"Historic and Energetic Istanbul" Istanbul by Ewingjr98

Istanbul Travel Guide: 7,646 reviews and 19,527 photos

Istanbul sublimely blends old and new - Istanbul

My visit to Istanbul, April 2011

Istanbul is a surprisingly friendly, historic, and exciting city.

I spent just 13 hours here during a long layover, but I took advantage of it! I started by buying a $20 90-day tourist visa at the airport, then riding into town on the metro (3.5 Turkish Lira for the trip). I arrived in the Sultanahmet area and, while exploring the back alleys, I took in the sights: the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome, the Sultan's Palace, the Roman Baths, and the beautiful park behind the palace.

Later I walked to the Grand Bazaar, the aqueduct, and the huge mosques of the area. I still had time to kill before catching my flight, so I continued wandering Istanbul until I found a small donor kebab stand for dinner, and a local bar for a few Efes beers (5 Turkish Lira each).

Then it was back on the metro for the 45 minutes ride to the airport. Once at the airport, I still had several hours to burn, so I found a few more Efes beers (12 Turkish Lira each) and a nice piece of tasty baklava (2 Turkish Lira).

Roman Cisterns ... really old

Turkey's location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia makes it a country of significant importance, and gives it a unique multidimensional culture. This ancient land has clung to its great history, while embracing modern necessities. Turkey is an Islamic, Westward-leaning democratic republic with membership in the European Union and NATO.

Istanbul, the largest city in the country, is the cultural, economic, and financial center of Turkey. Located astride the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul is truly the location where Europe meets Asia, and is the only metropolitan area of the world located on two continents. Istanbul was established around 660 BC, and Istanbul has been known previously as Byzantium and Constantinople. It constantly served as capital city of a variety of empires including the Roman Empire (330–395), the Byzantine Empire (395–1204 & again 1261–1453), the Latin Empire (1204–1261), and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922).

Last visit to Istanbul: Apr 2011
Intro Updated Apr 10, 2011
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (33)

Turkish Delight Favorites (6)

Turkish Delight, known locally as lokum, is a generic name for any of a variety of Turkish candies made with gelled... more travel advice

Efes Beer Favorites (6)

Efes is a surprisingly good beer, and a rare beer that is brewed in a predominantly Muslim country. The brewery was... more travel advice

Million Stone Off The Beaten Path (8)

The Million was erected in the 4th Century AD and was the 0 mile marker for ll roads in Constantine's Byzantine Empire.... more travel advice

Nuruosmaniye Mosque Off The Beaten Path (8)

Nuruosmaniye Mosque, located next to the Burnt Column and the Grand Bazaar, was completed in 1755 in the Ottoman Baroque... more travel advice

Restaurants (4)
See All Istanbul Cafe, Attaturk International...
Things to Do (10)
See All Gülhane Park

Travelogues (1)

Written Apr 23, 2011

8 photos

Basilica Cistern

1 - 1 of 1

Comments (2)

Reply
- Report abuse
Roadquill May 3, 2011 at 5:31 PM

Well done page. Karl
Reply
- Report abuse
Raimix Apr 13, 2011 at 12:57 AM

Nicely done page! I am amazed that you saw a lot in short time :) I am planning a trip as well in early May and will be for a week.