Welcome to Istanbul, the city of the past, the present and the future. Istanbul not only joins continents, it also joins cultures and people.
Istanbul is one of the most visited and important places in the world, a central hub connecting Asia and Europe, blending the past and the future, bringing together cultures and people from all over the world. Located in the Marmara region of Turkey, Istanbul is the world’s most gorgeous and mysterious city, the coolest European city, the biggest Turkish city.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN ISTANBUL
Enjoy city shopping and tourist attractions, experience the colorful daily life and dynamic nightlife, or visit museums, historical and religious sites in Istanbul. Catch a glimpse of Istanbul's ancient city walls, enchanted churches, Ottoman palaces and spiritual mosques, savor the delightful flavours of the city's rich cuisine. Fascinating stories in amazing locations.
GASTRONOMY IN ISTANBUL
Food and drink has important place in Istanbul culture, from gourmet restaurants and Bosphorus side cafes to charming coastal fish restaurants, traditional kebab houses, Ottoman and world cuisine, Istanbul is just like a food lover's paradise for all tastes and budgets. In Istanbul, you can find the most delicious meals and drinks prepared with secret recipes. Discover the different flavours of Istanbul.
ISTANBUL FOR GOURMET TRAVELERS
Especially with its famous recipes inherited from the Ottoman Empire, Turkish Cuisine has an outstanding place among all other. Even though these dishes are associated with different parts of the country, the restaurants in Istanbul cope with all of them fairly well.
SHOPPING GUIDE FOR ISTANBUL
Turkey's largest city of Istanbul has much to offer the serious shopper, from the Grand Bazaar to the authentic spice markets and shopping centers to neighbourhoods full of intriguing boutiques. Sophisticated, contemporary boutiques are springing up among the traditional bazaars and back streets of Istanbul. Come and discover Istanbul like never before with superb shopping experiences.
ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE
Istanbul is Turkey's ultimate dining, music, nightlife and entertainment capital with its bars, restaurants, clubs and concert halls. The city of Istanbul never sleeps, sophisticated and artistic. Come and enjoy the best of entertainment in where east meets west. From ultra modern atmospheric clubs to passionate traditional taverns, unlimited nightlife awaits you in Istanbul. Cheers to the best party times. You can raise your glass against the amazing view of the Bosphorus in Istanbul.
ISTANBUL'S HISTORIC AREAS
The historical city of Istanbul, the only city in the world located on two continents, was the capital of three great empires; Roman, Byzantine and the Ottoman Empire.
LOVE OF CONTINENTS
Istanbul is the only city situated on two continents in the world. The Historic Areas of Istanbul are represented by four main areas: Sultanahmet Archaeological Park, Suleymaniye Conservation Area, Zeyrek Conservation Area and Land Walls Conservation Area. These areas differ from each other in terms of the periods and characteristics of the cultural property that they house, and they display the urban history of Istanbul.
SULTANAHMET ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK
Istanbul is a holy city, where mosques, churches and synagogues exist side by side, and even declare their unity Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the unique mosaics of Hagia Sophia.
Topkapi Palace, the administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire. Suleymaniye Mosque, the masterpiece of imperial architect Mimar Sinan, rising above the Golden Horn.
Basilica Cistern, the City Walls, the timber houses, and the music dancing at the domes of Hagia Eirene announce Istanbul as the capital of history and culture.
ZEYREK AND SULEYMANIYE CONSERVATION AREAS
An important part of the historical areas of Istanbul is the hundreds of mansions, timber houses, and public buildings in Zeyrek and Suleymaniye Conservation Areas that have managed to survive until today. Built between 1550 and 1557, Suleymaniye Mosque and its Complex is one of the masterpieces of the royal architect Mimar Sinan.
LAND WALLS
Land Walls, located on the West boundary of the Historical Peninsula and lying from the Golden Horn to Sea of Marmara in the north south direction, are one of the biggest projects of the Ancient Period. Its construction started at the beginning of the 5th century during the reign of Theodosius II. Land Walls are of high quality with their size, design, construction techniques and materials.