Istanbul, a vibrant and mysterious city, is located on the poetic Bosphorus Strait, where the two continents of Asia and Europe meet. For thousands of years, Istanbul has been a symbol of grandeur, splendor, royalty and luxury. Throughout its two-millennium history, it has preserved the historical imprints of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, while also embracing a modern, youthful lifestyle.
One part of Istanbul lies in Europe and the other part lies in Asia. The European part of Istanbul is separated from the Asian part by the Bosphorus Strait, a 31km long waterway that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and forms a natural boundary between the two continents.
Two suspension bridges span the Bosphorus Strait – the Bosphorus Bridge and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, also known as the Bosphorus II Bridge – connecting the two sides, but many tourists prefer to visit the European side of Istanbul for its historical significance. The European side is also the commercial heart of the city, with banks, shops, corporations and two-thirds of the population. The Asian side feels more laid-back, with wide boulevards, residential areas and fewer hotels and tourist attractions.
It is no exaggeration to say that Istanbul is an open-air museum of amazing historical buildings, including magnificent royal and summer palaces, villas, pavilions, kiosks, fountains, mosques, churches, synagogues, fortresses,
One of the first stops in Istanbul is the Hagia Sophia, a former church, mosque, and now museum. The magnificent Byzantine architecture, gorgeous mosaics, and solemn atmosphere make this building especially appealing.
Next, Topkapi Palace is a must-see. This is where the former Ottoman sultans and emperors lived and ruled. You can explore the palace’s defenses, see precious gems, and admire beautiful classical paintings.
To add to your Istanbul itinerary, take time to visit the Topkapi Museum, home to precious Ottoman artifacts. The magnificent residence of Ottoman sultans for 400 years.
If you want a quintessential Istanbul shopping experience, visit the Grand Bazaar. It is one of the oldest traditional markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops selling everything from jewelry, carpets, leather goods, to ceramics and spices.
Don't forget to take the time to visit the Galata Bridge, an iconic bridge in Istanbul. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city, from the Atlantic coast to the Kyrgyz mountains.
Finally, indulge in Istanbul's culinary specialties. Street food such as kebabs, baklava, and çay (tea) are must-try items. Try traditional dishes with bold flavors and regional accents.
According to Istanbul Türkiye travel experience, you should come to this city in the spring from April to May, and in the fall from September to October every year. These are considered the two times when the weather and climate in Istanbul are the coolest, very suitable for travel activities.
It is difficult to capture the beauty of Istanbul in a few words. Perhaps there is no truer description than letting your eyes see this breathtaking city for themselves.
TH (according to VTC News)Source
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