Istanbul- The New Age Constantinople

Istanbul, often mistook to be the capital of Turkey

, is actually the most populous and financial center of the country. It was known in ancient times as Constantinople and was the last post of The Roman Empire till it was taken over by the Ottomans.

The city is built on the banks of the Bosporus River, which literally divides the city. It is sandwiched between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. It enjoys a temperate oceanic climate, with hot summers and really cold winters. The relative humidity is very high here. Flights to Istanbul is available from major cities in Europe and Asia. For those wanting to visit the city from North America, Air Canada and US Airways offer cheap tickets to Istanbul.

The city boasts of some exquisite architecture dating to the Roman and Ottoman era. It is a sought after destination for tourists who want to see the unique blend of history and religion from the east and west.

Turkish Airlines is a good option to look for cheap flights to Istanbul. The airline offers good deals on last minute flights, and hotel bookings. The city has some of the beautiful sights to explore. The Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace offer some of them. Museum tours in both these destinations are a must to know the history of the city.

The most photographed monument, the Blue Mosque or Sultanhmet Mosque is almost synonymous to Istanbul. The architecture is stunning and the minarets and dome make it a magnificent structure depicting the glory of the Ottoman Empire.

Istiklal Avenue is a pedestrian street with its small tuck shops and stores to go shopping for souvenirs. The place is bustling with shoppers and offers a picture-perfect photo opportunity. The place can be best enjoyed sipping the perfect Turkish coffee.

To experience the daily life of Ottoman Istanbul, the best place to go to is Eyup. It is one of the holiest places for Muslims. The Miniturk Park offers a unique experience of seeing the miniatures of all the famous Turkish monuments. Another place, the Princes Islands is an attraction for its wooden houses and pine trees. The island is free of cars and makes a truly different experience.

The Hamams or bathhouses are a major attraction with the tourists. Cleanliness could be an issue with almost everyone wanting to go there. The perfect way to enjoy the sunset would be to hang out around the Blue Mosque, bustling with activity. The city has a lot to offer.

A not so well-known fact about Istanbul is that it introduced tulips to The Netherlands. Cultivating them has revived in the past decade and is a major attraction to see when the fields are in full bloom.

No trip to Istanbul will be complete without taking the Bosporus river cruise. It can be a full day cruise or if pressed for time, a short one too. During the off-season period, the cheapest airline offers are available to make it a memorable trip to this beautiful city.

by: Diane Plankford

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