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Where to stay in Istanbul
There are two sides of Istanbul — 25 districts on the European side and 14 on the Asian side. The sides are connected by three major suspension bridges across the Bosphorus Strait, a waterway that connects the Back Sea to the Sea of Marmara. Each side, district and neighbourhood has its own distinct style and a wide selection of B&Bs, luxury hotels, guesthouses, boutique hotels and hotel chains.
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Frequently asked questions
Many tourists gravitate to the Old City, as it is home to many of the city's top attractions such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar.
Istanbul is the only city in the world that straddles two continents – Europe and Asia. Beyond geographical oddities, Istanbul is famous for its rich and fascinating history and cultural heritage, beautiful architecture and landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar and utterly delicious cuisine.
There’s no bad time to visit Istanbul! Weather-wise, Istanbul’s peak season is generally from mid-April to June and September to October. It can get pretty hot and humid from mid-July to mid-August and can even snow in January-February.
We may have already mentioned, but Istanbul holidays are jam-packed with adventure and incredible sights! Meander the Grand Bazaar, sample the local cuisine, take a tour, visit a traditional Turkish bathhouse, check out the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, take a boat tour of the beautiful Bosphorus Strait, and, if time permits, head to the beaches of Istanbul's Princes' Islands.
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The most popular things to do in Istanbul with kids are visiting the Grand Bazaar, exploring the Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia, and enjoying a boat ride on the Bosphorus.
Be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a camera to capture all the breathtaking sights and cultural experiences. Oh and don’t forget your sense of adventure and a sizable appetite. Women will also need a scarf or shawl to cover their hair when visiting religious sites.
We could write an entire book on this one but thankfully many excellent sources already exist that go into great detail on where to go and what to do in Istanbul. Sultanahmet is a popular choice for first-timers as this is where you will find many of the city’s iconic sights like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
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