Istanbul Travel Guide

The Hippo's guide to Istanbul, Turkey's ancient cultural city.

Istanbul is one of the main cities in Turkey, known as the “Capital of the Empires”. It is located with Europe to the West and Asia to the East. The South lies on the Marmara Sea and the North lies on the Black Sea. This cultural city goes back to ancient times, having been founded in A.D. 658. Istanbul existed for hundreds of years under three Empires; the Romans, Byzantine and Ottoman. For a city so enriched in history, it is also one that likes to look to the future.

Districts to visit include the historic Sultanahmet, this area includes museums, shops, markets and theatres. See the Byzantine and Ottoman era, the tranquil “Golden Horn” and Taksim / Beyolu, the art and entertainment area of Istanbul. Take a coastal walk in Bebek and take a boat ride out to the famous Rumelian Hisar.

Rumeli and Bagdat are the two main areas for shopping. Go for a stroll through the many shopping malls, they include the Akmerkez, Atakoy Galleria, the Capitol, the Carousel and the Carrefour; Istiklal.

Famous for its tradition of belly dancing, there are certainly many places to visit in the evening to entertain you in the Taksim - Harbiye district amongst the more modern discos, jazz clubs and cabarets. Visit Sultanahmet for an alternative and unique evening out. Kumkapi also hosts many pubs and restaurants and Nevizade street near Cicek Pasaji is the area to go for Turkish specialty food and drink.

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