Istanbul: The capital of three empires
Istanbul is located in western Turkey and is the only city in the world that is built on two continents: Europe and Asia. Istanbul - or Constantinople as it is historically known - is a junction between two continents: Europe and Asia and two seas: the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Because of its location, Istanbul was chosen to be the capital for three empires throughout its history, the Roman, the Byzantine and the Ottoman Empire. A modern visitor in Istanbul can easily sense the bridging of these three cultures: the Roman, the Greek and the Turkish one.
A must-do experience in Istanbul is hamam, which is a typical Turkish steam bath. There you will take some rest in a warm room with dry air and then change gradually hotter rooms. You will also get a relaxing massage by a professional. The last step is to swim in a cool swimming pool. Hamam improves the blood circulation and the skin and also helps against stress and insomnia. You may choose to find an Istanbul hotel located close to one of the most popular hamams, like the Cağaloğlu Hamamı, which is close to the Topkapı Sarayı, the Çemberlitaş Hamamı, which is close to the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, or the Süleymaniye Hamamı, which is next to the Süleymaniye mosque and is one of the rare ones that serve both men and women at the same time.
If you do not have a car with you, the public transport in Istanbul can turn out to be really useful, since it comprises various underground and overground rail systems, an extensive bus network, funiculars and of course maritime transport.
However, you may also choose to stay in a hotel in Istanbul that is located near the Sultanahmet region, where all the main attractions are concentrated. Undoubtedly, the most impressive sight in Istanbul is the Hagia Sophia, a former Orthodox Christian cathedral, later turned into a mosque by Muslims by adding four minarets and covering the Christian mosaics. Since the 1930's, the mosaics have been uncovered and it is now standing as a museum. Sultan Ahmed Mosque or else popularly known as the Blue Mosque is a historical mosque definitely worth paying a visit. Another monument worth seeing is the Topkapi Palace, which was the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans.
During your stay in Istanbul, do not forget to go to the Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in Turkey. Have in mind that most of the shops are closed on Sundays and be prepared to practice your bargaining skills, since bargaining is the only way to do shopping in Turkey, unless you want to pay for something double than its real value.
You can also try the world famous kebab, which can be found almost everywhere in Istanbul and drink a cup of Turkish coffee, always accompanied by a glass of cold water. Last but not least, you may want to find a cosy café, where you can smoke the traditional Turkish water pipe.
Istanbul can challenge your senses and inspire your imagination. Whilst walking in the streets of Istanbul, you will see Roman arches, Byzantine churches, or Turkish mosques, you will hear the muezzin in the mosque calling the Muslims to prayer, you will smell the aroma of eastern coffee and spices, you will taste the delicious Turkish kebab and you will sense the warm Mediterranean climate. Istanbul hotels are waiting to accommodate you in your holiday experience that will make you realise why Istanbul has been the capital of three empires!