Your digital welcome booklet in Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbulthe city of Constantinople

One would not necessarily put Istanbul in the category of particularly touristy cities. And yet that’s where we’re wrong.

Nestled in the hollow of Europe, on the edge of the Orient, Istanbul is a capital city full of authenticity and richness. One is always particularly surprised by the cohabitation of the two worlds which constitutes the current city. The vestiges of the past rub shoulders with the growing evolution of this cosmopolitan city.

I suggest that we discover the must-sees together.

Visitthe basilica

The Basilica of Saint Sophia, an iconic monument of the capital. It represents all the complexity of this city and its history. Basilica at its creation, it became a mosque then a museum to become again at the time of today a mosque.

Its architecture is breathtaking and the frescoes that cover the interior walls will transport you back in time.

Small tips, plan to go early enough if you want to avoid the queue at the entrance because even if it is now permanently open we still find hours of high attendance.

To marvel atat the palace

The visit continues with the Topkapi Palace. It is located on a large esplanade overlooking the Sea of Maramara and the Bosphorus.

If you want to make a complete visit of the palace we advise you to block a whole day. You will have to buy a ticket for each building, the palace, the harem or the treasure room. From the esplanade you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city.

Ourfavorite

We arrive then on one of our favorite monuments at StyQR: The Blue Mosque. It is breathtaking both outside and inside.
You can discover all the blue mosaics that gave it its name. Its visit is allowed outside the prayer hours and also the entrance is free.

An emblematicmonument

We will finish the emblematic monuments of the city with the mosque of Soliman the Magnificent. It is a masterpiece.
Located on a hill, it overlooks the city of all its grandeur. It is moreover from there that you will have an impregnable sight on the Golden Horn and the tower of Galata

Strolling throughat the market

Let’s go now to the lively districts of Istanbul and the famous Grand Bazaar. It is the Ali Baba’s cave in the true sense of the word!
Being the largest covered market in the East it is possible to find everything you want and much more! Do not hesitate to compare and negotiate prices, many sellers will offer you the same items.

In a more realistic size you can also go to the spice bazaar which is very close to the Galata tower.

Here you will find a little more food (and spices) than in the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul so take the opportunity to do some tasting 😉.

Visit the moderndistricts

Finally Istanbul is also a whole European part and completely opposite the historical center. To discover this part, you will have to go to the Taksim district. It is typically in this corner of the city that you will find your Western references.

Famous clothes stores, men in suits coming out of their office buildings, chic restaurants and cafes. After visiting a preserved Istanbul, it may seem surprising to find yourself in the midst of this fervor of modernity. This is also the charm of this European capital.

Discover the Asiandistricts

Finally, don’t forget that Istanbul has a whole Asian side on the other side. It is the only one that can boast of being spread over two continents, Europe and Asia.

A cool fact, this area is much less touristy and yet just as interesting as its western sidekick. Take the opportunity to discover the Beylerbeyi Palace or take a walk to the Leander Tower.

Our tour of Istanbul ends with these words. The originality and the atmosphere of this city seduced us. We hope to have aroused your curiosity with this article 🙂

Do not hesitate to use this article to fill your digital welcome booklet and in return if you have good addresses, we are always takers! 😉