Istanbul Travel Guide

Istanbul, as the heart of the Republic of Turkey, has always been in a crucial place throughout the entire history. During the history Istanbul has been the capital of great empires, such as the Byzantines Empire and the Ottoman Empire.

 

Istanbul has always been in the middle of commercial, political, touristic, and entertaining activities. As Napoleon Bonaparte said, “If the Earth were a single state, Constantinople would be its capital.” Either you are an explorer who is eager to experience the historical fabric of the cities or a person who is more likely interested in local life and look for an intercultural communication option, you can literally find everything you want to have in Istanbul.

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General Information

Country Turkey
Region Marmara
Area 5,461 km2
Language Turkish
Average Temperature 13.5 C
Climate Mild
Flora Maquis
GMT Difference +3
Phone Code 0 (212) – 0 (216)
Currency Turkish Lira
Plug Type C

You can go to Istanbul by train, bus, ferry, or plane. In Istanbul there are more than 5 coach stations and 3 international airports. While it is available to go to Istanbul domestically by buses, ferries, planes, and trains, you can go to Istanbul from abroad by bus, train, and plane. For civil flights, New Istanbul Airport on the European Side and Sabiha Gökçen Airport on the Anatolian Side are used. There are direct flights from these centers to many destinations in the world. For civil flights, New Istanbul Airport on the European Side and Sabiha Gökçen Airport on the Anatolian Side are used. There are direct flights from these centers to many destinations in the world.

Transportation from Istanbul Airports to City Center

In Istanbul there are 2 active international airports, which are Sabiha Gokcen International Airport and Istanbul International Airport.

From Sabiha Gokcen International Airport, you can go to central districts, such as Kadikoy, or public transport via shuttle services, cabs, or renting a car.

Istanbul Airport has been opened recently, in 2018. From there, you can go to central districts by cabs, shuttles, or renting a car. Havaist, IETT and Istanbul Travel offers services for passengers arriving to Istanbul Airport by public transport. Havaist provides luxury transportation services with luggage on 11 different lines and 34 intermediate stops. Providing city integration from Istanbul Airport 7 days 24 hours, Havaist provides services on the following lines.

Public Transport in Istanbul

In addition to minibuses and buses, sea vehicles, subway, metrobus, tram, finular are frequently used in the city. There are also aircraft and helicopter rentals in Istanbul. There is a highway connection from Istanbul to all parts of the country. The starting point of domestic transportation is the international bus station in Harem on the Anatolian side and Esenler on the European side.

It is possible to travel by rail systems along the major arteries of Istanbul with a total of 137 km of 5 metro, 4 trams and 2 finicular lines. Atatürk Airport, Bayrampaşa Bus Station, Taksim, historical peninsula are important regions that can be reached by rail systems.

Metrobus is a preferred bus system that runs along the E5 state road from Beylikdüzü on the European side to Söğütlüçeşme (Kadıköy) on the Anatolian side. The 24-hour metrobus is the most passenger-carrying line in Istanbul.

Although the rail network is widespread, it is not yet sufficient to reach many residential and business centers in Istanbul. It is not easy to walk the distance to the subway in this pedestrian-friendly city, built on hills, where cars are still a priority. Buses are probably the most common means of transportation that can take you to the nearest point where you want to go.

Istanbul is a seaside city. Therefore, there are also maritime solutions especially for trips between two continents. Apart from the main lines, there are Bosphorus, Golden Horn, Princes’ Islands and Bosphorus Tour lines. City line ferries usually work all day long and stop their flights after business hours.

Festivals in Istanbul

One of the most striking features of Istanbul is that it hosts many events at any time of the year. Regardless of the month, you can find a festival for you in this city. You can plan your trip by noting these dates.

  • Istanbul Film Festival 10-21 April
  • WTA Tennis: TEB BNP Paribas Istanbul Cup (annual, April)
  • Istanbul Tulip Festival (annual, last 3 weeks of April)
  • Istanbul International Music Festival (annual, June)
  • Chill-Out Festival Istanbul (annual, June)
  • Istanbul International Jazz Festival (annual, July)
  • Bosphorus Cross Continental Swim Race (annual, July)
  • Istanbul Coffee Festival (annual, September)
  • Akbank Jazz Festival (annual, October)
  • Istanbul International Puppet Festival (annual, October-November)

Places to Visit in Istanbul

Either you are eager to visit historical places, such as palaces, or chill in an overwhelming atmosphere and enjoy the beauty of this legendary city, Istanbul has something special to offer.

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Visiting the Historical Peninsula and the Galata Tower

The focus of all local and foreign tourists in Istanbul is the Golden Horn or the Historic Peninsula, which is one of the most important places to visit, hosts history on every inch of its name and is also one of the places you should give priority if you are planning a gourmet trip: Eminonu, Sirkeci, Beyazit, Laleli, Aksaray, Topkapi palace, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Kumkapi, Samatya.

If we imagine briefly, Topkapı Palace, Basilica Cistern, Sultanahmet, Hagia Sophia and Archeology Museum are among the must-see places in Istanbul. If you have limited time, you can at least visit Topkapi Palace here.

Getting lost on the streets of Kadikoy

Kadıköy is at the top of the list of places to visit. especially for the historical Kadıköy Bazaar (Fishermen’s Market) is a neighborhood worth seeing. In this historical market there are fishermen, delicatessens where you can find the best of all kinds of appetizers, spices that you may not even hear, and greengrocers that satisfy your eyes even with their counter. Süreyya Opera House is a must for Kadıköy. Even if you come for a touristic trip, you must watch the opera one evening.

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