Istanbul is a city of diverse that it is almost impossible to split into definable districts. The only real distinction can be made between the European and Asian parts, which are separated by the Straits of Bosphorus. Stretching from the Black Sea, on horseback through the Bosporus, touching the Marmara Sea, Istanbul, with a population estimated at between 10-13 million, has become a city of unlimited scope.
Sultanahmet
Most people who come to Istanbul land feet first in Sultanahmet. This peninsula (known as Sarayburnu) protruding into the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara. Rich in history, it's a natural magnet for millions of tourists each year. The house of Sarayı Topkapı (Topkapı Palace), Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia), the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Mosque), Yerebatan Sarayı (Yerebatan Cistern Basilica), and at the Meydanı (Hippodrome), Sultanahmet is filled to the brim with hotels, restaurants, cafés, bars, shops and carpet cheesy souvenir shops, as well as a plethora of museums, mosques, markets and historical sites. The main drag, Divan Yolu, is the beating heart of the region, and there are hundreds of small streets and alleys to explore the history of the Old City. The labyrinthine Kapalıçarşı (Grand Bazaar / Covered Bazaar) Beyazıt near the university is also in this street. Sultanahmet can be a little intimidating because it is really only supports tourists. (Read: you will have to learn quickly not to answer "Hey! Are you American / English / German / Spanish / Italian / french?") A breathtaking Sultanahmet is that businessmen all seem to speak each major European languages So if your Turkish is not up to par, do not panic.
Eminönü
Located on the waterfront on the Golden Horn, Eminönü is the end of the tram line. It is usually buzzing with activity during the day, with hawkers selling things that you never even knew you wanted. The vast Mısır Çarşı (Egyptian Spice Bazaar) is the main characteristic of Eminönü Square and Mimar Sinan Yeni Camii (New Mosque) is a landmark familiar with its minarets above the height standing general chaos. Ferries to the Asian side and the islands of the Princes leave the huge docks along the shore, where you can stop and have a fresh fish sandwich (balıkekmek) while you wait for your ship. Sirkeci Train Station is also here: all trains to and from Europe begin and end their trip here.
Beyoğlu / Taksim
A veritable symphony of the East and West, Beyoğlu is the heartbeat of Istanbul exciting of the day and night life. İstiklal Caddesi - an artery asphalt perpetually swarming with the exciting Istanbul hoi polloi - is at the heart of the metropolis, while a maze of narrow streets filled with funky cafes, soul bars, restaurants continental historic cinemas, theatres and exclusive shops shoot off in all directions around him. Taksim Square, featuring the impressive Monument of the Republic, at the cutting edge in the bohemian Beyoğlu open-air museum, through the Greek Orthodox Church Aya Triad and the French consulate. A charming old tram carries passengers past Rumeli Han, Çiçek Pasajı, Cité de Pera, Atlas Pasajı, Galatasaray Lisesi, elegant and several consulates. Each year, the International Film Festival in Istanbul, Istanbul International Music Festival, International Theatre Festival of Istanbul and the Istanbul International Jazz Festival took place here and in neighbouring districts. Beyoğlu, which has been the traditional home of Istanbul, the gay community, hosts several other annual events, including the Bosphorus Festival, Roxy Music Days, Aksanat Jazz Festival and Blues Festival.
Tünel
That's probably Istanbul "Bohemian quarter," which not so long ago was seen as a bad part of town, with its streets deserted and dark creepy abandoned buildings. However, the area has undergone tremendous development in recent years. Tiny cafes, places of live music, and outdoor restaurants and bars now coexist peacefully with art galleries, antique bookstores and music shops.
Karaköy
Around the first century BC, there was a small village on the peninsula mini of the Golden Horn, where the modern district of Karaköy today. These days, Karaköy is a bustling port with a lively fish market, a ferry terminal and a bustling nightlife shady, a fascinating landscape, at the mouth of the Golden Horn. Dozens of people fish Galata Bridge, and a variety of vendors peddle all sorts of goods along the sidewalks. A large market where you can buy electrical equipment and weapons, among other things, provides not so sure passage under the busy road at the entrance to Tünel. Top of the hill is Bankalar Caddesi, a historic district filled with banks, art galleries and craft shops. All cruise ships visiting international wharf Karaköy.
Galata
The Genoese construction Galata Tower is the most central here. The famous film Turkish Istanbul Beneath My Wings tells the story of Hazarfen Çelebi, who was flying from the tower with a home-made pair of wings. The main street, Galip Dede Caddesi, is a hub of activity, with shops selling musical instruments and ancient books, and you can also find a good dose of tiny local restaurants. The Whirling Dervishes have a house here in the Galata Mevlevihanesi (Dervish Lodge), the Goethe Institute is providing space with a healthy dose of culture and art, and there are countless mosques, churches and synagogues hidden ' Outside, the streets dark.
Golden Horn
The most interesting part of the Golden Horn district includes the strip of land between Eminönü and Ayvansaray until Eyüp. The Selimiye Mosque, Fethiye Mosque and the Church of Saint Stephen grace the shore while Kariye Müzesi (Chora Church) and the Mosque Mihrimah are inland. The old city walls and begin to Ayvansaray serpent Yedikapı land.
Beşiktaş and Ortaköy
Beşiktaş - which is in fact terribly wrong places to help you paint the town red - is the focus of the three-way fork that leads up the hill of Levent. Ortaköy, however, is a lively area on the waterfront. Bubbling over cafés, bars, restaurants and cafés, this area is very popular weekend hangout for locals. Ortaköy is back with the buzzing streets are filled with craft stalls and souvenir trinkets on weekends in summer. This part of town is famous for its mosque, church and synagogue near to one another. Bosphorus Bridge spans the waterway above.
Bosphorus: Arnavutköy to Sarıyer
The Bosporus shore on the European side is lined with Ottoman-style houses, high society hangouts and fish restaurants. There is only one main road, and it follows the shore all the way to Zekariyeköy, a weekend getaway for the People citybound.
Marmara Sea Coast: Kumkapı to Yediküle
Kumkapı clearly is a tourist area filled with more price fish restaurants and not much else besides the views of the sea The coastal road in the direction of his head above the airport past the ancient city walls of the fortress and Yediküle.
Asian & Bosporus Side: Kadıköy to Anadolu Hisarı
Kadıköy is a quieter version of Beyoğlu with a subdued atmosphere. The tiny cobblestone streets are filled with restaurants, cafes, bars, cinemas and shops, but most importantly, residents! The Asian part of the city is where most of Istanbulites, you will have more difficulty in the Turkish language, without skills here, but it's worth to pop over on the ferry and experience of a more relaxed way of life. The coastal road snakes past Üsküdar, a nice suburb, with a lot of beautiful examples of Mimar Sinan's work, including the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque and Şemsi Paşa. Selimiye Barracks (where Florence Nightingale worked during the Crimean War) is in place on the hill. Dirigeait to Hisarı Anadolu, the road winds along the shore (which is less developed than in the European part). There are plenty of parks and trees, outdoor cafes and restaurants, and a series of historic buildings to explore including Beylerbeyi Palace, Kuleli Mosque, Kuleli Naval Officer's Training School, Küçüksu Park & Kiosk and Anadolu Hisarı.
Iles des Princes
There are four islands in the Sea of Marmara that attract crowds to escape the summer heat: Büyükada, Heybeliada, Kınalıada and Burgazada. Ferries depart from Sirkeci, Kadıköy and Bostanci regularly. There are no cars on the islands - transportation is limited to horse-drawn carriages. Each island offers many places to eat and sleep, and there are Greek monasteries hilltops of Büyükada and Heybeliada.
Nişantaşı Harbiye---Şişli Mecidiyeköy-Levent
The Harbiye Military Museum is a good benchmark for starting in Istanbul to begin exploring the business of life. Nişantaşı is the main shopping district, while Şişli is strictly a business district, which is contrary to Levent and beyond Maslak. There is now an underground subway connecting to Taksim Levent fourth.
Sultanahmet
Most people who come to Istanbul land feet first in Sultanahmet. This peninsula (known as Sarayburnu) protruding into the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara. Rich in history, it's a natural magnet for millions of tourists each year. The house of Sarayı Topkapı (Topkapı Palace), Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia), the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Mosque), Yerebatan Sarayı (Yerebatan Cistern Basilica), and at the Meydanı (Hippodrome), Sultanahmet is filled to the brim with hotels, restaurants, cafés, bars, shops and carpet cheesy souvenir shops, as well as a plethora of museums, mosques, markets and historical sites. The main drag, Divan Yolu, is the beating heart of the region, and there are hundreds of small streets and alleys to explore the history of the Old City. The labyrinthine Kapalıçarşı (Grand Bazaar / Covered Bazaar) Beyazıt near the university is also in this street. Sultanahmet can be a little intimidating because it is really only supports tourists. (Read: you will have to learn quickly not to answer "Hey! Are you American / English / German / Spanish / Italian / french?") A breathtaking Sultanahmet is that businessmen all seem to speak each major European languages So if your Turkish is not up to par, do not panic.
Eminönü
Located on the waterfront on the Golden Horn, Eminönü is the end of the tram line. It is usually buzzing with activity during the day, with hawkers selling things that you never even knew you wanted. The vast Mısır Çarşı (Egyptian Spice Bazaar) is the main characteristic of Eminönü Square and Mimar Sinan Yeni Camii (New Mosque) is a landmark familiar with its minarets above the height standing general chaos. Ferries to the Asian side and the islands of the Princes leave the huge docks along the shore, where you can stop and have a fresh fish sandwich (balıkekmek) while you wait for your ship. Sirkeci Train Station is also here: all trains to and from Europe begin and end their trip here.
Beyoğlu / Taksim
A veritable symphony of the East and West, Beyoğlu is the heartbeat of Istanbul exciting of the day and night life. İstiklal Caddesi - an artery asphalt perpetually swarming with the exciting Istanbul hoi polloi - is at the heart of the metropolis, while a maze of narrow streets filled with funky cafes, soul bars, restaurants continental historic cinemas, theatres and exclusive shops shoot off in all directions around him. Taksim Square, featuring the impressive Monument of the Republic, at the cutting edge in the bohemian Beyoğlu open-air museum, through the Greek Orthodox Church Aya Triad and the French consulate. A charming old tram carries passengers past Rumeli Han, Çiçek Pasajı, Cité de Pera, Atlas Pasajı, Galatasaray Lisesi, elegant and several consulates. Each year, the International Film Festival in Istanbul, Istanbul International Music Festival, International Theatre Festival of Istanbul and the Istanbul International Jazz Festival took place here and in neighbouring districts. Beyoğlu, which has been the traditional home of Istanbul, the gay community, hosts several other annual events, including the Bosphorus Festival, Roxy Music Days, Aksanat Jazz Festival and Blues Festival.
Tünel
That's probably Istanbul "Bohemian quarter," which not so long ago was seen as a bad part of town, with its streets deserted and dark creepy abandoned buildings. However, the area has undergone tremendous development in recent years. Tiny cafes, places of live music, and outdoor restaurants and bars now coexist peacefully with art galleries, antique bookstores and music shops.
Karaköy
Around the first century BC, there was a small village on the peninsula mini of the Golden Horn, where the modern district of Karaköy today. These days, Karaköy is a bustling port with a lively fish market, a ferry terminal and a bustling nightlife shady, a fascinating landscape, at the mouth of the Golden Horn. Dozens of people fish Galata Bridge, and a variety of vendors peddle all sorts of goods along the sidewalks. A large market where you can buy electrical equipment and weapons, among other things, provides not so sure passage under the busy road at the entrance to Tünel. Top of the hill is Bankalar Caddesi, a historic district filled with banks, art galleries and craft shops. All cruise ships visiting international wharf Karaköy.
Galata
The Genoese construction Galata Tower is the most central here. The famous film Turkish Istanbul Beneath My Wings tells the story of Hazarfen Çelebi, who was flying from the tower with a home-made pair of wings. The main street, Galip Dede Caddesi, is a hub of activity, with shops selling musical instruments and ancient books, and you can also find a good dose of tiny local restaurants. The Whirling Dervishes have a house here in the Galata Mevlevihanesi (Dervish Lodge), the Goethe Institute is providing space with a healthy dose of culture and art, and there are countless mosques, churches and synagogues hidden ' Outside, the streets dark.
Golden Horn
The most interesting part of the Golden Horn district includes the strip of land between Eminönü and Ayvansaray until Eyüp. The Selimiye Mosque, Fethiye Mosque and the Church of Saint Stephen grace the shore while Kariye Müzesi (Chora Church) and the Mosque Mihrimah are inland. The old city walls and begin to Ayvansaray serpent Yedikapı land.
Beşiktaş and Ortaköy
Beşiktaş - which is in fact terribly wrong places to help you paint the town red - is the focus of the three-way fork that leads up the hill of Levent. Ortaköy, however, is a lively area on the waterfront. Bubbling over cafés, bars, restaurants and cafés, this area is very popular weekend hangout for locals. Ortaköy is back with the buzzing streets are filled with craft stalls and souvenir trinkets on weekends in summer. This part of town is famous for its mosque, church and synagogue near to one another. Bosphorus Bridge spans the waterway above.
Bosphorus: Arnavutköy to Sarıyer
The Bosporus shore on the European side is lined with Ottoman-style houses, high society hangouts and fish restaurants. There is only one main road, and it follows the shore all the way to Zekariyeköy, a weekend getaway for the People citybound.
Marmara Sea Coast: Kumkapı to Yediküle
Kumkapı clearly is a tourist area filled with more price fish restaurants and not much else besides the views of the sea The coastal road in the direction of his head above the airport past the ancient city walls of the fortress and Yediküle.
Asian & Bosporus Side: Kadıköy to Anadolu Hisarı
Kadıköy is a quieter version of Beyoğlu with a subdued atmosphere. The tiny cobblestone streets are filled with restaurants, cafes, bars, cinemas and shops, but most importantly, residents! The Asian part of the city is where most of Istanbulites, you will have more difficulty in the Turkish language, without skills here, but it's worth to pop over on the ferry and experience of a more relaxed way of life. The coastal road snakes past Üsküdar, a nice suburb, with a lot of beautiful examples of Mimar Sinan's work, including the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque and Şemsi Paşa. Selimiye Barracks (where Florence Nightingale worked during the Crimean War) is in place on the hill. Dirigeait to Hisarı Anadolu, the road winds along the shore (which is less developed than in the European part). There are plenty of parks and trees, outdoor cafes and restaurants, and a series of historic buildings to explore including Beylerbeyi Palace, Kuleli Mosque, Kuleli Naval Officer's Training School, Küçüksu Park & Kiosk and Anadolu Hisarı.
Iles des Princes
There are four islands in the Sea of Marmara that attract crowds to escape the summer heat: Büyükada, Heybeliada, Kınalıada and Burgazada. Ferries depart from Sirkeci, Kadıköy and Bostanci regularly. There are no cars on the islands - transportation is limited to horse-drawn carriages. Each island offers many places to eat and sleep, and there are Greek monasteries hilltops of Büyükada and Heybeliada.
Nişantaşı Harbiye---Şişli Mecidiyeköy-Levent
The Harbiye Military Museum is a good benchmark for starting in Istanbul to begin exploring the business of life. Nişantaşı is the main shopping district, while Şişli is strictly a business district, which is contrary to Levent and beyond Maslak. There is now an underground subway connecting to Taksim Levent fourth.
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