This post is dedicated to tourists who are trying to visit Turkey on their own. Even despite the aggravation of the relationship between Russia and Turkey, the independent travel to live continues.
1. Enclusion of historical attractions.
If you are going to visit a kind of historical landmark and, visiting her, saw a gigantic queue, do not worry, come in the morning to the opening, save the mass of time. The queue will be at times less.
To me, for example from 9:00 to 13:00 it was easy to visit: Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque),
Saint Sophia Cathedral (Ayia Sofia)
and basil tank.
A visit took place in this order. I note that this is the Sultanahmet Square in my opinion is the most prominent tourist destination in Istanbul. You do not need to be kept on the suggestions of the Zhulikov, which is a big set, carry out without a queue for money. With me, people were paid, and the rogues dissolved in the crowd.
2. Magazines.
Products and drinks are better to buy in supermarkets, there are price tags and prices fixed. In small stores and other shopping bed shops, there are usually no, and the seller appoints the price from the calculation of your appearance. I will give the case that happened directly with me. In one of the grocery stores, bought five bottles of Efes Pilsener beer, in other things you will not find there, well, maybe a couple of names with the same breweries. The seller carefully photographed my face and sold me seven lire beer per bottle. Using half an hour, that in a sunny Istanbul there is no beer, I returned to that shop, buy more beer. What was my amazement when the shopkeeper, told me that his beer is already worth nine lir. I swore dirtily, passed around 200 meters around 200 meters, I went to the supermarket and bought the same beer for 5.5 lire per bottle.
3. Basery
Bazarov in Istanbul a great set. In my opinion, Istanbul-huge bazaar, especially the historical part, you can see the whole quarter where we are traded by female bags, a quarter with women's shoes, a quarter with male shoes, etc .. The most interesting thing is what they trade, they do Easy to notice in the basement rooms of stores. Trades here in bulk, and a piece thing will not sell or distort a very high price. The bikes that Turks love to bargain are a myth, do not waste time. Normal, high-quality things can be bought in corporate stores, sometimes two times cheaper than in the bazaars.
4. Community transport.
Travel by public transport in Istanbul is quite expensive, enjoyed: tram, by bus, metro. Disposable travel fabric costs 4 lira. I heard about the Istanbulkart - at the niversional electronic travel, which allows you to pay in all kinds of urban municipal transport. But where it is sold and did not find it. But one-time travel tokens are sold at each stop, and only disposable.
5.Taxi
Such a taxi, as in Istanbul, I have not seen anywhere - this is something with something. I'll tell you the story. I used Istanbul taxi, first and I think the last time. I was late at the airport and decided: "We must take." The car was, as it should be with checkered and contact phones. The price has agreed in advance-110 lire. They brought us quickly, but when paying the taxi driver, said: "If he does not add 40 lir, he will call the police. You understand, I had to pour another 40 lir from above.
6.Shipping
In Istanbul cafes, the cybabys and different other enemy price tags, too, often you will often won't see. Menu with prices, as a rule, only in restaurants sharpened by Europeans.
I unfortunately did not surprise me in gastronomic research. Well, I do not like lamb, and here a lot is prepared from it. And in fish restaurants from all over the menu, only the third part of the range is present at best, but it is most likely depends on the season.
You should always have a reserve of trivia, otherwise the delivery with large bills can not be waited. The merchant comes out that there is no surrender and must be exchanged, and leave for two hours. And if the forces were enough to wait, then this rogue didn't happen in anything, it could say that the thing costs exactly how much you gave him. Believe me, it happened to me more than once.
If you are gathered in the store, let's say on the sale of sweets, which in Istanbul a huge amount.
Usually it happens before leaving home and you need to bring a lot of gifts. Do not hesitate to use the notepad and calculator. You will be surrounded by such warmth and care, in front of your nose they will put the entire range of the store, will give everything to try, they will even pretend that they give a discount. But when at home you will count everything to understand that the double price paid. Record feel free.
In brief something like this.
Go to Istanbul yourself just enough, what is needed for this? First of all, you need to decide on the trip. If you have a desire to organize your trip on your own, saving at the same time a considerable amount, then - ahead!
On his experience, a trip to Istanbul for the first time (with a friend a few years ago), I can say that it's easy to go to Istanbul yourself easily. Our journey we organized themselves. Our article will answer questions to how to organize a trip, as well as we give examples of food prices and the fare. The cost of travel and nutrition are actual - for the current year.
In this article, I share my own experience of an independent travel and my own opinion regarding the organization of the trip - this does not mean that everything described and the proposed will be suitable for everyone. This is information that is designed to help travelers, ready to organize your holiday.
Duration of the trip to Istanbul
If you decide you want to go to Istanbul yourself, you need to decide on your travel period. Of course, there are trips to Istanbul for three days and even one - but then you will have to choose the most interesting sights for visiting and most likely, all seen a little moves in your head.
In addition, the cost of the flight when traveling for three days or a week will be the same, while you can visit much more interesting places, as well as stroll along the ferry on the Bosphorus and taste the freshest fish in the restaurant on the seafront.
Our girlfriend's trip was 7 days for duration. In addition, we were lucky with the weather - and the end of February was extremely sunny and warm. Therefore, we used mainly by public transport and walked a lot on foot. For 7 days we visited the sights without any rush.
Of course, it is better that your trip falls for the warm season, because in the summer Istanbul is especially beautiful, a lot of greens, colors, warm weather, but also quite comfortable. Sunny days There is a lot already starting in March.
In general, try to walk more on foot, especially in the Itoric area - attractions here at every step, small streets with cafes and tea, where you can rest. Everything else, only with hiking, you will feel this particular Istanbul atmosphere and the spirit of the Old Town.
Flights and transfer
Where to buy a ticket and how to get to the hotel? Most uses various online services for the selection of favorable tickets, such as the ScyScanner.ru service, the program issues both straight flights and various combinations with a transplant. Convenient interface and quick search. Read more about how to choose can be read. There is also a popular service Aviasales.ru - here you can also see. Our choice in organizing self-trip fell on Turkish airlines (direct flight) - good service, comfortable flight.
You can get from the airport either or use public transport. If you have a lot of things, you travel with children, for some reason you are hard enough, etc., then it is better to organize in advance. Given the distance in Istanbul, prices, you can say low. In the extreme case, you can take a taxi at the airport.
In case you have a small luggage, you fly during the daytime and full of forces - the most accessible and faster public transport. In addition, there is nothing difficult in moving public transport in Istanbul.
Choosing an accommodation option
After tickets are purchased, you should go to the search for the hotel (respectively and the area), in which you would like to stop. Everyone has different preferences for the service and to the living conditions, so it is enough just to choose the category of the hotel.
The historic center is full of tourists and here you will feel more comfortable - many pointers showing the way to sights, people walk until late evening, are always crowded. The Sultanahmet's Square itself always dumps the police, providing additional monitoring of the situation.
Hotels here are a lot (from 3 to 5 stars). In the summer, the cost of rooms in the area begins from 250 Turkish lira.
For those who are ready for more independent walks - There is an option to remove housing through services / sites. Moreover, the apartments can be the most different - there are a lot of options with a magnificent view of the city, for the Bosphorus strait, etc.
We were looking for an apartment through the site for the animation of tourist housing and stayed two minutes walk from Stuklyl Street (IstikLal Caddesi). The apartment was small, but in excellent condition, clean and approached us at cost. From the Street Street, we usually walked on foot to the tunnel (where the tram goes) and then either went on foot / used a taxi, or sat on the ferry. In the nearest store they bought fruit and other products for home use.
When choosing housing is worth take into account the next moment - if you are planning an active traveler and most of the time to spend in the city, walking in historical places, museums, cafes and embankments, it makes no sense to take an expensive hotel with breakfast included in payment. You can find an inexpensive accommodation in a historic area where you have plenty of establishments. You can have breakfast in any cafe, bakery or coffee shop, but even on the ferry to eat to the toxteral or simter, drinking with apgeted juice or tea, while sailing somewhere. Thus, you should not discard the options for modest hotels, finding housing on sites and hostels.
Plan of self-trip
It is necessary to make up your plan. Why do you need it? To cheat your time and make a route.
Mark for yourself: where would you like to go, what museums or attractions to visit (and their in Istanbul is a huge number of -, the Ottoman period, and the mosque, etc.). Upon arrival, you will be easier to distribute your routes by day. The thing is that different historical objects work on different days and different times. In addition, some attractions are far from each other, and some of the Asian side of Istanbul, so you can not visit them in one day.
You can independently plan the route with the help of our tips. These are walks in areas: and, of course,.
As for such organizational issues, as: how much money take with you for a trip - here you have to be repelled from your needs and requests. Someone will be enough and 600 dollars, and someone and 1000 dollars will not be enough. It all depends on where you plan to eat - cafes or restaurants, what you plan to spend (), whether to buy souvenirs. We bought some food in the apartment (fruits, drinks), also drose in different cafes (portions in the cafe are usually rather big, therefore, by ordering one second dish, and sometimes only salad, they will not be hungry).
Be sure to pay attention to what the weather happens during the period of your trip and decide what clothes should take with you. Read more about what the weather happens, or in Istanbul, read in our articles.
What documents are needed for a trip to Istanbul?
Here everything is simple enough, as the list is standard:
- Passport, whose validity period on the date of entry should be more than 120 days
- Reverse ticket, confirmation of armor room at the hotel, medical insurance
- Confirmation of solvency (minimum of $ 500, such confirmation can serve both cash and bank account statement)
Usually, only a passport is needed for presentation, but on the control you can also be asked to show as insurance, and may also ask the amount of money.
Since there are questions about medical, I will note separately: private medical services in Turkey are quite expensive, so in case of any appeal to the hospital, insurance will help you and save a significant amount. You can buy insurance in any insurance company or online on the websites of companies. The easiest way to do it online:
For example, a doctor's reception in a private Istanbul clinic is worth a minimum of 150 lir, not to mention any urgent medical needs. .
What is sure to look at Istanbul yourself?
In my opinion, as well as taking into account the reviews of other tourists, we offer you a list of sights of Istanbul, who must be visited in order to make an idea about this city, as well as about the history of the Great Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.
With our practical mobile application MOYSTAMBUL, you can easily navigate in Istanbul - not only in the historic district of Sultanahmet, but also to get to remote attractions, because we also indicated information about the necessary transport. In addition, the application works in the offline mode - this is a map, cafes and restaurants, hamamas, tips and independent routes For walking. You can download Moystambul Guide at the AppStore.
What is worth viewing in Istanbul?
- First of all it is incredibly monumental and beautiful cathedral, just a masterpiece
- - Give you a brief idea of \u200b\u200bthe culture and history of the Ottoman Empire.
- I will remember with an unusual architecture and a special atmosphere. And hot summer, inside an ancient reservoir, you can hide from heat and enjoy a wet cool.- - Recently renovated tank, which is older than the basil tank for 100 years, the entrance to which is free! Inside periodically undergo art exhibitions. It appears not far from the Basil tank - 8 minutes walk.
- - It is a beautiful palace and park ensemble
- "The fortress is in excellent condition, it offers a magnificent view of the Bosphorus and Bridge.
- And - these are real oriental bazaars that will not leave you without new impressions.
- And - very beautiful mosques
- And Beelebey - you need to see separately from the Dolmabach Palace, otherwise the impression can be smeared.
- Make and see - choose a sunny day and go on a long tour of the Bosphorus, which includes a walk along the village of Anadolu Cavaga, and also rise to the ancient fortress of Yoros, from the hill near which a magnificent view opens.
- View, such as the Church of the Virgin Pamakarist, Church of the Pantokrator, Choir Monastery, Church of Sergius and Vakha, Lips Monastery, and much more.
In fact, the list can be continued for a very long time, because the historical monuments in the beautiful Istanbul a great set.
Is it possible to go to Istanbul independently without knowing English?
Sure you may. In addition, most Turks in the tourist zone also do not know English (only very elementary words). Of course, for each concept of "knowledge of English" can be different. But you will be quite even an elementary vocabulary stock. In many major museums, you can take an audio guide in Russian.
In the historic district of Sultanahmet in cafes and restaurants there are menus in Russian. If you want to visit the Grand Bazaar or the Egyptian Bazaar - then there can be easily found Russian-speaking sellers. As for the shopping in Lales - it is difficult to find someone who did not speak Russian.
Is it safe in Istanbul?
Safely, if not walking in the evening and night in such areas as Aksarai or Lales. At the same time (in the photo) is safe for later walks. Try not to move away from crowded tourist places. As for, everything is simply organized here - if you order a hotel, you can pay directly online or on arrival.
We, as I have already noted, rented housing - I paid online on the site, there at the same place the coordinates of the one who gives it. Upon arrival we called the landlord, came to the right address and having received the keys, settled.
I want to immediately say - for all the time our stay did not happen any misunderstandings, no one bothered us. But despite the proximity of the apartment to the tourist street, late in the evening, we did not go there (on narrow dark streets). Basically, if somewhere they went out, then in the evening I went to the house on a taxi.
Note that Istanbul is not resort areaSo here you should always have documents with you - passport passport. At any time you can stop and ask for documents to avoid problems, take them with you.
Prices in Istanbul in 2019
In this section, I will answer questions regarding prices in Istanbul, as well as important points related to independent travel. To travel, you will need dollars that best on arrival, change to local lira - this can be done in local exchange points (Döviz) or at the airport. This will facilitate the calculation and will save money.
Immediately I will immediately note such a moment - if you have gathered to change the remaining lyters back to dollars, it is better to do this in exchange points in banks or, in the extreme case, at the airport (although there is more expensive). The fact is that in local exchange offices (Döviz) bills are sometimes marked with the seal of that exchange office in which you change money. Those. At bills, the exchanger puts a little blue print. No one pays attention to this inside Turkey. By the way, even when exchanging banks, such bills may come across. Such dollar bills with seals are better to spend here, because when trying to exchange them in Russia, the bank will remove the commission. Without a commission, you will only receive an ATM.
Let's start by S. public transport prices.
Istanbul Kart Transport Card
First of all, you should purchase. The cost of the card itself is 7 Turkish lira. It is convenient because you can use it when driving on the subway, ferry, tram and bus. The card immediately needs to pay a certain amount for travel.
Istanbul Kart Shopping and Replenishment Machines
At the moment, it is more convenient to purchase through special tickets (Biletmatik) - automatic machines for the sale and replenishment of cards, yellow-black. They are also located near the stations, marins and stops. Forward time, automatons for the sale and replenishment of Istanbul cards are becoming more and more - even the small marins where ferries rarely go, there are such machines.
Totatoli takes only paper bills (lira). You can find similar machines at Ataturk Airport - at the metro station Ataturk Halymany and at the exit from the airport of the arrival at Sabiha Airport Gucchan. At first, you will have enough limit in 30 Turkish lira for two.
There is a Russian language in the tickets of the tickets, so it's not difficult to deal with it. For example, you choose the point of purchase of the card and put on the account of 36 lira - in the cost of the card, you will have 30 lira on your account, etc.
Transport cards are also sold in small kiosks, in the windows of which there is a mark or image of the map. Such kiosks, for example, are located at stations where ferries depart, in the subway, in the tunnel, etc. Learn the name "Istanbul Maps" and tell the seller, you will understand you. The card is replenished through special machines, as in the pictures: tickets, the automata of yellow-blue or there in the kiosk, where the map is purchased.
In the automata you need to lean the card to the reader and insert bills in the bill acceptor.
Machines for replenishment Istanbul Kart
Card through yellow-blue machines, with the inscription Istanbukart (Dolum Makinesi / Top-Up Machine) cannot be purchased, only replenished. In the automatic menu, you can select the Russian language, and if something does not work, there is a consultant who can often be asked for help.
Travel can also be paid in tokens. You can buy tokens in automata, with Jetonmatik inscription, which are installed in the subway, on tram stops and ferry marins. Machines accept both paper money (5, 10, 20 lire) and coins. The price of a token for 2019 is 5 lire.
Cost of public transport in Istanbul in 2019:
- transport Card Istanbulkart - 6 Turkish lira;
- the cost of travel on the map on the ferry, subway or bus - 2.6 Turkish lira, on the ferry to the printed islands 5.2 liters;
- travel on the subway without a transport card: one trip 4 lira, two - 7 lire, three - 10 lire.
Learn more about public transport Istanbul, the cost of travel, subway lines and tram, you can read in.
Separately, it is worth allocating a point about a taxi. Not all taxi drivers are conscientious, all the more it will be difficult for you to find out a relationship with them without knowing the language. Therefore, I will give a few tips if you still plan to take advantage of this type of transport a couple of times:
1. When you get in a taxi, pay attention to the fact that the counter is turned on (it is or directly on the rear view mirror or down on the panel to the right of the driver's seat under the radio). At the counter, at the time of your landing in a taxi, the number 4 should be standing (Turkish lira). This is paid for landing, and then the number will vary depending on the duration of the trip. The cost of a kilometer is 2.5 Turkish lira. The cost of the minimum trip is 10 lir. If you do not see the taximeter, or another number is worth it - find another car.
2. Read what to sit in a taxi, make sure that you have minor money - with bills of 50/100/200 lir there is a high probability that you are deceived. Excuse these bills in the supermarket, ideal if you have a 100 lire of 5-10 lire and trifles with coins.
I do not advise you to use small buses (minibus), they resemble big minibuses, they are usually painted in blue or have blue inserts in front. As a rule, such buses go along the small streets and little streets. Without the knowledge of the Turkish language, it is rather difficult to understand exactly where this type of transport will stop, and it is not safe to ride it in late evening.
Power supply in Istanbul in 2019
We now turn to the issue of cafes and restaurants. In Istanbul, you can find a wide variety of cafes and snack bars, prices in them can differ significantly. The same tea, 2 lira can cost the cafe on the embankment, and everything in the restaurant is already 5. Therefore, everyone chooses here in its needs.
Please note that the cafe and restaurants at the Bosphorus, with a beautiful view, is usually more expensive. In fish restaurants, the Bosphorus prices are always high, and the food is not always delicious (as it will come). Therefore, if you want to taste seafood, it is worth looking for a more modest institution. Also, you should not be surprised if in such an institution (restaurant), you wrote the amount on paper (without detailed layout in the form of positions).
We give an example of different cafes. Immediately I want to note that as a rule, the portions in the cafe are very large - the salad can cost 25-30 lira, but it is enough for two. But in the eateries, where the PIDE or Kebab is sold, the salads are small (because go as an addition to the main dish).
- Fish Restaurant: 150-400 LIR (Fish + Salad + Snacks + Wine)
- Capt Steak Houses Günaydyn (Günaydın) - steaks from 85 lire to 150 lire, burgers and sandwiches from 40 to 50 lire, salads from 20 to 35 lire, desserts from 20 lire to 35 lir.
- Cafe: from 30 to 80 lire (depending on the location and concept) - this amount you can buy hot and salad, drinks.
- Lokanta / Köfteci (Köfteci) - a cafe with Turkish food or Turkish cutlets (Köfte). Soups - from 10 lire, salads from 12 lir, Köfte (with a side dish) - from 25 lire.
- Breakfasts in bakeries, simple cafes: from 30 lire dish with breakfast (per person), from 50 lire buffet (Açık Büfe), sickle breakfast from 40 lir per person. Breakfast in a cafe (overlooking or in good place) For two people (sickle), an average of 100 lire.
- Café Sade Kahve (is located near the promenade in Bebek, very popular place Turkov has a big breakfast for two 80 lire, breakfast per 35 lir (omelets from 16 lire, Goezlem from 14 lir, toast from 12 lire). Salad from 22 lir, hot dishes from 23 lire, tea 5 lir, coffee 10 lir).
- Simit (Delicious Rogliam sold on the street) - 1.25-1.5 lira.
- Turkish tea (in tea or in a buffet of ferries) - from 2 to 4 lir.
- Cappuccino / latte from 10-12 lire.
- Cafe with baked potatoes (KUMPIR) - portion of large baked potatoes with filling from 12 lir 1 pc., Salad from 8 lire, drinks from 1 lira.
- Mado Cafe Network - Soup in the area 12-15 lir, salads from 20 lire, hot from 24-26 lire.
- Pideci (cafe serving PIDE - thin pita lava with meat) - soup from 10 lir, PIDE from 14-18 lire, kebab from 20-35 lire.
- Starbucks - sandwiches and buns from 6 lire, drinks from 10 lire, salads from 20 lire, yogurts from 16 lire.
- Balyk Emmec (fish in bread) - from 10 lire pcs. (sold on the marins of Emino and Kadykoy)
- Water 0.75 - from 1 to 2 lir, water 0.5 - 0.5 lira (in stores).
If you are also planning to buy Turkish sweets, then it is better to do in a distance from tourist places, you can also purchase in such departments as Malatya Pazari, these departments are located in many major shopping centers. For example, on the European side, in mall IStinye Park. Prices in these departments are medium, as well as a good choice. For example, Lukums can be bought at 25-30 lire for a large box, and from 18 lire for a small one.
It is worth a departure from the historic part of the city, away from the tourist streets and the same packaging of Lukuma will be cheaper than in Sultanahmet.
In general, the scatter of prices for sweets is:
- rakhat-Lukum: from 25 to 60 lire, depending on the variety and filling
- pakhlava: from 50 lir
The cost of confectionery, Hafiz Mustafa and şekerci Cafer Erol are worth an order of magnitude more expensive. This confectionery with history and its own production technology - the quality of the bite in them is much higher than on the same. There are these confectionery in the area of \u200b\u200bEmineu and Sirkeggi. In these confectionery, you can also buy original packing under the bow - with images of the Galat Tower or the Devichy Tower, in Ottoman style, etc. You can always ask to try one or another iduum ID before buying.
As for souvenirs, if you are ready to bargain, you can buy in the tourist area, if not - then it is better to look further from popular tourist places, so prices will be several times lower. If you are not going to buy souvenirs, it's still worth a visit and, because these are monuments of history.
How to save?
First of all, choose in advance and (especially the trip to the warm season). When booking in advance you will save in accommodation. Decide on your needs, you may be suitable option for not a hotel, but removable housing or even a hostel.
Make a route - we want to save not only money, but also time.
Be sure to purchase - then travel will be significantly cheaper. Try to use public transport - subway, ferry, not a taxi.
Museum Museum Museum Pass Istanbul
Museum Pass Istanbul (Museum Card)
Before visiting the sights, buy a Museum Pass Istanbul map. This is discount tourist mapwhich allows you to visit all popular sights without a queue (and the queue in the season is huge). Thus, you can save not only money, but also time.
Let us dwell on the Museum Pass Istanbul card more.
You can buy a map near such attractions as:
Istanbul Archaeological Museum, Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art, Karie's Museum. You can buy it not only through the window at the checkout, but also in special machines.
Moment for buying Museum Museum Museum Pass Istanbul
Cost of a map of 185 Turkish lire. It is valid for 5 days (120 hours) after purchase.
During the Spring-Summer season, there are huge queues during the Sultanahmet's dsotanimmetics, therefore, it is better to purchase a map, coming in half an hour before closing the point of sale (sights) - then you will not lose time in vain.
Sometimes, in season, there are no popular attractions in stock, then you should try to purchase it in the Archaeological Museum, Mosaic Museum or the Karie Museum (closer to closure or early in the morning).
This map allows you to visit free: Museum of Ayia Sofya, Palace Topkappe and Harem, Church of Saint Irina, Istanbul Archaeological Museum, Big Museum Mosaic, Yildiz Museum, Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art, Romel Museum Hisar, Museum Fethiye, Galata Museum (Galata Mevlevihanesi Müzesi ).
If there are a card, you can purchase a discount: a 25% discount on a long tour 20%.
If you need communication within the country (with friends, for example), buy a local Turkish SIM card. In addition, most of the coffee shops that are practically at every turn, there are free Wi Fi (Starbucks, Cafe Nero, Cariboe Coffee).
Do not buy souvenirs in the most popular tourist areas. All the same can be purchased much cheaper in less popular markets.
See - Choose advantageous offers and start planning your journey!
It is an ancient, great, incredible beautiful citylocated simultaneously on the territory of Europe and Asia, interconnected by the Bosphorus strait.He was the capital of many empires: Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman. It has the richest story And represents the cultural and historical center of Turkey.
General information about Istanbul
About title
What only the names did not have this city. Byzantine, New Rome, Constantinople. In the future, the Arabs call it "truthpolin".After his capture by the Turks, it becomes the capital of the Ottoman Empire, and is meant as Istanbul. Since then, worldwide in use is a slightly modified name - Istanbul.
Historic past
These places are taken long before the Nativity of Christ, since the first settlements belong to the bronze century and are dating 3,500 BC.The first city, which was built here by the Greeks - Byzantine (659 BC).He had a very important strategic valuedefining his geographical position, which allowed him to be one of the main points of the trading track connecting the Black Sea with Aegean and Europe with Asia.
After the arrival of the Romans, he is renamed first to the new Rome, and then - in Constantinople - the capital of the Roman Empire. After her decay, the city becomes the capital of Byzantium.
Everything changes when the Byzantine Empire conquer Turks, and Istanbul Turns into the center of the Islamic world. At this time, namely in 1520-1566. The city blooms. Here are new buildings, madrasas (educational institutions), the magnificent beauty of the mosque. But it does not like the neighboring powers, and from the XVII to the XIX centuries. The Ottoman Empire is in continuous wars with European countries and with Russia. The result of this is becoming universal Europeanization of the Turks, an interest in European fashion appears, to styles in architecture - Rococo and Baroque, the turnover includes French.
During the First World War Istanbul Located in the occupation of the troops of France, England and Italy.
In 1922, Turkish nationalists led by M. Ataturk liberate Istanbul From the Unita Union, after which Europe recognizes the sovereignty of Turkey. In 1923, the formation of the Turkish Republic, and the capital goes to Ankara. But, Istanbul It remains the commercial, cultural and tourist center of the country.
Location
Located in the northwest of the country. Most of it belongs to Europe, the rest - Asia.
Of course, the main feature of these edges is the Bosphorus Strait - business card Istanbul. Each tourist coming here wants first of all to get acquainted with this place. Strait is a link between the marble and black sea. For a length it is about 30 km. Its width is 3700 m (in the widest place) and 700 m (in the narrow).
The Marmara Sea is from the name of Marmara Island, where white marble was in due time. Its length is 280 km, the maximum width is 80 km. Area - about 11 thousand km square.
Bay Golden Horn is a narrow bay, which flows on its waters in the Bosphorus Strait. Once in his mouth was founded by a colony of the city of Byzantine, around which Constantinople was formed.
Princesa Islands - Archipelago, consisting of 9 islands.
Hebeliad Island - a small island, not far from Istanbul. His population is about 4 thousand people. Area - 2.5 km square.
Administrative division
The city is divided into 2 parts: European and Asian. In turn, the first of them has its own regions, places of shopping, bars, restaurants and other entertainment, a large cluster of tourists, and the second is their own, distinguished by a calmer, measured life.There are about 35 parts, divided by the Golden Horn on the Northern and Southern Region. All of them are connected to each other bridges and ferries.
Popular areas of the European part:
- Emineu (the old part) - is distinguished by well-preserved medieval buildings
- Lales, Aksarai, Osmanbey - Trade Centers
- Besiktash - Cultural and Trading Area Istanbul
- Bebek - the historical part and one of the most elite places in the city
- etiel and ulus - the most luxurious areas
- Fatih and Sultanahmet - historical centers of the city
- ORATI - one of the most attractive places, right on the shore of the Bosphorus
- Beioglu (modern part) - a shopping and entertainment platform of the city, is surrounded by Bosphorus and Golden Horn Bay
- Maslak and Left - Business Life Centers
Popular areas of the Asian part:
- Kadykuy - the most ancient area Istanbul
- Ostochydar
- Bostanzhi.
- Tuzla
Area: About 5 thousand square meters. km.
Population: There are about 14 million people. By the number of inhabitants is in the 3rd place in Europe.
Climate
Sladden. Summer here is a sunny, moderately roast, with winds, is moved very well. The average temperatures range from +19 ° C to +28 ° C. The warmer month is August. Winter is cool, with sediments in the form of snow or rain. Sky - most often in the clouds. Average T ° from +3 ° C to +9 ° C. The coldest months are January and February.
Istanbul Tourist
Yearly Istanbul Attracts millions of tourists with their attractions. By their number it takes one of the first places in the world.
Be careful with your personal things, especially where there are many people.
- Men must be extremely polite with a local female floor, not to flirt with women and do not take pictures of them.
- Girls we advise not to dress too openly - believe me, it will be more convenient for you, and there will be no oblique looks.
- For women going to visit the mosque - you need to take a handkerchief with you and wear a long skirt. Men are better to wear pants (not shorts).
- We recommend that you do not walk through the inner streets, especially in the places of the Old Town.
- In places of public cluster, it is better not to use alcohol - it can cause an unkind response from others.
- In Turkey, the most revered personality - Ataturk. Images, monuments and sculptures with it - value for the entire Turkish people! Therefore, you need to show respect for it and to the entire population.
- We recommend taking dollars with you on the trip that it is better to exchange for smaller bills to be more convenient to pay.
How to get to Istanbul
By air
From Russia are carried out regular flights. Departure can be made from Moscow, St. Petersburg and other large Russian cities.
Main Airlines Flight - "Aeroflot" and Turkish " Turkish Airlines.". An indicative time on the way - in the region of 2.5-3 h.
Two international airports work:
"Istanbul Ataturk Airport" (IST) - the largest airport Istanbul, 24 km from Istanbul, in the European part.
From the airport to the Aksarai region, as well as to the main parts of the European side, you can get in use of the Hafif Metro subway line.
By bus you can get to the Taxim areas, Kozyatagy and etler.
"Istanbulsabihagokcenairport" (SAW) - 35 km. from the city, in the Asian part.
From the airport, Havatas - No. E10 to the Kadyki district (cost - 9 lir, travel time is about 40-50 minutes) and Taxim (cost - 13 lira, travel time is 1 hour). Interval - from 10 to 40 minutes.
By sea
- on the ship on the route Sevastopol-Istanbul
- on ferry Sochi-Trabzon
From Trabzon B. Istanbul You can drive by bus from the bus station, which is located near the port. Buses go regularly. Major companies performing transportation: "Metro Turizm Buses" and "Ulusoy".
Travel to Istanbul
Buses
The most popular type of transport. The stops are better to report in advance. There are public and private buses. The cost of them is the same. Difference in the purchase of tickets: In the first case, you need to buy them in special cash desks with the inscription "Otobus Bilet" or "Bilet Giseci", in the second version - tickets are located at the driver.
Minibuses-Dolmushi
Compared to buses - more convenient, compared to a taxi is cheaper. Yellow color ride short distances and beige - for longer in the places of the old city, where the tram does not go. The fare depends on the distance. It needs to be clarified by the driver.
Metro
The city has 3 subway lines:
- "TUNEL": 2 stations, connects the embankment of the Golden Horn and Tunyl Square
- "Metro": Taksim Square - New Business Areas in Northern Istanbul
- "Hafif Metro": Aksaray Square and the western part of the city.
"TUNEL" works from 7:00 to 21:00, on Sunday day - from 7:30 to 21:00 h.
"Hafif Metro" and "Metro" - every day from 6:30 to 24:00 h.
Tram
It is a network of six tram lines, four of which are located in the European side, and the rest are two - in the Asian. At the same time, trams are divided into two types: modern, high-speed and vintage, in retro-style. Fare: 4 Lyras - for 1 trip.
There is also a transport card - it is possible to pay for it all types of electric transport (subway, tram, funicular) - through turnstiles.
Taxi
The most comfortable and convenient type of movement. Cost - at the rate of 1 km - $ 2. It can be ordered, being in the hotel, restaurant and, waving a hand, on the street.Know that the meter works in a taxi, and you need it to be included with your landing. If you are told that the meter "does not work" - do not believe and immediately go out.And also, at night, ride twice as much, and acts from 0:00 to 6:00.
Bridges through the Bosphorus - not free (payment produces a passenger).
Rent a car
There are a lot of companies that carry out car rental in the city. In your hotel, you can find out the addresses of the nearest Rent A Car.Keep in mind that on the roads Istanbul Easy to get confused, a few pointers, so please play the card in advance, or turn on the navigator. There are few free parking spaces, as the city is very large.
Marine report
Insofar as Istanbul Covers the Bosphorus Strait, the Bay of the Golden Horn and the northeastern part of the Marmara Sea, there are several seaports - Yenikals, Karaki and Heydarpasha, ferries go to major cities in Turkey. Travel - 2 lira.
Also, you can ride on the "sea bus" - to the neighborhoods of the city, suburbs and nearby islands. Travel - from 5 to 13 lir.
Aviatransport
Daily from airports Istanbul Flights to Antalya, Ankara, Izmir, Trabzon, Adana, Alanya, Bodrum are performed.
Railway transport
There are two large railway stations here: in the European part - Sirkeggi and Heydarpasha - in the Asian part. At the moment they do not work, as they are being reconstructed.
What to see in Istanbul
Istanbul - truly fabulous city. This is an amazing combination of architecture, history and culture. In one city, such a variety of interesting attractions were collected, which you did not dream!
25 main places to visit in Istanbul
Sultanahmet Square - historical Center Istanbul, famous square. Located in UNESCO. It has all the most important attractions:
- Topkapi Palace is the first palace, in which the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire lived, located at the very shores of the Marmara Sea. It was built on the orders of Sultan Mehmed in 1479 represents a complex of 700,000 sq.m. Address: Topkapi Sarayi, stop T1 "Sultanahmet".
- Dolmabach is a chic palace, made in the Baroque style, amazingly looking against the background of the Bosphorus coast. The idea of \u200b\u200bhis construction belongs to Sultan Abdul-Medzhid, who wanted to impress the rulers from Europe. Now there is one of the residences of the Prime Minister of Turkey.
- Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet) - The symbol of the city, distinguished by the grace, unique greatness and decoration, such a mosque you will not find anywhere else. Address: Sultanahmet Camii.
- Mosque Suleymania - Masterpiece, perhaps, the most beautiful mosque of the city, built in 1557 by the architect Sinan. Each element of this magnificent building has its own symbolism. For example, 4 minarets are a symbol of the Board of Suleiman - the fourth of Sultans.
- Saint Sophie Cathedral - The best sample of the architecture of Byzantium. This is one of the most impressive museums in the world. Metro Station "Sultanahmet".
- Basilica tank - Translated from the Greek - reservoir, ideally preserved since the time of Constantinople, having a depth of 10 to 12 m. It was built on the site of the Basilica of St. Sophia. Today it has about 40 tanks.
- Museum of Turkish and Islamic art - The whole history of Turkey is collected here, based on genuine copies of historical relics and cultural values.
- Museum Mosaic - originated thanks to the most interesting and priceless find - parts of the Constantinople Palace and columns of the Corinthian order, and most importantly - a large area of \u200b\u200bthe preserved mosaic, decorated with the palace.
- Museum of rotten dervish - Watching their dance, you can learn about the lifestyle of Muslim monks. For many Turners is the country's business card.
- Galata Tower - 61 m in height. This is the oldest monument of the city.
- Fortress Rumelichisar - erected in 1452 at the Sultan Mahmed Fatikha, is located on the shore of the Bosphorus in a very calm, secluded place.
The area of \u200b\u200bthe beam is in the old part of the city. It is located:
- Istanbul University - The oldest highest educational institution of the country. In its walls, more than 60 thousand students study and teach about 2 thousand professors teachers. And his library is considered the largest in Istanbul.
- The mosque of the beam is one of the most large mosques Cities, with two minarets. Based on Sultan Bayazid II in 1500-1506. With a mosque there are madrasas and baths.
- Grand Bazaar is a huge market of the country. One of the largest bazaars in the world. Its assortment is very rich: souvenirs, leather, carpets, textiles, ceramics. Bazaar Square - 30 thousand square meters. The m. About 4 thousand shops spread on 66 streets are located here. Every day a large number of visitors come here.
Fatih district - another historical part Istanbul. Here you can visit:
- Church of Christ the Savior - The only Byzantine Church, best maintained its original appearance. Now is open for tourists as a museum, listed in UNESCO.
- Archaeological Museum
- It is a complex of 3 museums: the main building, the tiled pavilion and the east. Their collection has more than 1 million exhibits of different eras and peoples.
Eminiona Square is primarily the most important transport junction of the entire city. Markets, bus and tram stops are located here. In general, the square is quite lively. To the places that you can see here:
- Galat Bridge - passes through the Bay of Golden Horn. It consists of two floors: on the 1st zone for walking, there are cafes and restaurants, trams and cars are held on the 2nd. central part Bridge - divorce.
- Egyptian Bazaar - Known to the whole world. Here you will find a large selection. eastern Spices, seasonings, medicinal herbs, as well as Turkish coffee, charms, handmade cosmetics, a huge variety of souvenir products and much more. This name market received as a result of the fact that it was originally the goods here were brought from Egypt.
- Mosque Ahu Chelebi - Founded in the XVI century. In honor of the court doctor of Sultan Bayazid II, on the shore of the Golden Horn Bay (opposite the University of Commerce).
- Mosque Rustam Pasha - Erected in 1561 in honor of the Vizier of Sultan Suleiman magnificent. Magnificent monument of Ottoman architecture.
What else interesting in the city?
- Tulip festival - Flower festival, annually conducted in Istanbul In April. It was at this time that the tulips are planted throughout the city, so what part of the city you are, you can always admire this beauty. By the way, it is Turkey that is home to tulips, and not Holland, as it is considered.
- Kennedy Street - an interesting 13-ticklete street running along the Constantinople walls along the seashore of the Marmara Sea, built in the middle of the 20th century in honor of the 35th US President Kennedy. Here you can find quite a few cultural and historical objects:
- Feodosis Walls - were built at Sultan Feodosia II, the length of the walls is about 5630 m.
- Byzantine palace Bukoleon - Built in honor of the Persian Prince Ormisda on the shores of the Marmara Sea. The name comes from the statue of the Bezolva, who decorated the local harbor.
- Parks "Sakhil" and "Koch Mustafa Pasha"
- Fish Museum
- Lighthouse Akhricala - working lighthouse at Cape Saraibun in Akhrkapapy
- International Istanbul Biennale - The exhibition dedicated to modern art takes place every 2 years.
- The Maritime Museum - is an extensive exposure that includes a gallery of historical boats, arms of ships (including the yachts of the Ataturk himself), weapons and shape of various historic periods, guns, banners. Located in the Besiktash area, not far from the park.
Entertainment
- Trips to Princesa Islands - For lovers of a quiet, relaxing holiday. You can reach them by ferry.
- Walking through the Bosphorus - It should be a mandatory point in your schedule. The one who has not seen the Bosphorus does not know what Istanbul is - it is so believed. It is better to make excursions on weekdays, when fewer people.
- Water Parks: "Aqua Marina", "Aqua Delphin"
- Dolphinarium
- Zoo "Baromeoglu"
- Ice Museum "Madzhik Ice"
- Aquarium - the largest oceanarium Istanbul (in the Flory region)
- Amusement Park "Jusolasik Land"
- Hamam - Istanbul Baths. We recommend to visit: Galatasaray - one of the best Turkish baths, famous for the whole world (in the Bayol region), the date of construction - 1481; Chaalolu is the most famous bath of the city, was built in 1741, located in the historical part of the city.
Night Istanbul
The city has a large number of clubs, bars and jazz cafes.
Shopping in Istanbul
Markets:
- Grand Bazaar: One of the largest covered markets in the world. This is a city in the city where there is everything: thousands of stores and lavages, mosques, currency exchange points, cafes, and even a bath. Trade, as in any eastern bazaar, is simply necessary.
- Egyptian Bazaar: There is also everything - from the eastern seasonings and sweets to the perfume made by hand from natural oils.
- Arasta Bazaar: a little less than two previous bazaars, but the range is diverse.
The shops:
- "Jewahir"
- "Olivium"
- "Akmerkez"
- "Canyon"
- "Metro City"
Food in Istanbul
IN Istanbul You will not stay hungry. Here are everywhere restaurants and cafes. Moreover, both local cuisine and European, Asian, etc. BUT B. Istanbul You can eat tasty, and without entering the institution. Street food is an excellent alternative to restaurants. The famous Turkish Shawarma (doner-kebab) in Pete or pita, Turkish burgers, fried mussels, bagels with sesame, corn, pomegranate-orange juice - smells from all sides of the breathtaking. Do not be afraid to choose - here is a reputation.
Best Fish Restaurants:
"Park Fora", Muallim Naci Cad. Cemil Topuzlu Parki Ici No: 54 - Stunning view of the Bosphorus, despite high prices, always many visitors
"Cengelkoy Iskele Restaurant", ISkele Meydani No: 10 / a Cengelkoy, USKUDAR - is located on the Asian side, opposite the Romel Fortress, popular among local residents
Balikci Kahraman, Rumelia Kavagi MH., Iskele Caddesi 15 - For Cambals in Tandara, many tourists become regular visitors
"SULTANAHMET FISH HOUSE", PROF. K. Ysmail Gurkan Caddesi No: 14 - located in the old town, big portions
Restaurants with Ottoman cuisine
Ciya Sofrasi, Guneslibahce Sokak 43 | Kadikoy - on the Asian side, quickly prepare, can be ordered by half a portion
"Asitane Restaurant", Kariye Camii Sokak No: 6, Edirnekapi - on the European side, original dishes, unusual combination of products,
Restaurants with Turkish cuisine
Magnaura Cafe Restaurant, Akbiyik Cad No: 23 - in the center, welcoming staff, high-quality local cuisine
"El Faro Kebab House", Kucuk Ayasofya Mah. Kadirga Liman Cad. NO 96 Fatih - Delicious Traditional Dishes
"Siva Cafe Restaurant", Akbiyik Caddesi No: 22 | SultanahMet / Fatih - Pleasant atmosphere, extensive wine list
"AMEDROS CAFE & RESTAURANT", DIVANYOLU CAD HOCA RUSTEM SOK NO / 7 - Fireplace with live fire, unobtrusive music
Restaurants with international cuisine
"Papermoon", Akmerkez Residence Entrance.no:24 | Akmerkez Avm- Etiler - a popular Italian restaurant who love to attend celebrities
"Nicole", Bogazkesen Cad. TomTom Kaptan Sk, No: 18 | Beyoglu - French cuisine, magnificent panoramic view of the city
"Lucky Texans -STEAK & BURGERS", Ankara Cad. No: 42 - American Cuisine: Hamburgers, Potatoes, Salads
"AROLA", Raffles Istanbul Zorlu Center | Zorlu Center, Besiktas - Spanish cuisine, chef - owner of the Mishlen Star
Shang Palace, Sinanpasa Mah, Hayrettin Iskelesi Sok, No.1, Besiktas - Chinese cuisine
"Pera Thai ", Mesrutiyet Caddesi, 74 A | Sishane - Beyoglu - Thai cuisine
Souvenirs from Istanbul
Turkish sweets - Delicious Pakhlava, Halva, Lukum, Shcherbet.
Tea for weight - any species and varieties, fragrant and delicious. To tea buy a couple of Turks - special glasses for tea.
Coffee is one of the delicious in the world, it can be bought in any coffee shop.
Turkish gold and silver - Beautiful products made with the Guest.
Leather - bags, jackets, wallets, belts - all this has an original style, good quality and very reasonable prices.
Products from porcelain and ceramics with hand painted. Especially attractive copper vessels, reminiscent of the times of the Ottoman Empire.
Set for Bath "Hamam" - Usually there is a massage soap, a mineral skin mask, olive soap, peeling and massage - Keshe, a jug for a wash, a bag for whipping foam, Pecheytoneal is a special large towel (100% cotton).
Carpets - they are notable here, but it is worth it, as they are characterized by good quality.
Hookah - here he is one of the best in the world.
Smoking Tubes from Meerscheuum - Exchange Turkish souvenir.
The most popular sport in Istanbul is a yacht. Only he gives an excellent opportunity to get endlessly pleasure from stunning beauty landscape and attractions. Moving on the yacht along the coast of Istanbul, you can plunge into the long-saved times of the Ottoman, Roman and Byzantine Empires. There are ancient mosques, castles and palaces everywhere.
Also for those who like to play golf, in Istanbul there are all the conditions for this, you only need to pick up a suitable golf club and get as much pleasure from the game itself.
Transport features of Istanbul
Because of their geographic location Istanbul has long been considered one of the most important transportation units of Europe. He is a major megapolis, which is why the choice public transport Here the most huge in Turkey, however, tourists may well get confused. Getting to right place Istanbul can be on the bus, metrobus, dolmoshe, two types of trams, taxis, two types of funicular, on the usual metro, ferry through the bosphorus, suburban electric train, or even on the rope hanging road.
Many travel tourists use electronic map IstanBulkart, which costs 6 Turkish Lear (see). You can put money on it and spend them in transport, applying to the device on the turnstile. It is convenient and helps to save a little. There is also a card that cannot be replenished - Beşibiryerde Transit Card, used only on ferries, trams, features, city buses and subway. It gives the right only for five trips.
The most popular transport type in Istanbul is a bus. You can get from the Asian part of the city to European and back. The fare in the city bus - 2 YLT (Turkish Lira). If you are going to cross the Bosphorus on the bridge, you will have to pay twice as much. In September 2007, metrobus appeared in Istanbul. They ride on a special fenced strip, at very high speed. The fare is 2.9 ylt.
Dolmushi are minibuses similar to Russian route taxi. Their route is rather short, and the cost must be recognized by the driver. More accommodated minibuses.
Istanbul trams are divided into two types: modern comfortable and vintage retro trams. On both travel costs 2YLT, as well as on the subway, and in the funicular.
Water transport is an extremely convenient and most familiar way of movement in Istanbul. The cost of travel on traditional ferry - 2 Turkish lira. Sea buses, which possess much higher speed, will cost 5 to 13 Turkish lira for travel.
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