Accommodation & Travel

Istanbul is Turkey's most populous city, and its cultural and financial center. It extends both on the European and on the Asian side of the Bosphorus, and is thereby the only metropolis in the world which is situated on two continents.

Istanbul, once known as the capital of capital cities, has many unique features. It is the only city in the world to straddle two continents, and the only one to have been a capital during two consecutive empires - Christian and Islamic. Once was capital of the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul still remains the commercial, historical and cultural pulse of Turkey, and its beauty lies in its ability to embrace its contradictions. Ancient and modern, religious and secular, Asia and Europe, mystical and earthly all co-exist here.

Its variety is one of Istanbul’s greatest attractions: The ancient mosques, palaces, museums and bazaars reflect its diverse history. The thriving shopping area of Taksim buzzes with life and entertainment. And the serene beauty of the Bosphorus, Princes Islands and parks bring a touch of peace to the otherwise chaotic metropolis

Istanbul is an international art and cultural center. The city has many architecturally significant entities. Throughout its long history, Istanbul has acquired a reputation for being a cultural and ethnic melting pot. As a result, there are many historical mosques, churches, synagogues, palaces, castles and towers to visit in the city.

Istanbul is also one of the world’s most exciting conference destinations and is an increasingly popular choice for the world’s leading international associations.

Istanbul also has a rich program of light entertainment. Nightclubs provide splendid entertainment throughout dinner.

The city has a temperate-continental climate, with hot and humid summers; and cold, rainy and often snowy winters. Humidity is generally rather high which can make temperatures feel much warmer or colder than they actually are. Snowfall is quite common. It is most likely to occur between the months of December and March. The summer months between June and September bring average daytime temperatures of 28 °C (82 °F). The warmest month is July with an average temperature of 23.2 °C (74 °F), the coldest is January with 5.4 °C (42 °F).

- Seeing two of the master pieces of religious art of Istanbul, Süleymaniye Mosque and Sultanahmet Mosque, - Visiting Hagia Sophia and Museum, - Visiting Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahçe Palace and Rumeli Hisari, - Having a ship voyage at Bosporus and Islands, - Watching Istanbul panorama from Galata Tower and Pierre Loti, - Following art and cultural activities, - Being curious and seeing entertainment life, - Visiting Ortaköy bazaar, - Having a tour via phaeton in Büyükada, - Eating fish in Bosporus, Kumkapi and çiçek bazaar, yogurt in Kanlica, and profiterole in Beyoglu, - Buying carpet, jewelry, leather clothes in Kapaliçarsi, and Turkish delight, baklava, and deserts in Misir Bazaar, - Shopping in Beyoglu and all mega shopping centers.