Istanbul is a very complex city with a rich culture and history dating back for centuries.
It can be overwhelming at first, especially if you do not know exactly what to do or where to go.
With the right direction, a trip to Istanbul can be one of the most exciting and exhilarating vacations you take.
There are at least three places that should be visited while in Istanbul.
The first place is the Grand Bazaar.
The Bazaar is the oldest covered market in the world, and perusing through its many stalls could take up a whole day in itself.
It is best to set aside at least a few hours if you planning on visiting the Grand Bazaar, because it is easy to get lost and carried away when bargaining with shopkeepers and striking up new friendships.
One of the other main attractions that you should not miss on a trip to Istanbul is the Hagia Sofia (Ayasofya) mosque.
This mosque was constructed in 550 AD as a church and then converted into a mosque by the Ottomans who conquered Istanbul hundreds of years later.
The amount of time it takes to visit the Hagia Sofia depends on how many other tourists are looking to do the same thing that day, so lines to get into the mosque can vary.
So to be on the safe side, it is best to reserve anywhere from 1 to 3 hours to complete a tour of the mosque.
The last of the must-see places in the city is the other side of the Bosphorus strait.
Istanbul is a bridge connecting two continents; Asia and Europe.
There are ferries constantly going from one side to the other, and they are used as a mode of transportation for many residents of Istanbul.
It is important for visitors to take a ferry trip because sailing on these ferries offers great views of Istanbul, such as Topkapi Palace.
The journey only takes about 15 minutes, but you can take the ferry a few times around in order to soak up all of the views Istanbul has to offer.
And you can do all of this and more in just 48 hours in Istanbul.
There are many unique restaurants, and every street and part of the city has its own alluring charm.
Istanbul provides just a taste of Turkish history and culture, so it is also important to visit other cities if you are looking for a more complete Turkish experience.
Other than Istanbul, there are numerous other cities in Turkey to visit, including many eastern Turkish cities to visit.
For example, Konya is located south of Ankara in the central part of the country.
It was the final home of the Sufi mystic Rumi, and it is known for its religious sites such as the Mevlana Museum.
Konya also, famously, has whirling dervish performances throughout the year.
Konya is only one of the many cities worth visiting while you are in Turkey.
Istanbul is a vibrant city with plenty to do, but do not forget that Turkey is a country with many other lively cities to offer as well.
From Istanbul south to Konya, and from Konya east to Lake Van, every city in Turkey has a different cuisine and different experience to offer.