Apartments and Holiday Homes – Where to Stay in Istanbul
Istanbul is one of the most charming, chaotic and intriguing cities in the modern world. It is unique blend of
Eastern orientalism and modern
Western lifestyles. It is a city of contrasts, where ancient religious beliefs sit side by side with modern ways of living. A visit to this city should be on anybody’s list of cities in Europe to visit. Istanbul has many beautiful examples of
Byzantine and
Ottoman architecture and there are a lot of opportunities to explore and admire this architecture. Turkish food is extremely delicious and Turkish culture involves lots of dancing and having fun. Explore Istanbul for a unique and unforgettable experience! There are lots of hotels in the city centre but have you ever considered staying in private accommodation? Wimdu have a wide range of offers in Istanbul, from guest rooms to private apartments. Why stay in a hotel when you can experience Istanbul like a local?
Fun Facts
Istanbul is the only city in the world which spans two continents.
Istanbul was formed on seven hills just like Rome and Lisbon.
During the middle ages of
Ottoman Empire rule, Istanbul had 1,400 public toilets. At this time there weren’t any palaces in other European cities!
Despite its location in southern Europe and proximity to hot Asian countries, it snows quite a lot in Istanbul!
Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, was actually born in Greece!
Discover Istanbul
Istanbul has many attractions, sights and monuments that are rewarding and interesting. Start your sightseeing at the
Blue Mosque – Istanbul’s biggest and most impressive religious site. Admire the fine architecture of the mosque and it’s five minarets. It is the biggest of the mosques built during the Ottoman Empire years and the interior is breathtaking. Tens of thousands of tiles line the walls and ceilings. Go and visit this gorgeous building but remember to dress appropriately!
The
Galata Tower is another of Istanbul’s interesting attractions. This tower was the tallest in the world when it was built in 507AD and originally it was used to spot fires. Nowadays the area surrounding the tower is a popular hangout for both tourists and locals. Many bars and restaurants surround the tower which is beautifully illuminated at night. Climb to the top of the tower and enjoy the views over coffee in the coffee house located at the top.
The opulent
Topkapi Palace is set in beautiful gardens and there are many ancient Islamic relics on display. Be prepared to queue to enter the Palace, but once inside you’ll be rewarded with beautiful mosaics and stained glass windows. The Topkapi Palace is considered along with the Hagia Sofia to be Istanbul’s top tourist draws. The
Hagia Sofia is an extraordinary building and is regarded as one of the finest buildings in the world. Formerly an Eastern Orthodox cathedral, the building then became a mosque and currently it is used as a museum. Both religions have left their mark on the place and the 30,000 gold tiles that make up the interior are amazing. The building was an engineering feat when it was built in the 8th century.
We’re sure you’ve always wondered what it’s like to go shopping in a
Turkish Bazaar. Head for the
Grand Bazaar, an authentic bazaar with over 4000 shops. Browse the Ottoman carpets, smoke a traditional Shisha water pipe or buy some handmade artifacts – the Bazaar offers hours of fun. If you’re interested in shopping, visit the
Istiklal Street, a shoppers paradise and Istanbul’s main nightspot. Istanbulites love to dance and you’ll find all kinds of dancing on this street if you visit at night. Belly dancing, break dancing and traditional Turkish dancing are common, as is live music.
Istanbul is located on the
Bosphorus Strait and a large stretch of water divides the city in two – one side in Europe and one side in Asia. Perhaps the best way to start your Istanbul adventure is by taking a boat tour down the water. It is a great opportunity to see the city and its many beautiful sides. If you wish to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, why not take a day trip to the tranquil
Prince’s Islands. The ferry ride to the islands is pleasant and you can hire bikes or even a horse drawn carriage when you’re there!
Turkish Food
Turkish food is tasty, exotic, fresh and wholesome. Turkish food is famous throughout the world and its influence is in evidence in many different cultures. Here’s a short list of some of our favourite Turkish foods:
Kuru Fasulye – White beans served with rice. It is the Turkish equivalent to Italian pasta and tomato sauce.
Pide – Turkish flatbread. It is usually served with a topping, such as soft cheese, meat and/or salad.
Gözleme – Traditional Turkish pastry. The pasty is filled with various fillings then cooked on a griddle.
Lahmacum – Also known as Turkish Pizza, this thin, round disc of dough is topped with minced beef, tomatoes, parsley and onions and then baked in the oven. It is often rolled up with fresh salad or vegetables.
Doner Kebab – The ultimate Turkish dish! The Doner is available all over the world and is made with meat cooked on a vertical spit, fresh salad and various tasty sauces. These ingredients and stuffed into fresh Turkish bread – delicious!
Getting Around
Istanbul Atatürk Airport is located 15 miles west of the city centre. There are three options available to get from the airport into the city. The metro operates a good service and the journey takes 30 minutes. Taxis are good value, quick and the simplest option. There is also a bus service – take the Taksim line which runs every half an hour into the centre. You’ll find the best way to get around the city is also via taxi. Istanbul has very efficient tram and bus systems that are easy to navigate. If you don’t know exactly where you’re going take a taxi, but be wary of con artists who will charge you large amounts. Only accept a taxi ride if you’re paying a meter fare.
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