Istanbul is one of those cities that every traveler would love to visit.
It has a lot of history, a lot of culture and, what’s more, it is the only city in the world that lies between two continents, Europe and Asia.
The city was historically referred to as Byzantium and Constantinople.
It served as the focal point of several ancient empires. Even today, we have numerous architectural wonders, remnants of these empires.
These include the Hagia Sophia, which has stood the test of time and continues to inspire awe with its display of stunning mosaics.
With its beautiful historical landmarks, excellent cuisine, vibrant nightlife, maze of markets and shopping arcades, it is the beating heart of Istanbul and its soul is the Bosphorus Strait.
More information about Istanbul official website.
In addition to the historical sites of Istanbul, you can find skyscrapers and modern shopping malls.
The city is a melting pot of culture that only exists here.
There are interesting places in and around the city.
Some of them offer stunning views of the city and the Bosphorus Strait.
Even though you know how important Istanbul is, when you arrive in the city you feel the impact of this hustle and bustle.
It was crazy at the airport, the number of people arriving was impressive.
I was in a passport control line of about 50 people at number 105 and it was all full.
I know many connecting airports like Amsterdam, Paris, Doha and others, but there are none like Istanbul.
The city
Walking down the street, you can also notice the number of nationalities.
Especially at the currency exchange offices, they exchange all convertible currencies.
The city is very organized, and public transportation works very well.
You can find everything in Istanbul; it seems that everyone goes there to do business and sightseeing.
The architecture is a mix of the past and the modern.
You can be right next to history and, at the same time, have access to the most modern products and services.
Nowadays, the Asian side is very similar to the European side, with everything just a few minutes away, whether by train, boat or even car.
Hagia Sofia
Bosphorus Strait
A tour of the Bosphorus Strait shows this proximity, as well as making the city’s beauty clear.
For those who don’t know, the Bosphorus Strait is a narrow passage that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and consequently to the Mediterranean Sea.
It connects the countries around the Black Sea with the rest of the world.
With an extension of approximately 32 kilometers in length and a width that varies between 698 and 3,000 meters.
The strait is a strategic point for trade in the region. In addition to a stunning view for residents and visitors.
