Istanbul is the only city in the world straddled on two continents, and for centuries it has been a bustling metropolis with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. A blend of three great Empires – Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman – Istanbul provides a visible glory of its history entwined with the frantic pace of 21st-century life. Busy traffic-choked streets, chaotic markets, classy shopping hubs and countless cafés.

Accommodation in Istanbul

Istanbul is a great destination for budget traveling. Harbiye, which is close to Nisantasi and Taksim, is the most popular area for budget and backpack travellers.

Moreover the Sultanahmet area, in the old European side, has reasonable priced hotels, including some with breathtaking views. In summer many hostels fill up and offer rooftop beds with the view of the city and are extremely cheap.

Book your stay in Istanbul using the map below or visit booking.com

Things to do in Istanbul

The city boasts a vibrant nightlife and art galleries and designer shops found on the northern side of the river in the vibrant Taksim Square and Beyoglu area.

Many of Istanbul’s most important landmarks are UNESCO World Heritage sites, including stunning Ottoman mosques ranged along its slopes, as well as the many surviving Byzantine churches and catacombs, with the grande Hagia Sofia. Make sure you visit TopKapi Palace, the Sultanahmet Mosque, the Hippodrome and stroll around the Grand Bazaar.

Shopping in Istanbul

Istanbul’s position on an ancient trade route between East and West means, that its inhabitants are merchants and shoppers to their core. Istanbul’s preferred address for high-end labels and old-school couture, Nişantaşı, is where you come when you want fabulous designer buys.

Stylish designer and concept shops are located on Serdar-i Ekrem street. Kanyon’s open-air Guggenheim-esque design, sets it above the typical shopping center. Here you’ll find international favorites like Harvey Nichols, as well as Turkish chains, such as Chakra.

And don’t forget the Grand Bazaar, where you will find jewelry, local arts and crafts, and some of the world’s best leather goods. Istanbul is a shopper’s paradise, one the best shopping destinations in Europe.

Sales in Instanbul

There is no real official sales period for either season. Winter sales start around mid-December or at the beginning of January, and last for approximately 4 weeks. Summer sales basically start when the temperatures tend to rise between the beginning of June to the first week of July and last for a month.

Check also: Top 5 Places to go Shopping in Istanbul

Where to eat in Istanbul

Turkish food is among the top cuisines in the world, and the vibrant and diverse environment of the Istanbul’s food scene offers a wide range of culinary options with alternatives from different regions. Istanbul is a Mediterranean Mecca, when it comes to delicious food, thanks to the stream of culinary influence from the Aegean, Anatolian, Mediterraneana and Middle Eastern regions.

The dining options are infinite and you can find something to eat on almost every corner, from fine dining, to street-side vendors serving world-famous kebab wraps, to traditional Turkish meyhane (tavern) and to innovative new restaurants. Fresh seafood coming daily from around the country, is always on the menu, so there is no question of what you should eat in Istanbul.

Locals enjoy their evenings during weekends, eating, drinking and dancing at favourite taverns and restaurants around the city.

Visit some of the Top Restaurants in Istanbul from the list below:

Nightlife in Istanbul

There are variety of great night clubs in Istanbul that offers great entertainment and nightlife in Istanbul with a wonderful dinner at the start of the night and than lively nights with live music, dance shows, concerts, DJs and more.

The majority of the night clubs in Istanbul are situated at the Taksim, Istiklal Street and Galata Tunel line, Beyoglu, Sisli, Besiktas, Ortakoy and Bebek on the European side and Kadikoy, Caddebostan and Bagdat street on the Anatolian side.

Check some of the most popular Nightclubs in Istanbul from the list below:

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