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AS A TRAVEL METROPOLITAN, ISTANBUL CONNECTS EAST AND WEST
- The people of Istanbul are very kind and polite, making Istanbul a wonderful city that is full with historical sites.
- Its old names, Byzantium and Constantinople, may bring to mind lessons learned in history class due to the city’s extensive historical legacy.
- The architectural treasures in the city’s core, which include relics that date back to both the Ottoman and the Byzantine empires, are thought to be the reason for Istanbul’s consistently high level of visitor traffic.
- The city’s core is bisected by the Bosphorus. Not only does this river split Turkey, but it also serves as the continental boundary between Europe and Asia.
- The Bosporus Strait, which connects the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea, acts as a cultural and geographical link between Asia and Europe.
- Additionally, it is the world’s narrowest strait that is open to international shipping traffic.
- Make sure that you check to see if you need to bring a Turkey e-Visa with you in order to enter the country while you are arranging your trip to Istanbul.
- If you do, you will be obliged to have one.
Is there anything about Istanbul that is well-known?
- This wondrous location, which serves as a meeting point for East and West, is home to vistas that may awe even the most jaded traveler in search of historic sites.
- Istanbul, as one of the most important cities in the world, has been sought by numerous empires over the course of several centuries.
- After having served as the grand capital of the Byzantine Empire known as Constantinople, and once the Ottomans had conquered the city, it was formally renamed Istanbul after the Turkish Republic was established.
- Aya Sofya, Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar are just few of the magnificent relics of Istanbul’s long and storied history that have withstood the test of time and can still be seen strewn about the city in ample quantities.
- After you’ve explored the four spots I’ve outlined above, be sure to schedule enough time to explore the city’s outskirts and discover the myriad of other fascinating places there.
- To continue on the topic of making the most of your stay in Turkey.
- Visitors who wish to avoid waiting in long lines upon their arrival typically choose the convenience of obtaining a Turkey Tourist Visa prior to their departure.
- This allows them to begin the exciting part of their trip as soon as they arrive in Turkey, rather than having to waste time waiting in lines.
- However, those who are qualified for a visa on arrival in Turkey have the option of waiting in line at the airport rather than applying for the visa in advance.
ISTANBUL’S WORTHWHILE ATTRACTIONS FOR VISITORS TO THE CITY
- It would appear that Istanbul achieves an almost ideal equilibrium between the ageless allure of its historical landmarks and the decidedly more contemporary atmosphere of its skyscrapers and shopping malls.
- There are a great number of interesting attractions to check out in and around the city, as well as locations that provide beautiful vistas of both the city and the Strait.
When you are in Istanbul, here are some suggestions for places you should go:
- The Museum of Archaeology
- cistern of the basilica
- The Beylerbeyi Palace in Istanbul
- Mosque of the Bluest Sky
- Calvary Chapel of Camlica
- Ataturk’s Dolmabahce Palace
- Tower of Galata
- The Great Bazaar
- The Great Synagogue of Constantinople (Aya Sofya)
- The Istanbul Archaeological Museum
- Kadikoy
- The Museum of Kariye (Chora Church)
- Pera’s Museum of Art and History
- mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, known as Suleymaniye
- Palace of the Great Seal of Japan
- Islamic Art Museum in Turkey
Is there anything to do in Istanbul that I haven’t already done?
- There are many things to do and see in the Turkish city of Istanbul if you’re considering a trip to Turkey.
- If you don’t know where to start, here are a handful of the most neglected treasures to get you started:
- Participate in the Whirling Dervishes Dance service.
- Embark on a leisurely boat ride down the Bosphorus.
- Bebek and Ortaköy are two villages worth a visit.
- Istanbul’s vibrant nightlife is a must-see while visiting the city.
- Visit the local markets.
- Wash yourself in a Hammam.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SEE ISTANBUL?
- You can also take day visits to nearby cities by bus while arranging your trip to Istanbul.
- There is a gorgeous second capital of the Ottoman empire at Edirne, only a two and a half hour journey by bus between Greece and Bulgaria.
- Gallipoli, a two-and-a-half-hour bus ride from Istanbul, is another option for a day excursion.
- The amount of days you’ll need in Istanbul will vary based on your specific objectives and hobbies.
- You’ll need 5 to 7 days in the city if you want to see all of the mosques and churches. Istanbul may be seen in 2 to 3 days if you only want to explore a handful of the city’s historical and cultural attractions.
- The pace at which you choose to travel will also have an impact on how much time you need to spend in Istanbul.
To help you get started, here are a few questions to consider:
- Is it your style to cram as much into a short amount of time as possible in order to experience the best of a city?
- Instead of rushing through the city, why not take your time, relax, and explore the less traveled areas?
IS IT SAFE TO VISIT ISTANBUL?
- Since a lot of previous cautions on visiting Turkey have been dropped, Turkey has been regarded a relatively safe country.
- As with any other venue you could visit, it’s prudent to be aware of your surroundings and watchful at all times.
- With the exception of a few areas, most of Turkey, including Istanbul and Ankara, is regarded safe for tourism.
- Visitors to Istanbul’s most popular tourist destinations should also avoid wearing precious jewelry and be on the lookout for street robbery and pickpocketing, which are both frequent in the city’s streets.
- Do not attempt to take photographs or film recordings of any sensitive military facilities if you come across police roadblocks on major routes. Travelers are urged to cooperate with security agents on planes departing from Turkey to Europe.
- Tourists should also be informed that if they disrespect the Turkish people or deface the country’s flag or money, they could damage jail. These serious offenses carry prison terms ranging from six months to three years.
- There are still sections of Turkey where people are socially conservative even though homosexuality is allowed.
- So, when visiting Istanbul or any other region of Turkey, visitors should refrain from making public displays of affection, for fear of attracting unwanted attention or offending Turks.
- Consider applying for a visa online if you’ve had your eye on Istanbul for a long time or if you’ve just chosen to visit Turkey for the first time.
- Fortunately, applying for a Turkey eVisa is quick and simple, with most applications being approved in less than 24 hours on average.
