iStanbul
iStanbul – the metropolis of Turkey located in northwest of the country. With one arm reaching out to Asia and the other to Europe, iStanbul is the only city in the world built on two continents. Its Old City reflects cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here.
City's fate has been sealed by its vital strategic location and its enchanting natural beauty. This magnificent meeting place of West and East has more attractions to offer than it has minarets (and believe us - that is a lot). For more than 1500 years iStanbul was the capital of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Nowadays, the city is decorated accordingly with glorious monuments and is named metropolis which unofficially inhabits around 25 million people. Here diverse cultures, nations and religions mix forming a wonderful mosaic of iStanbul.
Basically, it is iStanbul's endless variety and mix of things that fascinates most visitors. We were not the exception wandering through local bazaars, museums, palaces, churches, grand mosques and sites of natural beauty which here are countless. On top of that in this huge metropolis with so many people we found it so relaxing to witness sunset and watching the red evening light reflected on the other continent while enjoying a drink with locals. At moments like this you understand why so many years ago settlers chose to build a city on this truly remarkable piece of land.
Helpful tips
Restaurants. While in iStanbul our host was also our personal local guide and now our new friend! He showed us around and shared in his opinion best places try local food.
Firs place we want to highlight is – “Keskin Kebap&Döner”. We enjoyed local cuisine here, it was delicious and tasty food with great quality and price ration. Would recommend for everyone!
Second place is - “Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi Selim Usta”. Where we tried their special dish – meat balls. Wonderful food, great service and lovely company is all you need in iStanbul – here you will find at least two out of the three if you come alone!
Markets. In iStanbul as in every other location on the world enjoyed by tourists you will have a chance to buy overpriced souvenirs. Here prices in shops and markets are similar and you should use more convenient one for you.
In northwest of Turkey it, especially such a huge metropolis as iStanbul locals advised us from drinking tap water. They were convinced that it is not clear and has chemicals inside, its good only for boiling but not drinking.
Transportation. To get to iStanbul you can use car, bus, train, plane or boat which ever you think is more convenient for you. And to get around the city is best with metro plus you will always need a ship if you do not own a car to get from Europe side to Asia and vise versa. Very convenient is local buses and metro buses. Sometimes taxi might be a quick option as well but take into consideration traffic as this is a 25 million people metropolis.
The iStanbul Airport provides travelers with convenient connections to all major European cities, and from the central train station and bus station passengers can reach every destination in the country.
Best of luck planning your holidays in iStanbul!
Is there anything else you would like to visit while in Turkey?
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