About Istanbul

Istanbul is Turkey’s cultural and financial centre and is home to just under 20 million people, making it one of the Worlds largest cities. It is located on both sides of the Bosporus Strait, and bridges Asia and Europe physically and culturally and is a heady mix of ancient and modern with evidence of not just its Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman influences but also of new money, business and skyscrapers.Istanbul is divided into several main districts which include the Sultanahmet or Old City (this was the Constantinople of old) housing most of the historical sites of the city such as the Hagia Sophia, Topkati Palace and the Blue Mosque of the Old City and many mosques and bazaars; the New City is the main business, hotel and shopping district; Galata is home to much of the city’s nightlife and the Bosphorus is a particularly European district with a number of parks, palace, mansions and boho-arty neighbourhoods. A visit to a Hamam (Turkish Bath) is an essential whilst in Istanbul and the old city has many which cater well for tourists. A walking tour or day-city tour is also recommended to get a real flavour for all aspects of the city and there are numerous companies who have an itinerary for all interests.