If you are planning to go on a trip, then maybe you may want to think about visiting Istanbul, Turkey. Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and also in the Middle East and it is the second-largest city in the world by population within city limits. Also, Istanbul is the only city in the world that is placed on two continents - Europe and Asia. In 2010, Istanbul was named the European Capital of Culture, name which brought the city millions of foreign visitors and made it the fifth most popular tourist destination in the world. So if you decide to visit Turkey, make it possible to go to Istanbul, as you will see wonderful places with high historical and cultural influences. For this, you can always choose a good and reliable travel agency to buy Istanbul package toursfrom it. These packages may include Hotel Accommodation, City Tours and Airport Transportation. Prices vary depending on the number of days offered in each package, but they usually are found between 310 ‚¬ (for 3 days/2 nights) and 660 ‚¬ (for 6 days/5 nights). You can opt for an Istanbul guide or you can visit the city on your own, if you prefer doing so.
Istanbul has numerous places that can interest tourists, but it has four main sections of city that are of touristic interest. These are as follows:
€ The Old Town - which represents the region around Sultanahmet
€ Beyoglu - the Pera District
€ Bosphorus
€ Prince's Islands - which is recommended for visit in the June - September period
Any of these four sections has its own attractions for tourists, some of them of historical importance, while others of cultural interest. Some of the most important and popular places to visit in Istanbul, Turkey, are as follows:
Topkapi Palace, which is the center of the Ottoman Empire and also its symbol. This palace was the place of Ottoman Sultans.
Saint Sophie, which was built by Constantin the Great to show the strength and wealth of the Roman Emperors. It is also known as the Church of the Divine Wisdom and it once was the greatest Christian Church in the whole world.
Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, holds in its interior the tomb of Sultan Ahmet. The Sultan, his wife and their three sons were all buried in this Mosque.
Hippodrome, which nowadays is like an open-air museum, is the arena that holds scenes of chariot races and cultural focus of the Byzantine Empire.
Basilica Cistern, one of the underground cisterns that constituted the foundations of this city, gives you a unique experience when visiting it.
Archeological Museum, which contains a rich collection of ancient art, from sarcophagi to pieces of Temples.
Suleymaniye Mosque, which is considered the most beautiful mosque of all the Imperial mosques that exist in Istanbul.
Dolmabahce Palace, which was built as second residence of the Sultan Abdulmecid, has wonderful garden, which are amazing at seen every spring and summer.
Grand Bazaar, which is one of the most famous places to visit in Istanbul. It is always filled with crowds, not only constitute of people who go there to buy, but also with people who go there to take a look at the wonderful exposed products, such as carpets, jewelry, home decoration items, leathers and handcrafts.
Galata Tower, which is located in Beyoglu district, is one of the best vista points in Istanbul.
Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, which was initially the Palace of Ibrahim Pasa, now contains a large collection of Islamic artwork.
Beylerbeyi Palace is a good example of Ottoman architecture.
Chora Church, also known as St. Saviour, is famous for its mosaics. It has frescoes with death and resurrection theme.
Rustem Pasha Mosque is popular for its handmade Iznik tiles, which the mosque is decorated with in the inside as well as on the outside.
Spice Market, which is a small bazaar which sells hundreds or even thousands different spices and food types.
Rumeli Fortress is located in the Bosphorus area and was built by Ottomans before conquest of Istanbul.
You can visit all of these places and many other more whether you choose to make your entire trip in Istanbul or you just want to visit it for a few hours. In the last case, you may opt for daily Istanbul tours, which can also be in more packages, such as full day tours, half day tours - which can be morning tours or afternoon tours - and night tours. These packages have usually prices around 25 ‚¬ and up to 70 ‚¬, depending on the length and destination of the tour.
Be sure you consult a guide before visiting Istanbul, in order to make an idea of the existing places to visit and being able to choose which of them you want to visit, depending on what you most like and what would make your trip a fantastic experience. Beyond places of historical and cultural importance, there are also other places of tourist interest, such as restaurants, clubs, bars and discos. So nightlife in Istanbul can also help you make your trip a wonderful and unforgettable one, as you might be able to see original belly dancers or listen to Turkish folkloric music.
Another place of high importance for locals and for tourists as well is the Taksim Square. It is a huge open plaza, which has an imposing monument dedicated to Ataturk and the War of Independence. It is also the hub of the modern Istanbul. You can find several five-star hotels around Taksim Square. On North of the Taksim Square is placed the Istanbul Military Museum. This square is also of high importance in what regards nightlife in Istanbul.
An attractive location on the Bosphorus is Ortakoy, which was a resort of Ottoman rulers in the past. Then there was a small fishing village, but nowadays it has evolved into a suburb filled with many expensive restaurants, bars, shops and markets. It has a huge waterfront tea-house, which is packed with customers especially during weekends and holidays. Ortakoy is placed within a triangle formed by a mosque, a church and a synagogue. It is also near Ciragan Palace, Kabatas High School, Feriye and Princess Hotel.
The Golden Horn is also a popular location in Istanbul. It is a horn-shaped estuary that divides European Istanbul and it has beautiful parks and promenades. The sight from the Golden Horn is wonderful especially at sunset, when you can see a magnificent image of the sun that goes down the water.
One of the main sections that represent highest touristic interest in Istanbul is Prince's Islands, also called Istanbul Islands. They are placed in the Marmara Sea, one hour from the city. During the Byzantine period, there were established monasteries which still remain of important significance for the islands. Then, the Islands were a retreat for Palace officials and nowadays they are still considered a retreat, an escape from city life. The largest and most popular island of Prince's Islands is Buyukanda, also called the Great Island. It consists of two hills surmounted by monasteries, with a valley between them. This island is filled with many hotels, restaurants, tea houses and shops. Motor vehicles are prohibited on the island, so you can only use horses and carriage or bicycles. Another island composing the Prince's Islands is Heybeliada, the Island of the Saddlebag, which is renowned for its natural beauty and beaches. And then there is a smaller island, Burgazada, which is not so popular amongst tourists.
When you visit Istanbul, in exchange of a fee you can benefit of a guide in Istanbul, who will show you the touristic most important places to visit and will also tell you the history of the visited places. This way, your experience in Istanbul can be improved by learning a bit of history that made those places be popular and remain in the local's hearts. Istanbul sightseeingcan take you a lot of time, depending on what and how many places you would like to visit from the large variety of interesting sites the city has to offer to its tourists. So think about this well before buying your Turkey package tours, as it is good to know where you want to spe