Istanbul is a big city in Turkey. It sits on two continents, Europe and Asia. The Bosphorus Strait flows right through the middle.
The city has a rich past and a lively feel. You can see old history and new life mix here. It is a place that many people love to see when they visit Turkey. Our guide gives you tips for a great stay.
Most shops in Istanbul open around 9 AM. They close late in the evening. Big shopping malls might close around 10 PM each night.
You may need a visa to enter the country. It is a good idea to check the rules for your home country. You can often get an e-visa online before your trip.
You should plan to stay for at least four days. This gives you enough time to see the main sights. A full week is even better for a trip with no rush.
When you arrive in Istanbul, you will feel its great energy. The streets are busy with people, cars, and trams. You will hear many new and interesting sounds all around you.
The local people are very warm and kind. Many will smile and say hello to you on the street. They are proud of their city and its long and special past.
You will find so many great things to do in Istanbul. You can explore old markets with tons of shops. You can also see the big and beautiful old mosques. There is always something new to find around each corner.
You will smell amazing Turkish food almost everywhere. Food carts sell roasted chestnuts and fresh corn. Restaurants serve tasty kebabs and sweet treats like baklava. This Istanbul travel guide will help you find the best spots for food and fun.
The history of Istanbul is very long and deep. The city was first known by the name Byzantium. It was started a very long time ago by Greek settlers.
Then, it became a great capital city for empires. A Roman ruler named it Constantinople. It was the center of the Byzantine Empire for a thousand years.
Later, the Ottomans took over the city. It became the heart of their big and powerful empire. They built many of the grand mosques you can still see today. This mix of history makes the city a very unique place.
The city is famous for many wonderful things. People from all over the world come to see its beauty. Here are some of the main reasons it is so well known.
- •Istanbul is known for its amazing and long history.
- •It is famous for great food you can find on every street.
- •The city has beautiful mosques and old grand palaces.
- •People love the amazing views of the Bosphorus Strait.
- •It has a special spot right between two big continents.
The scenery in Istanbul is very beautiful. The city is built on seven large hills. This gives you great views from many different places.
The Bosphorus Strait is a key part of the city's view. It is a wide, blue ribbon of water. You can always see ferries, boats, and big ships on it. A boat trip is a great way to see the city.
Sunsets are a special time here. The sky turns orange, pink, and red over the water. The sun goes down behind the domes and tall minarets. At night, the city lights up and looks like a jewel. The bridges glow with bright colors over the dark water.
The buildings in Istanbul tell a long story. You can see many different styles of buildings here. This is because of its rich and changing past.
You will see huge domes on the top of old mosques. Tall, thin towers called minarets point to the sky. These are key parts of the classic Ottoman style. Many palaces also show this grand and detailed look.
There are also old Byzantine churches in the city. They have beautiful art and gold pictures inside them. Some of the old city walls from that time still stand today. In other parts of the city, you will see modern buildings. Tall glass towers stand next to old stone houses. This mix of old and new is everywhere.
The best time to visit Istanbul is in the spring. This season is from April to May. The weather is mild, and the sun shines most days.
The city is full of colorful flowers at this time. It is a great time of year for walking around. The days are long, warm, and very pleasant for all trips.
Fall is also a very good season for a visit. This is from September to November. The air is cool, and the summer crowds are smaller. Summer can be very hot and busy. But the city is still nice to see in any season you choose.
You can fly to Istanbul from almost any place in the world. The city has a huge and new main airport. It is called Istanbul Airport, with the code IST.
There is also a second, smaller airport. It is on the Asian side of the city. It is called Sabiha Gokcen Airport, with the code SAW.
From either airport, you can take a bus or a taxi. There are special airport buses that are easy to use. They are a good and cheap way to get to the city center.
- •Wear comfortable shoes. You will do a lot of walking.
- •Carry water bottles. It is good to stay hydrated, so drink often.
- •Follow the local rules. Be polite to everyone you meet.
- •Stay safe at the spot. Always keep an eye on your bags.
- •Respect the Istanbul culture. Dress in a modest way for mosques.
- •Bring good clothes. Pack for warm days and cool nights.
- •Do not bring banned items. Check the rules before you pack.
There are many famous Istanbul attractions. It is hard to see them all on just one trip. Here are some of the top spots you must try to see.
- •Hagia Sophia: This spot in Istanbul was once a great church, then a mosque, and is now a mosque again.
- •Blue Mosque: This spot is near Hagia Sophia and has six tall minarets and thousands of beautiful blue tiles inside.
- •Topkapi Palace: This spot in Istanbul was the home of great rulers for many years and has amazing courtyards and rooms to see.
- •Bosphorus tour: This boat trip is a great way to see the city from the water and view both the European and Asian shores.
- •Grand Bazaar: This spot is a huge, old covered market where you can buy spices, lamps, rugs, and so much more.
- •Spice Bazaar: This spot is in Istanbul and has many bright colors and amazing smells from all the spices and sweets for sale.
