Holiday in Istanbul

About Istanbul

Istanbul, the only metropolis in the world that spans two continents, is an overwhelming Gesamtkunstwerk of Byzantine splendor, Ottoman grandeur, and vibrant modernity. Located on the Bosporus, which separates Europe and Asia, the city was the capital of two empires for centuries as Constantinople and is now the cultural and economic heart of Turkey with over 16 million inhabitants. The Hagia Sophia, built in 537 as the largest cathedral in the world and later converted into a mosque, is an architectural wonder, whose 56-meter high dome still leaves visitors in awe. Opposite rises the Blue Mosque with its six minarets, and the Topkapi Palace offers insights into the lives of Ottoman sultans over four centuries. The Grand Bazaar, with its over 4,000 shops in 61 covered streets, is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. But Istanbul is much more than its historical monuments. The Karaköy district and Istiklal Street in Beyoğlu pulse with contemporary art, rooftop bars, and creative gastronomy. A Bosporus ferry at sunset, a glass of tea in the fishing district of Ortaköy with a view of the bridge, a visit to the 500-year-old Cemberlitas Hammam, or the nightlife in Kadiköy on the Asian side — Istanbul offers endless layers to discover. Culinary offerings range from the legendary Balik Ekmek (fish sandwich) in Eminönü to Michelin-starred restaurants in Nişantaşı. Istanbul is not a city to check off — it is a city that never lets you go.