Istanbul is a city whose history is intertwined with modernity. What travelers need to know
CrimeaPRESS reports:
Istanbul is an amazing historical city located on the border of Europe and Asia, which gives it a unique and diverse cultural influences — https://www.sputnik8.com/ru/istanbul. Here are a few key aspects that make it a tourist destination:
- historical sights: Istanbul is rich in architectural masterpieces from its great history as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Top attractions include the Blue Mosque, Istanbul’s Topkapi, Hagia Sophia, Dolmabahce Palace and more.
- cultural diversity: Thanks to its position at the crossroads of two continents, Istanbul mixes cultural influences, architectural styles, cuisine and traditions. Here you can taste a variety of Turkish cuisine and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of rich cultural festivals and events.
- bazaars and markets: Istanbul is famous for its traditional bazaars, such as the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaars, where you can find everything from antiques and souvenirs to spices and handicrafts.
- beautiful sea view: The city is located on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait, which gives it picturesque scenery and many opportunities for promenade walks, Bosphorus cruises and relaxing on the beaches.
- active nightlife: many nightclubs, bars, restaurants and cafes open until the morning — also a distinctive feature of one of the largest cities in Turkey.
Overall, experts say that Istanbul offers a truly unique combination of history, culture, gastronomy and entertainment, making it an attractive destination for tourists from all over the world.
photo: pikist.com
Istanbul is also a city where many cats live next to people. They are part of Turkish culture and tradition and are respected and cared for. Here they believe that cats bring good luck and happiness, so the locals treat their tailed fellow citizens with great affection.
Moreover, in Istanbul there are even special cat cafes where you can drink a cup of coffee and spend time in a relaxing atmosphere in the company of a cat.
And yes: Istanbul cuisine is also… literally… a separate form of art. It is an amazing combination of Eastern and Western culinary traditions that reflects the city’s rich cultural heritage.
The characteristic dishes and features of traditional Istanbul cuisine are as follows:
- kebabs: Made from lamb, beef or chicken meat, it is one of the most popular dishes in Istanbul. They can be served in different variations such as kebab, kebab, doner and many more.
- meze: This is an assortment of appetizers, often served before the main course. They may include a variety of salads, vegetable dishes, meat and fish snacks, as well as a variety of sauces and dips.
- baklava: A traditional oriental sweet dish consisting of thin layers of dough soaked in syrup and stuffed with nuts or other fillings. Baklava is often served as a dessert or as a tea treat.
- fish dishes: Thanks to its seaside location, various fish dishes such as grilled fish, fried fish and fish soup are popular in Istanbul.
- tea: In Istanbul, tea is not just a drink, but a part of the culture. It is served everywhere, “naked” or with desserts or appetizers.
photo: pikist.com
The most popular excursions in Istanbul
Some of the most popular excursions in Istanbul:
- Visit to Istanbul Old City: This is one of the most popular excursions and includes visits to historical sites such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar and Galata Bridge.
- Bosphorus Cruise: A Bosphorus boat tour allows you to enjoy breathtaking views of the city, see its historical sites from the water, and appreciate its unique geographical position between two continents.
- visit to Topkapi Palace: the palace was one of the main residences of the Ottoman sultans. There are magnificent palace halls, gardens and collections of art and artifacts.
- walk through the Sultanahmet district: this part of the city is full of historical sites, cafes and shops. A walk through this area gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Istanbul, its narrow streets and picturesque views.
- trip to Chorlu Park: beautiful scenery, opportunities for walking and outdoor recreation, as well as views of the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara.
But, of course, this is only a small list of iconic places in Istanbul.
Istanbul: travel alone or with a guide
The decision to travel to Istanbul alone or with the help of a local guide depends on the tourist’s preferences, level of confidence in navigation and desire to learn more about the local culture and history. Here are some arguments in favor of each option:
Traveling alone
- freedom and flexibility: you decide where and when to go, how much time to spend at each place and what exactly interests you.
- Independent exploration: Exploring a city on your own can be an exciting adventure that allows you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city without intermediaries and communicate with local residents on equal terms. Almost…
Guided travel
- Expert knowledge: a local “professional!” guide has complete information about the city, its history, culture, architecture and local features, which will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of the place.
- time saving: the guide will help you optimize your time by choosing the most interesting places to visit and providing information without having to do your own research.
- Local tips and tricks: A guide can suggest the best places to eat, shop, and help avoid tourist traps.
photo: pikist.com
Türkiye: what season is best to go on vacation?
Spring (April — May):
- Spring is generally considered one of the best times to visit Turkey, especially for tourists who want to enjoy the beauty of nature and flowers.
- The weather is usually pleasant, not too hot and not too cold, making it an ideal time for active walking and sightseeing.
- tourist spots are not yet overcrowded, and hotel and airfare prices may be more affordable.
Summer (June — August):
- Summer in Turkey is usually hot, especially on the coast and in the southern regions. This time is suitable for lovers of beach holidays and water activities.
- during the summer months many resort towns such as Antalya, Bodrum and Fet hie, are enlivened by tourists, numerous festivals and events are held.
- This is also high season, so hotels and beaches can be crowded and prices higher.
Autumn (September — November):
- Autumn in Turkey is usually warm and sunny, making it a great time to visit.
- tourist spots become less crowded after the end of the summer season, but the weather remains favorable for beach holidays and active tourism.
- Festivals and cultural events are often held at this time of year.
Winter (December — February):
- In winter, Turkey can experience a variety of climatic conditions: from mild and warm on the coast to cool and snowy in the mountains.
- In winter there are fewer tourists, so you can enjoy a more relaxing holiday and lower prices for accommodation.
- it is also the time for winter sports such as alpine skiing and snowboarding, especially in the Turkish mountains such as Uludag and Kartal.
Experts emphasize that each season has its own unique advantages, so the best season to travel to Turkey depends on the personal preferences and plans of travelers.
Crimea news | CrimeaPRESS: latest news and main events
Comments are closed.