Reasons to Visit Istanbul

Visit Istanbul

Visit Istanbul, it will impress you at a high level. The uniqueness and beauty of this city, will amaze anyone, especially the foreigners. The modernity embraces the traditions elegantly. It is the only place in the world that unites two continents. Here are the top reasons why you should visit this timeless city:

1. The history

The city itself is an important historical landmark. Previously known as Constantinople, it was the capital city of the Byzantine Empire. One of the biggest trade cities, its strategic placement made it last through centuries, empires and eras. The whole city is covered in landmarks with world-wide importance. If you walk to Istanbul’s historic center, you will step through centuries. Going to the Grand Bazaar, means going to the world’s first shopping center.

2. The culture

The people in this country care so much about their culture and traditions. Everything, even the little daily routines are somehow at a ritual level. From the art of serving tea, to the traditional Turkish bath, everything is made according to traditions.

3. The people

Turkish people are so friendly and kind. They are beautiful and welcoming. Practically, they are the natural best hosts you will ever meet. From shopping centers, restaurants and hotels, they always have a smile on their faces when welcoming their guests. Many would say that they are just great sellers, I would agree with it, but I think that is the best way of selling or promoting. Always being friendly and kind, will make the customer feel welcomed. But they don’t do it just for selling, that is their way of being.

A story to tell:

It was 5 AM in Istanbul, October 2020. In a high point of the pandemic, we decided to go back to one of our favorite cities. We were a little bit jet lagged and the restaurant buffet only opened at 7 AM. In that early morning, we got outside the hotel and hoped to find a non-stop shop or something opened to grab a coffee. The streets were empty and no man foot were to be seen. After a 10-minute walk, we found a man opening his grocery shop. He welcomed us immediately and we asked if he has coffee to sell. He didn’t have, but he wanted to make coffee for himself and he also made for us. The man didn’t have something to win from this situation, he just wanted to help us.

4. Amazing views

Istanbul is built on hills, on two continents that are separated with the Bosporus Strait. Almost everywhere you go in Istanbul, you will have amazing views over the sea, the strait or the city. Its unique architecture, amazing historic landmarks and the natural beauty, will gift the visitors some of the most spectacular views ever seen.

5. Europe and Asia

Istanbul is the only city in the entire world, that lays on two continents. It is the bridge from Europe to Asia, it is the city that connects the European and Asian worlds. Just by crossing a bridge or taking a quick ferry, you can set your feet on an entire new continent. Both parts of the city are huge, beautiful and entirely united.

6. Underwater metro

If you want to travel from one continent to another, besides their huge bridges and ferries, you can simply take the metro. Marmaray Tunnel is the underwater railway tunnel that connects Europe and Asia. It is a 13.5km long tunnel beneath the Bosporus Strait. The construction began in 2004 and it was opened to public in October 2013. It serves a huge number of commuters, as it is a perfect solution to cross fast from one continent to another.

7. Visit Istanbul for their amazing food

Turkish cuisine is one of the finest and most complex in the whole world. Their incredible taste is given by the freshness of the ingredients, the perfect combination of local spices and by their appetite for respecting the traditions and their roots. Being the biggest city and metropolitan area in Turkey, Istanbul gathers residents from all over the country and this is also reflected in their foods. We cannot take favorites in their large selection of dishes. You have to try them all and for sure, you will enjoy them all.

8. The desserts

One important part in any cuisine, throughout the world, is their dessert selection. Turkish people know how to be the champions of this specific category. Their desserts are sublime. Best you can think of. From baklavas, kunefe or even ice cream, everything you try will tastes heavenly and remain pregnant in your memory as the best ever. I think that this is the greatest thing in eating deserts in Istanbul. Everywhere you go, you can say: this is the best I’ve ever tasted.

9. Visit Istanbul for shopping

Istanbul plays one major role in shopping and fashion, throughout the world. To shop in Istanbul, is just another league. Their impressive number of shopping centers, markets and shops will defeat even the biggest shopping enthusiast. Only in Istanbul are more that 200 shopping malls. Just think about this number, then add up the shopping streets, some mega outlets and the Grand Bazaar. I’ve tried to cover the most important aspects about shopping in this mega city, in the articles below:

Istanbul Shopping Guide:

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5

10. For amazing photos

This mega city has a huge number of amazing places. Beautiful gardens, huge parks, great views and impressive landmarks are all perfectly maintained. Taking photos in Istanbul is one of the best things to do. In every photo you will have a great background and something gorgeous to display. Istanbul is very photogenic.

Visit Istanbul

For us, Istanbul feels like a second home. It has a special part of our hearts. For us, the most wonderful thing that it gifts us, is the fact that here we can never get bored. Each time we arrive in this city, we have something new to discover and many things to do. Istanbul is extremely … Travelicious.

19 Sep, 2022