It has been known by multiple names in its long existence: from Byzantium to Constantinople, and finally, Istanbul . Its strategic location has made it one of the most desired jewels between East and West. In this guide to travel to Istanbul we bring you this magnetic city so that on your next trip you will know what to see and what to do in Istanbul .
Practical aspects to know Istanbul
Are you going to visit Istanbul? Beyond the most emblematic places of the city, the traveler must bear in mind that it is a large city (almost 15 million inhabitants), which extends over two continents , and where there is a very strong cultural component. Therefore, we are going to start with some basic aspects so that the trip is a success.
The coin
Turkey, and by extension Istanbul, have the Turkish lira as their currency. At the exchange rate, € 1 equals 6.33 Turkish liras. Although it is always convenient before traveling to check the exchange rate, since it is a rather unstable currency. You can change the currency directly in Istanbul. In any case, in case of any problem, always resort to the Consulate.
Safety in Istanbul
Is Istanbul a safe city? The truth is that in general, there is no greater risk in the city, but you have to bear in mind its large size. There are some areas and neighborhoods that are usually recommended not to visit for tourists, but nothing that does not exist in other tourist cities such as Paris or Egypt. Even if you decide to travel alone, there is no greater danger.
Language
The majority language in Turkey is Turkish, but you can understand yourself perfectly in English , and, in the most touristy areas, you can meet Turks who understand and break Spanish.
How to move around the city
To travel the city and cover the distances between points of interest, Istanbul is a comfortable city: it has a good public transport system , although for this you must get the transport card, a prepaid card to use, and that you cover the ferries, the tram, the bus line or the subway.
Visa and passport
Do you need a visa to visit Istanbul? To this day, Turkey is still outside the European Union, but it is not necessary to use a passport to enter the country. The DNI will suffice. Of course , a visa is required . Luckily, it is very easy to obtain, and you do not have to move the papers before traveling; we can get it at the airport itself. Here we are going to require the passport, and the payment of the consequent fees (about 25 euros).
What to see and do in Istanbul: essential monuments and details that will surprise you
Next, we are going to delve into both the essential points that you have to see, especially if it is your first trip to Istanbul , as well as some surprises that Turkey’s second city has in store.
With cities so large and with such a concentration of elements of great tourist interest, a single trip is short to say that the city is known. It happens with Rome or Jerusalem. It will also happen to us with Istanbul. Do not despair.
The city of mosques: do you have to see them all?
Given its population and size, it is not surprising that it is one of the Muslim cities with the largest number of mosques (more than 3000 in the entire city). Uncompromising. For a first contact, it will be enough to reserve time for these three mosques.
Hagia Sophia of Constantinople
It is one of the biggest icons of the city, and one of its most visited monuments. It was erected by Constantine himself, and is an extraordinary example of the emergence of Byzantine art.
In a certain sense, and saving the aesthetic distances, it is reminiscent of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba: it also maintains that interesting mix of Catholic and Muslim vestiges . Here it is worth paying a little more to see it with a guide.
The Blue Mosque or Suleyman Mosque
Many confuse Hagia Sophia with the Blue Mosque (perhaps because they are not very far from each other). However, its bluish color compared to the white of the first, betrays the second. It seems to focus the attention of Istanbul with its 6 minarets over 60 meters high.
Suleiman Mosque
It is the largest mosque in the entire city and the one that is identified the fastest, since it is located on top of a hill. In addition to its construction and views, it hardly has queues (far from the previous two), making it more accessible , especially in high season.
Istanbul from the Bosphorus
The Bosphorus, the strait that connects the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, which separates two continents and two halves of the same city, has the charm and commercial bustle that its privileged location confers on it.
As a traveler, you must take at least one tour of the Bosphorus by ferry or boat. There are several options, from hiring a boat trip on the Bosphorus to using the different ferry connections (the low cost version).
It is not difficult to imagine the sensation that the great navigators, merchants and conquerors must have had when contemplating the beauty of this city by sea.
The grand bazaar
A city is known for its market. The Grand Bazaar concentrates everything Istanbul has to offer : typical foods, spices, jewelry, crafts and everything you can imagine.
Of course, plan your time well: it has 60 streets and more than 3,500 stores. More than one traveler has been lost from their group due to any confusion.
Ottoman Byzantium: discover the palaces of the Empire
Byzantium has lived between Empires : first Alexander the Great; later the Romans, who established here one of their two capitals and later, after the fall of Rome, remained as the only stronghold of the extinct Roman Empire until the conquest of the Ottomans , who founded their own Empire.
Its dominance over other imperial cities has left us some of the most interesting palace complexes (crypts, residences, palaces).
Such is the case of the Topkapi Palace, which was the residence of the Sultan after the conquest of the city in 1452; or the Domabahce palace, a clear contrast to the first, as this is clearly European in style. Inside is the largest chandelier with bohemian crystals , a gift from Queen Victoria to the Sultan.
Surprises that ancient Constantinople keeps
Beyond the usual, Istanbul offers you many other attractions to conquer your traveling heart.
Try a Turkish bath
Are you a regular in Spa tourism? Then you will know what a Turkish bath is. However, there are none like the ones you can experience in the Bosphorus city.
Hammams or Turkish baths usually include massage and relaxation sessions, something that always comes in handy for the traveler.
See a show of the Whirling Dervishes
Another of the symbols of Turkey par excellence: the whirling dervishes usually open most of their rites of the Sema , which is the original name of the hypnotic turn they perform, so it will not be difficult for you to find a moment to witness a session . Whether you like it more or less depends directly on how you connect and empathize with the ceremony.
The Princes’ Islands, the great unknown of Istanbul
There are travelers for whom the monumentality and concentration of people in Istanbul creates some stress, despite being on vacation. In addition to the many parks and recreation areas , Byzantium keeps a little secret to itself. They are the Principe Islands , eight small islands located south of the city, about 20 km away, which was used as a place of retreat or exile for princes and nobles.
In Victorian times it was one of the destinations most used by the bourgeoisie for their vacations and rest . There are still remains of some of these beautiful summer houses . The actual boat ride that comes with it is a delight.
Turkish gastronomy: typical dishes to eat in Istanbul
After so much walking and so much to see in Istanbul, it is time to take a break … or not, since we propose some of the typical dishes of Turkey that you cannot stop trying.
Beyond the Kebab , yes, it is a specialty that, if you like lamb meat, will delight your palate (it has nothing to do with what is sold here!), Turkish gastronomy, very similar to Greek gastronomy is rich in vegetables, spices and a lot of meat.
Some of the dishes that we recommend you try are:
- Meze
- Dolma, Lahmacun
- Çorba
- Kebap
- Kofte
- Baklavas
- Lokum
The desserts are very sweet, so, although it is interesting to try them, it is not good to be fattened either. Of course, you cannot miss the very hot tea , which is usually served with sweets.
