In recent years, Istanbul has been named the European Capital of Culture 2017, and Istanbul has also been named the top destination to visit in Europe.
Istanbul has it all. From the sights of former empires to the sights and sounds of the modern city experienced through its trendy up-and-coming neighborhoods, there are plenty of reasons to visit Turkey’s largest city.
Istanbul, home to over 14 million people, is a vibrant and lively city.
The city's size and topography - home to the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires - stretches across Europe and Asia and is surrounded by the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara - with its rich and diverse past.
Here are the top reasons why you should consider visiting Istanbul:
Stunning views of the Bosphorus
The most defining feature of Istanbul is the Bosphorus Strait, which divides the European and Asian sides of the city.
Visitors can go on a public boat tour or rent a private boat to experience some of the most scenic views andNatural To the city.
Sights to see include the Ottoman waterfront mansions, the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, the fishing village of Anadolu Kavagi, and Byzantine-era mansions.
What you see depends on the route you take (short or full trip) and your budget.
Bosphorus Strait
Historical landmarks spread throughout the city
Ottoman palaces and a Byzantine castle dating back to the Roman era are just a small part of the historical sites you will find in Istanbul.
Some examples of this grandeur include the Hagia Sophia, an architectural masterpiece that served as a Byzantine church and then an Ottoman mosque.
The 17th-century Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque for its brilliant interior tile decoration, has six minarets.
While there are countless galleries, museums and religious sites to explore, you're more likely to find yourself immersed in one of the city's many ancient and gracious alleyways that have remained untouched by modernity.
Historical landmarks
Diversity in all aspects of life
Napoleon reportedly once said: “If the world were one state, Istanbul would be its capital.”
In many ways, travelers throughout the ages have agreed on this sentiment.
Istanbul has always been a rich mosaic of people, religions and cultures.
The phrase “East meets West” used to describe the city would be better replaced with “everything meets everything else.”
Synagogues rub shoulders with churches and mosques, and walking the streets is an exercise in learning the language you might hear at any given time.
Amazing food when visiting Istanbul
Istanbul is a hub for gastronomic experiences, and chefs here are known for creating wonderful new dishes from traditional Turkish recipes.
You can spend the day sampling street food classics like simit (the ubiquitous sesame-covered bread).
Lunch might include something like Imam Beldi, a grilled and stuffed eggplant dish. Try it at Karaköy (an upscale restaurant serving excellent traditional Turkish cuisine in the Karaköy neighborhood) or Kırkpınar (a high-quality open buffet restaurant with branches all over the city).
Istanbul Foods
There are many bazaars (large and others)
Bazaars are a big part of Istanbul's identity, and the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar is one of the largest in the world at over 30,000 square metres (322,917 square feet).
Where visitors can spend hours haggling over ornate tiles, hand-woven carpets, antiques and more.
The nearby spice market is huge and offers a great selection of spices, herbs and teas.
On a smaller scale, most neighborhoods in Istanbul run their own weekly food market, selling fresh produce from the countryside, cheese and fish from the nearby seas.
Bazaar
Presence of cafes and restaurants on rooftops
With so much to see in Istanbul, any rooftop bar or restaurant you visit is likely to have great views of the city.
Located in the heart of the touristic Taksim-Cihangir area, 5 Cat Cafe offers some of the best panoramic views on both continents, along with excellent service, food and drinks.
Alexandra Cocktail is a cocktail bar – not something you’ll often find in the city – and overlooks the famous Bosphorus. The atmosphere is generally quieter, making it the perfect place to get away from the crowds.
The area also has lots of little back streets filled with cafes and restaurants once you've finished your drink.
Istanbul Restaurants
The wonderful atmosphere of Ramadan in the city
The holy month of Ramadan is one of the most magical times to visit the city.
Although it is fairly quiet during the day, the city becomes even more beautiful after sunset.
Every night, local municipalities organize iftar meals where thousands of worshippers gather to break the daily fast at sunset, and public spaces near mosques become picnic spots to celebrate prayer time.
Ramadan atmosphere
Daily trips
Day trips in Istanbul and the cities around it are great if you're looking to escape the tourist crowds and congestion, especially during the summer months when temperatures soar.
Take your time to explore the small towns and beaches on the Black Sea, the Princes' Islands in the Sea of Marmara or Belgrade Forest (north of the city). It's also a good idea to pack some food, bring your headphones and enjoy a different side of Istanbul.
Istanbul Flights
Experience Turkish Baths When Visiting Istanbul
Turkish baths have played an important role in life in Istanbul since Roman times.
These institutions served as social centers for men and women to interact (separately) and take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Today, visitors include both enthusiastic visitors and residents who want to experience the Turkish bath rituals offered.
Here – expect a steam room, intense massage and a trip to the cold room to hydrate and relax.
The ritual can vary depending on which bath you visit and how much money you want to spend.
The best hamams in Istanbul include architectural masterpieces dating back to the 16th century, such as the Hagia Sophia, and the classical Ottoman-era Harem Sultan Hamam, to more simple baths such as Şenili, built in 1640 and known among residents for its commitment to the traditional experience.
Turkish baths
Seeing cats on the street when visiting Istanbul
The 2016 documentary Kedi Cat shows how important these animals are to Istanbul's identity.
Thousands of cats roam the streets of Istanbul and are collectively cared for by the neighborhood's residents, making them one of the city's success stories.
It is believed that cats arrived on ships docked in Istanbul (Constantinople) during the Ottoman Empire.
These ships had cats to deal with rats and other small pests, and they ended up thriving in the city, and some people believe that this is due to the influence of Islam (the dominant religion of the country) and its attraction to cats, which was derived from a story told about the Prophet Muhammad cutting off part of his tunic so as not to disturb a cat that was sleeping on it.
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