and the Autumn months are the best time to visit Istanbul when temperatures are warm and pleasant, and rain is rare. The Summer months of July and August can be rather hot with high humidity, somehow unpleasant when you add to it the tourists’ crowds visiting the city.
Combine your visit in Istanbul with a trip to the magnificent Cappadocia, and or with a vacation southeast in the Antalya Region.
