It is a city unlike any other. Cut in half by the Bosphorus Strait, which separates Europe from Asia, Istanbul is unlike any other city in the world; a city where two continents collide.
Throughout history it has been one of the world’s most major cultural, political, and commercial centers. It has seen occupation by the Greeks, Romans and Venetians, and was the heart of the Ottoman empire; physical reminders of each empire still stand to this day.
But its location as a meeting place between the East and West also saw it as the final stop “on the legendary Silk Road linking Asia with Europe, and many merchants who came here liked it so much that they, too, decided to stay. In so doing, they gave the city a cultural diversity that it retains.”
Istanbul ranks as one of the Top 10 most visited cities by tourists and for good reason. Visitors could spend a lifetime getting lost in the city’s cultural sights, sounds, and smells. But the big question is, do you visit Europe, or Asia?
A Transcontinental City: Things to Do in European and Asian Istanbul
How to Get Around
Istanbul is a congested place to say the least. I wouldn’t recommend renting a car as you will have to quickly learn how to drive amongst blaring car horns and insane traffic. It’s very difficult to discern the road rules!
Taxis & Public Transport
Istanbul taxis are a cheap, easy and comfortable way to get around. But make sure you research dependable taxi companies, and have read up on popular cons.
Most drivers you encounter are fair, but taxi scams are commonly reported here. So avoid these if you can by pre booking a cab or having your hotel call one.
Although most tourists will stick to the European side of Istanbul, the Asian side offers many great attractions as well. You can get between the two sides by ferry or bus (click for timetables and cost info).
Hire a Local Tour Guide
If you’d like to gain a deeper knowledge of Istanbul and it’s history, Serhat Engul is a really great local tour guide in Istanbul who offers comprehensive tours through the city.
We recommend hiring him to take you around and teach you about the fascinating history of the city. You can get in touch with him by heading over to his Istanbul Clues travel blog.
Every-one who goes on a private tour with Serhat raves about him (you can check Tripadvisor), and we found he is recommended by most hotels. He’s super friendly, very professional, and really enthusiastic about Istanbul. He speaks fluent English, and creates customized tours just for you.
So, now that you’ve chosen your preferred way of getting around, let’s divide up a visit to Istanbul much like the Bosphorus and look at what each side has to offer.
European Istanbul
The European side of Istanbul offers access to the city’s most well known attractions including the Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar. Most tourists spend most if not all their time on the Eastern side as there is so much to see and do.
The following are just some of the highlights that are not to be missed during your visit to Istanbul’s European side.
Hagia Sophia
In what could easily be classed as a Wonder of the World, Hagia Sophia blends symbols of Christian and Islamic faith. What was once a Christian Church would later become an Imperial Mosque, and now a museum.
This marvel of architecture, used as a setting for Dan Brown’s Inferno, will leave you speechless. Keep an eye out for Gli, the Hagia Sophia’s resident cat when you’re inside.
Dolmabahçe Palace
This palace is rather new by Istanbul standards, having been constructed in the 19th century. This extravagant palace of the Ottoman Empire spared no expense during its construction with its gold and silk furnishings.
The palace is the largest in Turkey and one of the most beautiful in the World. With 285 rooms and 68 toilets, it is one incredible house.
Many items were given as gifts upon its completion including a chandelier from Queen Victoria and tiger skin rugs from Russians Czars.
The Blue Mosque
Quite close to Hagia Sophia you will find the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, more commonly referred to by travellers as the Blue Mosque.
The architecture of the structure is truly incredible with its minarets, domes, 20,000 handmade İznik style ceramic tiles, and stained glass windows.
Entry is free of charge but you must dress appropriately, removing your shoes, not exposing legs, and covering your head if you are a female. The mosque is a functioning one for prayer and respect must be shown when visiting.
The Grand Bazaar
In what could be the oldest shopping world in the world, the Grand Bazaar is an assault on the senses. Visited by nearly 100 million people annually, it is one of the world’s largest covered markets.
Whether you are looking for Turkish textiles, ceramics, copper, traditional Borek, or trinkets, you are sure to find it at the Grand Bazaar. Get lost in the thousands of shops spread out over a network of streets.
Basilica Cistern
Built in the sixth century, this subterranean ancient cistern is located close to the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. A must visit, the cistern provides an eerie yet remarkable atmosphere.
Walk through the orange lit columns as you search for the swimming carp and Medusa heads. It was here where Dan Brown’s Inferno came to its climax.
Asian Istanbul
The Asian side of Istanbul offers visitors a glimpse of how local residents live. It is literally a continent away as well as a world away from the hectic increasingly commercialised Old Town or Taksim Square located on the European side.
You seem to get more of a relaxed vibe where you can stretch out a bit along with enjoying more green parks and better coastal access.
Kadıköy Market
In what is sure to give a foodie a culinary orgasm, the Kadıköy Market offers a colourful array of food stalls, bars, and restaurants.
Fruits, vegetables, spices, cheese, breads, meats, and everything in-between is available. Best of all is the fact there are much fewer tourist crowds than you will experience in the European side’s markets.
Yeldeğirmeni
Enjoy the beautiful street murals of Yeldeğirmeni. The neighbourhood is rich with history as it dates back to the 15th century and has a definite artsy vibe showcased by its numerous studios and art festivals.
You will fall in love with the area’s cafes and eateries.
Beylerbeyi Palace
Although not as grand as the Dolmabahçe Palace on the European side, Beylerbeyi Palace still offers a glimpse into sheer opulence.
Guided tours are mandatory, much like Dolmabahçe, when visiting the Palace and although they are offered in Turkish and English you must arrive at the correct time for the language you desire.
Highlights include the bamboo garden, indoor marble pool, and lavish staircases. Although it may be smaller than Dolmabahçe Palace, it receives far fewer crowds meaning fewer queues and carries a cheaper entrance fee.
Photo by Alexxx Malev
Waterside Trail
Enjoy a beautiful pedestrian path that seems to go on forever along the southern coast of the city. A good walk taking around a couple hours would be from Fenerbahçe to Bostancı or vice versa. You could continue on for a much longer walk if you’d care for.
The waterside walk is popular with locals on the weekends where you are sure to see all kinds of outdoor recreation being enjoyed. The walkway is lined with beautiful trees and greenery making the experience all that more pleasant as you gaze out at the Prince Islands off the coast.
Where We Stayed
We stayed on the European side at the Grand Hyatt Istanbul. Surrounded by peaceful gardens, Grand Hyatt Istanbul blends an exciting city life with a relaxing retreat in the middle of the city.
Venture into Taksim Square or explore historic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. The service is excellent, the rooms luxurious, and the property among the best accommodation in Istanbul.
What We Loved:
➡ Amazing location: You’re an 8 minute walk from Taksim Square, which is considered the heart of modern Istanbul. This is a busy nightlife, shopping and dining district. Vintage trams trundle along Istiklal Caddesi, the city’s main pedestrian boulevard, which is lined with 19th-century buildings housing international shopping chains, movie theaters and cafes.
➡ Service is amazing: The staff go out of their way to welcome you to Istanbul, and are so kind and friendly. We arrived at 6am, well before check-in, though with rooms available we were checked in straight away.
➡ Rooms with a view: 360 stunning guestrooms and suites with city, garden, and Bosporus views. We had Bosporus views, and it was quite a novelty sitting in our room in Europe, looking over to Asia!
➡ Relax in style: The Gaia Fitness Centre & Spa offers massages, manicures, and Hammam rituals, as well as an outdoor pool, tennis courts, and more.
➡ Turkish-inspired cuisine: Dine at 34, grab a cocktail at The Library Bar, enjoy a meal at Mezzanine Lounge & Bar, and snack alfresco at Gazebo.
➡ The pool: The photo below speaks for itself.
More Shots From Our Istanbul Gallery
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20 Comments
Thanks for sharing.I hope you continue to have such quality articles to share with everyone! I believe there will be many people who share my views when they read this article from you!
I loved Istanbul when I was there most recently – though I did only have time to explore the Asian side. I still remember the blue mosque from a visit nearly 40 years ago – and that’s really something isn’t it! The Grand Hyatt looks fab – I think I need to try it out for size;)
The Grand Hyatt is amazing ….. nice hotel with incredible staff. For a few years it was virtually my home and, unlike other hotels I never tired of it (guess it helped being in such a fantastic city).
We really need to make it to Turkey, the country naturally seems to be calling to us. Ironically, Istanbul is the second largest city of our Instagram circle, probably because we are always photographing sunsets and cats.
The Hagia Sophia seems truly special. I love seeing Europe and Asia, Christianity and Islam side by side. The fact that it has its own resident cat doesn’t hurt either.
Your photography was superb. I love the breadth and depth of your shots and they are all well composed. Bravo!
I loved learning about the European and Asian sections of Istanbul. I’ve never been but I can see why it is one of the ten most visited cities. The Basilica Cistern looks spooky yet fascinating. And the Kadıköy Market, I need to go to experience a “culinary orgasm”.
I so enjoyed reading this post. It brought back happy memories of the week I spent in Istanbul visiting friends last year. Not many visitors venture to the Asian side, but like you, I loved the Kadıköy Market. I highly recommend that anyone planning a trip allow enough time to visit the Asian side for an entirely different aspect of the city.
It is always amazing to see how this city has managed (or not) to coalesce two different concepts into one. Even the city highlights makes one recognize this dichotomy.
Have heard a lot about the blue Mosque, the structure and the interiors are the unique features.
Glad you touched upon the food as well. Being a food enthusiast, I am sure be feasting on the special cuisines.
Thanks for the taxi details, that was very helpful.
thanks for this nice article. Keep traveling.
Dreaming of Istanbul sometime in the next six months, so thank you! Pinned to my Pinterest bucket list xx
I love Istanbul so much! Together with Rome, it’s my favorite big city. I’m a sucker for ancient history turning every corner! Thanks for the tour, brought back good memories. :-)
This just isn’t fair. Aside from a ferry ride down to the Prince Islands, I didn’t actually see any of Asian Istanbul. Granted, as one of the largest cities in Europe (and the world), it was nearly impossible to get to even the best attractions in the six days I was there. I spent a lot of time on Freedom Avenue and watching dolphins from the bridge, not to mention losing two days during Ramadan when everything was closed. I’ll just have to make it back there someday..
Thank you for the virtual tour of Istanbul. I’d love to visit some day. The architecture is stunning and the hotel looked very warm and welcoming.
Oh Istanbul. I love this city. It’s incredible. I was inspired to come here after watching 007 tear up the grand bazaar on a motorcycle in Skyfall. The grand bazaar is the place where I bought the leather satchel I still use till this day. Istanbul is the city where I met and hung out with a first cousin I never new existed who married a beautiful women from Turkey. The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia are my favourite and the Grand Bazaar. Topkapi Palace was also beautiful. I regret not spending much time on the Asian side except Galata Tower but hey, I have family there…so I’ll be back.
My husband and I are currently on the fence about visiting Istanbul this year, but this post has made me really want to go! The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are just so iconic! I hadn’t heard of the Basilica Cistern, but that looks wicked cool as well. It looks like it’s underground. Is it?
I was all set to go to Istanbul years ago but at the last minute my plans had to change. Sad face. The blue mosque is something I’ve always wanted to see. Well, all the architecture there is really amazing actually. I’m glad yo mentioned the chaotic driving there. I would never want to try and drive there myself.
I hope to make it to Turkey, postponed it for long. Each time we planned there was some political development in and around the country.
The Hagia Sophia is truly special, more after I saw its smaller look alike in Thessaloniki. Pictures are so beautiful. The food scene there tempts me a lot.
I have heard lot about Blue mosque, its long pending wish to visit Turkey.Pictures are so beautiful.Enjoyed reading it
Istanbul is an amazing place to travel for everyone. People who are traveling Istanbul they know how much beautiful Istanbul place. I already visited Istanbul several time for travel or business purpose.
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Hello Meg!! Your blog is wonderful! I admire your blog. Your routine is too balanced for a tourist. Your life-style is compatible with me. Also known, Istanbul is a region rich in history and culture. Great empires rose and fell here leaving behind many historic treasures in Istanbul, each representing a different culture. If you learn too many things and tips you can check Tripster trip designers are planning your trip for you and you can doing the completely perfect trip.
Hello, thanks for your brilliant article. I have visited Istanbul many times. For the first time I would recommend the Istanbul Welcome Card.