Istanbul Travel Guide

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  Istanbul, the city that lies on two continents

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  Do's and don'ts

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  Getting in and around

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  Atatürk International Airport

Offering personalised services and displaying great architecture and stylish designs, the hotels in Istanbul are capable of charming you in every possible manner. Whether you opt for a posh accommodation or a chic boutique abode, these hotels promise a comfortable and memorable stay. From the ones oozing old-world charm to those featuring beautiful architecture, you’ll get it all in Istanbul. Luxury seekers can chose from hotels like the Witt Istanbul Hotel, Grand Hyatt Istanbul and Four Seasons Istanbul at Sultanahmet, all will pamper you silly. Including hotels from the uber-expensive to affordable ones, we’ve hand-picked the best hotels in Istanbul for you.

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  Drop your bags at the budget hotels in Istanbul

  ​The status of Istanbul as a rising tourist destination has led to a surge in the hospitality industry in the city. As a result, a bevy of budget hotels have come into existence that has encouraged the influx of tourists who prefer to spend minimal on stay.

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  Handpicked for you—the best luxury hotels in Istanbul

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  Midrange hotels in Istanbul—luxury meets affordability

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  Picking a hotel in Istanbul

If you’re holidaying in this beautiful city, be prepared to gain those extra calories as the restaurants in Istanbul will make you go crazy with their fine dining and wining options. From traditional and modern to English and Asian, the city of Istanbul is packed with myriad restaurants and cafes that will pamper your taste buds like never before. The eateries here exhibit elegance in terms of both menu and décor. The Turkish delicacies will tickle your tongue and make you crave for more. Restaurants like the Mikla, Lokanta Maya, Zencefil and Münferit are as famous for their classy interiors as they are for their lip-smacking Turkish delicacies. You can also hop to food joints where you can grab a quick bite—without burning a hole in your pocket. For more accurate answers, check out our guides featuring the very best and prominent restaurants in Istanbul.

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  Dishes that you have got to try in Istanbul

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  Life of pie

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  Coming out of the shell

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  Restaurants in Istanbul for fine dining

An impressive combination of East and West, the places to visit in Istanbul are as unique as the city’s appeal. Sprinkled with palaces, mosques and minarets throughout, Istanbul will leave you awestruck with its sheer beauty. Sites such as the Pera Mueseum, Hagia Sophia and Istanbul Museum of Modern Art are ideal for history buffs. Adore the wide variety of paintings and ceramic displays at the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, survey the tiles that adorn the interiors of the world famous Blue Mosque, or simply capture panoramic views of the city atop the Galata Tower—there’s lots to see and do here. For those who love exploring outdoors can take a tour of the Basilica Cistern (known as Sunken Palace to the Turkish), or take a ferry ride across the Bosphorus for some spectacular vistas. Steeped in history, lost in time and juxtaposing eastern and western culture, a visit to the city of Istanbul will leave you mesmerized.

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  Istanbul's must visit sights

  Istanbul is a kind city of magnificence, and is the only metropolis in the world that is located on two continents. It is indeed a pleasure to be here and explore Istanbul’s must visit sights. Here you can literally have breakfast in Asia, walk across the bridge and enjoy a nice lunch in Europe. As Napoleon Bonaparte famously said, "If the Earth were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital.

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  Top free attractions in Istanbul

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  The best museums and galleries in Istanbul

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  Top attractions in Istanbul

You can never run out of interesting things to do in Istanbul. Being a melting pot of cultures, art and architecture, the destination is visited by a large number of travellers from all across the globe. Istanbul is known for its eminent museums, historical architectures and several other sites that are internationally acclaimed. A major bridge between Asia and Europe, this ancient city gives hundreds of sightseeing options to tourists. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a culture, there are lots of interesting things to do in Istanbul. You can explore the Great Palace Mosaic Museum, the Rahmi M. Koç Museum, the Miniaturk or the Sakip Sabanci Museum to get an insight into the history of the city. A day trip to the Princes’ Islands and Bosphorus boat tour are some of the other must things to do when in Istanbul.

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  Treasures that you should look out for in Istanbul’s alleys

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  Top things to do when you are in Istanbul

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  Getting your culture on in Istanbul

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  What to-do and not-to-do in Istanbul

Shopping in Istanbul is not only about buying new stuff but it is also a great way to experience and explore this city from the core. Packed with a range of appealing shops and markets, this ancient city is a total bliss for shopaholics. From classy boutiques to colourful local shopping streets to quirky shops—you can shop for almost anything and everything in Istanbul. For the fashion conscious, there are designer shops such as Arzu Kaprol and Bahar Korçan. The Egyptian Bazaar, Grand Bazaar, Akaretler and Abdi Ipekçi Caddesi are some of the most vibrant street markets of Istanbul. Here, we have compiled a few guides that can help you figure out what to buy when in Istanbul.

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  Exploring Istanbul’s vibrant shopping scene

  Shopping in Istanbul goes beyond just exploring the niche stores and fashionable boutiques. The city is also home to lively markets, eclectic stores and vibrant shopping precincts where you’ll find everything you can think of. Whether it’s the lively street markets such as Egyptian Bazaar, Grand Bazaar and Istiklal Caddesi, or the modern-day version of Grand Bazaar, Kanyon, or a collection of quirky stores like Armaggan, Haci Bekir and Jennifer's Hamam; the city has it all. Follow this guide to know where to go and what to buy while you’re exploring this charming city on foot.

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  Istanbul for the fashion conscious

Nightlife in Istanbul is no less happening than any other Asian or European city. Regardless of your budget or preference, the city has something for everyone. From elite nightclubs dotted around the city and more inexpensive venues to classy dance and music spaces—the city has an eclectic mix of venues that guarantees a good time. The Anjelique, Babylon, Roxy and Suada Club are a few of the eminent nightclubs in Istanbul that remain crowded with locals and travellers all the time. Those looking for some late night fun with friends can visit the water holes such as Indigo, 11:11 and Reina. Follow our guides here for a smooth bar-hopping experience and enjoy the best of nightlife in the city.

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  5 off-the-beaten-track evening experiences in Istanbul

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  5 places to party the night away in Istanbul

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  The best nightclubs in Istanbul

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  The best bars in Istanbul

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  36 hours in Istanbul

  The lines to enter major sites on the European side of Istanbul, Turkey’s cultural capital, can stretch for hours. But just across the Bosporus lies the less-harried Asian side, a greener, cleaner and often more conservative swath of the city that offers its own multicultural mix of Ottoman palaces, artsy hotels, tasty cuisine and hipster night life.