What is Istanbul best known for?
Istanbul is a famous city in Turkey that is well- known by people living in different corners of the world for its historical and cultural value. Home to various UNESCO heritage sites, the city is Turkey’s economic hub and one of the most populated cities in Europe. The city boasts of a remarkable past that has witnessed the rise and fall of many empires. It houses several old monuments and churches that attract tourists from all over the world and has more than 50 scenic hills.
What are the main tourist attractions in Istanbul?
- Hagia Sophia- The beautiful church that was initially turned into a mosque and later converted into a museum is a splendid site featuring a 65 m dome that was first constructed in 537 AD.
- Topkapi Palace Museum- If you are a history buff who loves wandering through ancient structures and old palaces, then Topkapi Palace, where generations of sultans resided for almost half a century, is a must-visit attraction for you.
- Bosphorus Cruise- If you enjoy sightseeing and would like to have an overview of the splendid city of Istanbul, then the Bosphorus cruise that takes you all the way to the Black Sea should definitely be a part of your bucket list.
- Grand Bazaar- With 60 streets that house at least 5000 shops, 12 mosques, and 18 fountains, Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is easily one of the largest covered markets in the world.
- Galata Tower- This tower is the best place to get a panoramic view of Istanbul. After enjoying the city’s skyline for as long as you wish, consider taking a walk around the tower and enjoying a hearty meal in the nearby restaurants or cafés.
Airport in Istanbul
Istanbul airport is located on the European side of the city. The new airport is a massive upgrade over the old Istanbul Ataturk airport and has four runways, five concourses, 143 passenger bridges, fibre optics sensors, and 9000 CCTV Cameras.
- Airport address: Istanbul Grand Airport, 15 Temmuz, Gülbahar Cd. No:2/A, 34212 İstanbul, Turkey
- IATA code: IST