Located at the center of the Old World, Istanbul is one of the great cities of the world, famous for its historical monuments and beautiful landscapes. It is the only city in the world that spans two continents: it is situated at a point between Asia and Europe separated by the Bosphorus. Istanbul has a history of over 2500 years, and since its establishment at this strategic crossroads of land and sea, the city has been an important trading center. In recent years, it has also become known as the World Capital of Hair Transplantation.
The historic city of Istanbul is located on a peninsula surrounded on three sides by the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus, and the Golden Horn. It was the capital of three great empires: the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. For over 1600 years, more than 120 emperors and sultans ruled the world from here. No other city in the world can boast such distinction. Encircled by Roman walls dating back to the 5th century and spread across seven hills, Istanbul is adorned with masterpieces of Turkish art, the grand mosques of the sultans crowning the hills. The city has an exquisite, majestic, and serene silhouette from every direction.
The Golden Horn, a very secure natural harbor, has played a significant role in the city’s development. Istanbul has always been a city of tolerance, where mosques, churches, and synagogues coexist. The city is dynamically growing and rapidly expanding along the shores of the Sea of Marmara on an east-west axis. Istanbul is a bustling metropolis of 15 million people, where five-star hotels offer luxurious accommodations and exquisite restaurants comparable to the best in New York or London.
What to do in Istanbul?
The daily available outings throughout the year will give you the opportunity to visit the most important historical sites, museums, the famous Grand Bazaar, and its surroundings. Excursions from hotels to the port are made to the monuments of the historical peninsula for half-day tours. You have the opportunity to visit the Hagia Sophia Museum, the Suleymaniye Mosque, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (also known as the Blue Mosque), the Hippodrome, and the Topkapi Palace Museum. You can also join guided tours that will take you to the Bosphorus or the Asian side. Then, return home with unforgettable and beautiful memories
The Roman fortifications, the Chora Museum (Kariye), famous for its mosaics and frescoes from the late Byzantine period, the Galata Tower, offering a magnificent panorama of the city, the Dolmabahçe Palace on the Bosphorus, the world’s richest museum, the Turkish-Islamic Museum of Fine Arts, the Spice Bazaar, and others require 3 to 4 days for a thorough visit.
Bosphorus Cruise… A ferry ride on the Bosphorus will be one of the most memorable experiences. You will be captivated by the incomparable beauty of the palaces lining the Yali along the shores, many of which hold ancient love stories reflected in the water. You’ll also see modern luxury villas from the 20th century, the Dolmabahce, Beylerbeyi, and Goksu Palaces, the Rumeli and Anadolu Fortresses, as well as remnants of fishing villages, restaurants, tea gardens, and nightclubs. On the same day, you can refresh yourself in the waters of the Black Sea and then relax with a cup of coffee in a tea garden on the peaceful shores of the Sea of Marmara while enjoying the beauty of the Istanbul Strait.
Istanbul is a place where the ancient meets the modern. There are a variety of shopping options available. The Grand Bazaar, the famous shopping center, and Ak Merkez, the Gallery, the Capitol, and many others, as well as boutiques and the Nisantasi and Bagdat Beyoglu streets, are at your service throughout the year.
The Grand Bazaar still retains the dreamy atmosphere of the “good old times” while also embracing the latest trends of the modern world: eye-catching jewelry, copper works, carpets, leather, suede, and more. Once you get caught up in its enchantment, you can easily lose track of time as you wander through the Grand Bazaar.
So, what are you waiting for…