Situated on the banks of the Bosphorus and suspended between Europe and Asia, it is one of the most extraordinary cities in the world, a place unlike any other due to its perfect blend of European and Middle Eastern culture. Capital of three empires (Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman) and important crossroads of peoples, histories and religions, this crossroads of cultures causes enchanting disorder in Istanbul. Formerly known as Byzantium and Constantinople, the Istanbul map is filled with treasures and riches, visible remnants of its former historical splendor. It has a history of more than 2,500 years, from which it has inherited its air of grandeur and splendor, also knowing how to adapt to the future, becoming today a dynamic, modern and continuously growing city. The European zone is divided into the old part (where "old Istanbul" is with the main tourist attractions such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace) and the modern part, on the other side of the Golden Horn.The Asian side of Istanbul, located on the Anatolian peninsula, is less touristy, however, it has very old and more traditional neighborhoods such as Üsküdar that are well worth a visit. Facing the strait are many sights such as the ornate Beylerbeyi Palace and the 16th-century Şemsi Paşa Mosque. The picturesque Maiden's Tower, located on a tiny island in the middle of the Bosphorus and offering beautiful panoramic views of the city. And the Kadıköy neighborhood, famous for its striking farmer's market and the murals that adorn its winding streets. In any case, if there is something worth visiting the Asian side, it is the views towards the European side, from there you can see the silhouette of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Galata Tower and other huge mosques that form the typical image of Istanbul.

Circuits that include Istanbul

Destinations related to Istanbul