Where East Meets West
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.
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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)>>
RESTAURANTS & CAFÉS
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)>>
AIRPORT & TRANSPORTATION
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)>>

