Istanbul

placed in the category: Cities

Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey is located on the Bosphorus Strait. It is the only city in the world to go across both the Asian (modern Istanbul) and European (old Istanbul) continents. Istanbul is the second largest metropolitan area in Europe and includes a natural harbor named the Golden Horn. In 1985, the historic areas of this city were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Istanbul has a long history. It was a capital city of the Roman Empire, the East Roman (Byzantine) Empire, the Latin Empire and the Ottoman Empire.

Istanbul has continued to remain the commercial, historical and cultural heart of present day Turkey. From Byzantine ruins to spectacular palaces, ancient mosques and churches, Hamams (bath-houses), interesting bazaars, bars, nightclubs, western boutiques and office blocks - Istanbul has something to offer everyone.

Places of interests

The most important tourist attraction of Istanbul is Hagia Sophia - which was once the world's largest cathedral converted into a mosque and is now a museum. Other major attractions include the Topkapi Palace (the erstwhile royal residence of the Ottoman Sultans and presently a museum), Kariye church, Egyptian Bazaar, Yedikule (a lovely fortress which offers you views of city walls) and Eminonu (the dock from where boats leave for trips to Asia or way up to Bosphorus). Istanbul is also the city of mosques. Some of the best-known mosques of city are Blue Mosque, Museum of Islam Art, New Mosque, Rüstem Pasha Mosque, Eyüp mosque complex, Fatih Mosque, Sehzade mosque and Beyazit mosque.

Transportation

You can walk to Haghia Sophia, Topkapi museum and Blue Mosque from the main city centre. The two other places of visit by walking include Museum of Islam Art and Sokollu Mehmet mosque complex. Tram rides are available in Istanbul - you can go for a tram ride and visit the various places of interests. Hiring a cab or finding a bus sounds quite feasible to explore the numerous historical interests properly. The other modes of transportation include boat or large ferries and train.

Accommodation

Harbiye is quite a popular place to stay in - it has various international standard apartments, luxury hotels as well as budget hotels. Taksim is a good option if you are looking for budget hotels. If you are looking for quality and reasonably priced hotels then opt for Sultanahmet area.

Food and Fun

The most common dish of Istanbul would have lamb, mutton and veal along with vegetables. For side dishes mainly pilaf, bulgur, all kinds of pastries, haricot beans, rich olive oil and vegetables are used. The most classic dishes found in the restaurants of Istanbul include meat balls, shish kebab and doner kebab with peppers, yoghurt and eggplant. Being located in a coastal area, fish is very popular. You will also find restaurants of other cuisines like Korean, Russian, Italian and Chinese. There are many American-style fast-food outlets.

Do not forget to sip the two most famous drinks of Turkey in Istanbul. Both 'Aryan' and 'Raki' are milky colored drinks, while the former is cooling, salty, yoghurt drink, best for summer, the latter one is a strong spirit, having the taste of Aniseed.