Istanbul is one of my favourite characteristic destinations, spanning two continents; Europe and Asia, and makes me feel very happy and lively whenever I travel there.
It is difficult to put into words what makes Istanbul special. Istanbul is a unique city where you can have a European experience with Islamic grace. The city is steeped in history, tradition and culture while the modern lifestyle of today is going on. This city has a lot to offer to tourists with different interests.
Many travellers like me, are willing to travel to Istanbul repeatedly for a leisurely break.
Easy to Reach
Although Istanbul is not the capital of Turkey, it is the most popular city in the country amongst international visitors. There are numerous international flights from around the world to this city. If you are based in Europe, you can also consider booking a cheap flight from low-cost airlines such as Pegasus Airlines.
Visa Entry
Most nationalities do not require a visa for travelling to Turkey, but a few still need it to enter the country, and this can be checked on the official website of the Foreign Ministry of Turkey.
Food
If you love travelling and eating tasty food, then Istanbul is the right destination for you. There is no need to compromise on taste you can find whatever you like. You can choose to have meat, seafood, or sweets.
There are several restaurants in Istanbul. Some of them serve fresh and hot bread and you can see the making of bread while you are in the restaurant. The most significant factor is that time doesn’t matter in Istanbul, you can go to restaurants and cafes whenever you are hungry, even in the middle of the night.
Public Transportation
When you are in Istanbul, you really don’t need to hire a car to go around. There are various types of public transportation, such as buses, trams, underground, ferries, and taxis. Using public transportation is the most convenient way to travel around the city, because traffic jams in Istanbul are not limited to peak hours; there are traffic jams at almost every hour throughout the day. Moreover, using the variety of public transportation can make your journey more enjoyable, particular when you get a ferry you can have a great view of some parts of the city.
Although taxis fares in Istanbul are cheap and affordable for international tourists, you should be aware of taxi scams there. There are more than 20,000 taxis around the city and for sure, there are some drivers who are not very honest, especially with international visitors.
Shopping
If you like travelling and shopping, then Istanbul is a good place to give it a try. You can find famous western brands and also different turkish brands. You can find good quality clothes with a cheap price tag in the city. Moreover, there are lot of Bazaars in Istanbul, where bargaining is a must.
Unlimited things to do
It doesn’t matter how many times you have been in Istanbul, you won’t be able to see and do everything this particular city has to offer.
