Search results
Istanbul [b] is the largest city in Turkey, straddling the Bosporus Strait, the boundary between Europe and Asia. It is considered the country's economic, cultural and historic capital. The city has a population of over 15 million residents, comprising 19% of the population of Turkey, [3] and is the most populous city in Europe [c] and the ...
Istanbul is a city that mixes old and new, and the best way to explore it is through its mahalles (neighborhoods). Get your history fix in Beyoğlu—it’s chock-full of 19th-century European elegance—or head to Sultanahmet and see the holy sites.
Discover the best attractions, activities and experiences in Istanbul, the magical meeting place of two continents. Explore the historic center, the cultural hub, the bustling markets and the scenic waterfront with Lonely Planet's expert tips and recommendations.
- Marvel at The Aya Sofya
- Experience The Extravagance of Topkapı Palace
- Lose Yourself in Istanbul's Bazaar District
- Ride Istanbul’s Ferries
- Revel in Istanbul's Nightlife
- Get Acquainted with Turkish Contemporary Art
- Surrender to The Steam in A Bath House
- Hang Out with The Cool Kids in Kadıköy
- Sample The Flavors of Istanbul
- Admire The Architecture of Süleymaniye Mosque
- GeneratedCaptionsTabForHeroSec
History resonates when you visit the majestic Byzantine basilica of Aya Sofya. Built by order of the Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, its soaring dome, huge nave and glittering gold mosaics contribute to its reputation as one of the world's most beautiful buildings, and its fascinating history as church, mosque and museum make it the city's mo...
The secrets of the seraglio will be revealed during your visit to the opulent Ottoman Topkapı Palace complexoccupying the promontory of Istanbul's Old City. A series of mad, sad and downright bad sultans lived here with their concubines and courtiers between 1465 and 1830, and extravagant relics of their centuries of folly, intrigue, excess, patron...
The chaotic and colorful Grand Bazaar is the best-known shopping destination on Istanbul's historic peninsula, but it certainly isn't the only one. After exploring its labyrinthine lanes and hidden caravanserais, follow the steady stream of local shoppers heading downhill into the busy shopping precinct of Tahtakale, which has at its hub the seduct...
Climbing aboard one of the city's famous flotilla of ferries is the quintessential Istanbul experience. The trip between Asia and Europe on a commuter ferry is hard to beat, but the Bosphorus tourist ferries that travel the great strait from Eminönü toward the mouth of the Black Sea are even better, offering passengers views of palaces, parks and o...
Though Istanbul’s nightlife scene has suffered some setbacks, you can’t keep a good party town down. For a traditional night out, head to one of the Beyoğlu district’s meyhanes, tavern-like restaurants serving meze and fish where sing-alongs of classic songs flow with each new round of rakı, an anise-flavored liquor. Lively crowds of young beer-dri...
Anchored by high-profile cultural institutions like Istanbul Modern, Pera Museum, SALT Beyoğlu and Yapı Kredi Kültür Sanat, the Beyoğlu district has long been a hub for art-lovers, with galleries and museums scattered on and around İstiklal Caddesi, and increasingly in the adjacent Karaköy, Tophane and Dolapdereneighborhoods as well. Well-establish...
In life, there aren't too many opportunities to wander seminaked through a 16th-century Ottoman monument. But Istanbul's world-famous hamams offer just that: the chance to immerse yourself in history, architecture, warm water and soap suds all at the same time. A hamam treatment makes for a relaxing finale to a day spent pounding the city's pavemen...
Riding a ferry across the Bosphorus is one of Istanbul’s great pleasures and the Asian-side neighborhood of Kadıköy is becoming a destination in itself, with hip cafes, bars, restaurants and boutiques frequented by a lively young crowd. Peruse the colorful produce market, hunt for street-art murals in the backstreets, visit the museum-home of Turki...
More than anything else, Istanbullus love to eat, and food is much more than mere fuel. Instead, it’s a celebration of community. Meals unfurl with great ceremony – they are joyful, boisterous and almost inevitably communal. The national cuisine has been refined over centuries and is treated more reverently than any museum collection in the country...
Commissioned by the Ottoman sultan Süleyman I, known as “the Magnificent,” this 16th-century mosquehas a fittingly grand perch atop one of the old city’s seven hills. The view from here is one of the finest in Istanbul, looking out over domes and rooftops to the confluence of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn waterways and beyond. With its elegant symm...
Discover the city's rich history, culture and nightlife with these tips from Lonely Planet editors. Explore the Aya Sofya, Topkapı Palace, Grand Bazaar, ferries, hamams and more.
- Walk inside a wooded wonderland at Belgrad Forest. Attractions. Forests. Sarıyer. What is it? Perhaps the most cherished green space in Istanbul, the Belgrad Forest is a wooded wonderland spread across more than 1300 acres.
- Put your bargaining hat on at the Grand Bazaar. Shopping. Fatih. What is it? Among the world's oldest and largest covered markets, the Grand Bazaar features thousands of shops spread across dozens of streets.
- Admire the blooming tulips at Gülhane Park. Attractions. Parks and gardens. Fatih. What is it? Located next to the Topkapı Palace on the tip of Istanbul's historic peninsula, Gülhane Park is one of the city's biggest and most beautiful parks.
- Take a tour of Büyükada. Attractions. Sightseeing. Adalar. What is it? Büyükada is the biggest of nine islands that make up the Princes’ Islands just off the coast of Istanbul.
Jun 13, 2024 · Istanbul, largest city and principal seaport of Turkey. Historically known as Byzantium and then Constantinople, it was the capital of the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire. Istanbul straddles the Bosporus strait, one of two waterways that separates the European and Asian parts of Turkey.
Discover Istanbul, where history and the future intertwine, ancient legends meet contemporary dreams. Explore the city of endless choices through the eyes of creators, enjoy art, culture, cuisine and more.
8.0/10 (11582 reviews)
Find the best tours, tickets, trips & more. Compare prices and book online on Tripadvisor. Full refund available up to 24 hours before your tour date. Quick & easy purchase process.
One-way & return flights to Istanbul. 24/7 customer service & flexible tickets. 30 million passengers choose us annually. Book online with Flightnetwork today.
And pay the balance upon arrival at the rental desk. With more than 20 years of experience in the online car rental market
24/7 Support. Low Rates. Fast & Simple. Book Online. W Hotel Istanbul. Hotel Rates, Specials, Offers. Book suite rooms & more.
