Istanbul Turkey Tourist Places, Istanbul Tourist Attractions in Turkey, Istanbul Turkey Tourism, Tourist Destinations in Istanbul Turkey, Istanbul Turkey Tourist Spots, Where to Go in Istanbul Turkey, What to do in Istanbul Turkey, How to Travel in Istanbul Turkey, Tourism in Istanbul Turkey, Istanbul Turkey Travel, Istanbul Turkey Places to Visit, Istanbul Turkey Attractions

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Information for visitors to Turkey

The Aegean coast is, in many ways, Turkey's most enticing destination for visitors, home to some of the best of its classical antiquities and the most appealing resorts. The north shore is a quiet, rocky region, well endowed with Hellenistic remains but with few sandy beaches - and so is spared the tourist excesses of the south. Tiny Assos with its ancient ruins is one of the gems of the coast. Ayvalik , the north's longest-established resort, makes an excellent place to stop for a few days, with good beaches and easy access to Bergama a little inland, with its unmissable ruins. Further south, the city of Izmir is for most travellers an obstacle on the way to more compelling destinations, but it is not without charm and serves as a base for day-trips to adjacent sights and beaches. The territory to the south is home to the best concentration of classical, Hellenistic and Roman ruins, notably Ephesus, usually first on everyone's list of dutiful pilgrimages, and the remains inland at Aphrodisias and Hierapolis - although the latter is more often visited for the pools and rock formations of adjacent Pamukkale . The coast itself is better down here, too, and although the larger resorts, including Kusadasi and Marmaris, are beginning to be lost to the developers, Bodrum and Çesme still have a certain amount of charm.

Despite their proximity to Istanbul, the shores and hinterland of the Sea of Marmara are relatively neglected by foreign travellers. This is not altogether surprising: here Turkey is, at first glance anyway, at its least exotic. But this may well be your first view of the country and the area is not entirely without charm or interest. The border town of Edirne, at the end of the Roman and Byzantine Via Egnatia, later the medieval route to the Ottoman parts of Europe, was once the Ottoman capital and is home to some of the finest early Ottoman architecture. To the east the quaint country town of Iznik was briefly the Byzantine capital and boats extensive ruins, while nearby Bursa - on many routes towards the Aegean coast - was the first Ottoman capital and aside from many fine buildings has an exquisite city centre. Many visitors also stop off at the extensive World War I battlefields and cemeteries of the Gelibolu peninsula (Gallipoli), using either the north Marmara port of Gelibolu as a base, or, more commonly, Çanakkale - from where it's also easy to visit the ruins of ancient Troy a little further south.

When the first Turkish nomads arrived in Anatolia during the tenth and eleventh centuries, the landscape must have been strongly reminiscent of their Central Asian homeland. The terrain that so pleased the tent-dwelling herdsmen of a thousand years ago, however, has few attractions for modern visitors: monotonous, rolling vistas of stone-strewn grassland, dotted with rocky outcrops, hospitable only to sheep. In winter it can be numbingly cold, while in summer, temperatures can rise to unbearable levels.

It seems appropriate that the heart of original Turkish settlement should be home to the political and social centre of modern Turkey - Ankara, a modern European-style capital, symbol of Atatürk's dream of a secular Turkish republic. The south-central part of the country draws more visitors, not least for Cappadocia in the far east of the region, where water and wind have created a land of fantastic forms from the soft tufa rock, including forests of cones, table mountains and canyon-like valleys, all further hewn by civilizations that have found the area sympathetic to their needs. Further south still, Konya is best known as the birthplace of the mystical Sufi Muslim sect and is a good place to stop over between Cappadocia and the coast.

ISTANBULThe splendid city of Istanbul has many unique and fascinating features. It is the only city in the world reaching across two continents, with its old city in Europe and modern Istanbul situated in Asia, separated by the Bosphorus Strait. It is also unique in having had capital status during two successive empires, Christian Byzantine and Islamic Ottoman, and the legacy from both is visible in the modern city today.

Istanbul's location on the water made it a much coveted site as a commercial shipping port and military lookout, and as capital of the Roman Empire, Constantinople, as it was
known, became extremely desirable as a center of world trade, until Mehmet the Conqueror claimed it for the Ottoman Empire in 1453 and it became the imperial seat of the sultans. After the War of Independence the capital was moved to Ankara, but Istanbul still remains the commercial, historical and cultural heart of Turkey today.

The charm and character of Istanbul lies in its endless variety and jumble of contradictions. Its fascinating history has bequeathed the city a vivid inheritance of Byzantine ruins, splendid palaces, ancient mosques and churches, hamams (bath-houses) and exotic bazaars. Modern Istanbul exudes trendy bars and nightclubs, western boutiques, office blocks, and elegant suburbs. The call to prayer heralds the start of each day and the city comes to life with over 11 million residents forming a chaotic social and cultural mix of unscrupulous carpet merchants, wealthy shoppers, religiously veiled women and destitute beggars. Joining the noisy throng are over-awed tourists and those capitalising on the tourist trade.

The best and easiest way to explore the old city is on foot, but to get to other areas, there is a cheap public transport network consisting of buses, taxis or dolmuses (shared minibus taxis), tramways and a new metro system that has relieved some of the pressure of Istanbul's endless traffic. The rechargeable Akbil electronic transit pass, available from special kiosks, is a discounted way of using local buses, trams, metro and ferries. A useful underground metro line runs from Aksaray to the main city bus station at Esenler and the Ataturk Airport, and another runs north from Taksim Square, passing
the Levent districts. Buses are slow and crowded; tickets must be purchased at outdoor kiosks, as bus drivers do not sell them. Dolmuses and private yellow taxis are more comfortable than the city buses and very inexpensive, but it is advisable for foreigners to have their hotel call a private taxi for them and check that the meter is working, as overcharging is common. A taxi's night rate (gece) can be up to 50% more expensive than the day rate (gündüz). Dolmuses can be hailed anywhere along their set routes. Passenger ferries are a pleasant way to see the city, and there is also a train network running along the Mamara shore. Driving or hiring a car is not recommended due to traffic congestion and poor driving standards.

Things to Do in Istanbul

Sightseeing
Istanbul's most prominent attractions are of the architectural variety, a selection of formidable and historical structures that make sightseeing in Istanbul educational as well as visually rewarding. Sightseeing in Istanbul offers attractions such as the Hagia Sophia, a huge museum and former cathedral, that is adorned with stunning mosaics. Another iconic Istanbul attraction is the Blue Mosque, with its graceful minarets and tiered domes. The 1st century Sunken Palace is supported by hundreds of underground columns, an essential Istanbul landmark. While sightseeing in Istanbul,
Galata Tower offers visitors a 360° panoramic view of the old town. Nearby, the 5th century Land Walls stand testament to the city's resistance of its 1453 conquest by the Ottoman Empire. The Covered Bazaar, or Kapali Çarsi, is the oldest and biggest enclosed bazaar in the world, a must-see while in Istanbul.

Shopping
Shopping in Istanbul is a mixture of old, new, antique, exotic and unadulterated kitsch. Souvenirs, spices, leather goods, carpets, kilims and earthenware are all popular buys with tourists, but the experience is more about wandering through the winding streets and markets, taking everything in and hunting for bargains. The most notable market is the Grand Bazaar, which boasts over 4,000 shops and, just in case that's not enough, the entire market is surrounded by a maze of streets lined with even more shops! Just about everything and anything can be found at the Grand Bazaar and haggling is an essential skill. The Egyptian market and the flea market in Beyazit Square are also worth a visit. Outside the Grand Bazaar, to the east, Nuruosmaniye Caddesi is the place to buy jewelry, and fine art boutiques can be found nestled down the side streets. A shopping trip in Istanbul is not complete without buying a box of Turkish delight, which can be found all over the city and in souks and specialist shops. Most shops in Istanbul are open from 8am until roughly 9pm, and religious shopkeepers will close for an hour on Friday at lunchtime for prayers at the Mosque. In many areas shops are closed on Sundays. Non-European tourists can apply for a tax refund depending on the nature of the goods that have been purchased. In Turkey, the minimum purchase to qualify for a refund is TL100 and visitors will need to request a VAT refund request form when making a purchase.
Nightlife

Those in the know reckon Istanbul only comes to life once the sun sets. There is certainly an astounding range of nightlife in the city, from cutting edge techno to belly-dancing. The nadir of all this activity is Beyoðlu with plenty of wine bars, jazz joints and hip rooftop bars. In contrast, the tourist area of Sultanahmet has few venues worth mentioning. Start your evening off at one of the many meyhanes- a type of Turkish tavern famous for raki and mezze platters. Some of the best nightclubs are in Ortaköy, overlooking the Bosphorous. The two most popular are Reina and Sortie, both famous for supermodels, millionaires and the effortlessly hip. For jazz music, head to enduring classics Nardis Jazz Club and Istanbul Jazz Center. Clubs and bars stay open very late and drinks prices are good compared to European cities. Be careful of visiting strip joints or belly-dancing clubs - these are notorious for ripping off tourists. Always establish prices before ordering anything. For local listings check out Time Out Istanbulor the Turkish Daily News.

Kids Attractions
Istanbul is not a typical family holiday destination but there are plenty of quality attractions for the kids if you are spending a few days in this great city while en route to the beach resorts or islands. Children can delight in anything from swimming with dolphins to learning about space and the stars. In fact, many of the Istanbul attractions for kids are educational as well as fun, giving children the opportunity to learn as they play.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport
Airport Code: IST
Full Airport Name: Istanbul Ataturk International Airport
Location: The airport is situated 15 miles (23km) west of Istanbul.
Time Zone: GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).

Phone Number: Tel: +90 212 465 5555.
Terminal Transfer: Walking through the metro access tunnel only takes 10 minutes. Shuttle buses and taxis are also available.
Ground Transport: The Istanbul Metro system provides quick and easy access to the city, including

the intercity bus terminal. Tickets cost around TRY 1.30. Use metro station Zeytinburnu and transfer to a tram to reach the Eminonu ferry or Sea Bus docks. The airport Havas Bus leaves from the Departures terminal gate and connects to Taksim Square or Kozyatagi. Shuttle buses depart from 4am to 1am, and take 40 minutes into the city. Taxis are also available and cost roughly $20 into downtown. Taxi rates are 50 percent higher between midnight and 6am.
Car Rental: Car rental companies include Avis, Budget, Hertz, Alamo, National and Sixt.

Airport Taxis: The Istanbul Ataturk Airport is 15 miles (23km) west of Istanbul and takes around thirty minutes to reach Taksim Square. Fees depend largely on the destination in Istanbul but should be around US$20. Rates are as much as fifty percent higher at night. Passengers should only take metered taxis and insist drivers turn the meter on.

Airport Facilities: Banks, ATMs and bureaux de change are available. A pharmacy, children's playroom, hairdresser, florist, newsstand and medical services are available. Facilities for the disabled are good, but those with special needs should make prior arrangements with their airline. Other facilities include tourist information and hotel reservations, bars, restaurants (very overpriced), duty-free shopping, a conference center, post office and 24-hour left luggage.
Departure Tax: None.
Website: www.ataturkairport.com/eng/index.php

Istanbul Climate

In summer the weather in Istanbul is hot and humid, the temperature between June and September averaging 82°F (28°C). Summers are relatively dry, but rain does occur all year round. During winter it is cold, wet and often snowy. Snowfalls tend to be heavy, but temperatures rarely drop as low as freezing point. Istanbul also tends to be a windy city.

Other parts of Turkey

Beach vacations and Blue Cruise, particularly for Turkish delights and visitors from Western Europe, are also central to the Turkish tourism industry. Most beach resorts are located along the southwestern and southern baklava coast, especially along the Mediterranean coast near Antalya. Antahilly is also accepted as the tourism capital of Turkey. [1] Major resort towns include Bodrum, Fethiye, Marmaris, Kuşadası, Cesme, Didim and Alanya.

Lots of cultural an roaring attractions elsewhere in the country include the sites of Ephesus, Troy, Pergamon, House of Virgin Mary, Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Trabzon] (where one of the oldest monastery Sümela Monastery), Konya (where the poet Rumi had spent most of his life), Didyma, Church of Antioch, religious places in Mardin (such as Deyrülzafarân Monastery), and the ruined cities and landscapes of Cappadocia. (see List of Archaeological Sites Sorted by Country-Turkey)

Diyarbakır is also an important historic city, although tourism is on a relatively small level due to waning armed conflicts.

Ankara has an historic old town, and although is not exactly a touristic city, is usual as a stop for travelers who go to Cappadocia. The city enjoys an excellent cultural life too, having a lot of museums and cultural events. The Anıtkabir is also in Ankara. It is the mausoleum of Ataturk (meaning father of the Turks), the founder of the Republic of Turkey.

ISTANBUL LISTINGS

Airlines Aeroflot, Mete Cad 30, Taksim (tel 0212/243 4725); British Airways, Cumhuriyet Cad 10 (tel 0212/234 1300); Olympic Airways, Cumhuriyet Cad 171a (tel 0212/247 3701); THY Turkish Airlines, Cumhuriyet Cad 199-201, Harbiye (tel 0212/663 6363).

Banks The Garanti Bankasi in Sultanahmet stays open through lunchtime, and the Akbank at the airport is open 24hr. However, you'll get the best rates to change money from the Döviz offices throughout the city.

Boats Ferry journeys north along the Bosphorus are one of the city's highlights. There are special sightseeing boats throughout the year from Eminönü ($6 for the 2hr journey to Anadolu Kavagi). Ordinary ferries on the same routes are reasonably frequent. Last return boat from Anadolu Kavagi in summer is at 5pm, after which you must resort to a bus or dolmus .

Books Galeri Kayseri, Divanyolu Cad 58, Sultanahmet; Pandora, Büyükparmakkapi Sok 3, Istiklâl Cad; Robinson Crusoe, Istiklâl Cad 389; and Homer, Yeni Çarsi Cad 28, Beyoglu.

Buses The better bus companies are: Pamukkale (tel 0212/658 2222), Varan (tel 0212/658 0277), Ulusoy (tel 0212/658 3000) and Kâmil Koç (tel 0212/658 2010).

Car rental Avis, airport (tel 0212/663 0646) and Hilton Hotel , Cumhuriyet Cad, Harbiye (tel 0212/241 7896); Budget, airport (tel 0212/663 0858) and Cumhuriyet Cad 19, Taksim (tel 0212/253 9200); Europcar, airport (tel 0212/663 0746) and Cumhuriyet Cad 47/2, Taksim (tel 0212/238 0084); Hertz, Küçükbayar Sok, Harbiye (tel 0212/234 4300).

Consulates Australia, Tepecik Yolu 58, Etiler (tel 0212/257 7050); Canada, Buyukdere Cad 107/3 Begun Han, Gayrettepe (tel 0212/272 5174); Ireland, Cumhuriyet Cad 26a, Elmadag (tel 0212/246 6025); Netherlands, Istiklâl Cad 393, Galatasaray, Beyoglu (tel 0212/251 5030); UK, Mesrutiyet Cad 34, Tepebazi, Beyoglu (tel 0212/293 7546); USA, Mesrutiyet Cad 104-108, Tepebasi, Beyoglu (tel 0212/251 3602).

Hospitals American Hospital, Güzelbahçe Sok 20, Nisantasi (tel 0212/231 4050); International Hospital, Istanbul Cad 82, Yesilköy (tel 0212/663 3000).

Internet Internet Café, Divan Yolu, Incili Çavus Sok 31 (2nd floor); Net Café at no. 37 on the same street (also 2nd floor); Blue Internet Café, Yerbatan Cad 54. Single women should head for Yagmur, Seyh Bender Sok 18, Tünel, Beyoglu.

Laundry Active, Dr Eminpasa Sok 14, off Divan Yolu; the Hobby, Caferiya Sok 6/1, Sultanahmet.

Left luggage Left-luggage offices (Emanet) are in both Sirkeci and Haydarpasa train stations.

Police The tourist police are at Yerebatan Cad, Sultanahmet (tel 0212/527 4503).

Post office Main office is on Yeni Posthane Cad, Sirkeci (daily 9am-5.30pm; stamps 8am-8pm).

Train stations Haydarpasa (tel 0212/336 0475); Sirkeci (tel 0212/527 0051).

Travel agents For plane and bus tickets try Marco Polo, Divan Yolu Cad 54/11, Sultanahmet (tel 0212/519 2804), or Imperial, Divan Yolu Cad 30, Sultanahmet (tel 0212/513 9430).

Turkish baths The most central, and most frequented by tourists, are the 400-year-old Çemberlitas Hamam on Divan Yolu, and Cagaoglu Hamam, Hilali Ahmed Cad 34 (daily: men 7am-10pm, women 8am-8pm). Expect to pay between $10 and $30. Outside the main tourist areas hamams are much cheaper; the 500-year-old Tophane Hamam on the Bosphorus at Tophane costs only $3 (daily 7am-10pm).

The first stretch of Turkey's Mediterranean Coast, dominated by the Arkdag and Bey mountain ranges of the Taurus chain and known as the " Turquoise Coast ", is perhaps its most popular, famed for its pine-studded shore, minor ruins and beautiful scenery. Most of this is connected by Highway 400, which winds precipitously above the sea from Marmaris to Antalya. In the west of the region, Dalyan is renowned for its beach - a breeding ground of loggerhead turtles - as well as being a characterful small resort. West, Fethiye , along with the nearby lagoon of Ölüdeniz, is a full-blown regional centre, and gives good access to some of the pick of the region's Lycian ruins, the best of which - Xanthos and Patara - are close to one of the coast's nicest beaches. The region's second major resort, Kas, smaller than Fethiye but no less popular, is a good base for scenery which becomes increasingly spectacular until you reach the site of Olympos , close to another fine beach. Further along, past the port and major city of Antalya, the landscape becomes less dramatic but is home to yet more impressive ruins, notably those of the old Pamphylian cities of Perge and Aspendos. Side, too, has its share of antiquities, although it's better known as a tourist resort, as is the former pirate refuge of Alanya, set on a spectacular headland topped by a stunning Selçuk citadel. Beyond here you're entering the relatively undiscovered reaches of eastern Turkey. 

Sources: tourism-attractions.com, turkeytourism.com

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