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Istanbul Insider

Istanbul travel guide and advice by locals.

Top 7 Reasons to Visit Istanbul

Istanbul has it all: over 2500 years of history, culture, and traditions, amazing landmarks, vibrant nightlife, and breathtaking views. This transcontinental metropolis is a fast-paced cultural melting pot you can’t afford to miss. Here are the top 7 reasons why you should plan a trip to Istanbul right now.

Picture of the maiden tower in the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey
Maiden tower on the Bosphorus. – © Photo by Osman Kalkavan

Istanbul – the City of Four Empires

Rome and Istanbul are both over two-and-a-half millennia old, but for the majority of the time Istanbul was larger, more influential, and wealthier than Rome.

Istanbul has been the capital of four empires: the Roman Empire (330-395), the Byzantine Empire (395-1204), the Latin Empire (1204-1261), the Byzantine Empire (1261-1453) and the Ottoman Empire (1453-1922). Istanbul’s history is very rich, and remains of each of these empires can still be witnessed.

Guided Cultural and Istanbul Highlights Tours

Istanbul – the City of Contrasts

As the cliché goes, Istanbul is where east meets west, or vice versa. This unique location combined with its history and occupants of different cultural background make this city a true melting pot.

In Istanbul century old buildings stand near modern skyscrapers. In the same area mosques, churches and synagogues call for devote inhabitants. Liberal and conservative Muslims peacefully live side by side, together with people from a dozen other religions or beliefs. However, they all have one thing in common: the world famous Turkish hospitality.

Immerse Yourself in Exotic Turkish Culture

Istanbul – the City of Amazing Landmarks

Picture of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey.
Hagia Sophia. © Ivan Mlinaric

Despite the city’s age, thankfully many remains of Istanbul’s opulent past remained intact. The cultural heritage of the metropolis is impressive.

Who hasn’t heard of landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Dolmabahçe Palace, Grand Bazaar, and the Spice Bazaar.

And then there are the lesser known, but not less beautiful, spots such as Süleymaniye Mosque, Basilica Cistern, the Galata Tower, as well as numerous churches from the Byzantine era.

Istanbul – the Perfect Mix of Eastern and Western Food

Picture of mezes in a restaurant in Istanbul, Turkey.
Mezes. © JohnPickenPhoto

The century old mix of cultures also had a huge impact on the food scene. In Istanbul, you can enjoy different cuisines, varying from authentic Ottoman food, over typical Turkish food with its delicious mezes and meat or fish dishes, to the modern kitchen of the West. If you still have some appetite left, by all means, try one of the many Turkish desserts. Please, don’t ask me directions to the closest McDonalds … live a little!

Did you say drinks? Sure, you can go for rakı, the national anise drink, choose one of the quality Turkish wines or enjoy an array of fresh juices.

Istanbul – the City with Vibrant Nightlife

Image of Sortie, waterfront night club in Istanbul, Turkey.
Sortie nightclub. © Sortie

Thanks to Istanbul’s unique geographical location many the top nightlife venues are located by the Bosphorus or on a rooftop offering a view of the magnificent skyline. The nightlife is vibrant, with an abundance of choice to satisfy everybody’s taste.

If partying through the night is not your thing and you prefer to relax with on a cafe terrace, then you have plenty of options for that too.

Enjoy Istanbul Nightlife to the Max

Istanbul – the City of Serious Shopping

Picture of the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey.
Spice Bazaar. © Momo

Shops galore in Istanbul. You can go luxurious and mainstream by a visit to one of the many modern shopping centers spread all over the city. Or you can hunt for authentic, handmade items by local designers and craftsmen in less touristic parts of town.
If you like to bargain, then the Grand Bazaar is of course shopping heaven on Earth. Also, don’t forget to stock up on exotic spices, olives or the great selection of nuts available.

Istanbul – the City with Breathtaking Views

There is no shortage of breathtaking views from the city. One of my favorites is the city’s silhouette seen from a boat on the Bosphorus during sunset. In second place comes the view from the bridges, unfortunately you need a ride to experience that. For a 360 panoramic view of Istanbul, you can visit the Galata Tower or one of the many rooftop bars.

Panoramic sunset view of Istanbul.
Panoramic sunset view of Istanbul. © Vladimir K

Scenic River Cruise Tours on the Bosphorus

Further Recommended Reading

  1. How to Get From the Istanbul (Atatürk) Airport to Your Hotel
  2. Use Public Transportation in Istanbul to Reach Most Places of Interest
  3. How to Get Your Turkish Electronic Visa Online and Avoid the Queue
  4. Public, National and Religious Holidays in Turkey

Filed Under: Before You Book, Plan Your Trip, Why Visit Istanbul Tagged With: Food, History, Istanbul, Landmarks, Nightlife, Reasons, Shopping, Views, Visit

Comments

  1. Richard says

    December 4, 2022 at 7:02 pm

    Hello – Finding your site very useful. Visiting for 3 days May. Then on a 2 week tour.

    1st question, possibly of many! . You say ” …..In second place comes the view from the bridges, unfortunately you need a ride to experience that. why? is there no footway? on any of the bridges?

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      December 4, 2022 at 7:39 pm

      Hi,

      No, walking over the bridge is not allowed (too many suicide attempts). Unless you can wait for the Istanbul Marathon?

      Reply
  2. Prem says

    October 25, 2022 at 4:39 pm

    Hi Erlend
    Not sure if you remember me. I am from Thailand who booked a family trip to Turkey back in 2019 but had to postpone my trip due to the pandemic. I asked you quite a lot of things about Istanbul and my worry was about my wife who had a chronic spine problem and was difficult for her to walk but I wanted her to see the world. You even gave me a call back then as to how my wife will have a minimum trouble exploring Istanbul.
    She had a back surgery last year and we finally made a trip to Turkey last month. It turned out to be the most memorable family trip we ever had.
    I followed almost everything mentioned in your blog which I accidentally found and I have been promoting it to my friends and relatives and everyone planning a trip to Istanbul.
    Loved the 2 hrs cruise
    Suleiman mosque was fantastic
    We stayed at Eminonu, followed your advice, took the shortest underground train up the steep Taksim area and walked down.
    Enjoyed the walk in a chaotic but beautiful Istanbul.
    I found Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia a bit overrated
    Loved the walk at the Spice and Grand Bazaar
    My favourite was the Topkapi Palace. Reached there before it opened ,we were the first to reach the harem. Spent 3 hrs in the Palace.
    My wife got to cover about 70% of all the places. Had to leave her at the hotel after too much of a walk most of the days.
    Just to say a big thank you for a wonderful help.
    If ever you plan a trip to my beautiful Thailand, please let me have the opportunity to welcome you and guide you here.
    Thank you so much

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      October 26, 2022 at 8:57 am

      Hi Prem,

      Thank you so much for your kind words.

      Of course I remember you. Very glad to hear that you had a great time and that your wife was able to participate in most of the itineraries. I hope I can take you up on your nice offer one day.

      Take good care,
      Erlend

      Reply
  3. Zelalem says

    May 3, 2022 at 7:28 am

    Still visiting Istanbul I did the dinner cruise on Bosporus it is wonderful also visited Hagia Sophia and the blue mosque amazing beautiful buildings
    The people are very warm and friendly
    The food is the best
    The Turkish baklava and Turkish coffee I can’t have enough of it
    Definitely will come back to turkey I love it

    Reply
  4. Rashid Munzur says

    July 16, 2019 at 12:31 pm

    Hi
    I was in Istanbul from 2nd – 9th July 2019 with family. During my trip planning, I used to refer to your website.

    I want to thank you for such an informative and great site as it greatly helped us in many things, from visiting places, to transport, the routes, food and much more. We loved every bit of Istanbul

    Thanks again !!

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      July 17, 2019 at 8:46 am

      Hi Rashid,

      Thanks a lot for your kind words. I’m glad I could help.

      Take good care.

      Reply
  5. Mohamed says

    February 1, 2019 at 8:15 am

    Hot and bad smell in transportation they didnt open the windows so if you rent car is better and don’t trust any one

    Reply
    • Erlend Geerts says

      February 3, 2019 at 1:45 pm

      Are you sure it was the whole bus or tram, and that you weren’t unlucky to stand next to a person with questionable personal hygiene? In general, public transportation (except some bus lines) is very well maintained, certainly trams and metros.

      Reply

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