What is Istanbul known for?

Istanbul is one of the most popular cities in Europe, and for good reason. Situated on the Bosporus Strait that divides the continent of Europe and Asia, it’s the only city in the world that is built across two continents. With a rich cultural heritage, bustling streets and stunning historical architecture, it is a city full of attractions and experiences. From shopping in the Grand Bazaar to taking a cruise on the Bosporus, there are a variety of things to see and do in Istanbul. In this guide we take a look at the top attractions and experiences that the city offers and discover what Istanbul is really known for.

The Grand Bazaar

Built during the 15th century, the Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. With over 5000 shops and stalls, the market is a maze of streets and alleyways that visitors can explore, offering everything from spices and carpets to jewellery and clothes. As well as shopping, visitors can enjoy traditional Ottoman cuisine at one of the many restaurants and cafes throughout the market, or just sit and watch the hustle and bustle of daily life take place beneath a colourful canopy.

The Bosporus

One of Istanbul’s most iconic experiences is taking a Bosporus cruise. The Bosporus is a narrow inlet of the Black Sea that flows through Istanbul, dividing the city between Europe and Asia. On the cruise, visitors can admire stunning views of both continents while passing grand houses, mosques, and yalis — historic wooden summer houses perched on the riverside. From traditional boat tours to dinner cruises and sunset trips, there are plenty of options available for exploring the Bosporus.

Historical Landmarks

Istanbul is a city filled with fascinating historical landmarks, which includes some of the most magnificent monuments from across the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. The Ottoman Sultans built the Hagia Sophia — originally a Byzantine Church — during the 16th century. This building was once one of the largest churches in the world and its interior marbles are still stunningly intact today. The Blue Mosque — one of Istanbul’s most photographed sites — also lies nearby with its iconic cascading domes. From Topkapi Palace to Galata Tower, these monuments offer an opportunity to get lost in history while exploring Istanbul’s old city.

The Food

Beside its bustling bazaars and grand historical landmarks, Istanbul has an impressive selection of cuisine to offer visitors. From Turkish specialties such as kofte to delicious mezze plates, there are plenty of restaurants in Istanbul to choose from. There are also a variety of street food offerings where visitors can enjoy freshly made breads filled with vegetables or sweet treats like baklava for a fraction of the price.

Shopping in Istanbul

Istanbul has become one of the world’s best shopping destinations over the past few years and it continues to grow each day. From modern shopping centres offering designer brands to independent boutiques selling handmade items from local designers, visitors will have no trouble finding something to bring home from their visit. A variety of markets selling souvenirs such as spices, carpets and jewellery also offer excellent shopping opportunities around Istanbul.

Nightlife in Istanbul

Istanbul has an active nightlife that draws locals and tourists alike. From lively bars near Taksim Square to traditional meyhanes (taverns) serving local drinks such as Raki, there are plenty of places to explore no matter what kind of evening you’re looking for
For those wanting to experience Istanbul’s party side, a pub crawl around Istanbul’s hippest areas is a great way to start the night off right. Check out Viator’s Pub Crawl Istanbul tour for an evening full of classic Turkish food, drinks, music and dancing!

Overall, Istanbul offers experiences that appeal to travellers from all walks of life, making it one of Europe’s most beloved cities. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or staying for much longer, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Istanbul!

An Insider’s Guide to Istanbul: Discovering the Hidden Gems and Unforgettable Experiences

Istanbul, the land of culture, history, and beauty, is a city that deserves to be explored in depth. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the city’s classic tourist attractions. But why stick to the beaten path when there is an array of hidden gems scattered throughout the city that only the locals know about? In this insider’s guide, we’ll take you through the lesser-known corners of Istanbul, where you can truly immerse yourself in the city’s charm, culture, traditions, and history.

Local Attractions: Sights Beyond the Tourist Trail

While Istanbul has some breathtaking tourist attractions such as the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar, there is much more to this city than that. One hidden gem in the city is the Chora Church that boasts of stunning Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. Another place to explore is the Sunflower fields of Yalova district, an hour’s journey from Istanbul. Not only do they have fantastic photo ops, but there are also ample trekking and picnic spots in the area.

For those seeking a serene oasis in the bustling city, there is the tranquil Fener-Balat neighborhood, an offbeat and ancient district dotted with fantastic street art, cozy cafes, and local boutiques.

Dining Spots: Must-Try Local Delicacies and Food Culture

Turkish cuisine is a perfect blend of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors. When it comes to Istanbul, it’s not just about the kebabs and baklavas. One of our favorite places to dine is the Çiya Sofrası in Kadiköy, an institution that serves traditional Anatolian cuisine. Another must-visit spot is Dürümzade, famous for its sumptuous meat wraps.

The history of Istanbul’s food culture is as fascinating as the cuisine itself. Ask any local, and they’ll tell you that you can trace the origins of Turkish cuisine to the Ottoman Empire, where cooks prepared banquets fit for the sultans themselves. Istanbul’s street food scene is famous worldwide, and the city boasts of rich culinary history and traditions.

Cultural Experiences: Festivals, Music, and Art

Istanbul has long been a land of diverse cultures, and it’s vibrant music and art scene reflects that. Music lovers should keep an eye out for the Istanbul Jazz Festival, which takes place every July and features both local and international jazz musicians.

Another fascinating cultural experience is visiting traditional Turkish hammams like the Cagaloglu Hamami, a bathhouse built in 1741, where even kings and queens have relaxed. Art enthusiasts can head to the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, which houses a vast collection of contemporary Turkish art, from painting and sculpture to installations, video art, and photography.

Local History: Fascinating Stories from the Past

Istanbul is a city with a rich and storied past that has left its mark on the city’s streets, buildings, and structures. One of the lesser-known stories related to Istanbul is about the cisterns of Constantinople. There are hundreds of underground cisterns beneath the city, dating back to the Roman era, which once provided water to the city’s inhabitants. Still, even the locals today are unaware of how sophisticated the plumbing system was at that time.

Another fascinating piece of history is the story of the ancient city of Byzantium, where the original city was built on the European side of the Bosphorus. Today, the area is called the Fatih district, and while it is not on most tourist itineraries, it’s worth exploring for its ancient heritage and stunning architecture.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unforgettable Experiences

Experience the city’s local flavor by taking a ferry ride across the Bosphorus that connects Istanbul’s European and Asian sides. Not only is it a peaceful way to explore the city, but it also provides spectacular views of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks.

Another way to immerse oneself in the city’s heritage is by exploring the city’s historical streets and alleyways on an Istanbul Street Photography Tour. Walking down the narrow streets of Istanbul’s old neighborhoods will introduce you to traditional shops, historic landmarks, and local artisans.

In conclusion, Istanbul is a city full of fascinating history, rich culture, and enchanting hidden gems that are yet to be discovered. This insider’s guide only scratches the surface of what this city has to offer but will hopefully inspire you to explore beyond the tourist path and seek out the hidden treasures that make Istanbul a city worth visiting.