What is Istanbul best known for?
Istanbul (historically known as Byzantium and Constantinople) is the largest city in Turkey. It is also Turkey’s economic, cultural and economic centre. Istanbul is known for its many UNESCO Heritage sites and was named a European Capital of Culture in 2010. Best time to visit Istanbul is in April/ May and September to November when the tourist crowds are manageable and the climate is pleasant.
Istanbul boasts of many attractions from old museums, beautiful palaces and mosques to vast bazaars, fortresses and churches. It is no wonder that Istanbul was the world’s fifth-most popular tourist destination in 2018.
Tourists can enjoy Turkish cuisine—a fusion of Middle Eastern, Asian and Mediterranean flavours. Enjoying traditional Turkish coffee and Turkish delights (a type of sweet dessert) is a must for tourists. The best way to travel inside Istanbul is by bus – operated by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality with routes running throughout the city. Another interesting transportation facility is the tramways being used even today. Other types of public transportation include the metro, ferries and taxis.
Best known places in Istanbul
- Aya Sofya: It is one of the most beautiful structures created holding historical, religious and cultural importance in Istanbul. Built as a church, it was converted to a mosque and then into a museum carrying beautiful mosaics and galleries.
- Topkapi Palace: Constructed in the 15th Century, this fascinating palace displays the best of Islamic art with opulent courtyards decorated with hand-painted tile work, dazzling rooms and towers. It is home to a collection of the Prophet Muhammed and the Imperial Treasury (complete with a glittering array of gold objects and precious gems).
- Blue Mosque: It is considered an architectural marvel, one of the most amazing achievements of Ottoman architecture. The interiors are done in tens of thousands of Iznik tiles giving a colour effect from which it has derived its name.
- Grand Bazaar: A visit to any tourist destination is incomplete without a shopping excursion. The Grand Bazaar is a covered bazaar spread across a vast area with shops selling Turkish souvenirs and handicrafts.
- Galata Tower: Considered the most recognisable landmark in Istanbul, the Galata Tower will provide visitors with panoramic views of the city from the top balcony.
- Türk ve Islam Eserleri Müzesi (Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts): Visitors desiring to understand and enjoy the beauty of traditional arts can view amazing styles of Turkish and other carpets, ceramics, calligraphy and wood carving exhibits.
There are many more places of interest that will fascinate travellers and leave indelible memories in the minds of travellers.
Airport in Istanbul
Istanbul Airport is the main international airport serving Istanbul, Turkey. It is located in the Arnavutköy district.
- Airport address: Tayakadın Terminal Cad. No:1, 34283 Arnavutköy/İstanbul, Turkey
- IATA code: IST