Enchanting İstanbul

The former capital of three successive empires Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman- the city is a fascinating mixture of the past and present, old and new, modern and traditional. One of the great historic cities of the world, Istanbul is the chief city and seaport of Turkey as well as its commercial, industrial, cultural and financial center. The city was chosen as joint European Capital of Culture for 2010. The historic areas of Istanbul were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985. Manufactures include textiles, glass, shoes, motor vehicles, ships, and cement. Istanbul is Turkey’s largest and most populous city. Historically known as Byzantium and Constantinople, it is today one of Europe’s most populated cities with its population going over 12 million. The museums, churches, palaces, mosques and bazaars, and the sights of natural beauty seem inexhaustible. The city’s over-abundance of important historic buildings, exciting new art galleries and museums provides visitors with more than enough to see during the day, but it’s at night that the place swings into high-velocity, mega-stylish action. The city is located on both sides of the Bosphorus, a narrow strait between Black Sea and Marmara Sea, bridging Europe and Asia, making it the only metropolis in the world that is situated between 2 continents. Istanbul is divided into many districts. Some of these are Bosphorus, Golden Horn, Galata, Sultanahmet Old City, New City, European side, Asian side. Like Rome, Istanbul has been called "The City of Seven Hills" because the oldest part of the city is supposedly built on seven hills, each of which bears a historic mosque.

 

 

Some General Information

Country : Turkey

Official Language : Turkish

Religion : Islam

Currency : Turkish Lira ( TRY )

Time Zone : + 2 hours GMT

Temperature : Istanbul has a Mediterranean climate. In summer it becomes very hot and humid and winters are wet, cold and snowy. Istanbul is also quite a windy city. The best times to visit İstanbul are around spring and autumn, roughly from April to May and from September to October, when the climate is perfect. July and August are very hot.

Sightseeing : There is a lot to see in Istanbul. As mentioned already, because of its location, it is a great historic city with a fascinating mixture of the old and new. Some must visit sights are Topkapi Palace, Ayasofya, Princes’ Island, Yalova Thermal Hot Spring Resort, Blue Mosque, Turkish and Islamic Museum, and boat and bus tours.

 

Getting There

Atatürk International Airport ( IST )

The Atatürk International airport is the larger airport and located on the European side, about 20 kms west of the city centre. The airport is spacious and efficient. There are car-hire desks, exchange offices, a pharmacy, ATMs and a PTT at the international arrivals area at Atatürk International Airport. There is also a 24-hour Tourist Information Office (212-663 0793) that can supply maps, advice and brochures. A 24-hour supermarket is found in the walkway to the metro. The 24-hour left-luggage service charges YTL12 to YTL15 per suitcase per 24 hours, you’ll find the booth to your right as you exit customs.The prices of food and drink at Turkish airports tends to be very high so its better to carry some with you from outside.

Address : Istanbul Atatürk Airport International

Terminali 34149, Yesilköy, Istanbul, Turkey

Telephone : TAV Central +90 212 463 3000, Telephone +90 212 463 3000, Fax +90 212 465 5050

Web http://www.tavairports.com

The city’s second international airport, Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (216-585 5000; www.sabihagokcen.aero) at Kurtköy on the Asian side of the city, is popular with low-cost European airlines, but is nowhere near as convenient to get to and from.

 

Tourist Information

Turizm Danisma Burosu
Sultanahmet Meydani
Tel: (0212) 518 8754/1802.
www.istanbul.gov.tr
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700, Sat 0900-1300.

There is also a 24-hour Tourist Information Office (212-663 0793) at the airport, where you can get your supply of maps, advice and brochures.

 

Travel Tips

1. Never drink the tap water. Even the locals never do. If you travel in July and August, the heat can get to you. So have a lots of liquids to avoid dehydration. Carry a hat and sun block too.

2. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for Taxi services, restaurants and other services. 10 to 15% is enough and acceptable.

3. When visiting a mosque, remove shoes, women should dress modestly and cover their head. Turkish hospitality is legendary so don´t be surprised if you are offered lifts by both men and women as they pass you by, particularly if you are in a remote area. If you are a single woman traveling alone, however, it is advisable not to get in a car with a strange man, no matter how friendly. Even if his intentions are honorable, he may think you are interested in him because you have accepted his offer. Be polite in your refusal, but if you must, be insistent.