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Marmara · Plate code 34

İstanbul

The Historic Peninsula and the Bosphorus

İstanbul is a world city spread across both shores of the Bosphorus, joining Europe and Asia, and was capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace and the Blue and Süleymaniye mosques on the Historic Peninsula are UNESCO World Heritage. A ferry on the Bosphorus, the Grand Bazaar, Galata and the lively streets of Kadıköy complete the city.

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Detailed guides

Highlights

Places

  • Hagia Sophia
  • Topkapı Palace
  • Galata Tower
  • Blue Mosque
  • Grand Bazaar
  • Maiden's Tower
  • Dolmabahçe Palace
  • Basilica Cistern
  • Bosphorus Bridge

Tastes

  • Fish sandwich
  • Simit
  • Stuffed mussels

Local food and products

  • Dish

    Fish sandwich

    Grilled fish in bread on the Eminönü waterfront.

  • Dish

    Simit

    A sesame bread ring sold on every corner of the city.

  • Dish

    Stuffed mussels

    Mussels stuffed with spiced rice.

  • Product

    Turkish delight

    Made for centuries at the historic confectioners.

When to go

Spring (April-May, tulip season) and autumn (September-October) are the most comfortable. Summers are hot and humid, winters cool and rainy.

Getting there

Airports
İstanbul Havalimanı (IST), Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı (SAW)
Bus terminal
The main İstanbul bus terminal is in Esenler; on the Asian side there is the Harem terminal.

Districts 39 districts