Istanbul, located on the Bosphorus Strait, is the commercial and cultural centre of Turkey. In its long history, Istanbul has served as the capital city of the Roman Empire, the Roman Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire.

The city was chosen as joint European Capital of Culture for 2010. It is attractive both for the beauty of the surrounding landscape and for its historical treasures.

Seating in the middle of the East and West, Istanbul is easily accessible from almost every corner of the world. Europe and the Middle East are only 2-3 hours away, while the Americas and the Far East are at a distance of less than 12 hours.

Istanbul is served by more than 50 airlines from all parts of the world. The national carrier of Turkey, Turkish Airlines (THY) has branches almost in all of the European countries.

For detailed information please visit their web site:www.turkishairlines.com

Airport to city: HAVAS company operates regular airport to city bus transportation. For further details, please check www.havas.com.tr

Taxi: Taxis are numerous and are recognizable by their yellow color and lighted "taxi" signs on top. They operate by the meter and there is a unique fare day and night.

Metro: Two lines of Istanbul’s subway system are in operation. The most useful for foreign visitors is the light-rail line connecting Atatürk Airport and Aksaray Square. Also, a metro line goes north from Taksim Square to the commercial districts.

Bus: Public bus transportation has a wide web of services across the city. One has to pre-buy tickets to board a bus.

Boat: Ferry boats and fast catamarans operate between the two shores of İstanbul - between Europe and Asia. The boat landings are at Kabataş, Karaköy and Eminönü on the European side and Üsküdar, Kadiköy and Bostancı on the Asian side.

The Turkish cuisine is said to be one of the best in the world. Istanbul has many alternatives to offer from the world; Chinese, Mexican, Japanese, French, Italian and traditional Turkish cuisine. You may choose from modern and elegant restaurants or smaller ones filled with local colour and flavour.

Old Town The main historical sites such as Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome, as well as the Grand Bazaar are in the historical peninsula centred at Sultanahmet.

Beyoğlu/Taksim (Pera) Beyoğlu, centred around the pedestrian boulevard of İstiklal, accommodates restaurants, nightclubs, cinemas, schools, consulates, culture centres and art galleries and is one of the most vibrant and popular neighbourhoods of İstanbul.

Bosphorus The Bosphorus, crossed by two bridges is the world’s narrowest strait used for international navigation, connecting the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara (which is connected by the Dardanelles to the Aegean Sea, and thereby to the Mediterranean Sea). There are many waterfront restaurants on both sides of the Bosphorus.

Asian Side Kadıköy (ancient Khalkedon) and Üsküdar (ancient Chrysopolis/Scutari) forms the historical cores of this part of the city. Today these are mainly commercial zones. The rest of the Asian side of İstanbul is mainly residential.

Prince’s Islands Prince’s Islands consist of a chain of islands off the coast of İstanbul, in the Sea of Marmara. During the summer months, the Princes’ Islands are popular destinations for day trips from İstanbul. As there is no traffic on the Islands, the only transport being horse and cart, they are very peaceful compared with the city of İstanbul.

 

Istanbul is a shopper’s paradise for carpets, leather goods, jewels, gold and fashion. Shops are open, in general, from Monday to Saturday. Big shopping malls open seven days a week. Shops do not close for lunch. The Covered Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı), dating back to the 15th century in the old city is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with more than 64 streets and about 3,600 shops.

 

Opened in 1461, it is well known for its jewellery, pottery, spice, and carpet shops.Turkish crafts, the world-renowned carpets, hand-painted ceramics, fabrics, copper and meerschaum pipes are charming souvenirs and gifts.

 

 

 

The gold jewellery, leather and suede goods of excellent quality can be bought at a relatively cheap price.The Old Bedesten, in the heart of the bazaar, offers a curious assortment of antiques. Mısır Çarşısı or Spice Bazaar is the second largest covered market in the city.The enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme and every other conceivable herb and spice fill the air.

 

The sophisticated shops of Beyoğlu and Nişantaşı districts contrast with  the chaos of the bazaars. Near Galata Tower or on Abdi İpekçi and Teşvikiye Avenues, you can find local and international designer shops.