Istanbul: 9 Tourist Landmarks in Istanbul.

Istanbul; from being the capital of the Roman Empire to the capital of the Byzantine Empire, the capital of the Latin Empire, and the Ottoman Empire, to becoming Turkey’s largest city and its economic, cultural, and historical center.
It’s Istanbul, the junction between Asia and Europe and a tourist destination for millions around the world.
This article discusses information about Istanbul and describes the beauty of the city.

Location and Climate:

Where is Istanbul located?
Istanbul is situated in the northwest of the Marmara region, encompassing an Asian part and a European part, separated by the Bosphorus Strait.
What is the prevailing climate in Istanbul?
The city experiences a moderate climate with warm summers and often cold and rainy winters, while spring and autumn are usually mild.

9 Tourist Landmarks in Istanbul:

The rich history, cultural diversity, stunning nature, and architectural creativity, among other attributes, have made Istanbul a suitable city for tourism where visitors find all kinds of fun and entertainment.
This article will present the most famous tourist destinations you must visit when in Istanbul:

  1. The Bosphorus Strait: You can discover this strait through a boat cruise and enjoy the green forests and landmarks alongside the strait like Dolmabahçe Palace.
  2. The Princes’ Islands: A group of green islands off the coast of Kartal, known for their stunning nature and featuring many islands.
  3. The historical area between Laleli and Sultanahmet: This is a historical area rich with archaeological spots like mosques, markets, and schools, including the mausoleum of Sultan Abdul Hamid II and Sultanahmet Mosque.
  4. Hagia Sophia: One of the most famous archaeological landmarks in the city, containing paintings and decorations that date back to both the Ottoman and Byzantine eras. It was previously a church, then became a mosque, and then a museum that attracts tourists from all around the world.
  5. Topkapi Palace: Dating back to the 15th century, it was the residence of the Ottoman Sultans and now houses a museum with many archaeological artifacts.
  6. Dolmabahçe Palace: It was the center for many Ottoman Sultans and is an extremely luxurious palace surrounded by gardens and public facilities. It later turned into a museum rich with artifacts.
  7. Şile Beach: A clean, organized sandy beach considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the city.
  8. Emirgan Park: Hosting the Istanbul Tulip Festival in spring, it is a distinctive park with enchanting beauty, home to over 120 types of rare trees and plants.
  9. Vialand Theme Park: The most famous and largest amusement park in Istanbul, where you can spend hours of fun, entertainment, and play.

Turkish Cuisine:

The Turkish cuisine is characterized by its diversity and richness with Eastern and Western flavors.
During your visit to Istanbul, do not miss the pleasure of tasting traditional Turkish food like:

  1. Köfte: One of the famous dishes in Turkey, India, and the Middle East in general, consisting of delicious meatballs that you can try in Istanbul restaurants.
  2. Kumpir: A unique dish of potatoes, butter, cheese, and other additions that make it delicious and nutritious at the same time.
  3. Balık ekmek: Sandwiches from the delicious Turkish bread with grilled or fried fish and some fresh vegetables.
  4. Baklava: A crispy, flaky pastry with nuts and sweet syrup, considered one of the most famous types of sweets.
  5. Simit: A type of pastry covered with sesame seeds that you can enjoy its delicious taste at any time, especially while strolling through the streets of Istanbul.

Shopping in Istanbul:

Istanbul offers you many options from local and international products to modern and traditional markets like:

  1. Laleli Istanbul Market: One of the historic local markets that is very popular among tourists and locals, it contains a lot of products and goods, notably women’s clothing.
  2. Grand Bazaar: A historic covered market dating back to the 14th century, notable for its archaeological gates and ornate ceiling.
  3. Sahaflar Bazaar: A historic covered market dedicated to selling used books.
  4. İstiklal Street: If you’re looking for luxurious international stores, you’ll find what you want in the market of İstiklal Street.
  5. Nişantaşı Street: Also known as the Brand Street, it’s an important commercial center for both the city’s residents and visitors, featuring the finest fashion stores, including the famous City’s Nişantaşı mall.

Hotels in Istanbul:

Istanbul offers many hotel options ranging from budget-friendly hotels that provide good services at reasonable prices to luxurious hotels like:

  1. Shangri-La Hotel
  2. Swissotel The Bosphorus
  3. Ritz-Carlton
  4. Çırağan Palace Kempinski
  5. St. Regis Istanbul
  6. Wyndham Grand
    Tourism in Istanbul is an enjoyable experience not to be missed.