A city straddling two continents
A colourful urban jungle that sprawls either side of the Bosphorus, at the meeting point between Europe and Asia, few cities on the planet brim with such an eclectic mix of cultures as Istanbul. The sheer size of the place, home to over 15 million people – a larger population than London, Paris and New York – creates the impression of several cities packed into one enormous cauldron.
A dizzying blend of Byzantine and Ottoman cultural influences oozes out of every nook and cranny throughout the city, from architectural gems such as Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to the humming, labyrinthine alleyways of the Grand Bazaar where the mingling scents of spices, coffee and dried fruits hang thick in the air.
Majestic landmarks aside, it’s food that offers the most enriching route into the city’s heritage. Deliciously succulent kebabs and kofta meatballs, stuffed pide flatbreads, flakey borek pastries and syrup-drenched baklava are just a handful of the ubiquitous culinary delights you’ll find in Istanbul’s restaurants and street stalls – best washed down with a traditional Turkish tea or a glass of ayran (a frothy, slightly salty yoghurt drink).
Sultanahmet (the historical centre) and Taksim (the focal point of modern Istanbul) may draw the bulk of the crowds, but the city’s many layers are best uncovered by exploring its diverse neighbourhoods. Balat (the former Jewish Quarter, home to a kaleidoscope of photogenic townhouses), Karaköy (the place to go for trendy bars and coffee shops) and Besiktas (an upscale area with a plethora of opulent palaces) are among the highlights on the European side; on the Asian side, Uskudar and Kadıköy offer an authentic, laid-back insight into local life.
Fancy escaping the city for a day trip? There’s certainly no shortage of things to see and do in the surrounding area, including the tranquil Princes’ Islands, the beach resort of Kilyos (also known as Kumköy), and Belgrad Forest – a hiker’s paradise on the northern outskirts.
A dizzying blend of Byzantine and Ottoman cultural influences oozes out of every nook and cranny throughout the city, from architectural gems such as Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to the humming, labyrinthine alleyways of the Grand Bazaar where the mingling scents of spices, coffee and dried fruits hang thick in the air.
Majestic landmarks aside, it’s food that offers the most enriching route into the city’s heritage. Deliciously succulent kebabs and kofta meatballs, stuffed pide flatbreads, flakey borek pastries and syrup-drenched baklava are just a handful of the ubiquitous culinary delights you’ll find in Istanbul’s restaurants and street stalls – best washed down with a traditional Turkish tea or a glass of ayran (a frothy, slightly salty yoghurt drink).
Sultanahmet (the historical centre) and Taksim (the focal point of modern Istanbul) may draw the bulk of the crowds, but the city’s many layers are best uncovered by exploring its diverse neighbourhoods. Balat (the former Jewish Quarter, home to a kaleidoscope of photogenic townhouses), Karaköy (the place to go for trendy bars and coffee shops) and Besiktas (an upscale area with a plethora of opulent palaces) are among the highlights on the European side; on the Asian side, Uskudar and Kadıköy offer an authentic, laid-back insight into local life.
Fancy escaping the city for a day trip? There’s certainly no shortage of things to see and do in the surrounding area, including the tranquil Princes’ Islands, the beach resort of Kilyos (also known as Kumköy), and Belgrad Forest – a hiker’s paradise on the northern outskirts.
Explore our map of Istanbul
