You will have a range of city break options available to you across Europe, with some being more popular than others. There will be some hidden gems, and some will be a must-visit at some point in your life. Istanbul is both. Despite the fact it is a world-famous city, not many people think to visit it, for whatever reason.
First things first, you should know that Istanbul is a vast city. It covers a large area with many different districts and areas. As such, there is plenty to do. This article will go over some of the reasons you should visit Istanbul and how you can truly unwind.
There Is History Everywhere
You may not know this, but Istanbul has had a huge part to play in history over the years. From being the former capital of the Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman empires to being the world’s trade capital. The city used to be known as Constantinople, which you may have been familiar with. Names of cities and countries change over time, with the country of Turkey itself currently going through a rebrand. These changes often happen to reflect the culture and values of the country in some way.
This is just a basic insight into the history of the city. Human history can be dated back within this city all the way back to the Neolithic era, which you can learn more about via certain museums and heritage sites. For example, you can view the Istanbul Archaeological Museum or visit the underground chambers of the Basilica Cistern. When in Istanbul, you simply must stop by the Hagia Sophia. This is just the tip of the iceberg, with 5th-century walls on display and ancient fortresses to explore. It’s one of the best cities you can explore for culture and history
The City Is Diverse And Unique
You can’t talk about Istanbul without talking about the fact that it is the only city in the world that is spread across two continents. Istanbul helps link the east to the west through the Bosphorus strait forming the dividing line. The Golden Horn, which is an inlet that comes from the Bosphorus, puts the European side of the city into northern and southern halves. The other continent that is a part of Istanbul is Asia.
Since there are two different continents wrapped into one here, you can be sure that there is a range of different cultures that you can see. You will be able to notice these cultures through the architecture, the food, and the people themselves. Istanbul is a friendly and open city, with a range of different places you could stay.
If you wish to get the best possible deal on staying in this unique city, then you should compare a range of Istanbul city breaks. This is so you can find the hotel that stands out to you and save you money at the same time. Istanbul holidays promise to offer something different to the rest of Europe, so they are certainly worth looking into.
The Streets Are Vibrant
Since Istanbul spreads over an area of 1,539 square kilometres, you can think of Istanbul as multiple cities in one. Each area or district of the city is unique, with some neighbourhoods being unique in design, with vibrant colours making each home on any street unique.
You could wander down any of Istanbul’s streets and find vibrant buildings to enjoy. Each of these streets may offer unique shops, such as antique dealers and quirky cafes. Of course, these will all be nestled within unique streets with photogenic buildings, giving you the perfect place to kick back and unwind.
You can find some lively bars, coffee shops, and all-day breakfast restaurants near the Ottoman Dolmabahce Palace. If you’re looking for a more vibrant scene, consider going across the Bosphorus to find a more alternative scene. Here you will find some vegan cafes, art exhibits, music bars, and more.
The Food Is Amazing
One of the best things about Istanbul is the food that can be found here. As mentioned previously, this city rests on two continents, which means that it’s had plenty of different foods and cuisines pass through over the centuries.
In modern day Istanbul, you can find a range of cuisines to choose from. The city has a strong culinary tradition, which means you can find classic dishes and modern takes. The city has plenty of street-food vendors selling cheap yet tasty bites to eat. You will find a lot of doner meat in the city cut straight from the spit.
Plenty of restaurants and other food places will be open 24/7 in the city, meaning you could get a bite to eat after a night out or just wake up and fancy something. From local neighbourhood cafeterias to street vendors, you will be able to find something you like.
