Some information about Istanbul:
Where is Istanbul? Yes, this fascinating city, due to its location, has been subject to invasion throughout history and has gone through many civilizations. The most popular city in the world, Istanbul, or formerly known as Constantinople, was the administrative and capital of the Eastern Roman, Byzantine Empire in 330 and 1204, the time of the Latins' attack and plunder, the siege of the Umayyad Arabs, again in 1261 Byzantium. The capital of the period and administration was the Ottoman siege in 1453 and the capital of the Ottoman Empire for 470 years. In 1923, the Republic was declared and Ankara was declared the Capital of the Republic of Turkey.
Istanbul is located on the continent of Europe and Asia, the northern Black Sea, the Istanbul Canal and the southern Marmara Sea, the Dardanel Strait, the Western Aegean Sea and the southern Mediterranean are located within the Turkey Map. Turkey's largest cosmopolitan city.
So what are you going to do to Istanbul?
Do you have a few questions in mind for your trip?
First of all, is this city safe? How's the security?
You have arrived at Istanbul airport or Sabiha Gökçen airport. If you have a valid passport or ID from America, Canada, or some Asian and European countries, paying a visa is required by law. All South American countries can be entered without paying a visa.
If you want to take your luggage, go out, find a vehicle and go to your hotel after all the bureaucratic procedures, this situation is a bit complicated. For this reason, I recommend you to get a VIP transfer before coming to the country. The reason is: It is safer and faster, comfortable and easy to pay. You pay it to the driver when you arrive at the hotel, there will be no extra price difference and it is covered by insurance. All VIP transfer vehicles you travel with have compulsory passenger insurance in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Turkey. We do not want an accident to happen during the journey, but in case of an accident, it will keep you safe. You can consider other means of transportation as an alternative, such as the Metro. This may be difficult for you and your belongings or luggage. Getting off and on the metro. and then switching to another means of transportation is much more difficult and may be costly. If the airport thinks that your hotel will be far away, you may have to take a taxi again. This may spoil your fun or you may encounter prices that you do not expect from a taxi. For this reason, as I mentioned above, Airport VIP transfer is the most logical.
How can I spend a day in Istanbul, where can I change my money or pay with Kerdi card?
The answer to this question is simple and depends on you. Istanbul is a safe city, but no place can be 100% safe. Better be careful. The best place to exchange your money is at the exchange offices on Anna streets. The best price is here at the hotel or at the airport. If you exchange it at the bank, you have to pay a fee. It will be beneficial for you to have a sum of Turkish Lira. In fact, Kerdicard is valid everywhere. If you want to go out and visit, you can make a plan based on the region your hotel is located in, but my advice is that a local guide will always be advantageous.
If you want to go to a tourist spot, the whole day will be more enjoyable with a guide who speaks your language.
So, what is the best place to visit?
If you like history, look at all the ancient mosques, churches, palaces,
It would be nice to visit the old markets, the Byzantine walls, the palaces of the Ottoman sultan, the Byzantine dungeons or a cruise on the Bosphorus by boat. Districts and neighborhoods to see on the European side or Asiye side. The guide organizes these programs for you and for you. you will have a safer and more organized day.
So what to eat? When you think of Istanbul you think of delicious kebabs, grilled fish, Turkish appetizers, salads, desserts and more. In Istanbul you cannot go hungry. There is definitely a place open 24 hours a day, even in the evening, and there is something for all budgets: you can find a kebab sandwich and a drink for 5 euros, it all depends on your budget.
There are famous restaurants and many more, usually in the luxurious neighborhoods of Istanbul such as Nişantaşı, Bebek, Etiler, Taksim, Trabya.
If you want to have fun, here in Beyoglu you can find bars, clubs and restaurants open until the morning, but let me tell you, you should definitely check the menu prices.
Where can I shop?
Many neighborhoods in Istanbul are suitable for this. For example, you can buy touristic gifts in a touristic area. You have two alternatives for this. The Grand Bazaar or the Spice Market. The Grand Bazaar. There are approximately 4000 thousand shops. In most of these shops, you can find leather coats, jackets, trousers, shoes, and bags. Carpets, rugs, souvenir holders. , Clothing, men's and women's vases, kitchenware, and many products, of course more jewelry. Especially gold jewelry, silver and precious stone necklaces, bracelets, cubes, precious stone rings and all kinds are all original. At the same time, imitation imitation products of famous brands are sold one to one.
In the spice market, there are mostly spices, various herbal teas, dried fruits, cookies, coffee and Turkish desserts, and small handmade souvenirs such as baklava and Turkish delight.
Famous shopping streets of Istanbul: Nisantasi, this neighborhood is mostly frequented by high society. Branded clothing stores, restaurants, stylish cafes, beauty centers.
Istiklal street, the favorite street of Istanbul, boutique stores with local and foreign brands, suitable for every budget
Besides, Osmanbey and Şişli neighborhoods are also suitable for shopping.
Fathi, Aksaray, Laleli, Mahmutpasa are suitable for the middle class.
Located on the Asiye side of Baghdad Street, this street is frequented by high society.
There are many shopping malls in Istanbul