Istanbul, an enchanting city where east meets west, is currently a hotbed of activity. Not only does it boast an abundance of historical buildings and museums, but it is considered to have one of the best hip and happening party scenes at present.
The city is the only one to be located both in Europe and Asia, making it utterly unique. There is no shortage of things to see and do here, from the mind-boggling Grand Bazaar to the wonderfully opulent Tokapi Palace, Turkey's largest city is rich in culture, food and nightlife.
Sultanahmet
A good place to start sightseeing is the district of Sultanahmet. Steeped in history, wandering around the cobbled streets of this neighbourhood is like stepping into the pages of an exotic fairytale. It is here that the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii), the Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia), the Tokapi Palace and the Yerebatan Saray (Sunken Palace Cistern) are located, each within easily walking distance of each other.
Eminonu
Nearby Eminonu is but a few minutes away from Sultanahmet and is home to the Spice Bazaar. Istanbul's train station is also located here, where trains serving Europe destinations bring and take passengers back and forth. The ferries are also located here.
Bosphorus Boat Ride
As the Bosphorus Strait runs through the city, a great way to enjoy Istanbul and take some amazing photos at sunset is to take a boat ride. Many of the boats go to various destinations in Istanbul, and for different durations. Tickets are cheap and can be purchased on the day easily.
The Grand Bazaar
No trip to Istanbul would be complete without a visit to the Grand Bazaar. As one of the world's oldest markets, there is nothing that isn't sold here. Intricately detailed jewellery boxes, piles of dried fruits, Turkish apple tea, shiny gold and silver trinkets all entice travellers to stop and admire the skill and craftsmanship that went into them.
The seemingly endless streets of the Grand Bazaar are covered with domed roofs and windows, the sheer scale of the place occupies an area of 3100 square metres. The market is located in Beyazit, north of Sultanahmet.
Beyoglu
The more modern quarter of Istanbul can be centred around heart that is Taksim Square. The main street that runs south from the area is called Istiklal Caddesi. Cumhuriyet Caddesi (Republic Avenue) which is north from Taksim Square leads to the more upscale districts of Elmadag, Harbiye, Nisantasi and Sisli.
It is in Beyoglu that the trendy cafes, bar and restaurants are located. Surrounding areas such as Karakoy, Galata, and bohemian hangout Tunel are also considered to be hot areas at the moment, and are good places to go out. It is here one can find themselves relaxing with a drink or dancing the night away on a rooftop terrace. Tophane is also a popular area where many of the locals go to socialise and smoke a nargile whilst relaxing on huge beanbags.
Istiklal Caddesi stretches all the way from Taksin Square to Galatasaray and Tünel Square. It is around a half an hour walk, although there is the option of riding the Nostalgic Tram or taking the Metro instead.
Ortakoy
A popular place to dine out or visit a tea garden (çay bahçesi) in Istanbul is Ortakoy. Upmarket hotels line the streets here, and restaurants have generous outdoor seating areas as well as the prices to match. As the city enjoys varying seasons, a good time to visit is either in April to June, or from September to December, when temperatures are cooler and more pleasant.
The city is the only one to be located both in Europe and Asia, making it utterly unique. There is no shortage of things to see and do here, from the mind-boggling Grand Bazaar to the wonderfully opulent Tokapi Palace, Turkey's largest city is rich in culture, food and nightlife.
Sultanahmet
A good place to start sightseeing is the district of Sultanahmet. Steeped in history, wandering around the cobbled streets of this neighbourhood is like stepping into the pages of an exotic fairytale. It is here that the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii), the Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia), the Tokapi Palace and the Yerebatan Saray (Sunken Palace Cistern) are located, each within easily walking distance of each other.
Eminonu
Nearby Eminonu is but a few minutes away from Sultanahmet and is home to the Spice Bazaar. Istanbul's train station is also located here, where trains serving Europe destinations bring and take passengers back and forth. The ferries are also located here.
Bosphorus Boat Ride
As the Bosphorus Strait runs through the city, a great way to enjoy Istanbul and take some amazing photos at sunset is to take a boat ride. Many of the boats go to various destinations in Istanbul, and for different durations. Tickets are cheap and can be purchased on the day easily.
The Grand Bazaar
No trip to Istanbul would be complete without a visit to the Grand Bazaar. As one of the world's oldest markets, there is nothing that isn't sold here. Intricately detailed jewellery boxes, piles of dried fruits, Turkish apple tea, shiny gold and silver trinkets all entice travellers to stop and admire the skill and craftsmanship that went into them.
The seemingly endless streets of the Grand Bazaar are covered with domed roofs and windows, the sheer scale of the place occupies an area of 3100 square metres. The market is located in Beyazit, north of Sultanahmet.
Beyoglu
The more modern quarter of Istanbul can be centred around heart that is Taksim Square. The main street that runs south from the area is called Istiklal Caddesi. Cumhuriyet Caddesi (Republic Avenue) which is north from Taksim Square leads to the more upscale districts of Elmadag, Harbiye, Nisantasi and Sisli.
It is in Beyoglu that the trendy cafes, bar and restaurants are located. Surrounding areas such as Karakoy, Galata, and bohemian hangout Tunel are also considered to be hot areas at the moment, and are good places to go out. It is here one can find themselves relaxing with a drink or dancing the night away on a rooftop terrace. Tophane is also a popular area where many of the locals go to socialise and smoke a nargile whilst relaxing on huge beanbags.
Istiklal Caddesi stretches all the way from Taksin Square to Galatasaray and Tünel Square. It is around a half an hour walk, although there is the option of riding the Nostalgic Tram or taking the Metro instead.
Ortakoy
A popular place to dine out or visit a tea garden (çay bahçesi) in Istanbul is Ortakoy. Upmarket hotels line the streets here, and restaurants have generous outdoor seating areas as well as the prices to match. As the city enjoys varying seasons, a good time to visit is either in April to June, or from September to December, when temperatures are cooler and more pleasant.
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