Is Istanbul worth visiting? Few cities answer that question as decisively as this one: Istanbul is Turkey's largest city and its historic and cultural anchor, the only major metropolis in the world that physically straddles two continents, with the Bosphorus strait dividing its European and Asian sides while ferries, bridges and a metro tunnel stitch the two together. Istanbul's old city holds an extraordinary concentration of genuine landmarks within walking distance of each other: Hagia Sophia, the sixth-century domed structure that has served as both a Byzantine cathedral and an Ottoman mosque and remains one of the most significant buildings in architectural history; the Blue Mosque directly across the square, known for its cascading domes and interior blue Iznik tilework; and Topkapi Palace, the sprawling former residence of Ottoman sultans overlooking the water. The Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, adds a genuinely historic shopping experience with thousands of stalls under vaulted stone corridors, while a Bosphorus ferry ride offers one of the most straightforward ways to see the city's skyline, palaces and waterfront neighborhoods from the water. Istanbul Airport, the city's main international gateway on the European side, handles the overwhelming majority of long-haul arrivals, with Sabiha Gokcen serving as a secondary airport on the Asian side used mainly by budget and regional carriers. Getting around the city relies on an extensive network of metro lines, trams, ferries and taxis, and the historic peninsula itself is highly walkable once travelers arrive by tram or metro from the airport. Seasonally, spring and autumn bring the most comfortable temperatures for walking the old city and riding the Bosphorus, while summer turns hot and crowded with tourists and winter is cool and occasionally rainy, though the major indoor historic sites remain fully open and busy year round regardless of season.
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Tours & experiences
Top tours & experiences in Istanbul
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