Information About Istanbul, Places to Visit, What to Eat
Getting general information about Istanbul, learning about the places to visit, and getting to know the city’s traditional cuisine can be helpful for those purchasing a plane ticket to Istanbul. Due to its geographical location and cultural significance, Istanbul is a city that attracts visitors from all over the world. Although it is not the capital of Turkey, Istanbul is one of the largest and most important cities in the country. It is also one of the oldest cities in the world. Having hosted many civilizations, Istanbul served as the capital of the Roman Empire between 330 and 395, the Byzantine Empire between 395 and 1204, the Latin Empire between 1204 and 1261, again the Byzantine Empire between 1261 and 1453, and finally the Ottoman Empire between 1453 and 1922. Moreover, from 1517 to 1924, it was considered the center of the Islamic world.
There are many places to see and many activities to do in Istanbul. The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, originally a Byzantine church, later turned into a museum and now functioning as a mosque, is a historically significant building. The Blue Mosque, built in 1616, is another important mosque that also contains the tomb of its architect. The Topkapi Palace Museum, which once hosted many Ottoman sultans, is now open to the public as a museum. The Grand Bazaar, ideal for shopping, is one of the must-visit locations for traditional Turkish goods such as jewelry, leather, and souvenirs. The Basilica Cistern, supported by 336 marble columns and covering an area of 9,800 square meters, is a remarkable underground Roman structure. The Galata Tower, dating back to the 14th century and once used as a dungeon, now has a restaurant at the top with a beautiful view of the Bosphorus. The Bosphorus Strait, which separates Asia and Europe, is another must-see destination for those taking boat tours. The Dolmabahçe Palace, now a museum, is an imperial palace that showcases artworks, carpets, and calligraphy. The Süleymaniye Mosque, built in the 16th century, also draws attention with its terrace view. The Egyptian Bazaar, dating back to the 17th century, offers various food products, clothing, and spices. There are also many museums in Istanbul, especially appealing to history lovers. Culturally and economically, Istanbul holds great importance globally.
The food culture in this city, which has hosted many civilizations, is significant. Traditional foods that can be tried in Istanbul include Sultanahmet meatballs, fish sandwiches, stuffed mussels, kumpir (baked potatoes), Sarıyer börek (savory pastry), Istanbul pilaf, Kanlıca yogurt, Karaköy pastries, and Beyoğlu chocolate.
Istanbul is a must-see city for those interested in history, culture, art, and archaeology. It is one of the world’s important cities both economically and geographically. Here, one can taste traditional Turkish cuisine, explore the culture of the Ottoman Empire and the Republic of Turkey, and wander the streets to understand modern-day Istanbul.
How to Get to the Airport?
There are three airports in Istanbul: Istanbul Airport, Sabiha Gökçen Airport, and Atatürk Airport. These airports are accessible via public transportation in Istanbul. Municipal buses and the metro can be used to reach these airports. For detailed information, visitors can refer to the municipality’s official website.
Transportation in Istanbul
For those who have purchased a plane ticket to Istanbul, it’s important to know how to get around the city. Istanbul Airport, Sabiha Gökçen Airport, and Atatürk Airport all have access to different parts of the city via various transportation methods. Istanbul is a large city, and getting around is relatively easy thanks to its wide range of public transport options. There are seven types of transportation in the city: buses, metro, tram, metrobus, ferry, minibus, and trains. Depending on the distance, visitors may choose one or several of these options. For short distances, walking may suffice, but for longer distances, using public transport is recommended.
Airlines Flying to Istanbul
It is possible to reach Istanbul via domestic and international flights. Some of the airlines operating flights to Istanbul include:
• Turkish Airlines
• LOT Polish Airlines
• China Eastern Airlines
• Iran Air Tours
• Lufthansa
• Qatar Airways
• Air Serbia
• Air Astana
• Transavia France
• Pegasus
Frequently Asked Questions
What language is spoken in Istanbul?
The official language spoken in Istanbul is Turkish. Turkish is an agglutinative language from the Turkic language family, specifically the Oghuz branch, and is the continuation of Ottoman Turkish.
What currency is used in Istanbul?
The currency used in Istanbul is the Turkish Lira (TRY).
What is Istanbul known for?
Istanbul is famous for its historical landmarks, unique atmosphere, stunning views, museums, and traditional cuisine.
What is the climate like in Istanbul?
Istanbul, located between the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions, has a transitional climate. It is one of the most rainfall-prone cities in the Marmara Region. The lowest temperature recorded is -11°C, and the highest is 40°C.
When is the best time to visit Istanbul?
Since winters can be quite cold and summers very hot, the best times to visit Istanbul are during the spring and autumn.
What activities can be done in Istanbul?
As a city rich in history, visiting historical sites like palaces, cisterns, and bazaars is highly recommended. Istanbul also holds religious significance for both Christianity and Islam, so visiting mosques and churches is also an option.
How many days are enough for an Istanbul trip?
Given the number of important tourist attractions, it is recommended to spend at least a week in Istanbul.
What religions are practiced in Istanbul?
Although Turkey is a secular state, the majority of Istanbul’s population is Muslim. However, there are also people of Christian and other faiths living in the city.
How much does it cost per day in Istanbul?
Daily expenses in Istanbul vary depending on the activities and the visitor’s budget.
What is the population of Istanbul?
As of the population count conducted on December 31, 2020, Istanbul had a population of approximately 15.46 million people.
