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Istanbul

The 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 centre 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.

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Airports

Istanbul Ataturk International Airport (IST)
 
 

Top hotels in Istanbul

Ceylan InterContinental Istanbul
This stylish hotel is situated in the heart of Istanbul with its unique interior design. Ceylan InterContinental offers elegant rooms with modern amenities, only a few steps from the popular attractions and fashionable shops of…
Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul
The Swissotel The Bosphorus is a luxury hotel, beautifully situated in the centre of Istanbul. This 5-star property is surrounded by large gardens and offers spectacular views of the Bosphorus. The hotel has spacious, elegant…
Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul
The Swissotel The Bosphorus is a luxury hotel, beautifully situated in the centre of Istanbul. This 5-star property is surrounded by large gardens and offers spectacular views of the Bosphorus. The hotel has spacious, elegant…
Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul
The Swissotel The Bosphorus is a luxury hotel, beautifully situated in the centre of Istanbul. This 5-star property is surrounded by large gardens and offers spectacular views of the Bosphorus. The hotel has spacious, elegant…
WOW Airport Hotel
A 5-minute drive from Ataturk Airport, the WOW Airport offers rooms with interactive, flat-screen TVs and glass-door minibars. Nouvelle cuisine with a Turkish twist is served at the airy restaurant. A trendy 24-hour cocktail bar…
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
With views of the Bosphorus Strait, Ritz-Carlton offers an indoor pool and full-service spa just 10 minutes' walking from Taksim Square. Its live music bar offers a well-stocked whiskey collection. All rooms at Ritz-Carlton Istanbul…
Çiragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul
Situated in a 19th-century Ottoman palace, this 5-star hotel features an infinity pool with views of the Bosphorus. It has a spa and wellness centre, and offers elegant guestrooms with free Wi-Fi. Rooms at the…
Titanic Port Hotel Bakirkoy
Located 4 km from Ataturk Airport, within easy reach of the Capacity and Carousel Shopping Malls in Bakirkoy, Titanic hotel provides 5-star accommodation with a full range wellness centre. Stylish and spacious, rooms at Titanic…
The Sofa Hotel Istanbul
Located in Istanbul's chic Nisantasi district, The Sofa offers contemporary accommodation with state-of-the-art technology and comfortable furnishings, along with excellent spa facilities and a personalised service. Each of The Sofa's beautifully designed rooms provides ample…
Pera Tulip Hotel
Located in Beyoglu district, this design hotel offers a luxurious, marble pool area with hot tub, and an in-house restaurant. The lively Istiklal Avenue is a few minutes away. Pera Tulip Hotel's rooms are elegantly…