Why visit Istanbul?
Why visit Istanbul? Istanbul has it all. From real reminders of past empires to the sights and sounds of a modern city as experienced through its up-and-coming neighborhoods, the reasons to visit Turkey’s most significant metropolis are aplenty.
About Istanbul
Istanbul, home to more than 15 million people, is wonderfully dynamic. The city spans across Europe and Asia and is surrounded by the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. The scale and topography of Istanbul fit its richly diverse past.
The historical sights in Istanbul are palaces adorned with mosaics, frescoes, and beautiful mosques piercing the skyline. In the vibrant neighborhoods, various cafés, boutique shops, and rooftop bars and restaurants line the streets, and most areas have colorful bazaars. These are just some of the reasons why you should visit Istanbul.
Here are the top 10 reasons why this fascinating city should be on your bucket list.
How to get there
Fly to Istanbul
The easiest way to get to Istanbul is by plane. There are two international airports: New Istanbul Airport, on the European side of the city, and Sabiha Gokcen Airport, on the Asian side. You can find many direct flights to Istanbul from world known airlines. Regional airliners also run charter flights to Istanbul, especially during peak season and holidays.
Take a bus to Istanbul
You can also take a bus to Istanbul, as highways well connect the city. Buses are frequent and will take you to the Bus Station in the Esenler neighborhood. There are ticket offices throughout Istanbul, especially in Taksim, Sultanahmet, Besiktas, etc.
Drive to Istanbul
Another option is to drive to Istanbul. Take your car or motorbike. There are two main borders to get into Turkey: Kapikule in Edirne from Bulgaria or Ipsala from Greece. However, driving your car in Istanbul is not recommended because this city’s traffic is dense and sometimes chaotic. The best way would be to park your car and use public transport or taxis.
Hop on a train
Turkish Railways Authority (TCDD) has regular train schedules from multiple countries. International trains arrive at Sirkeci station on the European side or Haydarpasa station on the Asian side of Istanbul, depending on where you’re coming from, from the West or the East.
Book a ferry
Several companies run car and passenger ferries from Greek islands or Italy to Turkey. Most of these arrive at Çesme near Izmir, and many cruise ships dock at Istanbul, too, for daily excursions.
How to get around
The buses and trams are the best way to get around Istanbul, which conveniently covers touristy areas. But remember, buses don’t have maps inside, and drivers do not announce stops, so you’ll need to remain vigilant and watch where you are going. The metro is also a reliable and cheap means of getting around; however, stops are farther apart.
On Foot
Walking is easy and enjoyable in neighborhoods like Sultanahmet and Eminönü, but other areas are less dense. Definitely explore the alleys and bazaars on foot, but hop on a bus or tram if you are going greater distances. Also, ensure you have a reliable map app that works offline.
Bus
Istanbul’s bus system is very effective, with routes running throughout the entire city. Buses do not have maps, so you should know where you’re going before stepping on. A bus map can be picked up at any terminal, and timetables for all routes are available on Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s Route/Station Search page. Most buses run daily between 6 am and midnight.
You’ll need to purchase a limited-use ticket or an Istanbulkart card to ride one of the city’s buses.
Tram
Trams are an excellent way to see the city and get from one place to another. Four tram lines are available, but the Bagcilar-Kabatas (T1) Tram will be the most helpful to get around the touristy portions, as it makes stops near must-visit sights like Galata Tower, Istanbul Modern, and the Hagia Sophia.
Metro
Metro Istanbul offers six metro lines, most of which service the European side of the city. Most metro stations are not the closest public transportation option for popular attractions, but this system’s underground tracks are a quicker alternative during rush hour.
Ferry
Ferries depart daily from the city’s European and Asian sides. Several ports along the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara, and the Golden Horn are available, including ones in Kadiköy, Eminönü, Ortaköy, and Karaköy. The ferry system is the best way to reach the Princes’ Islands and the most affordable way to tour the Bosphorus.
Taxi
Taxis are plentiful, cheap, and convenient in Istanbul, but the drivers have a reputation for scamming riders.
Taxis can be hailed on the street, but to decrease your chance of getting scammed, ask your hotel to call one. Also, make sure to tell the driver to run the meter!
Car
Driving in Istanbul is not recommended. Istanbul traffic tends to be slow and congested, parking is hard to find, and gas is expensive. The roads are also challenging to navigate. But if you need to have your own set of wheels, you can get a rental car at the airport.
Why visit Istanbul: 10 reasons to visit Istanbul
Istanbul has it all: over 2500 years of history, culture, and traditions, impressive landmarks, vibrant nightlife, and breathtaking views. This transcontinental city is a fast-paced cultural melting pot you can’t afford to miss.
Here are the top 10 reasons why visit Istanbul.
Spectacular Bosphorus views
Istanbul’s most defining feature is the Bosphorus Strait, which divides the European and Asian sides of the city.
Book a boat tour to experience some of the most inspiring views of the city. You can see the Ottoman waterfront mansions, the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, the fishing village of Anadolu Kavağı, and palaces from the Byzantine era. Sunset Bosphorus tours are stunning!
You can also visit the Galata Tower or one of the many rooftop bars for a 360-panoramic view of Istanbul.
Historical sights spread across the city
Istanbul has been the capital of four empires: the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Latin Empire, and the Ottoman Empire. The city’s history is rich, and the remains of each of these empires can still be seen.
Despite the age, many remains of Istanbul’s rich past remained intact. The cultural heritage of the city is impressive.
Who hasn’t heard of landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Dolmabahçe Palace, and Grand Bazaar?
And then there are the lesser known, but not less beautiful, spots such as Süleymaniye Mosque, Basilica Cistern, the Galata Tower, and numerous churches from the Byzantine era.
The diversity
Istanbul has always been a rich mosaic of people, religions, and cultures. As the cliché goes, this is where East meets West. This unique location, with its history and occupants of different cultural backgrounds, makes this city a true melting pot.
In Istanbul, century-old buildings stand near modern skyscrapers. Mosques, churches, and synagogues in the same area call for devoted inhabitants. And they all have one thing in common: world-famous Turkish hospitality.
The amazing food
The century-old mix of cultures also hugely impacted the food scene. In Istanbul, you can enjoy different cuisines, from authentic Ottoman food over typical Turkish food with its delicious mezes and meat or fish dishes to the modern kitchen of the West. Whatever you choose, try one of the many Turkish desserts.
Some of the most exciting neighbourhoods on two continents
Balat, Karaköy, and Kadıköy neighborhoods show Istanbul’s past and the changes over the years that have resulted in the burst of new cafés, restaurants, and bars.
Balat is the city’s historic Jewish Quarter, filled with rows of colorful houses, where you can find one of the oldest synagogues in Istanbul.
After the earthquake of 1894, most of the Jewish community left Balat and took the wealth with them. However, the urban transformation, supported by Unesco, has revitalized the area’s economy and made it safer and cleaner in a way that makes residents happy.
Karaköy, another European neighborhood, offers a mix of old and new in the same way. Boutique hotels, ancient cathedrals, and pop-up stores can be found everywhere. The seaside neighborhood is one of the city’s most popular nightlife spots.
Kadıköy neighborhood on the Asian side is both unpretentious and growing. Besides being famous for its bustling produce and fish market, the area has seen more new restaurants and bars. The vibe is far more laid-back than most European neighborhoods, mainly because many people don’t take the ferry over to the other side.
The bazaars
Bazaars are a considerable part of Istanbul’s identity, and the Grand Bazaar is one of the world’s largest. You can spend hours bargaining for decorative tiles, handwoven rugs, antiques, and more.
The nearby Spice Bazaar is almost as big and offers an incredible array of spices, herbs, and tea.
Most neighborhoods in Istanbul also operate their own weekly food market, selling fresh produce from the countryside, cheeses, and fish from the nearby seas.
The rooftop bars
With so much to see in Istanbul, almost any rooftop bar or restaurant you visit will likely have lovely city views.
The Panoramic Restaurant is a great rooftop lunch spot offering excellent Anatolian cuisine, a great atmosphere, and gorgeous views of the whole city. Try their Turkish appetizers, Saray kebap and Sahan kofte, as well as the traditional Turkish coffee, and enjoy the view from the terrace under the sun.
Watch the sunset from Mimar Sinan Teras Cafe. You’ll enjoy the views, delicious local food, and traditional Turkish tea.
Day trips from Istanbul
Daily getaways from Istanbul are great if you’re looking to escape the tourist crowds, especially during the summer months when temperatures are soaring.
Explore the small towns and beaches on the Black Sea, the Princes’ Islands in the Sea of Marmara, or Belgrad Forest. Enjoy a different side of Istanbul.
Vibrant nightlife
Thanks to Istanbul’s unique geographical location, many top nightlife venues are located by the Bosphorus or on a rooftop, offering a magnificent skyline view.
If partying is not your thing and you prefer to relax on a cafe terrace, then you have plenty of options.
Turkish baths
Turkish baths, or hammams, have been essential in Istanbul since Roman times. They served as social centers for men and women to interact separately and break from everyday life’s whirlwind.
Book a Turkish bath to experience the cleansing rituals and expect a steam room, an intensive scrub, and a trip to the cool room to rehydrate and relax.
If we convinced you to start planning a trip to Istanbul, read our Istanbul travel guide Istanbul Itinerary: How to spend 3 days in Istanbul and learn the best things to do in the city, especially if you’re visiting for the first time.
