Tripadvisor Istanbul Hotels

The only city on the planet that remains in both Asia and Europe, Istanbul also straddles the ancient and modern worlds.

The best method to experience Istanbul is to enable unscheduled wandering in between sees to archaeological sites and museums. Increase early enough to engage of the distinguished Turkish breakfast. And ride the ferries, typically. They're not just a way to get from here to there; on a ferryboat you can rest feet weary from sightseeing, beverage tea, or consume a grilled-cheese sandwich and take in the best views of throughout the city.

The ghosts traveling in turkey of marauding Crusaders and marching janissaries haunt the city's historic alleys-- 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 reasons that visitors return repeatedly: the setting is exceptional, best on the Sea of Marmara and astride the hectic Bosporus Strait. And Istanbul's skyline is a stunning mélange of domes, turrets, medieval towers, and office buildings towering above low-rise domestic 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 combines the very best of Istanbul old and brand-new.