Istanbul Local Guide

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

The best way to experience Istanbul is to permit unscheduled roaming in between check outs to historical sites and museums. Rise early enough to engage of the prominent Turkish breakfast. And ride the ferryboats, frequently. They're not just a method to get from here to there; on a ferryboat you can rest feet weary from sightseeing, beverage tea, or eat a grilled-cheese sandwich and take in the very best views of throughout the city.

The ghosts of marauding Crusaders and marching janissaries haunt the city's historical alleyways-- however this is no museum: the 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 traveling in turkey reasons that visitors return repeatedly: the setting is extraordinary, best on the Sea of Marmara and astride the busy Bosporus Strait. And Istanbul's skyline is a spectacular mélange of domes, minarets, middle ages towers, and office complex looming over low-rise property structures.

Today the cultural and financial center of Turkey, Istanbul has actually been the capital of three empires-- Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman. Our Istanbul travel guide integrates the best of Istanbul old and brand-new.