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Districts of Istanbul

is 39 administrative districts or areas, among which are world-famous and those that not every experienced Istanbul specialist knows about. Below, in alphabetical order all districts of Istanbul are listed, according to administrative division, With brief description each of them.

Attention: by clicking on the name of the district, you can go to the choice of a hotel in the part of the city that interests you.

Adalar (Adalar) . The area is also known as the Princes' Islands. It is located 20 kilometers south of the city center and is formed by nine islands - Buyukada, Burgazada, Kashikadasi, Kinalyada, Sedefadasi, Sivriada, Tavsanadasi, Heybeliada and Yassiada. The number of inhabitants is about 14 thousand people, and only 6 out of 9 islands are inhabited. The Princes' Islands are quite a popular place among tourists, and the most visited are the islands of Buyukada, Burgazada, Kinalyada and Heybeliada, which can be reached by steamboats and ferries from the city's marinas. Car traffic is prohibited on the islands, so horse-drawn carriage rides are widespread here.

Arnavutkoy. This area appeared on the maps of Istanbul quite recently - in 2008 and occupies a vast territory, despite the fact that only 200,000 people live here. It is located in the north-west of the city, actually outside of it. Not popular with tourists.

Atasehir (Atasehir). A rapidly developing area in the depths of the Asian part of the city, in fact, a satellite city of Istanbul. In Atasehir, there is no construction of individual houses, the main part of the development is multi-storey high-rise buildings and skyscrapers, in which wealthy Istanbul residents buy living space. Public transport is underdeveloped. the area is designed for residents with their own cars. The population is 400,000 people.

Avcilar (Avcilar). Until recently a small village, this area, located on the coast of the Sea of ​​Marmara in the European part of the city, experienced rapid growth in the 1980s and now the area is quite significant both in terms of area and population of 350,000 people. One of the buildings of Istanbul University is located here, as well as the largest port in Turkey - Ambarli Limany. Not popular with tourists.

Bagdzhilar (Bagcilar). It is located in the European part of the city, next to the Bayrampasa district. Now it is the area with the highest population density in Istanbul, and about 720,000 people live here. The basis of the Istanbulites living here is the working class. In 2001, the Baggylar Olympic Sports Complex was opened here. Not popular with tourists.

Bayrampasa (Beyrampasa). It occupies a place in the very center of the European part of Istanbul. Here is the largest shopping center Forum Istanbul, which attracts the attention of both guests of the city and the Istanbulites themselves.

Bakirkoy. A beautiful and ennobled area in the European part of Istanbul, located not far from the Marmara Sea. The population is about 220,000 people.

Bahcelievler. It is located in the European part of the city and, with a population of almost 600,000 people, is the fifth most populous district of Istanbul. At times Ottoman Empire on the site of the district there were villages where the Greeks lived, and even earlier, in antiquity, stone was mined here for the construction of the city. The area began to develop actively only in the 1960s. Not popular with tourists.

Basaksehir (Basaksehir) . Large sleeping area in the European part. During the Ottoman Empire, gunpowder was produced here, which was used by the army during the fighting. Of the interesting things here is the Ataturk Olympic Stadium, and in the future it is planned to build one of the campuses of Istanbul University. The population is more than 200 thousand people. Not popular with tourists.

Beykoz. An ancient region located in the Asian part, the history of which stretches back 2700 years. It is washed from the north by the Black Sea, and from the west by the Bosphorus. Being an important strategic point, in fact, the gateway to the Black Sea, during its history the region changed hands many times until it was annexed to the Ottoman state in the 15th century. In general, a rather picturesque area, not devoid of tourist potential. Of the attractions here are the fortresses of Anadoluhisar and Yoros, the tomb of St. Yusha - in the mahalla of Anadoluhisary, as well as the Polish village of Polonezkoy. The population is about 240 thousand people.

Beylikduzu. Recently became part of Istanbul (in 2008), this area, washed from the south by the Sea of ​​Marmara, is a modern and rapidly developing part of the city. There are 2 largest exhibition centers in Istanbul - CNR and TUYAP. The population is 230,000 people. Not popular with tourists.

Beyoglu. One of the most popular tourist areas Istanbul. It is located in the European part and, in fact, is the center of the "new city". Here is the famous pedestrian, where you can ride on a rare red tram, Taksim Square, St. Anthony Church, the Istanbul Modern Museum of Contemporary Art, as well as the best boutiques, pastry shops, restaurants and cafes in the city, art galleries, theaters, cinema halls and much more . Beyoglu is considered to be the cultural and entertainment capital of Istanbul. Despite the fact that the population of the region is about 230 thousand people, every day there are up to a million people from all over the world.

View from the Galata Tower to Beyoglu and Sisli skyscrapers visible in the distance

Besiktas (Besiktas) . It occupies an area on the European shore of the Bosporus, opposite the "Asian" region of Uskudar. It hosts a large number of cultural attractions, for example, palaces and, Yildiz, Sinan Pasha and Mosques located on the shore of the strait. So, in terms of tourism, this area is also quite popular. In addition, there are a large number of luxurious luxury hotels, such as Four Seasons. In addition, the area is known for the football team of the same name. The population of Besiktas is about 200 thousand people.

View of the Ortakoy Mosque, located in the Besiktas area

Buyukcekmece (Buyukcekmece). Dormitory area Istanbul, located on the shores of the Marmara Sea, was once popular with the citizens as a place for picnics, fishing and beach holiday, however, after industrialization lost its former glory. The population is 170,000 people, a significant part of which are migrants from Anatolia. Not popular with tourists.

Gaziosmanpasha (Gaziosmanpasa). Like Esenyurt, this area of ​​Istanbul, located in the European part, began to develop only after gypsies from the Balkans began to immigrate here. As a result, the area became one of the most densely populated in the city, with a huge number of illegal buildings and high unemployment. Not popular with tourists.

Gungoren. A small industrial area next to Fatih with a population of 300,000. Not popular with tourists.

Zeytinburnu. It is located next to Fatih and is a major transport hub of the city. Also, leather and textile production and markets for the sale of products have long been concentrated here. The population is 300,000 people.

Kadikoy (Kadikoy). The most famous and popular area in the Asian part of the city, besides the oldest in east coast the Bosphorus. Per recent decades it has become almost the center of shopping and entertainment in Istanbul. In this regard, Baghdadsky Avenue and the Moda quarter stand out, where popular boutiques, clubs and restaurants are located. One of the most popular football teams in Turkey, Fenerbahce, is based in Kadikoy, for which the huge Sukru Saracoglu stadium was built. In 1906, the Haydarpasa Station was built here, which became the symbol of Kadikoy, and next to it there is a large cargo port. The cultural and entertainment life of the region is enriched Opera theatre Sureyya Opera House.

Kartal (Kartal). A remote industrial area on the Asian side, where, as of 2005, there were more than 400 different factories and about 1300 workshops. The population is more than 420 thousand people. Not popular with tourists.

Kucukcekmece (Kucukcekmece). You should not even try to pronounce the name of this area correctly, because not every native Istanbuler will be able to do this. The Küçükçekmece region, bordering the Sea of ​​Marmara to the south, has a population of over 900,000, according to 2012 data. Of note, there is the Ataturk Olympic Stadium, as well as the campus of Istanbul University. Not popular with tourists.

Kyagytkhane (Kagithane). Not the most popular area of ​​Istanbul, located next to the business center of the city, Besiktas and Sisli districts. It is connected by the Sultan Mehmed Fatih Bridge to the Asian side of Istanbul. The population is more than 410 thousand people.

Maltepe (Maltepe). An area on the Asian side opposite the famous Princes' Islands with a population of about 430,000. The development of the area began only in the 1970s, after the construction of a bridge across the Bosphorus, and before that, country houses of citizens were located here. Maltepe was badly damaged during the 1999 earthquake.

Pendik (Pendik). The penultimate remote district of Istanbul on the Asian side, allocated in 1987 from the Uskudar district and occupying a very large area with more than 600 thousand people. Nearby are the cities of Gebze and Yalova, and quite close by is the Formula 1 race track.

Sancaktepe (Sancaktepe). Sleeping area of ​​Istanbul on the Asian side, very remote from the center. The population is more than 230 thousand people. Not popular with tourists.

Sariyer (Sariyer). A large area on the European side, washed by the Black Sea and the Bosporus. It is famous for its beautiful long coastline and dense forests. This area was inhabited for a very long time, and on its banks were located fishing villages, but later he began to attract the attention of the Istanbul elite and the construction of villas and residences began on the coast. In the south of Sariyer there is a major attraction of the whole of Istanbul - a fortress. In the northern part, on the Black Sea, there is a popular Istanbul beach - Kilyos. During the season, it is a favorite place for a beach holiday for many citizens. The number of people living in Sariyer is more than 200 thousand people.

Sariyer and Rumelihisary fortress in the distance

Silivri (Silivri). Despite the fact that the area is the most remote in the European part of the city, and 65 km from the center to it, Silivri still has a certain popularity among Istanbul residents who come here for picnics, as well as to their country houses and villas. In 2008, the most modern prison in Europe was opened here. The population, despite the huge occupied area, is not large, only about 150,000 people.

Sultanbeyli. Sleeping area in the center of the Asian part of the city. About 300,000 people live here, the basis of which is the working class. Not popular with tourists.

Sultangazi. Area in the European part of the city, with a very mixed national composition living - Syrian Kurds and Alawites, immigrants from the Balkans, etc. The population is more than 450 thousand people. Not popular with tourists.

Tuzla (Tuzla). The easternmost district of Istanbul, located behind, is actually a suburb. About 200,000 people live here. Not popular with tourists.

Dying (Umranye). Asian region next to Uskudar. Popular with Istanbulites as a picnic spot. The Umranye Merkez Camii Mosque is located here, as well as Chalija Hill, which offers breathtaking views of Istanbul.

Uskudar. A popular tourist and very colorful area on the Asian side, adjacent to the Bosphorus and connecting with the European part of the Bosphorus Bridge. Uskudar attractions include Maiden's Tower, the Mihrimah Mosque, the New Valide Mosque, and the largest and oldest cemetery in Istanbul, Karkaahmet, also enjoys the interest of tourists. In general, there are about 200 mosques in the area, and if you go around them all in one day, then you will be rewarded with a cake with a candle and a “holy man” badge. The number of inhabitants of the district is about 550 thousand people.

A popular attraction in Uskudar is the Maiden's Tower.

Fatih. The most popular area in Istanbul. It is here that most of the most popular cultural and historical sights of the city are concentrated, such as the Hippodrome, the Aqueduct, and. Moreover, all this is concentrated literally in two quarters - Eminonu and Sultanahmet (listed cultural heritage UNESCO). In addition to these two quarters, Fatih also includes the quarters of Aksaray and Laleli, also popular in their own way.

View of the Eminenu quarter - part of the Fatih district

Shishli (Sisli). Prestigious and developed area of ​​Istanbul, next to Beyoglu and Sariyer. This is the business center of Istanbul, here are the most high skyscrapers city, led by Sapphire 240 meters high, as well as Europe's largest shopping center Istanbul Cevahir. We will not talk about the abundance of shops, restaurants and places of leisure. Housing prices in Sisli are among the highest in the city, and more than 315 thousand people live here.

District name and name central square this area" Sultanahmet Square" or Sultanahmet Meidany, comes from the same name Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque) which was built in 1616. Part squares is located on the site of the ancient Hippodrome (built in 203 AD by Septimius Severus), which is why many still continue to call the area Hippodrome or Hippodrome of Meydana. Usually all tourists (whether individual travelers or groups) begin their acquaintance with Istanbul with this mercy. Many tourists and hotel in the area so as not to look for a taxi and to have time to see all the main ones on foot. Attractions in Sultanahmet within walking distance and you can do without transport.

Photo plan of the location of attractions in Sultanahmet

Designations of objects on the plan

1. Sultanahmet Square or Hippodrome Square(on this square there are: the German Fountain, the Egyptian Obelisk (Obelisk of Theodosius), the Serpent Column and the Obelisk of Constantine. Read more about them below ↓ )
2. (Palace of Ibrahim Pasha)
3. "Sultanahmet" (Sultanahmet) light rail ()
4. (Gülhane Parkı) light rail ()

Attractions Sultanahmet Square (Hippodrome)

In the Byzantine period, there were some bronze statues, sculptures and columns on the dividing barrier of the Hippodrome of Constantinople. On the square Sultanahmet preserved to our time, snake column and Obelisk of Constantine established in the Byzantine period. And in 1900 on the square was erected german fountain, presented to the city and Sultan Abdul-Hamid II by the German Kaiser Wilhelm II.

Egyptian obelisk (Obelisk of Theodosius)

Egyptian obelisk (Obelisk of Theodosius) is a tetrahedral monolith of pink granite. The obelisk is very well preserved, as granite is a very strong and durable material. Initially, the obelisk was located in the Karnak temple in Egypt, where it was installed in 1460 BC. in honor of the thirtieth anniversary of the reign of Pharaoh Thutmose III and had almost 38 meters in height. By order of Emperor Theodosius the Great in 390 AD. the obelisk was delivered to Constantinople, but during transportation, the granite monolith burst into two parts, and therefore a part almost 20 m high and weighing about 282 tons was installed on a marble pedestal on the hippodrome.

Obelisk of Constantine Bagryany

Obelisk of Constantine located in the southern part of the square Sultanahmet. The exact date of construction of the obelisk is unknown, but initially its height was about 32 meters. The obelisk got its name in honor of Constantine VII (Purple-born), who ordered the restoration of the monument in the 10th century. The 32-meter obelisk was made of massive, roughly hewn stone blocks and was sheathed with gilded bronze slabs with images of the military victories of Basil I (Macedonian) - the grandfather of Constantine Porphyrogenitus. The top of the column was crowned with a huge bronze sphere. Now the height of the obelisk is 21 meters, and there are no bronze plates on it, since these plates were torn off by participants in the Fourth Crusade in 1202-1204, and in 1894 the obelisk was seriously damaged during an earthquake.

snake column

snake column is between Egyptian obelisk and obelisk of Constantine. Initially snake column was in the sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi (Greece). The bronze column (tripod), created from the fused weapons of the Persians who died during the battle (Battle of Plataea - 479 BC), was transported to Constantinople in 324 AD. e. Constantine the Great.

german fountain

german fountain v Istanbul, located in the northern part of the square Sultanahmet opposite the tomb of Sultan Ahmed I. The fountain was built in honor of the second visit of the German Kaiser Wilhelm II to Istanbul. All fountain designs were made in Germany and then shipped to. The neo-Byzantine style octagonal fountain and the dome of the fountain rests on eight green porphyry columns. From the inside, the dome is covered with golden mosaics, and under the dome there are eight medallions in which you can see the monogram of Sultan Abdul-Hamid II and the initials of Kaiser Wilhelm II. The opening of the fountain took place on January 27, 1901, on the birthday of the Kaiser.

Colleagues, hello everyone!

Historically, Fatih is the richest historical district of Istanbul. The population density here is prohibitive, because about 500,000 people live in a relatively small area, or even more. Almost like in my native Sevastopol.

But Fatih, as you understand, this is a very large district of the European part of Istanbul, and just like that, we cannot swallow it.

Therefore, let's virtual cut it into pieces-areas in order to get to know them better and understand their value in terms of tourism.

And here are its quarters:

• Sultanahmet
• bayazit
• Laleli
• Aksaray
• Yenikapi
• Sirkeci
• Eminonu
• Balat

Sultanahmet area

The historical part of Istanbul, which is under protection UNESCO. Pedestrian streets, chic atmosphere, the best cafes cities (albeit expensive), the holy trinity of attractions - Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque - all here.

The place is romantic, although noisy. But, wherever you look, you are surrounded by sights and the breath of the Marmara Sea. What could be better?

In principle, you don’t need to go anywhere, and if you want, then at your service. The city center is pedestrian and only trams and taxis run along the road, which of course affects the atmosphere.

If possible, stay here. Without a doubt, this is the most hit offer you can count on. Hotels here can be of a very different class: from luxury apartments to modest rooms with authentic ceilings.

But almost everywhere you can expect to be rewarded with a breakfast terrace overlooking the most important sights of the city.

Hotels in the area Sultnahmet better, and we will look at detailed examples in a separate article.

Beyazit District

Well, as they say, every frog praises his swamp. So I will now give you a basket of advantages of living in this area, since we lived here for the first time in Istanbul.

Bend your fingers:

1. Close location to the center. 2 tram stops to Sultanahmet or 10 minutes walk. Well, there are only 5 stops to the Galata Bridge. Gorgeous!
2. Cheap food. In our area it is really 2 times cheaper to eat than in the center. In addition, it is easy to get into a party place - the Kumkapi area.
3. Inexpensive housing. 100-150 lire for a family room with breakfast!
4. Grand Bazaar 200 meters away
5. Exchange money at the best exchange rate in town

The only negative that is worth considering is that the entire part of the Aksaray, Laleli, Bayazit districts, which is located between the tram tracks and the Sea of ​​​​Marmara, has a not frail hill.

We lived very close to the tram tracks, so there were no problems. But if your accommodation is somewhere in the middle or even closer to the sea, then every day you will have to take a run up.

Keep this in mind if you are not a walker or have children with you.

From the sights Beyazit here is the Grand Bazaar and the triumphal column of Constantine, a couple of old Turkish hamams, mosques and several museums of the second magnitude.

Here is our hotel Oban Suite Istanbul which I recommend not only for the comfort and price, but also for the cool staff!

Laleli District

This is not a district, but a large trading warehouse and a bunch of shopping streets. When my wife and I thought about buying something leather, we were sent straight here. Russian merchants settle here, so the Russian language is understood here with a bang.

But do not think that the area Laleli one big market. Everything is very, very decent. True, do not expect calm and sincere walks here. In the morning you will be invited to make purchases, and in the evening they will whistle after you.

In terms of transport interchange - no complaints. Everything is very close by tram T1 even though it's a bit far from the city center.

Aksaray District

This is the most extreme area that may be of interest to tourists.

The location is very good, along the T1 tram line, so there will be no problems with moving. Is the intersection of several stations public transport(bus to the airport and bus station) and highways.

Aksaray interesting except in terms of saving money on hotels. Mosques, Fatih Park and several small museums - that's probably the whole list of attractions. Suitable also for those who do not love so obviously tourist places for living.

Yenikapı area

The area is a large hub for several modes of transport. See for yourself:

• green branch metro M2- takes the audience to the Taksim quarter
• red branch metro M1– delivery of passengers to Aksaray and to the bus station
• electric train Marmaray– connection with the Asian side of Istanbul
• ferries IDO- transport everyone to the coastal towns of Yalova, Bursa, Bandirma
• bus terminus IST-1Y from

Nearby is fish market and, according to an old Turkish tradition, fish restaurants across the road.

From the area YenikapI by bus along the Kennedy Coastal Highway you can get to the Sirkeci area, and if you take the hill by storm, you will be in the Beyazit area.

However, this area not very popular tourists for accommodation.

This is an area that is already located between Sultanahmet Square and the Galata Bridge, leading to the so-called New town .

This is the second most popular area among tourists, and independent travelers, I would say even the first. Why?

Also, as in the case of the Beyazit area, it has all its advantages in terms of cheapness and accessibility of Sultanahmet Square. And on the other hand, very close to Eminonu with its ferries and seascapes.

And one more bonus. Underground-underwater in no time will transport you to Asian part Istanbul. You can't imagine a better location.

The famous Orient Express, Gulhane Park and Entertainment Center Hadjipasha - everyone is here.

Eminonu District

An interesting and lively corner of Istanbul, which is similar to Yenikapı, located at a crossroads, but with a more advantageous position for tourists.

Around the sea surface and attractions: Galata Bridge, Sultanahmet Square, the New Mosque and the Egyptian Bazaar. You won't get bored here. Moreover, in 15 minutes you can walk to my favorite Galata tower.

Eminonu Piers, the largest and busiest in all of Istanbul, are the center of attention. From here you can swing anywhere.

The main specialization of the area is the sale of the famous Balik Ekmek. You can buy it anywhere, but in my guide I recommend where to try the most delicious ones.

It has its own bus station, from where buses will take you to any neighboring area. The bus from the airport is also parked here. IST-1S.

But still for living instead Eminonu, I'd rather consider the nearby quarter of Sirkeci.

This is the last area of ​​our review of the Old City. It is not located as centrally as the others mentioned, but has its own charm and atmosphere.

You can get here either by ferry, which runs along the strait Golden Horn or by bus. There is no metro here, although very soon they are going to launch a tram line along the coast from the Eminonu district.

Although, until recently, this area was sinned by devastation and gypsy showdowns, today it acquires completely different shades. Orthodox churches, among which the magnificent Bulgarian church , the remains of fortress walls and embankments for a walk along the strait.

Balat- this is an interesting option for those who are tired of the bustling Sultanahmet and Eminonu. Yes, and housing prices here are really lower than in the previous two.

Well, friends, we covered the most popular district of Istanbul, Fatih, with a quiet glanders. In we will go through the districts through Galata bridge . Well, there we will come to the conclusion where it will be most convenient for you to settle.

If you are going to go to Istanbul, then you will find an increased concentration of tips and tricks in the guide "". Juicy and authentic!

Istanbul is unique city located in two parts of the world: Europe and Asia. Only here, at the crossroads of cultures and religions, political and trade interests of various civilizations, could such a community, unusual in all respects, inhabited by representatives of different nations. Despite the proximity, the European and Asian parts of Istanbul are different. The reason for this is the history of the development of the metropolis. From this article you will learn in detail about the European part of Istanbul.

Galata Tower - the pearl of the European part of Istanbul

Beyoglu is the ilche of Istanbul, which includes such historical districts of the city as Galata, Karakoy, Cihangir and others. It is here that the famous Istiklal Street, Taksim Square, Galata Tower and many more interesting sights are located. Many bars, restaurants, shops and hotels make this area a "Mecca of tourism", both domestic (let's not forget that out of about 90 million people in Turkey, many residents of other cities also want to see Istanbul) and the world.

Tram on Istiklal Street on a rare snowy day in Istanbul

On the territory of Ilche ​​Fatih, there are historical districts of Istanbul: Sultanahmet, Eminonu, Aksaray, Balat, Fener and others. Among the main attractions of ilche (the concentration of which here is perhaps the highest in Turkey, if not in the world), we can note the Topkapi Palace, known to us from the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent (from such a popular TV series Magnificent Age), the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, the square Hippodrome and others. It is here that you can just walk the streets for hours and take pictures, look, and take pictures, look and take pictures, as a result, you understand that you could see only a small part of everything that can be seen in Fatih.

In the Besiktas district in the European part of Istanbul, there is the famous - the pearl of architecture on the Bosphorus.

Sultan Ahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque) one of the most beautiful mosques in the world is located in the European part of Istanbul

I would also like to note that it is in, located in the European part of Istanbul, that most flights with tourists on board arrive.

The telephone code of the European part of Istanbul is 212 (and the Asian one is 216)

You can talk about the European part of Istanbul for a very, very long time. Districts, sights, transport, cafes, restaurants, hotels and shops - all these are the topics of separate articles that have already been published or are being prepared for publication on our website.

Panorama of the historical part of Istanbul, located in Europe

Istanbul from A to Z: map, hotels, attractions, restaurants, entertainment. Shopping, shops. Photos, videos and reviews about Istanbul.

• Tours for the New Year to Turkey
• Hot tours to Turkey

• How to get from Sabiha Gokcen Airport to Sultanahmet Square
• How to get from Ataturk Airport to Sultanahmet area

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Districts of Istanbul

The urban agglomeration of Greater Istanbul includes, each of which is divided into several quarters.

Fatih - main area the central part of the city, one of the most orthodox and conservative in Istanbul. The most popular quarter for tourists is Sultanahmet, which is included in the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List, with St. Sophia Cathedral, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and dozens of other unique historical monuments. The Eminonu quarter is one of the oldest in the city, famous for its museums, mosques and colorful oriental bazaars, including the legendary Spice Market.

Beyoglu is the New City, the main cultural, commercial and entertainment center of modern Istanbul. Here are the quarters of Karakoy, Galatasaray and Taksim - places of congestion the best shops, art galleries, antique shops and coffee shops. This is a multinational area that has become home not only for the Turks, but also for representatives of the Jewish and Christian communities. Beyoglu is visited daily by over a million people, most of whom are tourists. The center of the district is Taksim Square, the terminal station of many buses and one of the subway lines. The main sights of the square are the Independence Monument and the Center of Culture. Ataturk. Galatasaray is an ancient quarter founded in the Byzantine era. Many ancient Genoese buildings have been preserved here, the most famous of which is the Galata Tower, a symbol of the region. A little to the south is Karakoy, which connects Beyoglu with the historical center on the other side of the Golden Horn.

The pride of the Karakoy quarter is fish restaurants with the freshest seafood.

Another famous district of Istanbul is the prestigious Besiktas, located on the European coast of the Bosphorus. Here are the Ortakoy Marina, Sinan Pasha Mosque, Yildiz and Dolmabahce Palaces, Barbarossa Square. There are many hotels in Besiktas, most of which are quite expensive.

Kadikoy is one of the main districts in the Asian part of Istanbul, an ideal place for entertainment and shopping. Luxurious malls, clubs and restaurants have turned it into a mecca for wealthy Turkish youth.

Of course, in Istanbul there are not only main tourist streets, but also working outskirts, one of which is the Zeytinburnu district, located on the European coast of the Sea of ​​​​Marmara. Its main population is migrants from the east of the country who come here to work.

Communication and Wi-Fi

Mobile communications in Turkey are carried out by the "big three" operators: Turkcell, Avea and Vodafone. The cheapest services are from Avea, the most expensive from Turkcell. Local SIM cards can be bought at company offices located at every turn, as well as at newsstands and hotel lobbies. SIM cards are sold on a prepaid basis, the average cost of a basic package is 12-65 TRY.

Turkish tariffs, as a rule, are a single set of services with a predetermined amount of Internet traffic, the number of SMCs and minutes for calls. There are also special "tourist SIM cards" with free incoming and inexpensive outgoing. The cheapest way to call from payphones is to purchase a Telekart Satelik phone card.

You should study the conditions of tariffs in advance, because consultants in stores most often offer the most expensive options to ignorant tourists.

Free Wi-Fi is available in many cafes, restaurants, shopping centers and hotels located in the city center. Stability and connection speed depend on the location of the institution and the number of visitors. Recently, free Wi-Fi is available in the largest squares and in the public centers of Istanbul.

Istanbul Guest Card

Istanbul beaches

Guests of Istanbul have a unique opportunity to relax on the shores of two seas: Black and Marble. The most famous beaches on the coast of the Sea of ​​Marmara are located in the Asian part of the city, in the Kadikoy area, in Jaddebostan. Their main advantages are free entry, developed infrastructure(there are showers, toilets, changing rooms, umbrellas, sun loungers) and comfortable water temperature - the sea is shallow here and warms up very quickly. The beach in Fenerbahce Bay is more cozy and secluded: it can accommodate only 50 visitors. Here, too, there is everything you need to relax: changing cabins, toilets, a cafe and a small restaurant.

Jaddebostan is the area of ​​the most famous Istanbul beaches on the coast of the Marmara Sea.

The most popular beach in the European part of the coast of the Sea of ​​Marmara is "Floria" with a sandy shore and a convenient entrance to the sea. The beach is paid, but visitors are provided with a whole range of exciting entertainment: from sports equipment rental to incendiary dances in bars and discos.

Most Famous places to rest on Black Sea coast- the area of ​​Quillos with many private beaches, as well as resort area Schiele. The beach "Agva" located here is an ideal place for lovers active leisure. Here you can ride a yacht, do water sports sports and even go fishing. The second beach of the zone, of the same name "Sile", is more suitable for connoisseurs of a calm, peaceful holiday.

However, to feel real seaside resort you can only on the Princes' Islands with their amazing landscapes. The sea here is clear, clean and warm, and any transport is prohibited on the coast, except for bicycles and horse-drawn teams. The largest and most popular of the islands is Buyukada, where luxury hotels, restaurants and villas of wealthy Istanbulites are located.

Istanbul Hotels

Guests of Istanbul have no problems with accommodation in the city: hotels of various levels are located here literally at every step. Oddly enough, room prices do not depend much on the location of the hotel, therefore, when choosing a district, you should focus not on the budget, but on your own goals. Those who travel to Istanbul on business can settle in ordinary residential areas. Travelers who are in the mood for sightseeing most often choose the Sultanahmet and Beyoglu areas. The first contains numerous architectural monuments, the second - colorful shops with oriental goods and restaurants of national cuisine. Most of the hotels in the vicinity of the Blue Mosque are located in restored old buildings. Many inexpensive hostels and cafes are in Taksim and the Akbiyik Caddesi street area. Lovers of nightlife are best to stay in the Istiklal area, connoisseurs of true luxury - in the west, along the coast of the Bosphorus.

Room prices range from 66 TRY in budget hotels to 1660 TRY in luxury luxury hotels. In most local hotels, you can bargain with the owners, with the exception of chain and premium hotels. When checking into inexpensive hotels, you should pay attention to the quality hotel mark, which means that the amenities here are in the room, and not on the floor.

shopping

Istanbul is considered the unofficial capital of European shopping. The famous city "shopping center" is the Laleli district, which consists entirely of shops with a variety of goods, mainly textiles and leather. The prices there are more than moderate.

The covered market "Grand Bazaar" is a kind of "city within a city", spread over 50 streets and including 4,400 shops, 40 trading yards, workshops and coffee houses. "Grand Bazaar" - the best place to buy souvenirs, antiques and gold.

The Egyptian Bazaar specializes in spices, coffee, sweets and flowers, while the Sahaflar Carshysy Book Bazaar is a small market for used and antique books, where you can find everything from Marxist classics to Turkish translations of the Koran.

Going for big purchases at Kapali Carci is not worth it, the prices are extremely high. However, the building itself and the atmosphere of the market will take you back to the time of the Ottomans for a while.

The most popular souvenirs from Istanbul are Turkish delight, Turkish tea, carpets, antiques, jewelry and leather goods. Turkish Delight - the most famous delicacy in Turkey - it is better to buy by weight, and not in pre-packed boxes: it is more expensive, but more reliable. This way you can try the product beforehand and avoid being scammed.

Standard Turkish Turkish Delight - with lemon and rose water flavor, but pistachio sweets are also very good.

The best Turkish delight is in the shops on Istiklal Caddesi Street and at the Spice Market.

Carpets can also be a good purchase in Istanbul. Prices in local shops are designed for tourists, so feel free to bargain with sellers. It is best to buy carpets and kilims in the shops of Sultanahmet. It is worth looking into jewelry shops for jewelry with chalcedony. But you should be careful when buying antiques: local laws prohibit the export of items that are more than 100 years old from Turkey. To find out the age of a product, you can take it to the museum for examination. In many stores, museum certificates are immediately provided to customers, confirming that products from the assortment can be freely exported from the country.

In addition to traditional markets and bazaars, Istanbul has many modern shopping centers, where the world's leading brands are widely represented, and their products are much cheaper than in other metropolitan areas.

Lovers of first-class shopping should visit one of the oldest shopping centers in Istanbul "Atrium". Noteworthy is the nautical-themed Tepe Nautilus in Kadikoy, the first themed shopping mall in Turkey. The Deposite Outlet Center pleases customers with favorable discounts, and the 6-storey Profilo - with a variety of entertainment: cinema halls, theaters, sports and entertainment centers.

What to try

In Istanbul, you will find a whole menu of unique dishes that are simply unforgivable not to taste. You need to start the meal with snacks: rice in grape leaves, stuffed tomatoes and all kinds of salads with olive oil. Traditional first courses are thick soup "chobra" with a base of local kvass and cold "jajik" of fresh cucumbers with yogurt. Vegetarians will certainly like the stewed vegetables "guvech", as well as Turkish pilaf, which is cooked here not only from rice, but also from bulgur - coarse wheat.

Istanbul seafood deserves special attention: they are always fresh here, because the city is surrounded by seas. Restaurants serve shrimp, squid, lobster, swordfish, mussels and sea bass, street cafes serve delicious balyk-ekmek fish sandwiches. The most common meat dish is, of course, kebab, but don't forget to try meat balls "kefte" from minced lamb with egg and onion.

Surrounded by the seas, Istanbul always has the freshest seafood.

For dessert, treat yourself to puff pastry stuffed with pistachios, traditional Turkish delight and “dondurma” - local ice cream with orchid root extract.

It is best to drink all this splendor with the famous Turkish coffee or tea. As for alcohol, we recommend trying aniseed raki, which is considered the main national alcoholic drink.

Cafes and Restaurants in Istanbul

The best restaurants in the center (near the Sirkeci station) are located in large hotels. Most of them specialize in Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. The prices here are quite moderate, and the quality of service is high.

Food is more expensive in Sultanahmet, but with a variety of local cafes and restaurants, there is sure to be an option for tourists with any budget. For example, on Divanyolu Street there are numerous establishments specializing in the preparation of Turkish cutlets "kefte" and shish kebab - fried meat on a spit. On the pedestrian street Akbiyik are restaurants of local, European, Moroccan and many more national cuisines. Some of them even hold master classes in cooking traditional dishes.

There are many decent cafes and restaurants in the Beyoglu area. Several of them are located in the courtyard of the Flower Passage not far from Galatasaray Square. And on Nevizade Sokak - a whole string of traditional Turkish taverns "meykhane" with a relaxed friendly atmosphere.

Lunch in an inexpensive establishment costs an average of 20 TRY, dinner for two in a good restaurant - 62 TRY. You can refresh yourself with fast food for 15 TRY. It immediately gets to the famous square, where there are two legendary monuments of history and religion. We are talking, of course, about the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia (Hagia Sophia).

Sophia Cathedral, which for a thousand years remained the main shrine of the entire Christian world, after the capture of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks in 1453, was turned into a mosque. Since then, the remains of minarets, mosaics and panels with Arabic script have been preserved in the temple. In 1934, Atatürk called for the preservation unique temple as a museum, so now anyone can visit this place for a small fee. Hagia Sophia is one of the main monuments of Byzantine architecture, a recognized symbol of the heyday of Byzantium.

The Blue Mosque (aka Sultan Ahmet Mosque) is located opposite Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome, is considered the most important city operating mosque. External examination will not be enough: the main magic happens inside. The huge hall of the Blue Mosque with walls the color of the sky is completely filled with sunlight, which penetrates here through 260 specially arranged windows.

Also worth a visit is Topkapı Palace, which consists of several buildings with four courtyards connected by gates. For a long time it remained the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire and the main residence of the rulers. The church of St. Irene (the only Byzantine church that has survived from ancient times), as well as the bedrooms and the harem of the sultans, are of interest here.

The Dolmabahce Palace, built in a baroque style atypical for Turkey, also impresses.

Sultan Abdulmecid, who ordered the construction of Dolmabahce, dreamed of competing in luxury with European rulers, and he succeeded perfectly.

One of the symbols of the city is the Galata Tower of the 14th century, which is visible from any part of Istanbul. It is built on a hill and has a height of 61 m, offering incredible views of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. The second most popular tower in the city -,

There are many places in Istanbul for a memorable family vacation. One of the best entertainment for children - a walk through the Park of Miniatures. There are more than 120 famous Turkish sights, made in 1:25 scale. All Turkey at a glance! And so that the child does not get tired of a long walk, you can ride with him through the park on the Miniaturk Express train.

To observe the life of outlandish marine life, go to any of the two aquariums in Istanbul. The first one, TurquaZoo, is located on the territory shopping center Forum, the second one is in Bakirkoy County. In both aquariums, visitors can get acquainted with a rich collection of marine flora and fauna and even feed the fish themselves.

After visiting the TurquaZoo aquarium, do not rush to leave the Forum building. The dinosaur theme park Jurassic Land is also located here. Every child who comes here will be able to feel like a real archaeologist: wander through mysterious caves, dig a dinosaur egg in the sand, walk among the moving figures of ancient animals.

A must-see is the Istanbul Toy Museum with a unique private collection of 4,000 exhibits. Boys will be delighted with old soldiers, Indians and cars, girls - with dolls and charming toy houses with miniature furniture and utensils.

Opened in 2008, the Istanbul Dolphinarium invites everyone to a fascinating show with the participation of dolphins, walruses, seals and beluga whales. Here you can swim in the pool along with amazing mammals. And in the amusement park Vialand

October

November

December

The climate of Istanbul is subtropical, but cold winds almost always blow from the north. Winters are cool and humid, most often snowy, summers are warm, but without sweltering heat. The best time to visit the city is autumn and spring: at this time it is neither cold nor hot here, but it rains at night. You can buy an umbrella right on the street: in the rainy season they are sold everywhere. When walking around the city in summer, it is better to take a light jacket or sweater with you: it gets cool in the evenings. Due to the large area of ​​​​the territory and the influence of the seas, separate microclimates stand out in Istanbul: when it rains torrentially in the north, ideal sunny weather can stand in the south.