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A Glimpse into History

Istanbul has been the capital of two great empires. With Roman Emperor Constantine I moving the capital from Rome to Istanbul, the Roman Empire was divided into Eastern and Western halves (330 AD). Before this, the city was settled by Megarians from Greece around 680 BC. Its oldest known name, “Byzantion,” was given in honor of the Megarian King Byzantas. When Constantine moved the capital here, he named it “Nova Roma” (New Rome), but after his death, the city became known as Constantinople (City of Constantine).

The Edict of Milan, declared in 313 AD, granted Christians legal status, but this was met with opposition from the Romans. One of the main reasons for Rome’s split into two was the conflict between Christians and Pagans (who believed in multiple gods). Consequently, Constantine stated that the establishment of the new capital was “God’s command,” though he himself was only baptized on his deathbed.

Istanbul met all the requirements for a new capital. Constantine truly saw the city he named “New Rome” as a place where Rome could be rebuilt. An interesting detail is that Istanbul, like Rome, is built on seven hills. Thus, the construction of the city began. Undoubtedly, the building of Istanbul was one of history’s most crucial decisions. Constantinople was the product of a single man. The area known today as the Historical Peninsula formed Istanbul’s boundaries during Constantine’s time. Even during the Turkish rule, urbanization outside these boundaries was sparse.

The East Roman Empire was never referred to as the Byzantine Empire in its own time. This name was coined in the 16th century by the German historian Hieronymus Wolff. The East Roman Empire experienced its most brilliant period during the reign of Justinian (527-565).

In later periods, Arab raids and the Crusades severely damaged the East Roman Empire. The conflict between Catholics and Orthodox Christians put East Rome at odds with Western Europe. During the Fourth Crusade, as the sailing ships approached the Bosphorus, the sight of Constantinople amazed the crusaders, filling them with desire for the city. On April 12, 1204, the Crusader armies entered the city, plundering and burning it. Steven Runciman, author of the three-volume “History of the Crusades” (1951-54), describes this situation as follows:

“…[Constantinople] was filled with works of art that remained from ancient Greece and masterpieces that were the product of its own superior craftsmanship. The Venetians knew the value of such things. Wherever they found a treasure, they took it to adorn a square, a church, and a palace in their own city. But the French and the Flemish were consumed with a desire to destroy. Shouting, they attacked the streets and houses, seizing everything that glittered, and destroying what they couldn’t carry, pausing only when they killed someone, raped someone, or plundered wine cellars to drink. Neither monasteries nor churches and libraries were spared from this plunder. You could see drunken soldiers in Hagia Sophia itself, trampling sacred books and icons with their feet, tearing silk curtains, and smashing silver iconostases. While soldiers got drunk by drinking from altar cups, a prostitute sat on the patriarch’s throne, singing an obscene French song. Nuns were raped in monasteries, and every kind of dwelling from palaces to hovels was violated and plundered… Scenes of horrifying plunder and massacre continued for days until this very great and beautiful city was completely devastated.”

Following the plunder, a Latin Empire was established in the city in 1204. After 57 years of miserable existence, as the Byzantines called it, the “Latin Dogs” left the city, leaving behind only a ruined land. Its territories had shrunk, centralized power had weakened, and the people were impoverished.

Meanwhile, in Anatolia, the Turks had reached the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts. After Thrace also fell to the Turks, Byzantium was surrounded on all sides, and the “sick Empire,” after a long resistance, succumbed to Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in 1453.

Mehmed II entered the city with great enthusiasm and granted significant privileges to the Orthodox population in their worship and daily lives. Some churches, especially Hagia Sophia, were converted into mosques. However, when Fatih entered the city, he was disappointed. The city of his dreams had been plundered by the Crusaders, and many structures, including Hagia Sophia, had been ravaged. One of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror’s greatest achievements was to bring this ruined city back to life. And so, the capital was moved from Edirne to Constantinople.

The name Istanbul is sometimes said to come from “İslambol” (meaning “full of Islam”), but this is incorrect. The city’s current name is actually Greek. In the Byzantine and Ottoman periods, the phrase “Eis ten polin” (pronounced “ees ten polin”), meaning “to the city,” was used in Greece to refer to the road leading to Istanbul. Today, the origin of this name is based on that phrase.

Getting There and Around

Istanbul has flights from all airports in Turkey, bus services from all bus terminals, and train services from all main train stations. Similarly, there are direct flights to and from major cities worldwide.

By Air

Air travel to Istanbul is provided by two main airports, serving both domestic and international flights:

• Istanbul Airport (IST): Located at Tayakadın, Terminal Caddesi No:1, 34283 Arnavutköy/Istanbul. Opened in 2018, Istanbul Airport has taken over most commercial flight operations from the former Atatürk Airport, becoming the city’s primary air travel hub. It’s designed to eventually handle around 150 million passengers annually and can accommodate multiple aircraft landings and takeoffs simultaneously. You can reach the city center by public buses, taxis, or private transfer services.
• Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW): Located at Sanayi, 34906 Pendik/Istanbul. Known for its proximity to the Asian side of the city, Sabiha Gökçen Airport serves both domestic and international flights. You can reach the city center via public buses, the metro, and private transfers.

Atatürk Airport (ISL) is no longer used for commercial passenger flights; it primarily handles cargo, private, and general aviation.

By Land (Bus & Train)

For intercity travel by bus, here are the main terminals:

• 15 Temmuz Demokrasi Bus Terminal (formerly Esenler Bus Terminal): Located in Bayrampaşa, this has historically been and continues to be Istanbul’s main point of arrival for long-distance buses. It remains very busy, especially during holidays, and offers good connections to the city’s public transport network.
• Alibeyköy Pocket Bus Terminal: This terminal has been renovated and expanded, offering an alternative, especially for those traveling to or from the northern and western parts of Istanbul.
• Harem Bus Terminal: Once the primary bus terminal on the Asian side, Harem’s operations have significantly decreased. Most intercity bus companies no longer use it, directing passengers to smaller “pocket bus terminals” or hubs like Dudullu, Şerifali, and Samandıra instead.

For train travel, high-speed train (YHT) services connect Istanbul to cities like Adapazarı, Ankara, Konya, and Eskişehir, offering a comfortable and scenic journey. Istanbul’s high-speed train station is primarily located in Pendik on the Asian side.

By Sea

Given Istanbul’s unique position surrounded by seas, sea travel is also well-developed:

• IDO and BUDO ferry services provide easy and affordable connections from nearby cities. Sea buses departing from Bandırma, Yalova, Bursa, Avşa, and Marmara Island serve ports like Yenikapı, Bostancı, Ambarlı, Armutlu, and Kadıköy daily. Car ferries are also available if you wish to bring your vehicle.

Getting Around within the City

İETT coordinates most of Istanbul’s inner-city road and sea transport. This includes municipal buses and the Metrobus (a bus rapid transit system). Istanbul Ulaşım A.Ş. manages the metro (subway), tram, and Marmaray (an undersea railway connecting both continents). Additionally, İETT also operates ferry services between certain areas on the European and Asian sides, as well as to the Princes’ Islands.

When to Visit?

Istanbul attracts tourists all year round, as the city offers a different beauty in every season. In spring, you’ll see purple Judas trees blooming, while in autumn, the yellowing foliage transforms city streets and avenues into picturesque scenes. Similarly, in winter, İstiklal Avenue, covered in white snow, rivals the beauty of European Christmas cities. Some people prefer the city in winter, others in summer. It’s truly difficult to say, as Istanbul is always beautiful in its own way.

Accommodation and Holiday Options

Luxury five-star hotels rise throughout the city, offering opulent accommodation options. You’ll find both budget-friendly and upscale hotels in every district of Istanbul. The city’s most famous hotels are located on Çırağan Avenue, in Maslak, and 4. Levent.

If you enjoy nightlife or bustling environments, you might prefer areas like Beşiktaş, Kadıköy, and Taksim. Before choosing where to stay in Istanbul, review your travel plans. You should decide between areas like Sultanahmet, Galata, Eminönü, Taksim, and the European or Asian Side based on what suits your itinerary best.

For your first visit to Istanbul, you might prefer hotels in the Eminönü district. Staying here is advantageous for walking to many tourist attractions and easily reaching other areas by sea. You can easily walk to popular spots like Gülhane Park, Galata Bridge, Sultanahmet Square, Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar, and the Spice Bazaar. Furthermore, taking a ferry or sea bus from Eminönü pier to Kadıköy, Üsküdar, and the Princes’ Islands is both a wonderful experience and very convenient. Some of the best hotels in this area include Ayasultan, Best Western Empire Palace, Sirkeci Mansion, Doubletree by Hilton, Lalahan Hotel, Orient Express, and Novotel Istanbul Bosphorus. If this isn’t your first visit to Istanbul, and you dislike crowds or don’t want to spend too much on luxury restaurants, you might prefer other areas for accommodation.

If you’re coming to Istanbul for the nightlife, to see the best tourist spots, and to dine at the most popular restaurants, you should definitely choose accommodation in the Taksim area. From Taksim, you can easily walk to many lively and vibrant places like İstiklal Avenue, Pera, Cihangir, Galata, and Asmalı Mescit. This area boasts the best fish restaurants, taverns (meyhanes), bars, and cafes. You can explore many venues from late night until early morning. The top hotels in the area include The Marmara Taksim Hotel, Innpera Hotel, InterContinental Istanbul, Gezi Hotel Bosphorus, Golden Park Hotel, and Divan Hotel. If you’re not here for the nightlife and dislike crowds, the Taksim area might not be for you.

If you’re not looking for luxurious hotels and expensive venues in Istanbul, Galata is perfect for you. You can book a spot in one of the hostels with fantastic views in the Galata district. These accommodations are both more affordable and more authentic than other areas nearby. You can quickly walk to the Galata Tower or head down to Karaköy to enjoy interesting themed cafes, bars, and taverns. Getting to the Kabataş tram, Karaköy, and Eminönü from Galata is very easy, and İstiklal Avenue will be right next to you. If you’re visiting Istanbul with a group of friends, the Galata area is definitely the most suitable option. You’ll find many affordable hotel options in Galata, such as Manesol Boutique Hotel, Portus House, The Purl Boutique Hotel, Balkon Residence, and Maproom Boutique Hotel.

For your Istanbul visit, if you want to escape the crowds and enjoy a beautiful morning walk with a Bosphorus view, choose the Asian Side. The Üsküdar district is a fantastic place to experience old Istanbul, walk in its green groves, and watch the city from a distance. From Üsküdar, you can easily reach anywhere you want via Marmaray, Metrobus, and sea transport. Çamlıca Hill, Maiden’s Tower, Fethi Pasha Grove, and Kuzguncuk are the most famous places to visit in the area. Here, you can eat at reasonable prices and enjoy panoramic Istanbul views. Ramada Asia Hotel, Harem Hotel, Sumahan, Mercure Istanbul Altunizade, and Su Merdum Boutique Hotel are among the best hotels where you can stay in the area.

Another place to stay on the Asian Side is, of course, Kadıköy. Kadıköy is a vibrant and crowded area mostly preferred by the younger population. Bağdat Avenue, with its many boutiques, world-renowned brands, and cafes, is located here. In Kadıköy center, there are plenty of options, from entertainment venues featuring alternative music to fish restaurants, third-wave coffee shops to theater centers. Moreover, Istanbul’s main nightlife scene is now truly active in Kadıköy. You can find many quality venues in Kadıköy’s center. There are many luxurious and affordable hotels you can choose from here. Hotel Suadiye, Hilton Istanbul Kozyatağı, Wyndham Grand Istanbul Kalamış Marina Hotel, Istanbul Life Hotel, and Byotell can be among your accommodation options.

Must-See Attractions

Istanbul, with its historical and natural riches, is one of the world’s leading cities. With its ever-increasing population and the resulting intricate urban fabric, it has formed its own unique order amidst chaos. Generally, tourist attractions are concentrated in the area called the “Historical Peninsula.” Although there have been discussions about closing this area to traffic in the past, no decision has been made in that regard. At almost every point in this city, where West and East intersect, you can see good and bad, beautiful and ugly, old and new side-by-side.

This city has been the center of two great empires and two sacred religions throughout history. The remaining traces of this past, although not always carefully preserved, can be seen throughout the city. Istanbul hosts the most important places of worship for both Islam and Orthodox Christianity. Many of Istanbul’s most famous structures are within walking distance of each other in the Historical Peninsula, which formed the boundaries of Byzantine Istanbul. Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror entered the city on horseback with a grand ceremony and visited Hagia Sophia. Following this, it became a tradition for Hagia Sophia to be the first point of visit in the city. Therefore, we start our list of places to visit in Istanbul with Hagia Sophia. The rest of our list includes the most important sightseeing spots, consisting of historical structures like the Galata Tower, Istanbul Archaeological Museum, Blue Mosque, Süleymaniye Mosque, palaces like Topkapı Palace and Dolmabahçe Palace, parks like Gülhane Park and Emirgan Park, squares, and museums.

Here are some highlights:

• Hagia Sophia: One of Istanbul’s most iconic structures, Hagia Sophia has served as a church, then a mosque, then a museum, and most recently, a mosque again.
• Galata Tower: Rising in the historic Galata district, this tower offers panoramic views of the city, especially enchanting at sunset.
• Istanbul Archaeological Museum: One of Turkey’s largest and most important museums, housing a rich archaeological and artistic heritage.
• Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque): Famous for its six minarets and blue tiles adorning its interior, it’s a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture.
• Süleymaniye Mosque: One of Mimar Sinan’s most magnificent works, the Süleymaniye Mosque is a significant part of Istanbul’s skyline.
• Topkapı Palace: The center of the Ottoman Empire for centuries, this palace offers many insights into the empire’s rich history and daily life.
• Dolmabahçe Palace: Built in the late Ottoman period, this European-style palace stands out with its luxury and grandeur.
• Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı): This underground cistern from the Byzantine era fascinates visitors with its majestic columns and atmospheric lighting.
• Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi): Located on a small islet off Üsküdar, this legendary tower is one of the symbols of the Bosphorus.
• İstiklal Avenue: The heart of Beyoğlu, this bustling street is known for its historic buildings, shops, cafes, and iconic tram.
• Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı): A colorful and lively market filled with spices, Turkish delights, nuts, and traditional products.
• Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı): One of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets, the Grand Bazaar offers thousands of shops for traditional handicrafts and jewelry.
• Princes’ Islands (Adalar): Ideal for escaping the city crowds, these islands offer peaceful retreats with horse-drawn carriage tours (or electric vehicles) and historic mansions.
• Rumeli Fortress and Anadolu Fortress: These historic castles, located on opposite sides of the Bosphorus, stand out with their strategic positions and impressive architecture.
• Gülhane Park, Emirgan Grove, Fethi Pasha Grove, Yıldız Park: Green spaces where you can escape the city noise, breathe fresh air, and spend time in nature.
• Çamlıca Hill: One of Istanbul’s highest points, offering panoramic city and Bosphorus views.
• Haydarpaşa Train Station: This station, with its historic architecture, now has the potential to host cultural events.
• Museums: Besides the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, many other significant museums like the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, Sakıp Sabancı Museum, Istanbul Modern, Rahmi Koç Museum, Pera Museum, Museum of Innocence, and Miniatürk await visitors.

Local Delicacies

Istanbul boasts a rich culinary culture inherited from the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. While many traditional dishes have faded over time, Istanbul, as a meeting point in Turkey, offers a blend of flavors from every region. Although the city’s culinary landscape has changed over periods, some flavors have always maintained their popularity.

In the last 20 years, kebab houses and restaurants specializing in Southeastern Anatolian cuisine have become very popular. The city’s culinary culture varies by region. The shift of Istanbul’s unique culture towards a broader Anatolian culture has narrowed the boundaries of Istanbul’s distinct culinary identity but has also brought the advantage of offering all the diverse flavors of Turkish cuisine in one place.

Furthermore, the city hosts restaurants serving Asian and European cuisines, including those from Greece, China, and France. As an influence of American culture, fast food has significantly spread in recent years. You’ll see fast-food shops selling products like döner, hamburgers, pizza, lahmacun, dürüm (wraps), sandwiches, toast, and hot dogs one after another on Istanbul’s streets.

Beyond Ottoman-Turkish cuisine, Istanbul is a metropolis where you can find the finest examples of world cuisine. It’s highly unlikely you won’t find what you’re looking for in Istanbul when it comes to dining and entertainment. In this guide, we’ll visit many unique venues, from Istanbul’s best Greek taverns to its oldest patisseries. Among the Istanbul Greek taverns where you can taste rare delicacies of Greek cuisine like Greek salad, grilled octopus & calamari, bekri meze, sesame saganaki, crispy shrimp, lakerda (salted bonito), galaktoboureko, and farsala. Our national treasure, “ocakbaşı” (grill-at-your-table) meat restaurants, are popular spots for family weekend outings. You’ll find countless variations of ocakbaşı smoking away in various neighborhoods of Istanbul.

Nightlife

Istanbul can surprise you with its vibrant and rich nightlife. Whether you prefer classic entertainment venues or want to attend lively festivals, concerts, and theater plays, you’ll find plenty to do. Depending on your travel dates, check schedules and book tickets, as incredible shows are performed on many stages across the city.

Key venues for events include UNIQ Hall Lounge, Volkswagen Arena, Salon İKSV, Babylon, Küçükçiftlik Park, Ghetto, Jolly Joker İstanbul, Santral İstanbul, garajistanbul, Turkcell Kuruçeşme Arena, Parkorman, İş Sanat Culture Center, and Akbank Sanat Culture Center. You might catch the Istanbul Jazz Festival (typically July 1-17 for 2025) at İş Sanat and Akbank Sanat. These art centers host numerous globally renowned concerts and theater performances throughout the year.

Istanbul’s open-air concert venues host thousands of people and numerous events. These include Küçükçiftlik Park, with a capacity of 17,000 people; Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Stage, which has hosted many famous artists from Leonard Cohen to Gloria Gaynor; and Turkcell Kuruçeşme Arena, offering unique Bosphorus views.

If you’re visiting during the winter months, Zorlu PSM, Babylon, Ghetto, If Performance Hall, The Hall, Santralistanbul, and Volkswagen Arena await you. These venues host musicals, theater, concerts, and countless parties. You can stay updated on concert programs by following them online and on social media. Purchase your tickets via Biletix or directly at the venue box offices.

If your idea of nightlife revolves around bars and nightclubs, we primarily recommend venues in Beşiktaş, Kadıköy, and Taksim. In recent years, popular venues have largely gathered in Kadıköy. So, let’s start with Kadıköy’s entertainment centers. DOROCK XL is one of the most preferred venues due to its large indoor live concert area. It offers both a space to eat, drink, and chat, as well as live concerts every night. One of the best places to find and enjoy “craft” beers, which have become popular recently, is “Ayı”. This place is located between Kadıköy and Moda. If you love 90s-themed places, you’ll adore the music at “Eskici,” a very popular spot. These always-packed venues invite you to party all night long. Besides these, we can list many other venues that define Kadıköy, such as Karga, Zeplin, Arkaoda, Komodo, and Monks.

In Beşiktaş, you can start your night early. There are countless chocolate shops, third-wave coffee shops, and charming cafes. Okkalı Kahve, Mutluluk Noktası, Mendel’s Cafe, Cafe CakeHouse, Şairler Kahvesi, Cefa de Cuba are just a few of the many places we can recommend for your pre-drinks. Limoncello, Frame, CoCo Bongo Night Club, Le Fumoir, Sponge Bar, and Beer Point are some suggestions for continuing the night.

While Taksim’s old nightlife might not be what it once was, many venues can still be incredibly fun. 45’lik, Coop, Dorock Bar, Jolly Joker, The Bite, Eskici Live, Hard Rock, Hayal Kahvesi, Indigo, and Roxy are lively places where the heart of entertainment beats in Taksim.

Is Istanbul’s nightlife limited to bars, cafes, and concerts? Definitely not. There are many activities available in almost every district of the city. In spring, these events become more widespread, bringing the city together. For example, Turkey’s first night picnics, “Urban Picnic,” take place at Maslak Uniq Istanbul. Everything is possible for entertainment in this city.

Festivals and Events

Istanbul, with its rich cultural and artistic scene, is truly a city of festivals. Throughout the year, there are continuous festivals, fairs, events, and organizations. With the arrival of spring, festivals increase significantly, spreading to almost every park in summer, attracting thousands of participants. Here are some of Istanbul’s regular annual festivals:

• Istanbul International Puppet Festival: Held every May, the International Puppet Festival has hosted over 300 puppet groups since 1998. The festival includes local and international puppet shows and paper puppet workshops.
• Istanbul International Dance Festival: Held every April, the International Dance Festival lasts for several days at various venues each year. You can watch colorful dance performances by dancers of European, Asian, and Latin American origin.
• Istanbul Film Festival: Organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV), this festival is usually held in April for two weeks. You can watch films included in the festival at various cinemas on both sides of Istanbul.
• Istanbul Second-Hand Book Festival (Sahaf Festivali): Istanbul’s second-hand booksellers come together annually to organize a Second-Hand Book Festival in various districts. These festivals sell old books, magazines, records, and postcards. They are typically held in September and October in districts like Beyoğlu, Kadıköy, and Üsküdar.
• Istanbul Shopping Fest: Rivaling the Shopping Festivals in Dubai and Singapore, Istanbul Shopping Fest sees malls and the Grand Bazaar offering unlimited shopping. Supported by the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, Istanbul Governorship, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB), the festival is held every June.
• Istanbul Design Biennial: Held every October around a specific theme, the Biennial brings together art lovers in Istanbul.
• Istanbul Jazz Festival: Organized by İKSV, the Jazz Festival, with its jazz, funk, and soul rhythms, offers a wonderful experience on green lawns during warm summer days. For 2025, it’s expected between July 1-17.
• Chill-Out Festival: This two-day festival in May is a picnic-style event where punk, indie, and lounge music meet nature. It’s not to be missed!
• International Istanbul Opera Festival: This festival, held in June since 2010, takes place at Istanbul’s historical venues.
• Istanbul Music Festival: Organized by İKSV in May, tickets for this festival sell out weeks in advance online. Every year, world-renowned musicians give unique concerts in extraordinary venues, reaching music lovers from all over the world.

Shopping

Istanbul is one of the world’s leading cities for shopping. In recent years, the city has experienced an explosion of shopping malls (AVMs), with numerous malls built across every district. A large percentage of Turkey’s AVMs are in Istanbul, accounting for a significant portion of the total leasable area. Major AVMs include Mall of Istanbul, Forum Istanbul, Emaar Square, Marmara Forum, Istanbul Cevahir, and İstinye Park. In AVMs, you can find branches of famous brands and enjoy shopping in a comfortable indoor environment, especially during bad weather.

Aside from AVMs, Istanbul boasts excellent authentic markets, chief among them being the Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı). While many products here are handmade, Chinese-made goods have become increasingly common. If you’re looking for gifts like gold, carpets, kilims, or copper products, the Grand Bazaar will be your first stop. If you’re searching for spices, medicinal herbs, Turkish delight, cheese, freshly ground coffee, and a variety of local products, the Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) and the streets of Eminönü are perfect for you. Eminönü is a true paradise, especially for young women from all over Turkey who come here to buy trousseau items. Paşabahçe Outlet, located in Kürçü Han as you ascend Mercan Yokuşu, is a favorite for trousseau lovers. Şark Han, also on Mercan Yokuşu, is known as the “gifts inn.” Need blankets, duvet covers, towels, or covers? English Home Outlet and Taç Outlet are right next to each other here. In short, you can find all kinds of furnishing needs, including bridal decorations and groom’s dowry items, in Eminönü. Not just for trousseau, the Eminönü district is also the right address for gift shopping, with its unique architecture and atmosphere.