Istanbul, the city between East and West

Se vi state chiedendo where Istanbul is located, the right answer is: “suspended” between Europe and Asia. A wonderful city in Turkey, perhaps even the most beautiful, it is a link between the West and the East. It has so much to offer, from art to shopping. In this brief guide we will explain to you what to see in Istanbul and what to visit.

1 60-Second Guide to Istanbul

Istanbul is a unique city in the world, both for its geographical location that makes it a bridge between the East and the West, and for the richness of its history that saw it as the capital of three great empires. It is an extraordinary city because contrasts blend into a lively and open atmosphere: the remains of an ancient past with modernity, the local tradition with a cosmopolitan and globalized atmosphere, entertainment alongside places of faith and spirituality. Its destiny has always been determined by its location and its enchanting nature.

It is the largest city in Turkey with about 12 million inhabitants and is the economic-financial capital of the nation, hosting the main headquarters of major banks, companies, and agencies. Istanbul is also the cultural and artistic capital of Turkey with a large number of theaters, exhibitions, museums, and a rich tradition in opera and ballet. Istanbul was named by the EU Commission as the European Capital of Culture for 2010. All around there are testimonies of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman civilizations. Palaces, mosques, churches, monasteries, remains of an ancient past coexist alongside skyscrapers and trendy venues.

Istanbul Places of Interest: What to Do and What to Visit

Among Istanbul, Turkey places of interest, there are some must-see. We have compiled a short list for you to make organizing your trip easier.

2 Istanbul, Basilica Santa Sofia

Santa Sofia or Ayasofya is one of the most evocative places in Istanbul. Built 1500 years ago, it is a jewel of Byzantine architecture. Its interiors are wonderful and will leave you speechless. Santa Sofia was born as a Christian church, then was later transformed into a mosque and then a museum. It is undoubtedly one of the most splendid monuments of all time. What impresses most about this extraordinary monument, now no longer used for religious purposes, is the ingenious division of the interiors, which is even more surprising than the size, the grandeur, and the colors of the marbles used to cover the walls. It is called the eighth wonder of the world. Surely this name is partly due to the enormous dome – it rises 55 meters from the ground and has a diameter of 31 meters – which towers over everything as a symbol of the sky.

3 İstanbul, Kapalıçarşı

Kapalıçarşı, dünyanın en büyük ve en kapsamlı kapalı pazarlarından biridir. Mini bir şehir demek yanlış olmaz, çünkü 60 sokak, 4000’den fazla dükkan ve 18 çıkışı vardır. İçeride çeşitli mal türleri satılmaktadır, ancak özellikle halılar, takılar, giysiler ve deri ürünler bulmanız kolaydır.

4 Topkapi Palace

The Topkapi Palace was described by the famous Ottoman historian Evliya Celebi as “the most beautiful royal palace ever built by human skill.” It was the Sultan’s residence and was almost a city unto itself, housing about five hundred people, including up to three hundred concubines. Don’t miss the imperial treasures: gold, silver, diamonds, precious stones, and valuable objects. Built between 1453 and 1478, the palace, covering nearly 700,000 square meters, is today the largest and most important museum in Turkey.

5 Palace of Dolmabahce

The Dolmabahce Palace, on the shore of the Bosphorus, 600 meters long, made of white marble from Marmara Island, was built in 1853 by Sultan Abdulmecid and became the new imperial residence after Topkapi. All the interiors are lavishly furnished with precious carpets, furniture, and crystals.

Mosques

6 Istanbul, Blue Mosque

The Sultanahmet Mosque is a triumph of harmony, proportions, elegance, with its 6 minarets: entering, you will experience a feeling of amazed wonder. Built between 1609 and 1616 by the architect Mehmet, it is often known as the Blue Mosque, for its splendid interior panels of blue Iznik and white ceramics. The name of the Blue Mosque comes precisely from the more than 20,000 colored tiles that cover it; the predominant color is blue, which appears in all its shades. Being a place of worship, it has rules to respect: entry is allowed only barefoot, with shoulders and knees covered, and women must cover their heads. The visual spectacle that this Mosque will give you will be unforgettable.

7 İstanbul, Süleymaniye Camii

Süleymaniye Camii (Süleymaniye Camii), Ayasofya‘nın karşısında yer almakta olup aynı derecede görkemlidir. Arkadaki bahçeden harika bir manzara seyredebilirsiniz ve bunu kaçırmamanızı tavsiye ederiz. Süleymaniye Camii, 1550-1557 yılları arasında Mimar Sinan tarafından inşa edilmiştir. İstanbul‘daki Osmanlı klasisizminin zirvesini temsil eder.

8 Istanbul, Rustem Pasa Mosque

Another work thanks to the genius of Sinan, is the Rustem Pasa Mosque built in 1561 by order of the Grand Vizier Rustem Pasa, son-in-law of Suleiman the Magnificent.

Istanbul Museums

9 Museum of Archaeology, Ancient Orient, Modern and Turkish Arts, and Literature

In the Museum of Archaeology you can find the sarcophagus of Alexander the Great and rich collections from the classical period, the Museum of the Ancient Orient which houses numerical, Babylonian, Hattian, and Hittite collections, the Museum of Modern Arts, the Military Museum which preserves Ottoman weapons and military uniforms, the Literature Museum where manuscripts of important palace poets are exhibited, the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum with a collection of Seljuk carpets.

10 Monuments of Istanbul

The notable monuments are countless. Here are some of the most significant ones. Cemberlitas, the Column of Constantine, is the oldest building in Istanbul. The Galata Tower, a Genoese construction from 1348, rises 62 meters above the ground; from the top, the view of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus is extraordinary. Known as the Maiden’s Tower, Kiz Kulesi is one of Istanbul’s romantic symbols. Originally built in the 12th century on a small island at the entrance of the harbor, the current construction dates back to the 18th century.

Undoubtedly, these are just some of the wonderful places that Istanbul offers, but we recommend discovering them by strolling through the wonderful alleys of this city, always filled with the wonderful aroma of spices.

11 Festival in Istanbul

Operas, operettas, films, exhibitions, and conferences give the city’s cultural fabric a special color. Every year in March and April, the Istanbul International Film Festival is held, offering the best of the global cinema scene. The International Festival of Art and Culture, on the other hand, takes place in June and July, featuring artists from all over the world. The Istanbul International Theater Festival presents every year examples of classical and experimental performances with the aim of introducing valuable works of Turkish theater to foreign critics and audiences. The oldest among the Festivals is the Istanbul International Music Festival. It is held in June and July and gathers important names in international music. The Istanbul International Biennial is instead the most awaited festival for art lovers.

12 Where to Have Fun in Istanbul

In Istanbul, there is no shortage of opportunities for entertainment. The best restaurants, both traditional and international, are found in this city. Istanbul is also full of venues that stay open until morning, catering to all types of tourists, from couples who want a quiet place to enjoy a good glass of wine, to groups of young people who want to let loose in bars with loud music. There are also many cafes, an integral part of the city’s culture, suited to every taste and budget, from the most luxurious to the most affordable.

13 Where to Shop in Istanbul

For those who love shopping, a visit to the Grand Bazaar is a must, with its 4000 shops where you can find everything: from Turkish handcrafted items like carpets and ceramics, to jewelry, to leather goods. A less touristy alternative is the commercial street Uzunçarsi Caddesi, full of carpenters’ workshops and clothing shops. Istiklal Caddesi, the promenade street north of the Golden Horn in the Beyoglu district, always has a certain charm, perhaps not like a century ago when it was frequented by wealthy Ottomans and Europeans in tailcoats among lace and parasols.

14 Spice Market in Istanbul

In addition to the Grand Bazaar and a long series of other open-air and covered markets such as the Spice Market, the fish market, or the used books market, there are also numerous modern shopping malls in a Western style. Visiting Istanbul is truly an unmissable experience and is perfect for a long weekend or to spend a holiday break in any season.

15 The Sea in Istanbul

Due to its geographical layout, most Turkish beaches are located to the north, with the only exception being Caddebostan. Given the fabulous climate of Istanbul, especially in summer, you might enjoy a day by the sea, alternating with your visits to tourist sites.

Istanbul in a nutshell: how to get there, how to get around, where to stay, and other curiosities

16 How to get to Istanbul

The Istanbul airport, Atatürk airport, is about 20 km from the city center, which you can easily reach by taxi or by buses, subways, and boats that go directly to the central station. At the end of 2018, the opening of a new airport is expected, which will increase connections to and from Istanbul.

17 How to get around Istanbul

Istanbul, how to get around: the advice we can give you is to walk during the busiest hours, so you can enjoy the beauties that Istanbul offers. Another valid alternative is the Istanbul metro, recently built but well organized.

18 Istanbul Currency

In Istanbul, the current currency is the Turkish lira. We recommend that you start off already equipped with it to avoid exchange-related problems on site.

19 Traveling Safely in Istanbul

Istanbul, traveling safely: after several attacks and coups, safety in Istanbul had become quite precarious, enough to cause a substantial reduction in tourist flow. But the danger situation seems to have been resolved, and safety for travelers is at the same level as anywhere else. Obviously, it is always good to be careful, but this applies to any city you plan to visit.

20 Where to eat in Istanbul: not just kebab

Istanbul, where to eat: the first suggestion on what to eat in Istanbul is obviously kebab (Kebap in Turkish)!! In Istanbul it will be served sliced on a plate, in any restaurant. Be careful to distinguish it from Döner Kebab, present on every street corner and a typical street food dish. The best areas to eat in Istanbul are those near the Grand Bazaar, where you can enjoy real Turkish cuisine: mercimek çorbası, lentil soup, manti, pseudo-tortellini, and much more.

21 Where to Sleep in Istanbul

Istanbul, where to sleep: the two most recommended areas to choose your hotel in Istanbul are two, Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu. The first in the ancient and cultural part of the city, the second in the modern part, the heart of the famous and highly developed nightlife of Istanbul. So it all depends on your tastes and needs.