Istanbul
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22:15
Istanbul
It’s easy to lose yourself in Istanbul's grandiose history, but modern Istanbul is a simmering metropolis, well worth a visit in its own right. The shopping is world-class and the nightlife pulsates around not one but several districts. Even though Istanbul is no longer the capital, it’s still the country’s business and cultural centre, still the city where new trends are created.Hitta resa
Aya Sofya is a remarkable mixture of Christianity and Islam, a church with minarets and a mosque with pictures of the Virgin Mary that, unfortunately, are now covered up. The building is one of the wonders of world architecture. Its 32-metre main dome has stood firm since Aya Sofya's completion in 537 CE. That's almost one and a half thousand years ago. Originally constructed as a Christian church, the temple has since been a mosque, then a museum, and now once again acts as a mosque.
The Galata Tower is a medieval stone tower in the Galata/Karaköy quarter of Istanbul, just to the north of the Golden Horn's junction with the Bosphorus. The top floor of the tower is located at a height of 52 metres and houses an observation deck. It is unlikely that you will find a better lookout spot in all of the city; it's simply stunning. The tower is one of the most iconic buildings in Istanbul and is a very popular destination. It's a good idea to come early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
The palace of the sultans with its many courtyards and gates brings on a nostalgia for forgone times. There are several special museums in the area; highlights include the Treasure Chamber, where the famous dagger and Spoonmaker's diamond are true stars of the collection, and the harem, where the sultan’s wives and children lived. None of these are included in the ticket price to the palace.
Built at the beginning of the 16th century during the rule of Sultan Ahmet I, this grandiose mosque seamlessly combines Ottoman and Byzantine architectural styles. The building is known for its six minarets and was given its nickname for the 20,000 blue tiles adorning the interior. These tiles were made in Iznik, an area that was famous during the Ottoman Empire for its expert production of ceramic tiles.
The Grand Bazaar attracts many people, far too many if you come at rush hour. It’s a good idea to arrive early in the morning and enjoy a cup of tea in one of the cafes whilst the bazaar comes to life. There are thousands of stalls, selling virtually everything, carpets, gold, cloth, spices and more. The bazaar is a world of its own and it’s easy and fun to get lost in the teeming alleyways.
It is said that if you have never tried a Turkish bath then you have never been truly clean. Move through several hot rooms and finally arrive at the massage table for a real going over. Men and women bathe separately, exceptions are made at certain times for tourists. Çemberlitaş Hamam, situated near the Bazaar, is the oldest hamam in town and was reputedly built by the master architect Mimar Sinan in 1584.
Maçka Democracy Park is about 10 minutes away from Taksim square and has paths for jogging, walking and dog walking. The northern part of the park is popular with young people who come there to sit around on the lawn, talk with friends over a couple of drinks and escape the heat of the city blocks. The park's location, close to a university campus, means it's always full of hip students. Don't miss the opportunity to fly high above the park in a cute 2-cabin cable car. You'll need your public transit card for that.
Boats travel along the shores of the Bosphorus from Eminönü, they chug quietly under the bridges that connect Europe and Asia. One hour away is Anadolukavağı, a little Asian fishing village with lots of pleasant restaurants. You can travel to the largest of the Prince Islands with a Seabus, departing from Kabataş below the Dolmabahçe Palace. Ferry terminals in Eminönü and Karaköy on either side of the Galata bridge are good starting points for exploring Istanbul by ferry.
Aya Sofya is a remarkable mixture of Christianity and Islam, a church with minarets and a mosque with pictures of the Virgin Mary that, unfortunately, are now covered up. The building is one of the wonders of world architecture. Its 32-metre main dome has stood firm since Aya Sofya's completion in 537 CE. That's almost one and a half thousand years ago. Originally constructed as a Christian church, the temple has since been a mosque, then a museum, and now once again acts as a mosque.
The Galata Tower is a medieval stone tower in the Galata/Karaköy quarter of Istanbul, just to the north of the Golden Horn's junction with the Bosphorus. The top floor of the tower is located at a height of 52 metres and houses an observation deck. It is unlikely that you will find a better lookout spot in all of the city; it's simply stunning. The tower is one of the most iconic buildings in Istanbul and is a very popular destination. It's a good idea to come early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
İstiklal Caddesi is a fashionable old street in the Pera district, now called Beyoğlu. Walking down İstiklal is something every visitor does at least once because of its strategic location connecting Taksim square to Galata tower. In terms of shopping, you'll find many famous brands here, as well as smaller niche shops selling fashion items and other things to take home to remind you of your trip.
Çukurcuma, the hillside neighbourhood just east of Istiklal Caddesi, attracts both serious antique collectors and lovers of thrifty antique shopping. Vintage clothing, textiles, and old books are presented amongst 19th-century Baroque furniture and floral-painted ceramics. You will definitely find something to spice up your home decor in an authentic, non-mass-market way.
A large and modern shopping mall spread across six floors, with lifts and escalators providing easy access throughout. The first four levels are filled with a wide range of popular international brands such as Zara, Nike, and many others. The entire fifth floor is dedicated to dining, featuring over 50 fast food outlets and restaurants offering plenty of choice for all tastes. Conveniently located above the M2 metro line, you can enter the mall directly from the underground station by simply taking the escalators up. The building itself is quite impressive and serves as both a shopping and dining destination.
Arguably the best mall in the area, this shopping centre stands out for its impressive design, wide variety of retail outlets, and extensive dining options. It is one of the largest and most striking malls in Istanbul, home to well-known international and local brands. In addition to shopping and food, the mall offers a children’s play area, making it a family-friendly destination. There is also free parking available and a steady flow of taxis waiting just outside, ensuring easy access for visitors.
The Spice Bazaar is at the base of the Galata Bridge in Eminönü, and is also called the Egyptian Bazaar because of the imported spices originally from Egypt. Besides the vast array of spices, in the lanes of this indoor market you can buy cheese, honey, sausages, dried fruits, tea and all sorts of edible delights, and knick knacks, including clothes and gorgeous fabrics.
Avrupa Pasajı or Passage d'Europe is a historic shopping arcade with antique shops and a great array of textile, ceramics and lamps on display. Its arched glass roof is quite a sight.
A good shopping district is the long Bagdat Caddesi on the Asian side. There are many trendy brand name shops here and prices are sometimes lower than in town because not many tourists find this area.
The Grand Bazaar attracts many people, far too many if you come at rush hour. It’s a good idea to arrive early in the morning and enjoy a cup of tea in one of the cafes whilst the bazaar comes to life. There are thousands of stalls, selling virtually everything, carpets, gold, cloth, spices and more. The bazaar is a world of its own and it’s easy and fun to get lost in the teeming alleyways.
İstiklal Caddesi is a fashionable old street in the Pera district, now called Beyoğlu. Walking down İstiklal is something every visitor does at least once because of its strategic location connecting Taksim square to Galata tower. In terms of shopping, you'll find many famous brands here, as well as smaller niche shops selling fashion items and other things to take home to remind you of your trip.
Çukurcuma, the hillside neighbourhood just east of Istiklal Caddesi, attracts both serious antique collectors and lovers of thrifty antique shopping. Vintage clothing, textiles, and old books are presented amongst 19th-century Baroque furniture and floral-painted ceramics. You will definitely find something to spice up your home decor in an authentic, non-mass-market way.
The new Istanbul Airport on the European side of the city is the main international airport serving Istanbul. The airport is a major hub for Turkish Airlines. By total passenger traffic, it is the busiest airport in Europe and 13th-busiest airport in the world. It is about 40 kilometres away from Taksim and 52 kilometres from both Sultanahmet, historical centre on the European side of Istanbul, and Kadıköy, city centre on the Asian side. The Istanbul Airport currently operates a single terminal for domestic and international flights. Free WiFi is available at Istanbul Airport for one hour. You can register with your phone number or by using your passport at WiFi kiosks. The most popular mode of transportation to the airport from the city centre is by HAVAİST buses. They have stations throughout the city, including next to Taksim Square. You can buy your ticket online, at least 6 hours in advance, or pay by card when you board. The new M11 metro line, launched in January 2023, also connects Istanbul Airport to the city. Istanbul city taxis are readily available 24 hours a day outside the arrival and departure areas of the airport. A trip to Istanbul city centre by taxi takes approximately 40 minutes. Alternatively, Uber operates in Istanbul.
Sabiha Gökçen serves as Pegasus Airlines' main base, this airport offers more budget-friendly flights than Turkish Airlines. Despite being smaller than Istanbul's primary airport, Sabiha Gökçen maintains significant importance with connections across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia and more. The M4 metro line provides direct access to Kadıköy on Istanbul's Asian side, where travellers can transfer to Turkish Railways or ferries continuing to the city centre. Facilities include various cafes and restaurants, free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and shops selling travel essentials and mobile accessories.
There is one public and one private bus network, IETT and Halk Otobus, respectively. The underground, Tünel, runs from Karaköy till Istiklâl Cad in Beyoglu and takes a few minutes. There is also a museum tram up toward Taksim Square. Another tram route goes from Kabatas via Galata bridge and the Spice Bazaar to the south-western suburbs. The Metro goes from Taksim north to Levent and from Aksaray to Otogar in Esenler, where buses depart for other parts of Turkey, Europe and to the airport. Dolmuses are minibuses or large taxis that depart when they are full, and stop where you want them to. They are the cheapest form of transport. Ferries between Europe and Asia leave from Eminönü, Karaköy and Besiktas to Üsküdar, Kadiköy and Harem. Akbil is a type of payment card that you can top up with various sums and use on buses, boats and trams. It can be bought at major junctions.
Taxis are yellow in the inner city and lilac in the suburbs. There are numerous taxi companies. Different hotels work with different companies and can book your transport to the airport. It’s best to hail a taxi on the street, or go to a taxi rank and ask for a business card. Alternatively, Uber and a local app called BiTaksi are available in Istanbul involving regular vehicles and yellow taxis.
The Grand Post Office is in Hobyar, near the Istanbul Railway Museum. Other PTT-offices are on Taksim Square and Istiklâl Cad. Open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays.
Pharmacies are called 'Eczane' in Turkish. Istanbul offers many options both working regular hours or 24/7. In Istanbul, there isn't a dominant pharmacy chain; they are owned by individual pharmacists.
The standard voltage in Turkey is 220V with a frequency of 50Hz. The standard power plugs are Type C and Type F.
Country number +90 Area code: 212 and 216
The new Istanbul Airport on the European side of the city is the main international airport serving Istanbul. The airport is a major hub for Turkish Airlines. By total passenger traffic, it is the busiest airport in Europe and 13th-busiest airport in the world. It is about 40 kilometres away from Taksim and 52 kilometres from both Sultanahmet, historical centre on the European side of Istanbul, and Kadıköy, city centre on the Asian side. The Istanbul Airport currently operates a single terminal for domestic and international flights. Free WiFi is available at Istanbul Airport for one hour. You can register with your phone number or by using your passport at WiFi kiosks. The most popular mode of transportation to the airport from the city centre is by HAVAİST buses. They have stations throughout the city, including next to Taksim Square. You can buy your ticket online, at least 6 hours in advance, or pay by card when you board. The new M11 metro line, launched in January 2023, also connects Istanbul Airport to the city. Istanbul city taxis are readily available 24 hours a day outside the arrival and departure areas of the airport. A trip to Istanbul city centre by taxi takes approximately 40 minutes. Alternatively, Uber operates in Istanbul.
Sabiha Gökçen serves as Pegasus Airlines' main base, this airport offers more budget-friendly flights than Turkish Airlines. Despite being smaller than Istanbul's primary airport, Sabiha Gökçen maintains significant importance with connections across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia and more. The M4 metro line provides direct access to Kadıköy on Istanbul's Asian side, where travellers can transfer to Turkish Railways or ferries continuing to the city centre. Facilities include various cafes and restaurants, free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and shops selling travel essentials and mobile accessories.
