Located in the Marmara Region, adjacent to the Marmara Sea, ISTANBUL is Turkey's most vibrant metropolis.

Istanbul forms a natural bridge between Europe and Asia by offering a magnificent blend of "traditional & modern" remarks thanks to its historical richness.. Throughout history, it has been ruled by 120 kaisers and emperors and has served as the capital of three great civilizations—the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires.

During your trip to Istanbul, you can embark on a historical journey. At any moment, you can pass under Byzantine aqueducts, walk along the walls of a Roman church, visit mosques built in the name of Ottoman sultans, or explore magnificent structures that have been preserved from the Ottomans to the present day.

Situated at the crossroads of the Asian and European continents, this magnificent city offers a magical experience, graced with historical buildings, natural beauty, exceptional cuisine, lively nightlife, art and music festivals, religious celebrations, bustling markets, shopping centers, and the allure of the Bosphorus. Visiting the beautiful districts on both continents of Istanbul will leave you amazed at each one's unique charm. You can indulge in a fulfilling shopping experience in famous areas like Rumelia, Teşvikiye, Valikonağı, and Abdi İpekçi Street in Nişantaşı, or find tranquility in seaside neighborhoods such as Bebek, Tarabya, Kadıköy, and Moda.

Additionally, make sure to visit Galataport Istanbul, one of Turkey's largest projects, and Istanbul Modern, Turkey's first modern and contemporary art museum located nearby. Galataport rejuvenates Karaköy's ports, which have been unused for 200 years, accommodating three large cruise ships simultaneously, and boasting 52,000 square feet of shops, food and beverage areas, and 43,000 square feet of office rental space. It is widely regarded as Istanbul's newest art and gastronomy hub.

* Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)

Hagia Sophia, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, stands as one of the most visited museums in the world in terms of art and architectural history and is undoubtedly among the must-see structures.

Hagia Sophia is a masterpiece that has been constructed three times at the same location. The present-day Hagia Sophia is known as the "Third Hagia Sophia." The first construction of Hagia Sophia was initiated during the era of Constantine the Great. Erected as a wooden-roofed basilica on the first of Istanbul's seven hills, this structure, referred to as the "Great Church" at that time, suffered extensive damage due to a fire that broke out during a rebellion in 404.

The second Hagia Sophia was built by Emperor Theodosius II on top of the first one and was opened for worship in 415. However, this structure was also burned down and destroyed by rebels in 532. Immediately after the rebellion, Emperor Justinian decided to commission a much larger and more splendid Hagia Sophia than its predecessors. The third Hagia Sophia was constructed by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I between 532 and 537.

A structure that served as a church for 916 years, it was converted into a mosque by Fatih Sultan Mehmed in 1453 after the conquest of Istanbul and was used as a mosque for 482 years. Following that, upon the order of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, it was opened to the public as a museum in 1935. As of the year 2020, the structure has been reconverted into a mosque and is hailed among the architectural masterpieces due to its design.

* The Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı)

The Basilica Cistern, known as “Yerebatan Sarnıcı” in Turkish, stands as one of the most significant cultural treasures where we can trace the grand history of Istanbul. Commissioned by the Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I, this expansive underground cistern, due to the marble columns rising from the water, which appear countless, is commonly referred to as the "Yerebatan Sarayı" or "Sunken Palace" among the public.

With a water storage capacity of 80,000 tons, this is the largest covered cistern in the city, distinguished by having more recycled supporting elements compared to other covered cisterns. Covering an area of approximately 107,639 square feet, the colossal structure has a rectangular shape with dimensions of 459 feet in length, and 230 feet in width.

Inside the cistern, there are 336 columns, each soaring to a height of 29.5 feet. These columns rising from the water evoke the sense of an endless forest, captivating visitors as soon as they enter. Open as a museum since 1987, in addition to temporary exhibitions, contemporary art displays, cultural events, and performances, the unique museum also accommodates various forms of entertainment. During your visit, you might chance upon an event, immersing yourself in the authentic ambiance and being enchanted by it.

* Beyoglu

Beyoglu, known as the cultural, artistic, entertainment, and business center of Istanbul today, was once an area covered with vineyards and gardens during the Byzantine Period, and it was called “Pera”. Beyoglu, which has hosted many embassies and many foreign guests over the years; starting from Taksim Square, Istiklal Street is dazzling with its Cercle d'Orient Building, Hagia Triada Church, 200-year-old Flower Passage, Galata Tower and countless beauties.

* The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque)

Discover the magnificence of Ottoman architecture and the mesmerizing tiles at the Blue Mosque, which shares an architectural relationship with the Hagia Sophia Mosque.

Built by the Ottoman Emperor Sultan Ahmet I in the 17th century, under the guidance of Sedefkar Mehmet Ağa, one of Mimar Sinan's esteemed students, this mosque is renowned as the Blue Mosque due to the intense blue-colored Iznik tiles adorning its walls. A staggering 21,043 eye-catching Iznik tiles grace the mosque's interior. Adjacent to the mosque lies the tomb, where the resting place of Ahmet I and his wife Kösem Sultan can be found.

As one of Istanbul's primary attractions, the Blue Mosque offers visitors the opportunity to witness an active place of worship. Stroll through the airy courtyard and immerse yourself in the ambience of the mosque's grand curved domes. For history and architecture enthusiasts, this iconic site is an absolute must-see.

* Topkapı Palace

After the conquest of Istanbul by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453, the construction of Topkapi Palace began in 1460 and was completed in 1478. The palace was built on an area of 700,000 square meters on the Historical Peninsula of Istanbul, situated on an East Roman Acropolis.

For nearly four hundred years, from Mehmet the Conqueror to the thirty-first Sultan, Sultan Abdülmecid, Topkapı Palace served as the administrative, educational, and artistic center of the empire. Although the Ottoman Dynasty abandoned the palace in the mid-19th century, moving to Dolmabahçe Palace, Topkapı Palace maintained its significance, and in 1924, it was transformed into a museum by the order of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

The museum exhibits valuable collections, including the Imperial Treasury, European Porcelains and Glasses, Copper and Tombak Kitchenware, Chinese and Japanese Porcelains, Silvers, Hırka-i Şerif (Holy Cardigan of the Prophet Muhammad) and Sacred Relics, Istanbul Glass and Porcelain, Sultan Dresses, Sultan portraits, and painting collections.

* Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar, constructed by Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1461, is a historical shopping square surrounded by shops covered with roofs and domes. Istanbul, with its soaring walls, magnificent palaces, and narrow minarets, presents a shining silhouette and continues to fascinate everyone with its unique and wonderful view from the Bosphorus. The city seamlessly blends the old and the new, creating a captivating landscape that welcomes visitors as soon as they set foot in it.

Situated between the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar, Eminönü is the heart of commerce, housing these wonderful marketplaces. In this winding maze of sales, you will find Istanbul's best authentic markets, offering everything your heart desires, from fresh fish brought by fishermen to the best furniture manufacturer in the old town. With a plethora of specialty shops, both tourists and locals find themselves surrounded by an abundance of variety and choice. The only thing you need to consider is how skillfully you can bargain to get what you desire at the right price.