Istanbul Vacation Guide

The only city in the world that is in both Asia and Europe, Istanbul also straddles the ancient and modern-day worlds.

The very best way to experience Istanbul is to allow for unscheduled roaming in between visits to archaeological sites and museums. Increase early enough to partake of the renowned Turkish breakfast. And ride the ferryboats, frequently. They're not just a method to receive from here to there; on a ferryboat you can rest feet tired from sightseeing, beverage tea, or eat a grilled-cheese sandwich and take in the best views of anywhere in the city.

The ghosts of marauding Crusaders and marching janissaries haunt the city's historical alleyways-- however this is no museum: the traveling in turkey Bosporus is still a buzzing artery for maritime trade, and the sounds of structure construction play a continuous counterpoint to the shouts of street hawkers and the call of the muezzin. There are several reasons why visitors return repeatedly: the setting is remarkable, right on the Sea of Marmara and astride the hectic Bosporus Strait. And Istanbul's skyline is a stunning mélange of domes, turrets, middle ages towers, and office buildings towering above low-rise domestic structures.

Today the cultural and monetary center of Turkey, Istanbul has been the capital of 3 empires-- Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman. Our Istanbul travel guide combines the very best of Istanbul old and brand-new.