Bharath International Travel
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It’s easy to lose yourself In Istanbul’s grandiose history, but modern Istanbul is a simmering metropolis, well worth a visit in its own right. The shopping is world-class and the nightlife pulsates around not one but several districts. Even though Istanbul is no longer the capital, it’s still the country’s business and cultural centre, still, the city where new trends are created.
Turkish Lira, TL1 = 100 kuruş
112
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The official opening hours for shops are 9am–6pm. However, many traders and shops stay open until midnight. Most hotels will have at least one 24 hour restaurant.
Approximately 15 million in Greater Istanbul
www.visit.istanbul/en
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The City
Constantinople, the centre of the Byzantine Empire which lasted over a thousand years, later became Istanbul, the capital of the Ottoman Empire for almost 500 years. The city is a mixture of Europe and Asia, a unique urban composition. A stroll around Sultanahmet, inside the city walls, among mosques, museums and the Great Bazaar is a trip through both history and daily life.
Modern Istanbul is on the other side of the Galata Bridge in Beyoğlu. The city is at its busiest from the Karaköy ferry terminal, through the always happening and youthful Cihangir, along the main tourist shopping İstiklal street and all the way to the famous Taksim square.
Istanbul’s Asian side has avoided much of the international tourism and have retained a more humdrum character. Moda district is brimming with cafes and bars frequented by local hipsters, while a bit more traditional Üsküdar caters to visiting families.
Waterways play a central role in the life of the city and boat traffic on the Bosporus, the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara is running like clockwork. Along the banks you can find small cafes where you can enjoy a glass of tea and magnificent views over the town.
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Do & See
Istanbul is a vibrant city whose grandiose history is utterly fascinating. Take a stroll around the city and admire the amazing mosques, museums and the Great Bazaar, or even visit an authentic Turkish bath.
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Turkish Baths
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Topkapi Palace
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Istanbul Museum of Modern Art
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Hodjapasha Cultural Centre
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Dining
A meal often begins with meze—a number of small dishes such as aubergine purée, börek, various salads and cheese. Filling vegetables such as tomatoes, paprika, aubergines and zucchini with rice and minced meat is typically Turkish (dolmasi). There are special restaurants that only serve kebab or köfte, meatballs, look for Kebabci or Köfteci. Simpler restaurants are called Lokanta.
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Kumkapi
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Galatasaray Fish Market and Çicek Pasaji
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Meşale Restaurant & Cafe
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Four Seasons
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Ozi Pizza & Pasta
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Barbeku House
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House of Medusa
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Eleos
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Nostra Casa
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Rana by Topaz
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Beyti Restaurant
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Cafes
Coffee has played an important role in Turkish lifestyle and culture so there is no wonder that Istanbul offers many old and new cafés. Why not try a cup of traditional Turkish coffee or tea which is served in a tiny gracious cup?
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Patisserie De Pera
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Pierre Loti
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Meşale Restaurant & Cafe
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Mangerie
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Fazil Bey
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Bars & Nightlife
The really trendy places are outside the city centre, in Etiler, Levent and Ortaköy, but there’s also plenty to do around Taksim.
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Orient Express Bar
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Roxy
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360 Istanbul
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Litera Restaurant / Lounge-Club
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Shopping
Istanbul has become a major shopping destination for several categories of travellers. Some tourist are looking for exoticized outdoor markets, bazaars, carpet and kilim workshops, copper working shops, antique and handicraft stalls — and the city definitely delivers on this promise. Another cohort of visitors is coming to Istanbul for luxury brands and exclusive antique shops.
No matter your preferences, you can be sure that your shopping needs and desires will be met. Istanbul is big enough to support multiple shopping districts with boutiques, small shops, covered bazaars and enormous shopping malls.
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Bagdat Caddesi
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Tourist Information
Istanbul Airport (IST)
The new Istanbul Airport on the European side of the city is the main international airport serving Istanbul. The older Atatürk Airport permanently closed in February 2022. The airport is a major hub for Turkish Airlines. By total passenger traffic, it is the busiest airport in Europe and 13th-busiest airport in the world. It is about 40 km away from Taksim and 52 km from both Sultanahmet (historical centre on the European side of Istanbul) and Kadıköy (city centre on the Asian side). The Istanbul Airport currently operates a single terminal for domestic and international flights.
Free WiFi is available at Istanbul Airport for one hour. You can register with your phone number or using your passport at WiFi kiosks.
The most popular mode of transportation to the airport from the city centre is by HAVAİST busses. They have stations throughout the city, including next to Taksim Square. You can buy your ticket online (at least 6 hours in advance) or pay by card when you board. Price depends on your destination.
The new M11 metro line is scheduled to open in August 2022. Another from Halkalı on the Marmaray rail line is expected to be completed in 2022.
Istanbul city taxis are readily available 24 hours a day outside the arrival and departure areas of the airport. A trip to Istanbul city centre by taxi takes approximately 40 minutes.
Address: İstanbul Havalimanı, Arnavutköy, Istanbul
Email: customercare@igairport.aero
Phone: +90 444 1 442
Website: www.istairport.com
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Public Transport
There is one public and one private bus network, IETT and Halk Otobus, respectively. The underground, Tünel, runs from Karaköy till Istiklâl Cad in Beyoglu and takes a few minutes. There is also a museum tram up toward Taksim Square.
Another tram route goes from Kabatas via Galata bridge and the Spice Bazaar to the south-western suburbs. The Metro goes from Taksim north to Levent and from Aksaray to Otogar in Esenler, where buses depart for other parts of Turkey and Europe and to the airport.
Dolmuses are minibuses or large taxis that depart when they are full, and stop where you want them to. They are the cheapest form of transport.
Ferries between Europe and Asia leave from Eminönü, Karaköy and Besiktas to Üsküdar, Kadiköy and Harem.
Akbil is a type of payment card that can be loaded with various sums and used on buses, boats and trams. Can be bought at major junctions.
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Taxi
Taxis are yellow in the inner city and lilac in the suburbs. There are numerous taxi companies. Different hotels work with different companies and can book your transport to the airport. It’s best to hail a taxi on the street, or go to a taxi rank and ask for a business card.
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Post
The main post office is on Yeni Posthane Cad., near the railway station Sirkeci. Other PTT-offices are on Taksim Square and Istiklâl Cad. Open 09.00-17.00 Closed Sundays.
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Pharmacy
Pharmacy is called Eczane in Turkish. In the window of the pharmacy there is the address and telephone number of the current duty pharmacy.
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Electricity
220 volt
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Telephone
Country number +90
Area code: 212 and 216
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