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Jan
10
Istanbul Holiday & Sightseeing Guide
Filed Under Turkey
A trip to Istanbul
Turkey’s biggest city boasts as much history and culture as any other city in Europe while also straddling Asia across the Bosporus, the divide between the two continents. Due to its enviable position, the city has developed into an air hub with daily flights across Europe and Asia and beyond. Many come here for the magnificent architecture which dates back to before the Romans. There are famous landmarks from empires that held this strategic city later too including the Ottomans, one of many civilisations that made Istanbul a capital city.
Flights to Istanbul
Istanbul is home to two international airports, Istanbul Atatürk Airport and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, the former the larger and busier of the two. Sabiha Gökçen mostly handles charter and budget airlines from the rest of Europe with flights to London and Hamburg among other cities on low-cost carriers Easy Jet and German Wings. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Istanbul try Expedia. Istanbul Atatürk Airport has flights to just about corner of the globe with Turkish Airlines flying to Tokyo, Cairo and Tehran among dozens of other major world cities. Express bus services and a metro link the airport to the city which is 20kms away on the European side of the city.
Around Istanbul, a metro and tram service link up to produce a cost-effective public transport system complimented by private taxis, buses and ferries that link both sides of the Bosporus.
Istanbul
Sightseeing in Istanbul
To see all the sights in Istanbul would take months, but there are certainly some that should not be missed. Hagia Sophia is the monument that attracts the most visitors. It is a former basilica and mosque, but now houses a museum and is a wonderful example of Byzantine architecture dating back to the early 16th century. The Sultanahmet Mosque is a similar and equally impressive domed structure with pointy minarets and a cavernous interior. For a peek into how the royals lived during the Ottoman Empire, head to Topkapi Palace which includes a throne room and a wealth of other artefacts from the past 500 years.
Almost as spectacular as the many old buildings around the city are the museums and galleries. The Museum of Archaeology is particularly fascinating and helps put all of Istanbul’s relics into context.
Fun by night – eating, drinking and partying
Istanbul is the undisputed kebab capital of the world, a tasty meal of sliced, marinated meat in flatbread that makes a perfect dinner and drinking snack. Istanbul’s restaurants are as diverse as its architecture with numerous other European cuisines on offer along with American fast food and plenty of Asian fare both from the Middle East and the orient.
Going out in Istanbul is usually a raucous affair. Although the country is predominantly Muslim, drinking in practice is perfectly normal. If you want a lively night out, head to Beyoğlu.
Fun by day - shopping and activities
With around 4,500 stalls and shops, the Grand Bazaar is Istanbul’s best place to shop and a good place to walk around even if you don’t plan to buy. Each section of the market is organised according to products on sale. You will find a jewellery and precious metals section as well as a place to track down clothes. Popular local specialities to purchase include Turkish delight and locally made colourful rugs.
Daytrips
Istanbul boasts a number of interesting nearby places that people can visit for the day, some of which provide a peaceful sanctuary away from the busy city. The Prince’s Islands are probably the most popular daytrip destination - a small archipelago of nine islands which are located in the Sea of Marmara.
Four of these can be reached by a short ride on a commuter ferry; a unique and fun experience. The islands are populated and have a selection of restaurants as well as beautiful natural areas. They are a great day out for the whole family and offer the chance to see a different side to Turkey.
Another option is Termal, a town situated 38kms southeast of the city. This small town is home to thermal hot springs and spas, and is especially popular with those looking to relax. While Termal is easily reachable by road, it is more pleasant and quicker to get here by boat.
To escape the bustle of the city without going far, head to one of Istanbul’s parks for the day where you can take time out to relax. Some of the more popular parks include Belgrade Forest, Beykoz Woods and Emirgan Woods.
Must-see attractions
As Turkey is a Muslim country, there are many mosques dotted around Istanbul. There is an enormous choice of religious buildings to choose from which date back to the Ottoman Empire and are steeped in history.
Haghia Sophia is regarded by many as being the finest example of Byzantine architecture in the world, hailing from the 6th century AD. Its beautiful design greatly impressed Mehmet the Conqueror, who captured the city in 1453, and he decided to convert it into a mosque and added even more intricate detail to it, which can still be seen today.
Sltanahmet Camii, also known as the Blue Mosque, was built in the early 17th century during Sultan Ahmet’s reign and was his response to Haghia Sophia. The mosque is an important place of worship for the people of Istanbul and the only edifice to boast six minarets.
Other must-see attractions of note include the Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsisi). The latter is the city’s most famous market which has seen traders selling their wares since the 15th century. It retains much of its old world charm although it now concentrates on souvenirs and gifts.
Best time to go
Istanbul sees four seasons every year with spring and autumn merging into summer and winter. Summers can be unbearably hot with high humidity levels so if you are not good with extreme heat, avoid visiting at this time. Winters are extreme with temperatures dropping as low as 3-4°C and cold winds and rain. For more moderate temperatures, the shoulder months of spring and autumn are the best times to visit the city and see fewer crowds.
Rainy day suggestions
If you get caught out in the rain and are looking for indoor activities to keep you busy, Istanbul has plenty to choose from. The main indoor attractions are museums and there is a wide range to pick from which will keep you busy for days.
Some of the more popular museums include: the Archaeological Museum, featuring 15,000 objects dating back to ancient Mesopotamia, ancient Greece and ancient Egypt; the Fine Arts Museum with its collection of work by Turkish artists; and the City Museum detailing the history and culture of Istanbul.
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