istanbul, heaven on earth

Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul: three names for most eastern European cities. Istanbul is not only the cultural and financial center of Turkey, but also the most populous city. Straddling both banks of the Bosphorus, Istanbul is a bridge between Asia and Europe. With its long history at the center of empires, Istanbul has an extraordinarily rich heritage, with many religious sites from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman. 

Straddling the Bosphorus, Istanbul is the bridge between the East and the West. Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul, the city has changed names and occupants repeatedly, making them dream of many people since Roman times. Today they are the tourists who flock towards the Turkish metropolis whose wealth recall the importance it enjoys since ancient times. 

The architectural heritage of Istanbul account among the most famous monuments of the world, such as the Hagia Sophia (which was once a basilica), the Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace, and these are just a few examples to get an idea. Was then immersed in the discovery of the beautiful neighborhoods Turkish city, from shore to shore, along the Bosphorus, in the bustling Grand Bazaar or Egyptian Bazaar, in the more modern neighborhoods. Gasping cultural visit which would be a shame to deprive. 

Things to see and do in Istanbul 

Istanbul is a city full of diverse influences of an incredible cultural depth. To know, in general terms, this huge city, you have to stay at least a week. 

Feel free to browse the Bosphorus to see the city in a different way, or even go back as far as the Black Sea. 

Start your visit at the historical center of Istanbul, Sultanhammet, and the inevitable visit of the city: St. Sophia, symbol of the Byzantine Empire, Topkapi Palace, the measure of the power of the great Ottoman sultans, the Mosque blue, named as such because of its pottery blue, green and white, the Basilica Cistern ... 

You then lose in the Grand Bazaar, over 2,000 shops spread by type of activity, and go through the alleys until Egyptian bazaar devoted to spices, and the New Mosque (Yeni Cami). You can then visit the archaeological museum, Kariye Museum, Dolmabahçe Palace. ... 

Cross the Bosporus by the Galata bridge and walk through the Beyoglu district to find a good restaurant, go to Taksim Square by Istiklâl Caddesi shopping street and one of the symbols of contemporary Turkey. 

North of Taksim is the new Istanbul, main business district of the city. Then descend to the shores of the Bosporus where you will find great neighborhoods and beautiful homes waterfront, such as around Besiktas. It should also go east of Istanbul's Asian side, to taste the atmosphere more chaotic and East of the city. 

Key Events in Istanbul 

Istanbul is becoming more culturally active, it organizes many exhibitions, concerts, theatrical performances, etc. 

The International Istanbul Film Festival is a film festival the largest in Europe, the Istanbul Biennial is also another major event in the art world. 

In summer shows and concerts are held at historical sites such as the Hagia Irene, Rumeli Fortress, Castle Yedikule or the courtyard of Topkapi Palace. 

Where to stay in Istanbul? 

Accommodation options are many in Istanbul, but some districts particularly draw attention to their tourist attractions and hotels they concentrate. Accommodation in Istanbul is cheap but the quality is uneven host. We recommend you to visit the rooms before taking them. During the summer, it is better to book your hotel in advance. Out of season, you can negotiate the price of your room. 

Sultanahmet includes a varied range of hotels, and all budgets can navigate with a few cheap hotels, addresses comfort and smaller hotels in pleasant surroundings. 

Make sure you inform yourself about the hotel before booking, benefits completely change an address to another! 

It may be worthwhile to stay on the European side in the surrounding neighborhood and the Galata Tower Istiklal Avenue: this is the face 'Western' of Istanbul, with many bars and clubs, the atmosphere until late at night, restaurants everywhere, but also shops and stores to satisfy all shopping needs. 

A little further north, many modern facilities are concentrated around Taksim Square: the frame is nothing exceptional, hotels serious lack charm, but Taksim is one of the nerve centers of the city, very well served by public transport. 

Going up the Bosphorus, past the Dolmabahce Palace, some hotels allow you to settle in the lively neighborhood of Besiktas, also with a few boutique hotels in old buildings along the water. 

The Asian side is no lack of interest and has numerous addresses cheap, but you will be well off-center relative to the major tourist attractions of Istanbul. 

Where to go in Istanbul? 

Cultural Istanbul is also known to be a city's nightlife. Get ready to experience a stay in Istanbul at 100 miles an hour! The Turkish capital will satisfy everyone, regardless of style, financial and sexual orientations. 

For example, the Beyoglu district is well known for its cafes and bars with live music. Nisantas is also a good place to hang out, it's a little more stylish than Taksim, we find a wildlife artists and young entrepreneurs. Do not miss to go partying in Kadikoy and Ortakoy, especially if you are looking for nightlife. 

The gos budgets and wealthy tourists will delight in the chic district of Istanbul Levent, Etiler or Ulus. As for small and medium budget is side neighborhoods Akasaray, Tarlabasi, Tünel, Galatasaray, Cihangir, Taksim Cukurcuma and he must go. 

Cooking and culinary 

For a good and cheap meal, you can always count on the famous Doner, there are stalls Doner absolutely everywhere in Istanbul, another cheap and very popular specialty is the fried fish sandwich, the Balik-Ekmek. 

In winter, the Black Sea anchovy migrate through the Bosphorus, local fishermen come out in force to capture them, so that at this time there are anchovies grilled all restaurant menus. 

practical info 

Advice for travelers to Istanbul 

In crowded areas pay attention to your property, make sure your bills in restaurants, bars and hotels, we could try to make you pay more. 

Generally beware of people too thoughtful and too kind, especially towards Taksim, many cases of scams have been reported, such as falling on an attacker that will lead you into a club in which one will you overcharge for drinks. 

Cases of people who have been drugged by incorporating a drug in their drink, and cheated of all their assets are also reported. 

Finally, women should particularly avoid to walk alone at night to avoid any harassment. 

Best time to go to Istanbul 

Istanbul has a temperate climate which is influenced by a continental climate, with hot, humid summers and cold, wet and sometimes snowy winters. It rains a lot in Istanbul, it rains even more than London or Dublin, it is a fact that few people know. 

Summer is relatively warm, with average around 27 º C during the day and 18 º C at night, albeit medium heat but the humidity can make it stuffy. 

Occasionally in the summer of downpours cause flash floods strong because of the hilly topography of the city and the inadequate sewage system. 

Winter is cold and humid, with an average of 2 º C at night and 7 º C during the day. Although rarely below freezing during the day, high levels of humidity and wind make the cold very unpleasant. 

Snowfall, which occur almost every year, are very common between the months of December and March. Late spring (late May to early June) and early fall (late September to early October) are very nice and so the best times to visit Istanbul.