Istanbul Travel Guide, Turkey

Introduction

Istanbul located in Turkey is one of the interesting tourist spots with a fascinating history and a rich culture offering many sightseeing attractions.  It is the only city in the world spread across two continents:Asia and Europe and divided by the Bosphorus Strait. Istanbul is also one of the prominent cultural and commercial centers and the presence of the shipping port makes it ideal for all trading activities on water.

• Flights
• Hotels
• Packages
• Cars
• Cruises
• Travel Deals

RoundtripOne Way

From:To:
Depart:Return:
Adults:12345Kids:01234Seniors:012345Class:EconomyBusinessFirst

City:Check-In:Check-Out:
Adults:12345Rooms:12345Kids:01234

From:To:
Depart:Return:
Adults:12345Rooms:12345Kids:01234Seniors:012345

Pick-Up:Drop-Off:Pick-Up Date:Drop-Off Date:

Cruiseline:Any cruise lineCarnival Cruise LineCelebrity CruisesCosta CruisesCrystal CruisesCunard Line Ltd.Disney Cruise LineHolland America Cruise LineNorwegian Cruise LinePrincess CruisesRadisson Seven SeasRoyal CaribbeanSeabourn Cruise LineSilversea CruisesLength of stay:Any Cruise Length1-2 Nights3-6 Nights7-9 Nights10-15 Nights15 and more NightsDestination:Any DestinationAfricaAlaskaAsiaBahamasBermudaCanada/ New EnglandCaribbeanEastern CaribbeanExotic CaribbeanSouthern CaribbeanWestern CaribbeanCosta RicaEuropeMediterraneanNorthern EuropeTransatlanticWestern EuropeHawaiiLatin AmericaMexicoBaja CaliforniaGulf of MexicoMexican RivieraPanama CanalSouth AmericaSouth PacificAustraliaNew ZealandTahitiWestern U.S.Pacific CoastMonth:Any MonthMay-2025Jun-2025Jul-2025Aug-2025Sep-2025Oct-2025Nov-2025Dec-2025Jan-2026Feb-2026Mar-2026Apr-2026

 

In the old days, Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople was the capital of the Byzantine Empire and then the Islamic Ottoman gained control over Istanbul during the 15th century and made it its capital. The official name, Istanbul was adopted after Turkey gained independence in the year 1930 and Ankara was made the capital of Turkey.

 

This mystical city offers a unique opportunity to discover numerous historical attractions and catch a glimpse of their architectural splendor of palaces. Tourists can also come across some of the old mosques, churches, museums and enjoy shopping with some exotic varieties of rugs and carpets that are sold across Turkish bazaars here. Besides these, this modern city has suburbs that boast of some exotic nightclubs, hotels and restaurants and elegant shopping centers.

 

Some interesting facts about Istanbul

 

Istanbul comprises of a population of approximately around 14 million people most of whom have moved here in search of better employment prospects. Most of the travelers visit this place during the summer season to enjoy the sightseeing attractions of this place and tend to avoid the cold and snowing winter months between November and February.

 

The best way to explore the city is using the Dolmus which is an economical means of transport that operates on fixed routes. Besides that, buses and taxis are also available in plenty which can be used for traveling.

 

Places of attraction

 

Istanbul offers plenty of sightseeing places for the visitors to see which includes the popular Hagia Sophia which is one of the most famous attractions. This massive dome shaped Byzantine structure is one of the best architectural delights of this place complete with frescoes and lovely mosaics.

 

The Sultan Ahmed Camii which is also known as the Blue Mosque is one of the best examples of the Islamic Ottoman architecture. This place has well designed and beautiful interiors and it is definitely worth visiting. Topkapi Palace Museum offers a glimpse of the opulent lifestyle during the Ottoman period with plush interiors housing some of the best treasures of the world.

 

Dolmabahce Palace, Miniaturk Park, Maiden Tower, Bosophorus boat tour and a visit to the Galata tower can also prove to be a pleasurable experience for the tourists. 

 

Shopping

 

Kapali Carsi or the Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered bazaars (marketplace) with almost 4,400 shops selling everything under the sun. Lot of things can be bought on bargain here from silk carpets, leather items, jewelry which includes gold and semi-precious stones, spices, handmade ceramics and other Turkish delights.

 Turkish coffee is also quite popular among the tourists who can buy some of them from the local shops here. Kanyon, Cevahir, Akmerkez, Metro city, Olivium are some of the popular shopping malls that can be found in this city along with plenty of other shopping centers and outlets selling some good branded stuff.

email to a friendAsk our travel experts a question about Istanbul
ask now

Things about Istanbul you may be interested in

• Istanbul Guide Books
• Istanbul Travel tips

 

+ list your site

 

ReviewsTravel TipsWrite a reviewWrite a travel tip

 

 

Read our members' reviews about Istanbul

No reviews have been added yet for this category. Be the first to add a new one.

 

Read our members' travel tips about Istanbul

• The Blue Mosque
  travel tip by ainoChan posted more then 30 days ago
  Named after Sultan Ahmed, who made it to be built between 1607 and 1617, the Blue Mosque is a symbol of grandeur, harmony and beauty. It is a sight that would make you miss out on a lot, if not visited. Try to go and see the building in...
• Egyptian Bazaar
  travel tip by ainoChan posted more then 30 days ago
  Full of color and smell, the Egyptian Bazaar is like spice gem in a small street. There so many spices, nuts, seeds, dried fruits to choose from, you can get lost in them. Though we saw very few locals, the place was flooded with...
• Istanbul Archeology Museum
  travel tip by marius_f posted more then 30 days ago
  Christian and pagan, ancient and newer artifacts are gathered at the world's largest museum, at the Istanbul Archeology Museum. As Turkey's first museum, opened in 1891, many objects, artifacts, and artworks have been gathered to...

view all

 

 

Community

Members Who Have Been to Istanbul

See who has been to Istanbul and ask them a question (membership required)

danipetster ask a question add to friends

SOUDHA ask a question add to friends

mpete ask a question add to friends

derekgsxr1300 ask a question add to friends

 

show all

 

Community Galleries About Istanbul

Browse our members' Istanbul galleries to get a better impression of the place

view gallery

view gallery

view gallery

 

show alladd gallery

 

 

the best travel deals provided by TravelZoo...