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Istanbul is a unique historical city. It is the only city that straddles two continents. Separated by the Bosphorus Strait, the European and Asian Istanbul are culturally poles apart.
Istanbul is a unique historical city.
It is the only city that straddles two continents. Separated by the Bosphorus
Strait, the European and Asian Istanbul are culturally poles apart.
The city is protected by water on three
sides, its natural harbour, the Golden Horn, has enabled Istanbul to enjoy
the ideal location for conducting east-west trade. However that also means that it has suffered
frequent sieges over the centuries which have resulted in its varied
architectural inheritance.
Over the centuries Istanbul has been
known as Byzantium and then Constantinople. Its 1600 years of history has left
an indelible mark with numerous historical and cultural sites to be seen, many
of which are close to Sultanahmet Square in the heart of Istanbul.
Strolling through the narrow winding
passages of the Grand Bazaar, you will be able to marvel at the Byzantine
cathedrals, stunning Ottoman palaces and ancient ruins. Once you’ve had enough,
you can relax in one of the numerous restaurants and cafes and enjoy a spot of
people watching in the cities old European quarter, Beyoglu.
Despite its history, Istanbul is changing into a modern city exuding trendy
bars and nightclubs, western boutiques and modern office blocks. The juxtaposition of this and the call to
prayer that fills the air each day, merchants, religiously veiled women and
beggars make it an awe-inspiring city that has captivated the hearts of many
tourists.
Although Istanbul’s climate in the main
is Mediterranean, it’s location on the Marmara Sea and Bosphorus does cause
some climactic variations.
Its summers are hot and humid and the
winters cold, wet and often snowy. Spring and autumn tend to be sunny and warm,
but again can be changeable.
The average monthly temperatures are:
|
°C |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|
Day |
8 |
9 |
11 |
16 |
21 |
25 |
27 |
27 |
24 |
19 |
15 |
11 |
|
Night |
2 |
3 |
4 |
7 |
12 |
16 |
18 |
18 |
15 |
12 |
8 |
5 |
The shopping in Istanbul is as eclectic
as the city. Whether you enjoy the bustle of a market or the refinement of a
modern shopping mall, Istanbul can provide you with your ideal shopping
experience.
The main attraction has to be the Grand
Bazaar (Kapali Çarşisi) which is home to over 4000 shops selling just about
everything you could possibly want. Haggling is the order of the day,
especially for larger items such as carpets. The spice market (Misir Çarşisi),
is a vibrant place to sample real Turkish Delight, sweets and local cheeses.
The pedestrianised Iskiklal Caddesi
Beyoglu is fantastic for clothing ranging from expensive luxury stores to
market stalls along the Terkos Cikmaz Alley. If you want some serious clothes
shopping, head for the middle-class district of Nisantasi where you will find
all the big international and designer names. If you want something a bit
cheaper the district of Lalleli is good for casual clothing.
The most upmarket shopping mall in
Istanbul is Akmerkez and on the Asian bank look out for Capitol and Carrefour
for all your shopping needs under one roof. If you are looking for jewellery
and fine art, Nuruosmaniye Caddies is the place to head to.
There is plenty to keep you entertained
when the sun goes down. Even though Istanbul is predominantly a Muslim country,
alcohol is freely available. Most of the clubs and bars are around the
Sultanahmet and Beyogul areas and between Ortaköy and Arnavutköy.
Below is just a taster of what you can
expect during your stay and some of the clubs and bars to look out for.
Bars:
o
Cadde-I-Kebir, Beyogul
o
Dulcinea, Beyogul
o Myott,
Ortaköy
o Pano,
Beyogul
o Sultan
Pub, Sultanahmet
Clubs:
o
Babylon, Beyogul
o Harry’s
Jazz Bar, Taksim
o Laila,
Ortaköy
o Roxy,
Beyogul
o Reina,
Ortaköy
o Sortie,
Ortaköy
Music:
o
Classical – Atatürk Cultural Centre,
Taksim Square
o
Traditonal Turkish – Sal Café Bar,
Beyogul and Suheyla Restaurant, Beyogul
Theatre
– the main theatre district is around Istiklal Caddesi
Cinema:
o Fitas,
Istiklal Caddesi
o Milli
Reassurance Mall, Nisantasi
o Akmerkez Shopping Centre, Levent
April
May
June
July
September
November
December
As a city, Istanbul offers a huge
amount to keep travellers entertained. However, if you want to look further
afield to see what else the area has to offer, here are a few suggestions for
excursions you can take.
·
Bosphorus Cruise
·
The Princess Islands Cruise
·
Bursa
·
Skiing on Mount Udulag
·
Termal Spa
The tap water
in Istanbul is heavily chlorinated but generally safe to drink. However you
may experience stomach ache if you choose to drink from the tap so you are advised
to drink bottled water. Also avoid ice in drinks and don't eat fruit or
vegetables that are unpeeled or uncooked.
Always ensure you have sufficient
travel insurance as medical care can be expensive.
Istanbul is a safe city however you
should be aware of the possibility of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas. When visiting any bazaar or market always do
your bargaining in public and don’t agree to go into a building or back room.