Istanbul is a truly unique city, a bridge between continents and cultures. It is sophisticated in a European way, yet noisy and chaotic in an Asian way, and it leaves no traveller indifferent. Be sure to visit the two most famous mosques in the city - the Blue Mosque and the Suleymaniye Mosque - as well as the world-renowned Hagia Sophia, which has been both a Christian church and a mosque throughout its history. Also, make sure to visit the Topkapi Palace - the former residence of the sultan - where you can see how concubines lived in the Harem and enjoy the collection of imperial treasures in the Treasury.
Food lovers will definitely appreciate the local cuisine, rich in spices, the strongest Turkish coffee, and aromatic tea served in glass "tulip" cups. However, alcohol can mainly be purchased in bars and is quite expensive due to Turkey being a predominantly Muslim country.
To get a closer look at Turkish culture, visit one of the numerous shows where performers dressed in colourful costumes perform traditional dances. Tourists are also interested in the whirling dervish shows, a dance with deep religious significance.
Istanbul
The meeting point of Europe and Asia
It is so different and so beautiful. On the one hand, a city of fairy tales of Scheherazade, full of mysteries of the East, charming splendour of ancient mosques and rich decoration of sultan's palaces. On the other hand - a huge modern metropolis with a frantic pace of life. So what is Istanbul really like? The answer to this question you will know only when you go to Turkey - a country where Europe and Asia meet.
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