subject: What To Do In Istanbul [print this page] What To Do In Istanbul What To Do In Istanbul
Istanbul is a vibrant city with a rich culture and history dating back for centuries. As with any other big city, it can be overwhelming when you first step outside. If you know where to go and what to see however, a trip to Istanbul can be one of your most exciting adventures.
There are at least three main attractions that need to be seen while in Istanbul. First is the vast and unique Grand Bazaar. It is the oldest covered market in the world, and it is best to set aside a few hours to walk through the Bazaar itself. Going through its many stalls could even take up an entire day. It is easy to lose track of time when you are getting lost in the market or when you are perfecting the art of bargaining.
Another must-see place in the city is the other side of the Bosphorus strait. Depending on where you are, or where you are staying, you may be either in Europe or in Asia. Istanbul is split between the two continents. It is important for visitors to take a ferry trip because sailing on these ferries offers views of Istanbul that can't be seen from anywhere but the middle of the strait. The ride from one side to the other only takes about 15 minutes, but you can take the ferry a few times around in order to take in all of the views of Istanbul.
The Hagia Sofia, or Ayasofya, mosque is another one of the other main attractions that you should not miss on a trip to Istanbul. Constructed in 550 AD, it was originally a church and was then converted into a mosque by the Ottomans who conquered Istanbul in 1453. Lines to get into the mosque may vary, depending on how many tourists decide to visit that day. Generally, you should consider setting aside about 1 to 3 hours out of your day in order to complete a tour of the mosque.
You can do these things and more in just 48 hours in the city, but don't be fooledthe more time you have, the more you will be able to discover and to do. There are many restaurants, stalls, and vendors, and part of the city is charming in its own right. Istanbul is just a preview of coming attractionsof what the rest of the country has to offer.
One of the cities worth seeing after Istanbul is Konya, which is located in the central part of Turkey. It was the final home of the Sufi mystic Rumi. Home to other religious sites, including the Mevlana Museum, Konya also has whirling dervish performances throughout the year.
Istanbul is a big city that offers tastes of cuisine and culture from all parts of Turkey, but the only way to really experience a city's uniqueness is to visit it. Konya, Lake Van, and Istanbul are only a small handful of renowned cities in Turkey. From the beach to the mountains, every different part of the country has a different experience to offer travelers.
