Introduction:
Expanding into two continents, Istanbul is the capital city Turkey. A city of contrasts it was the hub of the so-called civilized world, for many centuries. Istanbul therefore, has a culture that symbolises the best of oriental as well as occidental. The conflicts between old versus new, tradition versus modern, and occidental versus oriental are clearly visible. Today, Istanbul is a vast metropolis, which has tried to maintain the balance between its two extremes, rather successfully.
When
to Visit Istanbul:
Weather and Best Season to Visit
Istanbul has a typical continental climate with long and hot, but pleasant summers. Winters are cool with mild snow and rainfall. The best season to visit the city is spring (April to June), and autumn (September to November).
Reaching Istanbul:
Air Travel Resources
Istanbul city has its own international airport, which is well connected by regular flights, with most important destinations in Europe, Middle East, and North America with. Besides, vast networks of flights ply between Istanbul and various other cities of Turkey. Helicopter service is also available between the cities.
Land and Water
Rails, buses, and maritime lines are the most common way of transportation from Istanbul to other cities. Buses are cheap and faster and provide the best service. Trains are not as famous as buses in Turkey, but for long distances, the option of a sleeping car train should be considered. Many places in Western Europe are also connected to Istanbul by regular bus and train services.
Local Transport
Istanbul has an efficient and reliable local transport set up which caters well to the needs of the city. Options include: buses, taxis, mini buses, shared cabs (dolums), or the tram. You can also hire a self-driven car, provided you are carrying a valid driving licence.
Attraction
in Istanbul:
Major attractionsPalaces
Palaces are witness to the grandeur and power that Ottoman emperors used to enjoy and are a glimpse of the times gone by. Major palaces of Istanbul include: Topkapi Palace built in the 15th century, Dolmabahce Palace built in mid 19th century, Beylerbeyi Palace built in the 19th century, Goksu Palace that takes its name from the streams which empty into the Bosphorus near the tiny palace, Aynali Kavak, and Florya Ataturk Sea Pavilion (the summer residence of Turkish presidents).
Mosques
Istanbul is home to some of the most exquisite mosques in the world. Sultan Ahmet Mosque, Suleymaniye Mosque (most beautiful of all the mosques in Istanbul),Rüstem Pasa Mosque, Fatih Mosque, Yeni (New) Mosque, Sokollu Mehmet Pasa Mosque, and Mihrimah Sultan Mosque are some of the famous religious structures in Istanbul.
Museums
Museums showcase the great heritage that Istanbul has come to acquire over the centuries. Some of the best monuments of the city have been converted in the museums to save them from destruction. Basilica of St. Sophia is one of the finest structures in the world built by Constantine and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century AD. Now the structure is known as Ayasofia Museum and open every day for the tourists except on Monday.
Other important museums in Istanbul include: St. Irene Museum, Archaeological Museums inside the Topkapi Palace, Cinili Kosk, Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art, Ibrahim Pasha Palace, Yerebatan Sarnici, Mosaic Museu, and many more. |
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