6 Reasons Istanbul Should Be on Your Travel List
Istanbul is a city that has the capacity to leave you spell bound with its location being in both Europe and Asia. Rich in history and culture and blessed with beautiful sceneries, it is a perfect place that has both the ancient and the contemporary world. The Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar, the Bosphorus Strait, and many other places are waiting for a tourist with incredible experiences. If you like history, cuisine, or shopping, this city in Turkey will provide you with lots of interesting things to see and do.
For a worry-free holiday, Turkey tour packages from Dubai offer the best way to access the attractions that Istanbul has to offer. These packages are aimed at various interests, so that the journey is comfortable with unique and exciting experiences. If it is the desire to explore the magnificent palaces of the Ottoman Empire, taste the Turkish cuisine, or to take a boat ride on the Bosphorus, Istanbul is waiting for you with its irresistible appeal.
Istanbul is the business and cultural center of Turkey and is well suitable for visiting other famous places such as Cappadocia, Antalya, and Ephesus. Istanbul is the perfect place for a rich, exciting, and unforgettable holiday because it integrates the most ancient history with modern life.
If you are planning to travel to Turkey through Dubai, then this is why Istanbul should be your number one destination.
1. Rich Historical Heritage
Turkish history is rich and diverse and Istanbul’s history has been a colorful one, being that it is the melting pot of the world. The city was once the capital of three mighty empires: the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empire. All these empires have influenced the face of Istanbul in terms of architectural and historical significance.
Among the most famous sights one can mention the Hagia Sophia – a church, which was later turned into a mosque, and now it is a museum where elements of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture are observed. The Blue Mosque with its beautiful blue tiled interior and towering minarets is another great place to visit. You can also go to Topkapi palace and see the place where the Ottoman sultans once resided.
While planning for Turkey holidays from Dubai, ensure to take historical tours so as to get the most out of the city because every street, every building has a story to tell about the old world empires, battles, and the making of modern Turkey.
2. The Grand Bazaar: Shopper’s Paradise
It is a covered market that is made up of more than four thousand shops and sixty streets: it is one of the largest and oldest in the world. Starting with stunning designs of carpets and beautiful fabrics to exquisite handcrafted jewelry and delicious smelling spices, the Grand Bazaar has it all Turkish. It is a place where you can bargain for trinkets, taste the famous Turkish delights, and probably buy a stunning piece of genuine art.
Most of the Turkey holiday packages from Dubai also come with a shopping tour to guide you around this market so that you do not get lost when searching for those special offers or unique items that are not usually displayed.
3. A Food Lover’s Dream
Istanbul is indeed a city that will satisfy any food connoisseur since it is a melting pot of different cultures. Taste delicious meals which include kebabs, mezes which are small portions of food and börek which is a flaky pastry filled with cheese or meat. You can also try a simit which is a kind of bread coated with sesame seed and commonly served with tea and also baklava – a pastry stuffed with nuts and drenched in syrup.
For a more memorable Turkey holiday package from Dubai, it would be best to try a culinary tour in order to taste authentic Istanbul cuisine. These tours expose visitors to the local markets, food sellers and traditional restaurants where you get to taste the Turkish foods and also learn about the Turkish food culture.
4. Bosphorus Cruises: A Unique Perspective
The Bosphorus straits is a natural water channel that separates the European and the Asian sides of Istanbul and is one of the most effective ways to sight see. One must not miss a Bosphorus cruise where one can pass by the royal palaces like Dolmabahçe Palace and the Kiz Kulesi or the Maiden’s Tower which is a tower on a small island. The city skyline particularly at sunset is breathtaking, views of the city from the top are equally amazing.
Most of the tour packages to Turkey from Dubai include Bosphorus cruises as part of the tour, giving you an opportunity to sit back, relax and listen to the history of the Bosphorus strait.
5. Vibrant Culture and Nightlife
Istanbul is a city that never sleeps, or in other words it is active both in the daytime and at night. The city is full of art with art galleries, museums and exhibitions of local and international artists. Sightseeing attractions include religious and ethnographic shows like Whirling Dervishes, or even the Turkish folk dance.
It is the same with Istanbul’s nightlife. From the terrace bar with stunning view of the Bosphorus to the typical Turkish ‘meyhane’ with live music, Istanbul offers plenty of opportunities to relax after a day of visiting attractions. From posh night clubs to casual bars, there is a lot to explore in Istanbul at night and the city never sleeps.
6. Gateway to the Rest of Turkey
To say that Istanbul is a great place to visit would be an understatement; it is also a starting point to some of the most beautiful regions in Turkey. Due to its largest international airport and good connection network, Istanbul provides a good opportunity for visiting other parts of the country. For instance, you can get to Cappadocia with its special fairy chimneys and hot air balloon tours or Ephesian ruins. The coast of Turkey with beautiful sandy beaches and tourist facilities in Antalya and Bodrum, is also conveniently located near Istanbul.
Most of the Turkey tour packages from Dubai are compact, and include other cities in the package so that you get to explore all of Turkey.
Conclusion
Istanbul is a city with two faces; the ancient and the contemporary where tradition and tradition and tradition and innovation blend seamlessly. From walking around the amazing palaces of the city to savoring delicious food and from taking a boat ride on the Bosphorus to shopping, Istanbul has something for every tourist.
If you are planning your trip to Turkey, it would be wise to take a Turkey holiday package from Dubai to get the professional tour guides and the best planned itinerary to explore the best of this magical city.
