Istanbul, Turkey, is built upon older settlements. Feel the magic admiring the Byzantine-era Hagia Sophia church, with its stunning central dome, and nearby Ottoman-era Blue Mosque. Rooms abound; book with Hotel Travel.com to get the best one.
Accommodation is in abundance, with hotels located throughout the entire city. They range in price and standard, with prices always being cheaper if you are travelling during the low season (between October and March). There are many types of hotels to choose from including: luxury, business, standard and guesthouses. Business visitors tend to stay in hotels located in and around Taksim Square, the hub of the business district, while if you are looking for luxury, the best hotels can generally be found in the historic Sultanahmet district. Regardless of where you stay in Istanbul, you will always find that the service you receive is excellent and the people are incredibly helpful and friendly.
- Activities for Children in Istanbul
- Activities in Istanbul
- Basilica Cistern
- Blue Mosque
- Car Hire in Istanbul
- Galata Tower
- Galleria Shopping Mall
- Hagia Sophia
- History of Istanbul
- Istanbul Accommodation
- Istanbul Airports
- Istanbul Bank
- Istanbul Climate
- Istanbul Culture
- Istanbul Festivals
- Istanbul History
- Istanbul Information
- Istanbul Jazz Festival
- Istanbul Markets
- Istanbul Museums
- Istanbul Music Festivals
- Istanbul Restaurants
- Istanbul Shopping
- Istanbul Sports
- Istanbul Time
- Istanbul Tour
- Istanbul Tourism
- Istanbul Vacation
- Istanbul Walks
- Istanbul Weather
- Istiklal Caddesi
- Republic Day
- Sightseeing in Istanbul
- Taksim Square
- The Grand Bazaar
- Things to do in Istanbul
- Topkapi Palace Tour
Istanbul is the only city in the world that sits on two continents. It is a fusion of the East and West, and has a rich and detailed history dating back to 3000 BC. Since its beginnings, the city has been used as a trading passage and has been known as a centre for world trade since the Byzantine era. It sits on seven hills, with one half of the city in Europe and the other half in Asia, separated by a body of water known as the Bosphorus.
There are many activities and attractions for children in Istanbul. Among the many parks and playgrounds, there are also quaint shops selling traditional Turkish goodies for children and state-of-the-art entertainment complexes. The attractions are not only a mixture of eastern and western tastes, but also of old and new.
New Years Day: is a national holiday throughout the city, with most businesses and shops being closed. It is a day for families to spend time together.
To wholly experience all of the sights of Istanbul can take time. Some of the 2,000-year-old attractions can be fairly difficult to find, so many get missed. The Sultanahmet district contains much of Istanbul’s past and although it is the oldest part of the city, it is not the only historic quarter. The city centre’s Old City and New City are separated by the estuary of the Golden Horn. Many fascinating sights can be found around this area. Mosques are almost always open to visitors, as long as it is outside of prayer times, but appropriate dress must be worn.
Istanbul has a comprehensive public transport network. All of the options are good value for money, even taxis. You can get anywhere in the city with relative ease and comfort. Tickets for buses, metros, ferries, trams and trains are available from all of the main stops and stations, or kiosks located near the main stops and stations. An electronic ticket (akbil) is available for purchase in advance. It is valid for a number of journeys and works out to be slightly cheaper and more convenient. There are two airports in the city, both dealing with international and domestic flights. The newer airport was built to handle the ever increasing number of visitors. Facilities at both airports are very good, as are the transportation options available from the terminals.
Business hours are supposed to be from 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday, but many employees are still expected to put in 10-hour work a day. Shops generally stay open until 21:00.
Staff was very helpful and attentive. Good value for the money. Good location, nice room decor. Room was very small but lovely. Desk attendants were helpful and able to ask typical tourist question ...
