Often described as being the crossroads between Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a vibrant, thriving and unique destination rich in history, culture and beautiful scenery.

History

The earliest known settlement in the area of Istanbul, Semistra, dates back to around 1000 BC which was followed by a small fishing village known as Lygos. Colonists from Megara in Greece founded the city of Chalcedon on the Asian side in 700 BC. The new colony quickly prospered thanks to its prime location on the Bosphorus and a thriving marketplace was established. An alliance was formed between Byzantium and the Roman Empire and remained a free state even after being officially incorporated into the Roman Empire in 79 AD. In 193 AD Byzantium was sieged, rebuilt and renamed Augusta Antonina. New Roman Emperor Constantine built a wider circle of walls around the city, dubbing it the New Rome but it soon became known as Constantinople. Wider, more formidable walls were constructed under the threat of Attila the Hun and the city stood strong. In 1453 the Ottoman Emperor captured the city after a 53 day siege, subsequently announcing it as the capital of the Ottoman Empire. In 1923, with the creation of the Republic of Turkey, the capital was moved from Istanbul to Ankara with Istanbul remaining the cultural and economic heart of the country. Today Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, a world megacity and the 2010 European Capital of Culture.

Getting In & Getting Around

Two international airports serve Istanbul – Atatürk International Airport which lies 24 km (15 miles) west of the city centre and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport which is 45 km (28 miles) east from the city centre. Atatürk Airport is the main airport in the city serving a whole host of international airlines. Sabiha Gökçen Airport is smaller serving a number of charter flights and European low cost airlines. There are two main train stations in Istanbul, Sirkeci Station on the European side which serves trains to and from Sofia, Belgrade, Budapest and more and Haydarpşa Station on the Asian side serves a number of Turkish destinations and beyond. Within Istanbul itself there are a number of travel options including metro, funicular metro, tram, bus and light railway services. Passenger ferries are a popular way to travel providing a convenient way to get back and forth over Istanbul’s waterways.

Culture, Sights & Attractions

As the cultural heart of Turkey, with such a long and fascinating history, Istanbul has so much on offer to see and do. The Sultanahmet district is the oldest part of the city and is a great place to start. Here you will find some of the most iconic structures in Istanbul including the Haghia Sofia (Church of Divine Wisdom), the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. The Yerebatan Sarayi (Basilica Sistern) or the Sunken Palace as it is also known is one of the many highlights in the city. A former reservoir and now a huge atmospheric structure that measures some 140 metres by 70 metres (460ft by 230ft) with 335 supporting column, this beautiful building was used in the popular Bond film From Russia With Love.  For a spot of shopping the largest and most famous of Istanbul’s markets, the Kapali Carşişi (Grand Bazaar), is not to be missed. The Misir Carşişi (the Spice Market), the L-shaped market facing the Golden Horn is also well worth a visit. Here you can find exotic oils, spices and Turkish delight. Taksim Square is at the heart of Istanbul’s modern European side and offers a vast array of shops, restaurants, cafés and cinemas. 

Eating Out

From traditional Turkish fare to fine European, Far Eastern and other worldwide cuisine, Istanbul has something to offer every taste and budget. There are countless historic seafood restaurants to be found around the shores of the Bosphorus and Manama Sea as well as an abundance of traditional Turkish winehouses (Meyhane) all around the city.

Outside The City

From Istanbul there are a number of destinations within easy reach. The pretty village of Kilyos is just half an hour drive away from the European side. Here you will find a handful of beautiful public and private beaches – the perfect spot to relax and escape the city. Alternatively, the popular area of Şile, located by the Black Sea, is just a 45 minute drive from Taksim and offers wonderful hidden beaches. The Princes Islands, a group of islands off the southern coast of the Asian side of Istanbul, offer a great escape and are easily reached by regular ferry crossings. Hire bikes, enjoy a picnic and just relax in the beautiful surroundings. For culture – Edirne, the former capital of the Ottoman Empire, is filled with history and is a two hour car or bus journey from Istanbul.

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