Amazing Facts about Istanbul, Turkey, Know Where to Visit in Istanbul - "Discover the Beauty and Mystique of the Crossroads between East and West in Istanbul."
Istanbul, Turkey, is a captivating city that bridges the gap between Europe and Asia, offering a unique blend of cultures, history, and stunning architecture. Booking an Istanbul tour package is an excellent way to explore this vibrant metropolis. When making an itinerary about where to visit in Istanbul, don't forget to add the iconic Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases stunning Byzantine architecture.
If you're visiting Istanbul, check out the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace for historical sightseeing. Don't forget to visit the Grand Bazaar and Sultanahmet to explore the city's ancient landmarks. For a more modern experience, head to Beyoglu and stroll along Istiklal Avenue. Lastly, don't miss out on a fantastic boat cruise along the Bosphorus Strait for breathtaking panoramic views.
The History of Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople, has a history that dates back to ancient times when it was initially founded as Byzantium by the Greeks in the 7th century BCE. Later, in 330 CE, it became the capital of the Roman Empire under Emperor Constantine the Great and was renamed Constantinople. Istanbul thrived during the Byzantine era with impressive architecture, such as Hagia Sophia and Byzantine Walls.
In 1453, the Ottoman Turks conquered Constantinople, ending the Byzantine Empire and beginning the Ottoman era, and Istanbul became the capital of a vast empire that stretched across three continents. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Istanbul underwent significant changes as the Ottoman Empire faced challenges from internal conflicts and European powers. The city became a melting pot of cultures and witnessed the rise of modernization efforts, including constructing bridges, railways, and schools.
In 1923, after the fall of the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul became part of the newly formed Republic of Turkey, and its name was officially changed to Istanbul. The city underwent rapid urbanization and modernization under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey. While deciding where to visit in Istanbul, we suggest you opt for an Istanbul tour package for a convenient visit to its historical sites.
Ideal Time to Visit
March to May
Ideal Duration
3-5 Days
How to Reach
By Road: Whether you're coming from neighboring countries or other parts of Europe, well-connected highways lead to Istanbul. Starting from Athens, Greece, you can take the E90 highway through Thessaloniki and enter Turkey. From there, continue on the E87 highway to reach Istanbul.
Starting from Sofia, Bulgaria, you can take the A1 highway towards Edirne, Turkey, and then continue on the E80 highway to reach Istanbul. You can explore Istanbul quickly and conveniently when opting for an Istanbul tour package.
By Train: Nearest Railway Station is Haydarpasa Terminal railway station.
By Air: Nearest Airport is Istanbul Airport.
Distance from Nearest Railway Station / Airport
4.5 km from the nearest railway station and 35 km from the nearest airport.
