Istanbul things To Do - activities, hotels, golf courses & car rental


The Istanbul hotel and activities guide offers stay over guests and cruise ship visitors information and discount reservations for hotels, villa rentals, car rentals, activities and shore excursions in Istanbul.

Plan your trip from home and save a lot versus booking via your cruise ship or travel agent. Book your resort, hotel, car rental or activity in Istanbul with the Istanbul Hotels & Travel Guide at up to 50% less then the regular published rates.

Istanbul is a city located on the Bosphorus strait in Turkey, and it's the only city in the world that spans two continents - Europe and Asia. The city has a rich history, with influences from the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul is the Hagia Sophia, an ancient cathedral that was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire and is now a museum. The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is another iconic landmark in Istanbul, known for its six minarets and intricate tilework.

The Grand Bazaar is a must-see for shoppers, with over 4,000 shops selling everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and souvenirs. The Bosphorus strait is another popular destination, offering boat tours to see the city from a different perspective. The Topkapi Palace, the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans, is another historical site worth visiting.

Istanbul is also known for its delicious food, with a mix of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Balkan influences. Don't leave without trying some traditional dishes such as "baklava," "kebab," or "meze."

In addition to its rich cultural heritage and delicious cuisine, Istanbul is known for its bustling nightlife, with plenty of bars, clubs, and entertainment venues to keep visitors entertained.

Overall, Istanbul is a city that offers something for everyone, from history buffs and culture enthusiasts to foodies and nightlife seekers. It's a city that should not be missed if you are planning to travel to Turkey.

Istanbul Travel Information


The city:

Istanbul that is also known as “Constantinople” is the largest and most colorful city of Turkey. As only city in the world it is located on Europe and Asia, so two continents. It is situated on the two banks of the Bosporus, the narrow connection between the Black Sea and the Sea or Marmara.

This city is rich of old history and many interesting things from the Byzantine and Ottoman eras. Examples are the Topkapi Palace and the Hagia

If shopping is your hobby, Istanbul is your city. It supplies the Big Bazaar and the Egyptian Bazaar and the surrounding streets like a little shopping paradise.

The city has a very international high population with approximate more that 8 million inhabitants. Traditionally there are living many Greeks, Armenians and Jews in the city.

Airports

The international Airport of Istanbul is Atatürk (IST) and is located around 20 kilometers to the south west of the city.

Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) is the second international Airport they built because there was such a lot of air traffic. Except by Turkish Airlines, this airport is used a lot by budget airlines.

At both airports it is easy to get the right car for you if you wish to rent a car and travel more comfortable. In these hectic cities it is always recommendable as visitor to book in advance your car.

Public transport

Traditional transport is the Dolmuş taxi, which is a shared taxi. They drive day and night on fix routes, but without set stops. The idea is that each passenger only pays one eight of the fee a normal Istanbul taxi would charge for the same destination.

As a visitor you will use the T4 line the most, which connects the entertainment centres of Sultanahmet and Taksim Square.

The metro consists of only two lines: one to the north and one to the south. There is a regular ferry service between the European and Asian parts of the city.

A cheap form of transport in Istanbul is the yellow taxi.

Traffic and Parking

Chaotic is the only word that one can possibly apply to the traffic in Istanbul. Make the best out of it and be patient. Take the time and enjoy the magnificent views you can have from the bridges. If you go across one of the bridges from the European to the Asian part of the city, you have to pay a toll.

Istanbul Activities Guide


See all activities in Istanbul

Car Rental in Istanbul


If you need to rent a car in Istanbul we have the perfect partner for you. Rentalcargroup has very competitive prices in Istanbul. They work with all major car rental companies in the world as well as local rental car companies, they work with companies like Alamo, Enterprise, Europcar, Avis, Budget, etc… . Check now their incredible competitive rates.

© Copyright 1995 - 2023 Istanbul Travel Guide