Often referred to as the place where the continents meet, Istanbul proves to be an interesting mix of various cultures. At its south lays the Marmara Sea and the Black Sea surrounds it at the north end. The west connects to Europe and the east connects to Asia. And the Bosphorus strait cuts the city into two. Because of its geographical location, the cuisine in Istanbul is quite varied. You’ll be able to enjoy traditional Turkish meals as well as Mediterranean, European and Asian dishes. You won’t go hungry here and even the pickiest traveler will find a great place to dine.There are many ways to reach Istanbul and once you arrive you’ll be glad you came. The hot weather may deter some, but if you know how to cope with the heat you’ll be able to enjoy the amazing sites.
Istanbul has many great tours available that take you to the important places throughout the city. But if you want to trek out on your own, there are a few must-sees that should be on everyone’s list. For example, the Sultanahmet houses at the Hipodrome Square. You’ll observe history spanning over thousands of years. There are many interesting places to explore that tell a fascinating story. Make time for the St. Sophia, Sultanahmet Mosque, Yerebatan Cistern, Archeological Museum and Topkap? Palace. There are many beautiful palaces throughout the city. One of special note is the Beylerbeyi Palace. Commissioned by Sultan Abdülaziz in 1864, there is an impressive collection of mansions on the grounds. The main unit though stands out not only because of its façade but the inside of the palace is quite breathtaking as well and one can see the meticulous details throughout the entire complex. Originally built in 1914, the Turkish Islamic Arts Museum contains rare collections from mosques, tombs and libraries. There are fantastic displays of many art pieces, some of which include ceramic works, woven vests worn by Sultans, hand-written Korans, items that have precious stones inlaid and ornaments just to name a few. It’s a grand showing of Turkish craftsmanship.
Because Istanbul is surrounded by so many different cultures, it’s really become a sort of melting pot for various cultures and customs. And as a result there are many beautiful churches, mosques and synagogues throughout the city. The Suleiman Mosque is one of the grandest mosques in Istanbul. Construction began in 1550 and its structure still stands today. It’s important to note that no bare skin can show when entering a mosque and women are required to cover their heads with a scarf. The Saint Antoine Church began in 1906 and has the largest congregation in Istanbul. Its design is quite different from the other religious institutions since it was built with a neogothic style.
A visit to Istanbul can’t be considered complete without an experience at a traditional bathhouse. The Galatasaray Hamam? is one of the best examples of the famous Turkish Baths and has been maintained perfectly in its original form with both men’s and ladies’ hammams (sections). It’s a very interesting experience and one that you’ll be able to tell stories of when you get back home. Another interesting experience here is the shopping. The Grand Bazaar is one of the world’s largest covered markets. It has over 250,000 visitors each day so you know that it’s going to be big. There are 3,000 shops and you’ll find everything ranging from pottery to carpets, spices to jewelry. And although you should really go and experience the Grand Bazaar, there are many other great vendors and shops located throughout the city for you to explore as well.
While rich in history and culture, Istanbul is also a very cosmopolitan city. Skyscrapers, malls and boutiques can be seen throughout. Eating out can range from a street side vendor to a gourmet meal. The nightlife can be filled with leisurely strolls or you can watch the FI Istanbul Grand Prix. Enjoy a concert or dance the night away at a hot nightclub. Istanbul will probably surprise you with how much diversity exists, then again, maybe not. With so many neighboring countries, it’s probably harder to believe that there wouldn’t be any variety here. Either way, you should experience all that it is for yourself.
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