There is nowhere in the world quite like Istanbul.
Spread across two continents, Istanbul is a city of layers and contrasts.
The city never stops moving.
Credit: Alexander Spatari/Getty Images
But that is what makes it so fascinatingthere will always be something calling you back for more.
Turkey does not do daylight savings.
Winter is gray and rainy, showing Istanbul at its most moody and evocative.
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Don’t mistake the water that bisects the city for a river.
It’s not unusual to see massive container ships floating by your commuter ferry.
While Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, the capital city is actually Ankara, in central Anatolia.
Courtesy of Ciragan Palace Kempinski
- The politicians might do their business in Ankara, but Istanbul feels like the center of the world.
…alabilirmiyim?Where is…?
There are also light blue minibuses that run on various routes throughout the city.
Courtesy of Mikla
Dolmus and minibuses are paid in cash, with the price depending on the distance you go.
Taxis are plentiful, especially around touristed areas.
The Ciragan boasts an outdoor infinity pool, an exquisite spa with a Turkish hamam, and high-end restaurants.
Baris Ozcetin/Courtesy of Aheste
If you want to experience Istanbul like Ottoman royalty, the Ciragan is the place to do it.
The hotel contains 32 spacious rooms, a spa, and an on-site restaurant.
The Pera Palace is located close to Istiklal Caddesi, Istanbul’s main thoroughfare.
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The five-star hotel has 115 rooms, multiple restaurants and bars, and a fully-equipped spa and fitness center.
The eclectic design mixes the modern and the historic bones of the building throughout the hotel’s 62 rooms.
The restaurant on the rooftop offers splendid views of the city.
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A highlight is the outdoor pool, where it’s easy to while away the day in the sunshine.
Located on the roof of the Marmara Pera Hotel, the views are as exquisite as the food.
Try the tasting menu to get a sense of the scope of Mikla’s creative culinary creations.
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Indoor and outdoor dining is available.
Ciya Sofrasi
Address: Caferaga Mah.
Indoor and outdoor dining is available.
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verify to try theatom, thick yogurt mixed with hot dried peppers, and the catch of the day.
Reservation is recommended, especially on weekends, and most dining is outdoors.
see to it to try the dudi Persian rice speckled with ruby-red barberries.
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Reservation recommended, only indoor dining.
While some of the famous mosaics and frescoes are covered, many are still visible.
Climb to the top for some of the best views of the cityespecially at sunset.
Kilic Ali Pasa Hamam
Address: Kemankes Mah.
Sweat out on a marble slab in the elegantly restored historic building, and get scrubbed squeaky clean.
Best Shopping
Grand Bazaar
Address: Beyazt, Kalpakclar Cd.
Vendors also sell Turkish delight, ceramics, and other non-spice items.
Now, vendors sell hand-woven pestamel (Turkish towels), ceramics, carpets, and more.
Neighborhoods to Know
Sultanahmet:Seemingly every block in this neighborhood has something historical poking out.
Kadky:Located on Istanbul’s Asian shore, Kadky is the neighborhood of artists and creatives.
Explore the rollicking side streets spilling over with people enjoying the night time energy.
Nisantas:For luxury and high-end experiences, Istanbul’s elite come to upscale Nisantas.
Weather
Winter:Istanbul winters are gray and constantly rainy, with weather hovering around 45-50F.
Spring:In the springtime, the sun comes out and the weather warms up to a comfortable 65-70F.
Flowers bloom all over the city, from fragrant jasmine to hot pink petals bursting from Judas trees.
Fall:Autumn in Istanbul is warm and comfortable.
This is the best time to come to Istanbul.
