Istanbul Travel Guide
Istanbul is the biggest city in Turkey and although it is not the official capital (the capital is Ankara) is is the cultural and financial center of the country.
It is located in the north western part of the country on both sides of the Bosphorus strait which is the strait between the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea. This means that part of Istanbul is located with the European continent and the other part within Asia.
The population of Istanbul 17 million people, making it the biggest city in Europe and also one of the largest cities in the world.
Istanbul is one of three European Capitals of Culture in 2010.
Attractions in Istanbul
Istanbul have a lot of interesting cultural attraction but also offers a great nightlife and both traditional Turkish restaurants as well as modern international food.
Most of Istanbul's cultural attractions are located within the area called Sultanahmet.
The following is a short list of places you must see if you are visiting Istanbul.
The Topkapi Palace which where the palace of the Otaman sultans.
The Sultanahmet Mosque which is the biggest and most impressive mosque in Istanbul with its six minarets and blue interior tiles.
The Grand Bazaar which is one of the biggest bazaar in the world with more than 5000 shops where you can find nearly everything you look for - remember to always negotiate the price which is part of the turkish culture.