Guide to Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul straddles two continents, Europe and Asia, and is a fantastic city of beauty, history and culture. Istanbul is the most populous city in Europe (estimated between 12 and 19 million), the financial centre of Turkey and a true cosmopolitan metropolis.

Situated either side of the Bosphorus, Istanbul is steeped in history from ancient Christianity through to the modern Middle East and is often known as the second Rome.

Top reasons to visit Istanbul

Explore the iconic attractions such as the Blue Mosque, ancient Hippodrome and the marvellous mosque/museum Hagia Sophia.

The old city walls of Constantinople, where Emperor Constantine defended his Byzantium Empire

Relax and cruise along the Bosphorus, looking out for the Dolmabahce Palace

Traditional Turkish baths (hamam) offer steam rooms, massage, scrubbing and other spa treatments

Main areas of Istanbul

Sultanahmet/Fatih/Old City

Essentially Constantinople - the walled inner city, location of the famous historical sites

Galata

The main nightlife area - Beyoglu, Istikal Street and Taksim Square

New City

Main business district with malls such as Etiler and Elmadag

Bosphorus

European bank of the Bosphorus with parks, palaces and mansions in neighbourhoods such as Ortakoy and Besiktas

Golden Horn

The estuary that separates the European side into distinctive districts such as Eyup

Princes Islands

A getaway from the city, consisting of an archipelago of nine islands with gardens, splendid views and mansions

Asian side

Eastern half of Istanbul with delightful neighbourhoods at the Marmara and Bosphorus coasts

Western suburbs

Western district of the European side of Istanbul

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When to go to Istanbul

Istanbul has a continental climate with hot, humid summers and cold, wet winters (with occasional snow).

5 Istanbul experiences

1. Ancient Istanbul - The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and Capitoline Hill.
2. See the site of Emperor Constantine’s last battle defending his Byzantine Empire around the ancient city walls
3. Tea in the Grand Bazaar
4. Istiklai Caddesi tram - links Tunel Station with Taksim Square in the Beyoglu district
5. See the stunning Mevlevei Sema ceremony, known for it’s whirling dervishes and ancient (over 800 years old) dance show

Top Attractions in Istanbul

• Dolmabahce Palace
• Topkapi Palace
• Hagia Sophia
• Galata Tower
• Basilica Cistern
• Blue Mosque
• Beylerbeyi Palace
• Obelisk of Theodosius
• Bosphorus Bridge

Shopping in Istanbul

Shopping is a real treat in Istanbul, from the bazaars and one of the largest malls in Europe (Istanbul Cevahir)

• Bagdat Avenue
• Grand Bazaar
• Nisantasi
• Spice Bazaar
• Istanbul Cevahir

Eating in Istanbul

No visit to Istanbul is complete without trying the local delicacies, such as:-

• kebab - Iskender is doner meat, served with tomato sauce
• lahmacun - round, thin dough served with minced meat
• durum - Turkish wrap
• simit - warm bread
• traditional Turkish coffee
• mezze - small courses, similar to tapas and served
• baklava - rich sweet pastry with layers of thin filo pasty, nuts and honey
• dondurma - chewy, stringy local ice cream

The best areas to eat in Istanbul are Bebek and Bagdat Caddesi.

Nightlife and Entertainment in Istanbul

Beyoglu and Ortakoy are known for their nightlife, along with Karoky with it’s underground parties. Bebek is a small town on the Bosphorus with fancy restaurants and bars.

• Live music - Abdi Ipecki Arena, Ataturk Cultural Centre
• Nightclubs and live music - Babylon, Reina Club, Sunset Grill & Bar, Karga, 360, DoRock

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