Istanbul at a glance

SIGHTSEEING, ISTANBUL Updated : Feb 8, 2015, 02.44 AM IST

Photo by:  Justin A., Creative Commons Attribution Licence

An alluring city that lies on two continents, Europe and Asia, Istanbul has been attracting visitors for centuries. A mix of ancient Eastern tradition, and European style and sophistication, the city is divided into several precincts. From stunning mosques, opulent palaces and Byzantine ruins of Sultanahmet, and the lively arena of Ortaköy packed with shops, restaurants and bars, to the predominantly residential Asian Shore, and lively streets of Beyoğlu and Nişantaşi; the city is a mishmash of everything. Listed here are all the important areas of Istanbul that you must know about, before visiting.
1

SHOPPING, ISTANBUL

The Bazaar Quarter and Eminönü

Explore the Grand Bazaar’s sprawling maze of covered streets lined with thousands of shops and stalls, cafés and restaurants, then walk down to the bustling waterfront at Eminönü. A transport hub and the departure point ...more

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The Asian Shore

The easiest way to hop between continents is by taking a ferry from Eminönü. From there you can explore Kadıköy, with its bustling market, packed with fresh fish, vegetables and fruit, and the café culture of Bağdat Cadd...more

3

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Sultanahmet

Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, you will find the world-famous Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace all within walking distance of each other. As the centre of any visitor's sightseeing agenda, it...more

4

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Ortaköy

In Ottoman times Ortaköy – ‘Middle Village’ in Turkish – was a cosmopolitan melting pot for Turks, Greeks, Jews and Armenians. Today it’s one of Istanbul’s coolest neighbourhoods. The stunning neo-Baroque mosque sits nex...more

5

SHOPPING, ISTANBUL

Nişantaşi

Nişantaşi's well-heeled streets are packed with high-end designer boutiques, stylish cafés, upmarket restaurants and trendy bars. European in atmosphere, it became a residential neighbourhood in 1853 when Sultan Abdül Me...more

6

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Cihangir and Çukurcuma

Renowned for its stunning views of the Bosphorus and café culture, almost the whole of Akarsu Sokak and the streets around it have been given over to places that stay open around the clock.

7

SIGHTSEEING, ISTANBUL

Beyoğlu

In the early part of the 20th century, the area between Taksim Square and Tünel was nicknamed ‘Little Europe’ and became one of Istanbul's most fashionable areas, filled with many extravagant buildings housing European e...more

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