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Istanbul is in many ways the ultimate weekend break destination. Its location means that visitors from Europe can fly only a few hours from home and yet reach the first fringe of the exotic and mysterious East. Budget airlines have made getting here easy and the history and culture of the city mean that there is more than enough to pack a weekend’s schedule full to bursting.
The most populous city in Turkey is the city of Istanbul as well as being its cultural and financial center. It is situated on both sides of the Bosphorus Strait, the narrow waterway that separates the Black and the Marmara Seas. Istanbul has long been considered the bridge that links Asia with Europe both culturally and geographically. It is also known for its wide array of nightlife choices and features numerous pubs and cocktail bars that are worth visiting.
Istanbul, Turkey, famously sits astride both Europe and Asia but it often feels like it has much more affinity with the East, especially for casual visitors more used to predictable tourist experiences further west. These are some tips for visitors to minimise the culture shock and ensure that you get the best out of this ancient, varied and wonderful city.
Photo by Greenwich Photography
Istanbul is one of the most visually-appealing metropolitan cities of the world. Rows of mosques have been constructed throughout the city, but these three really caught my eye and piqued my interest. While they all are beautiful pieces of architecture and popular tourist attractions, they are also houses of worship for many, so it is wise to be culturally-vigilant and cover up before entering.
The most populous city in Turkey is Istanbul and is also considered the cultural and financial center of the country. As of this past year (2010), Istanbul is one of the three Capitals of Culture in Europe and has grown in popularity as an international tourist destination.
Photo by Dave Tromp
Istanbul is a tale of two cities. Straddling Europe and Asia and divided by the strait of Bosporus, the former capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires is the only metropolitan city that has its foot on two continents, with the old city sprawled over European territory and the modern, residential areas established on the Asian side. Considering its massive size, a timeframe of 24 hours can hardly do any of the city’s gems any justice at all, but it is sufficient to scratch the surface and instill a curiosity for more. It is an enchanting city, fusing the history of several cultures, languages, religions, and eras together and establishing itself as Turkey’s economic and cultural epicenter.
Istanbul, Turkey’s most populous city, is located on both sides of the Bosphorus River. The Bosphorus is the strait that links the Black Sea with the Marmara Sea. It is also considered the cultural and financial hub of Turkey as well as being one of the most popular tourist destinations in this region of the world. For all intensive purposes, Istanbul is oftentimes viewed as being the bridge between Asia and Europe from a cultural and physical standpoint.
If you’re thinking that Istanbul is the city of “1,001 Nights” situated in the desert and surrounded by palm trees everywhere you travel, you’re in for a surprise because the city is actually sitting on the same latitude that New York City does. read full article
Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city was once one the world’s most important places for more than 1,500 years. Its strategic location made it the center of all commercial activities between Europe and Asia.
Nowadays people from all over the globe come here to have a look at all the city has to offer. read full article
Istanbul is something quite unique to behold in that one half is part of Europe and the other is part of Asia. Whether Turkey as a whole can be counted as a European country or an Asian one is a… read full article
Everett Potter reviews seven of the most romantic hotels he has ever stayed. Amongst his favorite hotels around the word is the splendid 5-star Hotel Santa Caterina in Amalfi, Italy, available on venere.com.
Forbes.com lists… read full article
Despite the fact that Istanbul is not overly kid-friendly in terms of parks and/or playgrounds, most children love the exotic hecticness and strangeness of the city.
The city center of Istanbul is usually very crowded, with erratic traffic that cause you to exercise great caution when crossing the… read full article
Currently one of the hottest spots for “clubbing” and nightlife in Europe, Istanbul, Turkey is one of the most outstanding places to experience the many discos and pubs.
Whether sipping cappuccino on a secluded terrace or smoking a hookah while drinking Turkish tea is your idea… read full article
Istanbul is a captivating Turkish city which has a rich historical past during which it was the epicenter of three great empires, namely the Roman, the Christian Byzantine and Islamic Ottoman. The influences of this rich cultural heritage continue to have a bearing on Istanbul until today.
The yearly list of sexy hotels – compiled by sexiesthotels.com based on sexy design, location, amenities, toiletries and other sexy factors – includes a number of hot and smoking venere.com hotels in Italy, Turkey, Holland, Germany and Greece. These hotels are ideal for lovers of design interiors… read full article
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