Area: Istanbul Show Map
Situated near the beach in the city center, this luxury hotel is close to Valens Aqueduct, Suleymaniye Mosque, and … More
A traveler said:
"For a business trip in Laleli area the hotel was very good and well located ."
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Area: Istanbul Show Map
Located in the heart of Istanbul, this hotel is near the beach and within walking distance of Esma Sultan Fountain … More
Pricing for stays between 05 Feb - 08 Feb, 2012
A traveler from Cheshire, UK said:
"Friendly and very helpful staff. Hotel is in a great location within walking distanc... "
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Area: Istanbul Show Map
Situated in the Sirkeci - Sultanahmet neighborhood, this hotel is close to Spice Bazaar, Grand Bazaar, Topkapi … More
Pricing for stays between 19 Feb - 22 Feb, 2012
Per from Lund, Sweden said:
"The atmosphere is very friendly, quite close to many things and you will be quite sa... "
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Area: Istanbul Show Map
Rast Hotel is positioned on the historical peninsula of Istanbul and has a view that includes two great works of … More
Pricing for stays between 05 Feb - 08 Feb, 2012
wayne b from bargara beach australia said:
"great location for major Istanbul sights and close to many restaurants all in walkin... "
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Area: Istanbul Show Map
Situated in Beyazit neighborhood of Istanbul, only 200 m. from Grand Bazaar and a short walk from Blue Mosque … More
Pricing for stays between 04 Feb - 07 Feb, 2012
Ahmed from Dubai said:
"I strongly recommend this Hotel as it offers good value for money, considering the e... "
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Area: Istanbul Show Map
Situated in the city center, this hotel is close to Beyazit Bath, Suleymaniye Mosque, and Grand Bazaar. Also nearby … More
Pricing for stays between 04 Feb - 07 Feb, 2012
Tom P from UK, West of Scotland and North of London said:
"Zagreb is just off tram route to main sites which can be walked in 20mins - breakfas... "
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Area: Istanbul Show Map
The Blue Mosque, the Grand Covered Bazaar, Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace are situated only 10 minutes away … More
Pricing for stays between 25 Feb - 28 Feb, 2012
Richard Hi from London, United Kingdom said:
"We stayed for four days and had a great trip. The hotel was excellent. The short tra... "
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Area: Istanbul Show Map
Located in the heart of Istanbul, this business-friendly hotel is within walking distance of Little Hagia Sophia … More
Pricing for stays between 19 Feb - 22 Feb, 2012
A traveler from Seattle, WA said:
"Starting with the good, Arena hotel was nice, clean, safe and had friendly and helpf... "
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Area: Istanbul Show Map
Situated in Istanbul's Sultanahmet neighborhood, this hotel is close to Esma Sultan Fountain, Grand Bazaar, and … More
Pricing for stays between 05 Feb - 08 Feb, 2012
Toni W from Scottsdale, AZ said:
"This hotel is very close to everything I wanted to visit."
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Area: Istanbul Show Map
Located in the heart of Istanbul, this family-friendly hotel is within walking distance of Mosaic Museum, Gulhane … More
Pricing for stays between 10 Feb - 13 Feb, 2012
Brian F from Australia said:
"This hotel is within short walking distance to Blue mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi pa... "
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A tale of two continents
Istanbul is the only metropolis in the world that lies on two continents. With one foot in Europe and the other in Asia, it's no wonder the city is so cosmopolitan and culturally diverse. As the former capital of the Roman, Byzantine, Latin, and Ottoman Empires, Istanbul has an expansive history that spans many centuries. Throughout its different incarnations, Istanbul has been called both Byzantium and Constantinople. Whichever name you know it by, Istanbul is simply incredible.
While many of the most visited sightseeing attractions reside on the European side of Istanbul, including the Blue Mosque, Aya Sofya, and Topkapi Palace, the more residential Asian (or Anatolian) side also has its own unique charms. Be sure to explore the beauty of both sides to make your trip to Istanbul complete.
From the Blue Mosque to the Grand Bazaar
One of Istanbul's nicknames is the 'the city on seven hills.' Like Rome, the Istanbul of antiquity was built on seven hills, each with religious monuments, in both the Byzantine and Ottoman periods.
Today you will still find many stunning sights on these hills. Topkapi Palace was the former royal residence of the Ottoman sultans. Set by the sea and overlooking the Golden Horn, today's Topkapi Palace is open to the public as a museum, with four primary courtyards and a wealth of treasures. Wander through leafy gardens and airy libraries, an imperial harem, and impressive gilded pavilions.
Head for another hill and the Grand Bazaar awaits you. One of the largest covered markets in the world, featuring more than 6,000 stalls, the Grand Bazaar is a mecca for shoppers. Jewellery, spices, carpets, and pottery combine to create a seemingly endless range of tempting items. Test your bargaining skills or just enjoy a stroll around the structure itself, which seems almost like a palace.
Side by side are two other must-see Istanbul sights. The beautiful mosaics and massive dome of the 1400-year old Aya Sofya leave visitors mesmerized. Equally extravagant is the working Blue Mosque whose six slender minarets are one of the most famous components of Istanbul's skyline.
Illuminated Istanbul
Istanbul is one of the oldest cities in the world and with such a long and rich legacy it would be easy to tour only the city's historical wonders. However, present-day Istanbul is one of the most vibrant, sophisticated, and cosmopolitan places on earth and no visit would be complete without experiencing what the modern city has to offer. An evening out could include cuisine from all corners of the world (though be sure to try the sumptuous mezzes and kebabs), cocktails at an elegant bar on the Bosphorus, and clubbing until dawn. Istanbul at night is a beautiful sight.
Take some time for leisure, too, like a traditional Turkish bath or a cruise down the Bosphorus Strait. One visit to Istanbul could never suffice and how could it? There are two continents to explore! So slow down and sip some fragrant mint tea, while you plan your return visit.