{"id":15304,"date":"2021-11-24T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-11-24T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.isango.com\/theguidebook\/?p=15304"},"modified":"2021-11-24T01:44:19","modified_gmt":"2021-11-24T01:44:19","slug":"istanbul-a-nod-to-the-east-and-the-west-6-places-you-must-visit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.isango.com\/theguidebook\/istanbul-a-nod-to-the-east-and-the-west-6-places-you-must-visit\/","title":{"rendered":"Istanbul: A Nod to the East and the West: 6 Places You Must Visit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Istanbul, gateway to the East and the West depending on which way you\u2019re facing! The Greeks, Romans and Venetians all came and ruled over the city for a while. But decided to leave. The Ottomans, though, stayed. They must have liked it, as there are reminders all across the city. It\u2019s not only the fact that this city touches Asia and Europe that so interests people. It’s the city’s history too. It\u2019s the end of the silk road, and many of its merchants so liked it here they stayed too! Bringing with them and implanting their rich culture into those already here. Istanbul is quite the place.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exploring Istanbul is a pleasure of sight, sound, and taste. As well as the attractions, you have the tea gardens, coffee houses, taverns and kebab shops offering its unique and sort after cuisine. Touring around is definately a pleasure, not a pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With that in mind, it’s time to get exploring. We’ve picked out six places you should visit. There\u2019s no specific order, just enjoy them as you desire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Grand Bazaar<\/a><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It may only be a covered market, but it\u2019s still one of the oldest and largest. Oh, and most famous. Let\u2019s give you the statistics first. There are 61 covered streets and around 4000 shops and it attracts close to half a million visitors a day! It\u2019s the place for all your shopping needs under one roof. Although, of course, with the sights, sounds and smells, it\u2019s much more than that. Carpets, lamps, to tea are among the items sold, and oh, don\u2019t forget to barter for your gifts. It\u2019s part of the deal when visiting here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Blue Mosque<\/a><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Talking of the Ottomans, as we were, the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is one of Istanbul\u2019s most recognised buildings. It\u2019s a functioning mosque, but you can still visit. If you\u2019re wondering why The Blue Mosque, well wait until you\u2019re inside. It\u2019s painted blue on the upper levels, hence its name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Byzantine Hippodrome<\/a><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Riots and sport and 500 years of history! Byzantine Hippodrome was once at the heart of Constantinople\u2019s political and sporting life, hence those scenes! We\u2019re talking Ottoman history here. It\u2019s a city park and a popular place to visit. There are plenty of treasures to be found, including a stone tower (all part of the city\u2019s system of aqueducts). It\u2019s also close to the Blue Mosque, so some easy touring for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Beylerbeyi Palace<\/a><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Looking for somewhere regal? Well, Beylerbeyi Palace is one of two palaces on our list. Built for a summer residence to entertain visiting heads of state. It\u2019s well worth your time, and the place oozes with history. By the way, Beylerbeyi means \u2018lord of lords\u2019, so gives you some idea what to expect. It\u2019s grand!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Topkapi Palace<\/a><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Onto another Ottoman residence. Topkapi Palace is a large museum, serving as a residence and administrative headquarters for the Ottoman sultans. It\u2019s another big place, but once again packed with interesting artefacts and history to devour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Bosphorus Strait Cruises<\/a><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Our last choice is a cruise along the Bosphorus. On the one side you have Asia, and the other Europe. The cruise also gives you a different perspective of Istanbul\u2019s major sites, so camera at the ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

There is much to admire and enjoy in Istanbul. A city that has an abundance of history to learn about, stunning architectural buildings to see and a rich, diverse culture to experience. East meets West and West meets East, and out pops this city. What a joyous, exciting place to explore.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

East one way and West the other<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":15309,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[18,19,58,1737],"tags":[31,77,1008,1738],"yoast_head":"\nIstanbul: A Nod to the East and the West: 6 Places You Must Visit<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Istanbul has a uniqueness unlike any other city. Where Asia meets Europe. A place rich in history. 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Visiting India, aged 15 fueled his passion for travel, and the need to explore and discover has remained. He loves seeking out unusual places, finding fantastic cafes and experiencing different cultures. He has been fortunate to have travelled across the globe, and lived in Japan & the Czech Republic. He loves sharing his passion for travel, hoping to inspire, however quirky the content may be! 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