Ataturk International Airport (IST)
Situated 23 km west of Istanbul’s historic city centre, on the European side of the Bosporus, Ataturk International Airport is the busiest in Turkey. Named after Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, the airport has a spacious and modern international terminal. There are several hotels in the surrounding area.
Besiktas
Situated on the European side of Istanbul, across the Golden Horn from the historic city centre, Besiktas lies on the coast of the Bosporus. The area is becoming increasingly upscale, with an influx of trendy cafés and international boutiques. Besiktas is also home to Turkey’s oldest sports club, whose football team is enthusiastically supported throughout the district.
Beyoglu - Taksim
The Beyoglu-Taksim district is on the European side of Istanbul, across the Golden Horn from the historic city centre. “Beyoglu” generally refers to the area in Taksim between Taksim Square and the Tunel (subway). The district has traditionally been the most European quarter of Istanbul, with many consulates and embassies. It remains famous for its arts, entertainment, and nightlife.
Fatih
The Fatih district is home to the Fatih Mosque, which sits atop Istanbul’s highest hill. Sultan Fatih Mehmet, also known as “Mehmet the Conqueror,” ordered the mosque’s construction in 1462. Today, his tomb is on display. The complex surrounding the mosque includes a hospital, school, caravansary, and several hamams. A street market is held in the area surrounding the mosque on Wednesdays.
Grand Bazaar - Beyazit
The Beyazit district is centered on Beyazit Square, formerly the Forum Tauri in Roman times. Remains of the forum are still on display. Also on the square is the main entrance gate to Istanbul University, and nearby is the Beyazit Gate, leading into the Grand Bazaar. The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest covered markets in the world, with more than 1,200 shops and as many as 400,000 daily visitors.
Kadikoy - Uskudar (Asian Side)
The Uskudar district is on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, a 15-minute ferry ride from the Eminonu docks. The pace of life here is more relaxed than on the European side. To the south, Kadikoy is the cultural centre of the Anatolian side and faces the historic city centre across the Bosporus. This area has been continuously settled since prehistoric times. Today, cafés, bars, and cinemas abound.
Sirkeci
The Sirkeci district is on the European side of the Bosporus, about a 10-minute walk from Sultanahmet (the historic city centre). Sirkeci Railway Station, once the terminus for the famed Orient Express, is on the district’s northern edge. There are many small to mid-sized hotels here, several restaurants, and a Turkish bath.
Sisli - Congress Area
Sisli is a bustling commercial, shopping, and residential district about 3 km north of Taksim Square. The world’s second largest urban shopping mall is located here. The upscale Nisantasi neighborhood houses international boutiques, art galleries, and cafés in nineteenth-century buildings, along narrow, scenic streets.
Sultanahmet
The Sultanahmet district is the centre of Old Istanbul, home to many of the city’s most famous attractions. The district is named after Sultan Ahmed I, who ordered the construction of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque. Other attractions include the Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia), Topkapi Palace, Byzantine Hippodrome, and Basilica Cistern.
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