I have a keen interest in history and enjoy exploring cities that are rich in history. Therefore I was really looking forward to visiting Istanbul knowing that it was capital of not one but two of history's greatest empires. I must say that Istanbul did not disappoint at all. This is a city that anybody with just the most fundamental interest history should find very exciting. However there is more to Istanbul than just history. Few cities rival Istanbul for architectural gems as this is the home of the magnificant Aya Sofia and the Topkapi Palace. However Istanbul architectural and historical attraction alone are not what make Istanbul such a popular destination for travelers. Istanbul's location on the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara make her also one of the most visually stunning cities that I have visited.
For all of its size and crowds, over 11 million people reside here, Istanbul is a surprisingly managable and unthreatening city. This is largely because of the locals who are amongst the friendliest people I have ever encountered.
You might run into some problems while visiting Istanbul. Traffic is frustratingly slow. The tourist attractions can be staggeringly crowded because of the many bus tours and cruise boats that stop here. However, for me anyway, these were only minor complaints that did not spoil the fantastic four days that I spent here.
- Pros:Great Architectural Attractions. Cruising the Bosphorus
- Cons:Can Be Very Crowded. Chaotic Traffic. Pollution is a Problem
- In a nutshell:A City Rich in History and Culture
Reviews (29)
The Aqueduct of Valens
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The Aqueduct of Valens in just a short walk southeast of the Faith Camii. By no means is it one of the great remaining... more travel advice
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I actually did not visit the Istiklal Caddesi until late in the stay in Istanbul. This is probably because none of the... more travel advice
The Tram in Istanbul
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- Wrote a Review The Aqueduct of Valens about the Roman Aqueduct in Istanbul Off The Beaten Path
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Comments (28)
Nice information and photos covering a nice mix of palces in one of the World's more interesting cities.
Great photo and review!
Great and very useful tips & photos. We'll be in Istanbul in a 20 days for the first time. You helped us a lot :-) Greetings from Kragujevac, Serbia
Are you saying that the military museum has a bit on Gallipoli Paul. Would it be worth us visiting as Aussies?
Istanbul is high on my wish list! Thanks for this informative presentation! You have superb photos in Hagia Sophia. Topkapi is of course a name that makes to dream! I guess that the difficult thing is to be there when there are few tourists!
Last visited 12/03 and boy, lots added plus new. Loved the Military Museum info. Excellent account of Hippodrome. Good use of added photos. Can't believe I didn't see the Archaeological Museum! Terrific!
Hey Paul, thanks for taking a look at my Istanbul page! You have got some great tips here yourself, definately one of my favorite destinations ever!
Too bad I missed this. I heard it's good.
happy belated birthday, paul. wish you all the best :)
Fantastic page Paul, so full of information. I would love to visit Istanbul, its high on the list, maybe even later this year.... Excellent, thanks! (~_~)
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