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Bosphorus in the evening light. Buildings and the Hagia Sophia in the background
Bosphorus in the evening light. Buildings and the Hagia Sophia in the background

Istanbul

Published: 09 November 2022, 12:30

Tradition and Modernity on the Bospborus

Tradition meets modernity in Istanbul. Millennia-old buildings are a reminder of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. At the same time, Istanbul is a university city, a popular travel destination, a shopping paradise and a magnet for young people and artists from all over the world. An interesting and diverse metropolis that forms a bridge between Europe and Asia due to its location on two continents. 

Numbers, data, facts

  • Time difference: + one hour
  • Population: 15.84 million
  • Official language: Turkish
  • Currency: Turkish lira (TRY)

A picture tour through Istanbul

Interior of Hagia Sophia with dome and Byzantine mosaics.
The Hagia Sophia has a very special history. It was built as a church but later became a mosque, then a museum. Today it is used as a mosque once again. © kasiati2012 / AdobeStock
The domes of the Blue Mosque with intricate ornaments.
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is also known as the Blue Mosque because of its many blue and white tiles. © mitzo_bs / AdobeStock
Wall in Topkapi Palace with colorful Ottoman tiles.
The elaborately decorated buildings make the Topkapi Palace one the most popular sights in Istanbul. It used to be the residence and seat of government of the sultans. © mehdi33300 / AdobeStock
Basilica Cistern with illuminated columns in the underground chamber.
The underground Cisterna Basilica was once a reservoir for the great palace. © THANAN / AdobeStock
Bosphorus Bridge under a partly cloudy sky.
The strait that connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara is called the Bosphorus. It runs between Asia and Europe. The city of Istanbul is located on both sides. © AlexAnton / AdobeStock
Maiden’s Tower in the Bosphorus in warm evening light.
Legend has it that a chain was attached to the Leander Tower and stretched across the Bosphorus to keep out foreign ships. © Only Fabrizio / AdobeStock
Entrance to the Archaeological Museum with columns and wide steps.
The collection at the Archaeological Museum in Istanbul comprises 15,000 archaeological pieces, making it the largest and most important archaeological museum in Turkey. © Kayihan / AdobeStock
Fountain in Gülhane Park surrounded by flowers and trees.
Gülhane Park is a great place to relax with live music and tea. © efired / AdobeStock
Rumeli Hisarı fortress on the Bosphorus with thick stone walls.
The Ottoman fortress Rumelihisarı is located on the European banks of the Bosphorus. Concerts are held there in the summer. © Nikolai Sorokin / AdobeStock
Galata Bridge with shops and cafés beautifully lit in the evening.
The Galata Bridge crosses the Golden Horn and connects the Fatih and Beyoglu districts. In the evening, the anglers in the sunset are a popular photo scene. © malkolm / AdobeStock

Ready, steady, off the bazaar!

Haggling in Turkish bazaars is a sign of good manners. This means that there is no fixed price for clothes, souvenirs and jewellery – it does not apply to food, which does have fixed prices. Haggling at the bazaar is not only about money, but also about socialising. Sometimes, traders invite their (potential) customers to drink a cup of tea together. 

5 shopping tips for your visit to Istanbul

Colorful display of spices and teas in open containers.
The Mısır Çarşısı (called the “Egyptian Bazaar” in English travel guides) is a great place to look for spices or textiles. © Hakan / AdobeStock
Woman standing among colorful oriental lamps in a shop.
There are 4,000 shops in Kapalı Çarşı, the Grand Bazaar, inviting you to stroll around on over 31,000 square metres. Ideal for buying all kinds of souvenirs. © Bakhrom / AdobeStock
Crowd in İstiklal Caddesi shopping street with shops and lights.
The 1.4-kilometre-long famous shopping street İstiklal Caddesi is perfect for shopping and taking a stroll. © stdemiriz / AdobeStock
Decorated leather shoes hanging decoratively on a wall.
Jewellery, clothing, pottery and carpets are sold in the numerous shops at the Arasta Bazaar near the Blue Mosque. © zz3701 / AdobeStock
Traditional copper coffee pots for mocha in various sizes.
Hand-made copperware can be found at the historic coppersmiths’ market (Bakircilar Carsisi) at Istanbul University in Beyazit. © Ryzhkov Oleksandr / AdobeStock

Istanbul from BER

Aircraft shortly before touching down on the runway

AJet

Pegasus Airlines

Turkish Airlines

Istanbul Airport (IST)

Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)

5 tips for …

  1. Follow in the footsteps of the sultans at the magnificent Topkapi Palace.
  2. Browse the Grand Bazaar for scarves, jewellery and other souvenirs while negotiating the best price.
  3. Taste your way through the different kinds of delicious baklava made of puff pastry, honey and nuts.
  4. Watching the sunset on the Galata Bridge.
  5. Experience Islamic culture and attend a prayer in one of the numerous mosques.

  1. Spend a morning in a museum, such as the Istanbul Modern or the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art. 
  2. Relax with a massage at the hammam. That’s what a holiday is all about!
  3. A coffee break, Turkish style – drink a typical Turkish coffee. Strong and aromatic!
  4. Feast on Turkish street food, e.g. kebabs, and drink freshly squeezed pomegranate juice with it.
  5. End the day with a boat trip on the Bosphorus and experience the city from the water.

  1. Spend an afternoon on the rollercoasters and water slides at Vialand Theme Park.
  2. Taste Turkish dondurma ice cream at one of the many ice cream stands.
  3. Visit the Legoland Discovery Centre and get creative with Lego bricks.
  4. Visit the Besiktas Istanbul football stadium or even catch a live match.
  5. Marvel at sharks, rays and piranhas at SEALIFE Istanbul, the fifth largest aquarium in the world. 

Picture source title: © Ryzhkov Oleksandr / Adobe Stock 

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