Cihangir Istanbul Guide

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

The best way to experience Istanbul is to enable unscheduled wandering in between visits to historical sites and museums. Rise early enough to engage of the popular Turkish breakfast. And ride the ferries, often. They're not simply a method to get 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 very best views of anywhere in the city.

The ghosts of marauding Crusaders and marching janissaries traveling in turkey haunt the city's historic alleyways-- however this is no museum: the Bosporus is still a buzzing artery for maritime trade, and the sounds of building construction play a consistent counterpoint to the shouts of street hawkers and the call of the muezzin. There are numerous reasons visitors return repeatedly: the setting is exceptional, right on the Sea of Marmara and astride the hectic Bosporus Strait. And Istanbul's skyline is a sensational mélange of domes, minarets, medieval 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 very best of Istanbul old and brand-new.