The Top Reasons to Visit İstanbul

Take a trip to İstanbul, the crossroads of Europe and Asia, and get ready to explore a fascinating and lively city, which is a legendary cultural hotspot, booming with plenty to see and do! This extraordinary city is also the culinary epicenter of Türkiye, a country that has a wide range of delicious delicacies to offer and is the new place to be as you will find a wide range of cafes, bars, bazaars, malls, and so much more. Let’s dive right in and discover why this your next vacation destination and the top reasons to visit İstanbul!

Explore Two Continents in One Day

When you head on a trip to İstanbul you can hop across the city and explore both Europe and Asia in one day, since this fascinating city is located on two continents. The Asian side holds more residential areas and offers a more relaxed atmosphere with fewer tourists and hustle and bustle, while the European side is known for its nightlife, historical buildings, shopping centers, and markets. See how the city changes as you make your way across both sides.

Feel Like You’ve Traveled Thousands of Years Back in Time

İstanbul offers over 2,500 years of ancient history which is evident across its historical buildings and legendary landmarks. Some spots that you simply cannot miss are the fascinating Blue Mosque with its six incredible minarets, and the beautiful Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque. The Topkapi Palace is also a must-see site — the palace was designated the admin headquarters and residence of the Ottoman Empire. Not to mention the city has served as the capital of more than one major empire throughout history!

The Nightlife, Shopping, and Entertainment Scenes

Trust us, the nightlife in İstanbul is spectacular. You can find anything between late-night food, bustling bars, busy bazaars, and extraordinary nightclubs. The shopping scene is unlike any other; from everything between the shopping malls and the world-famous Grand Bazaar, you can find traditional handicrafts or luxury products. Did you know the Grand Bazaar operates since the middle of the 15^th century? Yes, totally worth a visit!

The Perfect City For Culture Vultures and Foodies

The culture travelers out there will fall in love with the magic and charm of Turkish culture. It combines different components of European, Anatolian, Ottoman and Eastern Roman traditions, which makes it both unique and intriguing – and İstanbul is the perfect place to experience it. Are you more of a foodie? The food here is delicious beyond belief! And what better place to try some tasty Turkish delight than in the heart of the Turkish capital, while sipping on a cup of Turkish coffee?

Spoil Yourself and Taste the Vibrant Food Scene 

During your stay in İstanbul, you will discover how this gastrocity has become a culinary epicenter. Tantalize your taste buds with the best local and international food experiences that the city offers, with a wide variety of flavors and cooking styles, making it the perfect place for innovative cuisine. Or try some traditional food in one (or various) of the many restaurants and cafés scattered around the city. Some of the most famous dishes you could try are fish sandwich, numerous meze dishes with olive oil, Turkish coffee with a piece of Turkish delight or baklava. Trust us, while in İstanbul you will be spoilt for choice!

To Discover the Natural Beauty of the City

İstanbul has a wide range of evergreen parks, lakes, and a beautiful strait to explore, and it is famous for its picturesque mosques, landmarks, and bazaars. When in İstanbul, explore the Bosphorus Strait, which  is both incredibly beautiful and relaxing to walk beside, and it also holds great importance as the boundary between Europe and Asia. You can also visit the Prince’s Islands, Fethi Pasha Grove, Yildiz Park, Gülhane Park,  Atatürk Arboretum and make your way into the Belgrad Forest for a quick break from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Enjoy the Arts, Design, and Cultural Events

Türkiye offers an extraordinary arts scene, known for its contemporary splendors, and İstanbul is also home to modern art museums and exhibitions that are certainly worth checking out. As you explore this celebrated Turkish city, make sure to have a look at the fascinating designs of some of the city’s most famous structures, between the Topkapı Palace Museum, Hagia Sophia, and the Galata Tower. The festivals and cultural events are fascinating, and there are many that take place throughout the year which visitors should certainly attend. 

Take a Turkish Bath and Rejuvenate Your Mind, Body, and Soul

What could be more relaxing than laying back and relaxing in a traditional Turkish bath? The waters are believed to be therapeutic and excellent for your immune system and overall well-being. Did you know that Turkish baths came from the ancient Romans dating back to the 16^th century? Yes, and they are renowned for their high level of cleanliness, as well as their ornate decorations.

Takeaways

Are you interested in traveling to İstanbul?

Reach out to the friendly experts at Indus Travels, who will be happy to help you plan your next adventure, with plenty of vacation packages with varying prices to choose from. Adventures await!