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HOTELS. HOSTELS. DESIGN. STYLE. TRENDS.
TOP 10 SIGHTS. ART. ARCHITECTURE.
RESTAURANTS. BARS. CLUBS. SPAS. SHOPS.




ISTANBUL
Where East Meets West Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the coolest European and Asian cities. It is the only city in the world located in two continents, touching both Europe and Asia. Yet in parts it also has the look of a North African or Middle Eastern city, giving it the distinction of not being defined by any particular continent or region.

While standing at the crossroads of East and West, the city's breathtakingly beautiful landmarks also merge cultures and religions. The famous Hagia Sophia has been a church and a mosque, while remnants of the city's former incarnations as Byzantium and Constantinople are everywhere in this sprawling city.

While history may ooze from every street, Istanbul is a 21st century city mixing exciting contemporary attractions and designer shops with timeless monuments. It is also a modern metropolis with trendy cafes and clubs, which is a fascinating surprise to any visitor.

Spend a morning browsing the Grand Bazaar, and your afternoon in the Blue Mosque followed by a visit to the Istanbul Modern art museum. Then take the opportunity to dine in Asia and party back in Europe until dawn, with the Bosphorus providing picture-postcard views along the way.

Istanbul

Top 10

  1. HAGIA SOPHIA, once the greatest church in Christendom, then a mosque, still one of the world's greatest buildings.
  2. The BLUE MOSQUE, the world's most famous mosque.
  3. Browsing the GRAND BAZAAR.
  4. A stroll down ISTIKLAL STREET.
  5. The spectacular YEREBATAN SARAYI CISTERN.
  6. Turkish and international contemporary art in the Istanbul Modern.
  7. The postcard-perfect views of ORTAKOY CAMII and BOSPHORUS BRIDGE.
  8. The marvelous DOLMABAHÇE SARAYI palace.
  9. Climbing the GALATA TOWER.
  10. Crossing the BOSPHORUS between Asia and Europe.



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A CITY FOR: Culture, Nightlife

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The Best Istanbul Hotels

DESIGN HOTELS:
With rooms offering international design and views of the Bosphorus, A'jia Hotel is one of the most attractive places to stay in Istanbul. More tastefully decorated rooms are found at Lush Hotel, and you can get more details about these and other Design Hotels in Istanbul HERE>>

BOUTIQUE HOTELS:
The artsy, contemporary interior of The Sofa Hotel includes a bookstore with rare books and an art gallery. That should give you an idea of what the rooms are like, and if it's elegance you're looking for, also consider Sirkeci Konak Hotel. See these and more Boutique Hotels in Istanbul HERE>>

CHARM HOTELS:
Decorated with Ottoman-style textiles and wooden pieces, Hotel Sultanhan reminds you that you are in fact in Istanbul, as do many of the views from the Golden Horn Sultanahmet Hotel. Take a look at the Charm Hotels in Istanbul HERE>>

LUXURY HOTELS:
The Four Seasons Istanbul used to be a prison but now its rooms facing a courtyard are some of the city's most luxurious accommodation. Also special is Marmara Pera, which includes an art gallery and rooftop bar. Explore these and other Luxury Hotels in Istanbul HERE>>

CHEAP HOSTELS:
Bauhaus Hostel and Antique Hostel are both located close to Istanbul's main attractions and offer good modern facilities for the budget traveler. These are just two good choices but there are many more Cheap Hostels in Istanbul HERE>>

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MORE ISTANBUL:
Sights & Attractions
Hotels & Hostels
Bars & Clubs
Cafés & Restaurants
Shopping
Body & Soul
Gay & Lesbian
Map & Transportation
Car Rental
Tours & Daytrips
Concerts & Events

Hotels & Hostels
The city's best design, boutique, charm, and luxury hotels, as well as cheap hostels with easy online booking at special rates. All of the best, special, and hip places to stay are HERE (Istanbul Hotels & Hostels Guide)>>

Sights & Activities
Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and all of the city's must-see landmarks, modern art, striking architecture and ancient sites, street life, and tours -- it's all HERE (Istanbul Sightseeing Guide)>>

Cafés & Restaurants
Nowhere else in the world can you dine with more views. Overlook the Bosphorus at a number of restaurants in Europe or Asia without ever leaving the same city, and enjoy contemporary Turkish dishes or international fusion menus. There are many options but we have the ones worth finding HERE (Istanbul Cafes & Restaurants Guide)>>

Bars & Clubs
Istanbul really shows its European side when the sun sets. Its nightlife offers fantastic clubs (often attached to hip restaurants) where fashionable crowds gather for a night out dining, drinking, and dancing. Know where to find those places HERE (Istanbul Nightlife Guide)>>

Body & Soul
Obviously there are many hamams in Istanbul to choose from. However, you have to be highly selective, as many of them are too crowded and as a result, lacking the right cleanliness. A good hotel will also recommend a good hamam, but here are some guaranteed quality destinations for that or a spa treatment:
Çemberlitas Bath - This city institution dating from the 16th century is one the best places to experience the famous Turkish ritual. After you've perspired enough, the attendant will scrub, massage, and wash you for about 15 minutes, and you may then continue resting for 60 to 90 minutes, although there is no time limit.
Galatasaray Hamam - This historical 15th century hamam is also a modern facility where heated marble platforms await you. Lie on them for about 20 minutes before going for a rub and bubble bath, followed by a massage.
Spa at the Lares Park Hotel - Put aside some extra money for the massages and body scrubbing at this hotel's "health club" where you can also enjoy a Jacuzzi and sauna.
Barceló Saray Spa - Enjoy the traditional massage at this hotel's own hamam, where your body and mind will be stimulated and clean through the dry and moist heat.

Shopping
The Grand Bazaar is as much sightseeing as it is a shopping experience, and for Istanbul's best shops you'll have to head to the Nisantasi neighborhood. Its Abdi Ipekci Street is the city's most fabulous, while Istiklal Caddesi is the one favored by people of all budgets. Get to know these and other Istanbul shopping destinations HERE (Istanbul Shopping Guide)>>

Gay & Lesbian
Turkey is the most gay-friendly of all Muslim countries. It is actually a secular country, and Istanbul does host a Gay Pride march. All of Istanbul's gay and gay-friendly destinations are HERE (Istanbul Gay Guide)>>

Getting Around
How to go from the airport to the center of the city and back, how to get around using public transportation, and city map HERE (Istanbul Airport & Transportation Guide)>>