Discovering Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul: the Bosphorus, döner kebabs and the Hagia Sophia
Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city, is a hive of history, culture and activity. Straddling the busy Bosphorus Strait between the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea, Istanbul is a fascinating east-meets-west city where a one third of locals live in Asia and the commercial and historical centre stand firmly in Europe. Founded in 660 BC as Byzantium, Istanbul combines Ottoman, Byzantine and modern influences. Visit the Hagia Sophia (church-turned-mosque-turned museum), gaze in wonder at the Blue Mosque and take a cruise along the Bosphorus. The old and the new mix & mingle: a beautiful Old Town vies for attention with a happening contemporary cultural scene - we highly recommend visiting the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art. Make sure to stop by the bustling Grand Bazaar, one of the world oldest and largest covered markets, to test out your bargaining skills.
Istanbul musts
Istanbul is perfect for
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Touring the Old Town
The Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Hippodrome -
Meandering along the Bosphorus
Tour the Golden Horn and river -
Visiting Ottoman Ruins
Topkapi Palace and Rüstem Pasa Mosque -
Island hopping
Hop over to island of Buyukada
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Essential Istanbul
- Population 13.5 million
- Language Turkish
- Currency Turkish Lira (TL)
- Airport Atatürk (IST)
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Top 6 reasons to go to Istanbul
Nisantasi: trendy area + boutique hotel
We love the Nisantasi district (full of luxurious cafes & brasseries where locals like to be seen) - the Boutique Riva Hotel is a perfect home from home for an Istanbul weekend.
© ayasofyamuzesi
The Hagia Sophia
This church-turned-mosque-turned-museum is considered by many to be the ‘eighth wonder of the world’. Exhibitions showcase beautiful mosaics and Middle Eastern artifacts.
© choramuseum
The Chora Museum
One of the world’s most beautiful Byzantine churches, the Chora was converted into a mosque by the Ottoman rulers in the 16th century and became museum in 1948.
© english.istanbul
The Bosphorous Strait
The Bosphorus (or Istanbul Strait) divides Europe and Asia. Explore its meandering turns from Eminönü along the pensinsula to Anadolu Kavagi and the Black Sea.
© theguideistanbul
Turkish fishing villages
Escape the hustle and bustle with a day trip to Garipçe, Rumelifeneri and Rumeli Kavagi. Mingle with the locals, take in the stunning views and swim in the Black Sea.
© wikipedia
Must-see mosques
From the coastal Dolmabahçe Palace to the modern Sakirin Mosque and the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed), which beautifully mixes Ottoman & Byzantine influences.
- The Istanbul Museum of Modern Art 8,000m² of former warehouse along the Bosphorous.
- The Princes' Islands (Adalar) A refreshing day trip 20km out in the Marmara Sea.
- Yildiz Park Situated between two palaces, this beautiful park was once part of the imperial garden.
- Turkish and Islamic Art Museum A treasure trove of Ottoman, Seljuk and earlier artworks.
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Istanbul specialists
Discover all things Istanbul from Basilica Cistern to the Bosphorous
Typical Turkish food, monasteries and much more!
Explore the ins and out of Istanbul with City Discovery
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