Gallivant round the city of Istanbul for an enthralling getaway!

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Gallivant round the city of Istanbul for an
enthralling getaway!
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The only city in the world, which spreads over
two continents, Istanbul lies at a point where
Asia and Europe are separated by a narrow strait,
the Bosphorus. With a tumultuous history of over
2,500 years, Istanbul has historically been the
capital of three empires, the Roman, Byzantine
and Ottoman. There is thus scintillating
evidence of architecture from various ages and
cultures scattered all over the city. Though
plundered as many times as it had been adorned,
it was mostly movable valuables that invaders
made off with. Buildings that have withstood the
test of time can still be visited by keen
travelers. The best time to visit Istanbul is in
the spring. This way you will escape the extreme
winter and the tourist hordes that descend upon
the city in the summer.

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Places to visit Sultanahmet, Istanbuls Old
City, houses most of the must see locations of
the city, all within easy reach of one another.
This long cobbled area, a World Heritage site, is
surrounded by a multitude of Ottoman and
Byzantine era treasures. To the eastern side is
the exquisite Blue Mosque, toward the north lies
the Byzantine Hagia Sophia and to the northwest
spot the Basilica Cistern.
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With its six minarets and sweeping late Ottoman
era/Islamic style of architecture, The Blue
Mosque is a sight to behold. Still a working
mosque, it is considered to be the last of the
great mosques of the classical period. Make it a
point to visit, and once youre adequately
impressed by the structure, take time out to
admire the thousands of handmade blue ceramic
tiles that line the interior. Do remember to ask
your Istanbul tour and travel guide for rules and
appropriate dress codes before visiting. The
towering Hagia Sophia dates from the 6th century.
The structure has undergone a number of changes
in identity from an eastern orthodox cathedral
to a roman catholic church, it became a mosque in
the 15th century and was finally secularized into
a museum since 1935.
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Topkapi Palace The primary residence of the
Ottoman Sultans for four centuries. Lavish and
grand, the palace also houses the Prophet
Mohammeds belongings. Ensure your Istanbul
guide points you to the section featuring the
Ottoman treasures and jewelry, an eye-popping
introduction to the opulence and beauty of their
time!
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Things to do The nighttime cruise on the
Bosphorus is an ultimate Istanbul experience.
With a continent on either side and a belly
dancer to provide amusement, complete the
experience by admiring the grand view of lighted
up palaces and mansions on the western bank.
Cross over to Beyoglu, Istanbuls New Town, for
its buzzing nightlife and music scene. Spend
your days shopping and museum hopping.
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A visit to the Grand Bazaar is mandatory. Spend
a day in the chaotic alleys of the grand bazaar
and check out its grossly overpriced souvenirs.
It is one of Asias oldest and largest covered
markets, with 61 streets and approximately 3,000
shops dealing in carpets, ceramics, textiles,
fashion and jewelry. A short walk from the
Grand Market is the Spice Market that has been
dealing in nuts, fruits, olives, oils, essences
and spices since the 17th century. A gastronomic
paradise, this market is not as overpriced as its
neighbour.

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In case youve planned your visit in the spring,
youll be in for a treat, with Istanbuls Tulip
Festival around the corner, the gardens and parks
will be a riot of color!   When one plans a trip
to Istanbul, typically the itinerary is planned
around visits to the world famous architecture
(some of which are mentioned above). However on
getting there, one realises that its not only
the famous landmarks but also the exploration of
every little cultural nook and history filled
corner that counts towards having an enthralling
experience in this fascinating city!