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Istanbul
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The only city in the world that encompasses both Asia and Europe, Istanbul also straddles the ancient and modern worlds. The ghosts of marauding Crusaders and marching janissaries haunt the city’s historic alleyways—but this is no museum: the Bosporus is still a buzzing artery for maritime trade, and the sounds of building construction play a constant counterpoint to the shouts of street hawkers and the call of the muezzin. The skyline here is a glittering ribbon of palaces, mosques, and minarets, but also of sleek skyscrapers, where the sybaritic restaurant and nightclub scene easily rivals New York’s or London’s.
Don't Miss
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The panoramic view of the city from Mikla, the rooftop restaurant at the Marmara Pera hotel (you can go up for a look even if you’re not a guest or a diner).
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The ordinary ferries, not the tourist cruise boats. Go anywhere: It’s the ride, not the destination.
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Grilled fish sandwiches sold from the backs of the boats near the Galata Bridge. Heap them up with lemon, salt, raw onions, and pickles.
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Where to Stay
Çırağan Palace Kempinski
Staying at this former Imperial Ottoman Palace—an elaborate, Arabian-style compound that the empi
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360 Istanbul
It may be one of the hottest restaurants in town, on the old embassy row, but 360’s modern-fusion
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A la Turca
The rapidly gentrifying side streets between Cihangir and İstiklâl Caddesi are lined with shops s...
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Tips See All ISTANBUL Tips
Istanbul tourist resources
Istanbul Magazine and Istanbul.com offer comprehensive tourist basics: hotel and shopping information, restaurant reviews, ... More
Taxis in Istanbul
Contrary to reputation, cab drivers in Istanbul are usually honest enough—the cabs are metered—they just drive very haphazardly. Check before you head off to make sure the meter says gündüz d... More
Buses, trams, and ferries in Istanbul
Buses, trams, and ferries link all the major city neighborhoods—and are clean, affordable, and fairly comfortable. For schedules, routes, and fares, check out More
Visas in Istanbul
You’ll need to buy a tourist visa upon your arrival at the airport, before you go through passport control. The amount varies depending on your nationality (for Americans it’s $20). More
Traveling to Istanbul by air
Of the two local airports, Atatürk International is by far the most pleasant, with many daily direct flights from major European cities—plus it’s only 15 minutes’ drive from the city center. Avoid Sab... More