Touristic spots in Istanbul

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Istanbul
İstanbul
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The biggest city of Turkey which straddles Asia and Europe across the Bosphorus Strait, offering a taste of both Western and Eastern influences.
Galata Tower
Galata Kulesi
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67 meters tall tower built by the Genoese in Istanbul in the 14th century which offers a panoramic view of Istanbul. Accessible by stairs or elevator, one can enjoy the scenic lookout or enjoy a meal or drinks on top of the tower.
Hagia Sophia
Ayasofya
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Hagia Sophia is a former Greek Orthodox patriarchal basilica converted into a mosque by the Ottomans and is famous for its massive dome. Today, topping the list of the main attractions in Istanbul, it serves as a museum.
Blue Mosque
Sultanahmet Camii
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Blue Mosque (or The Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is the most famous mosque in Turkey which continues to function as a praying site and is known for its hand-painted blue tiles. Along with Hagia Sophia, it's a must see in Istanbul.
Taksim Square
Taksim Meydanı
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The most popular square of Istanbul which Istiklal Avenue opens up to. Being a main metro hub, it's home to many hotels and restaurants. The square is a major meeting spot among the locals and tourists.
Istiklal Avenue
İstiklal Caddesi
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One of the most famous avenues in Istanbul, visited by millions every day. An elegant 1.4 kilometers long pedestrian street with a tram passing on it, one can find many shops, restaurants and bars on the street or in its vicinity. It connects Taksim Square and the district of Galata.
Grand Bazaar
Kapalıçarşı
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Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered market places in history. Located in the Old Town, it has 61 streets and is full of shops selling spices, craftwork, precious metals and many other Turkish specialties. Visited by 90 million annually, in 2014 it ranked number one on the list of most-visited tourist attractions in the world.
Maiden's Tower
Kız Kulesi
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A tower situated on an isle close to the Asian side on the Bosphorus. Accessible by ferries, today it serves a museum and has a restaurant.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapı Sarayı
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A large museum palace located in the Old Town which served as the main residence of the Ottoman sultans from 15th to 17th century. The museum complex has a collection of Ottoman clothing, weapons, miniatures and many more.
Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahçe Sarayı
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Baroque style palace built by the Bosphorus in the 19th century. It was used as main residence of the sultans after Topkapi Palace lost its importance. The founder of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, used the palace as his presidential residence and spent his last days here before his death.
Golden Horn
Haliç
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A horn shaped body of water that joins the Bosphorus and separates the Beyoğlu district from the Old Town. It has many bridges that connect both sides, with the most famous one being Galata Bridge.
Prince Islands
Prens Adaları
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The Prince Islands are a cluster of 9 islands (four large, five smaller ones) on the Marmara Sea. The larger ones are accessible by ferries from both sides of the city. With having no cars allowed, the most popular ways to commute in the island are biking or taking a horsecar. Visiting the islands is a good idea for people who would like to wander away from the crowded and overwhelming atmosphere of the Istanbul center.
Basilica Cistern
Yerebatan Sarnıcı
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The largest cistern in Istanbul built during Byzantine times which used to be a major water provider. It is open for public with its dimly lit atmosphere.
Bağdat Avenue
Bağdat Caddesi
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The most important avenue on the Asian side full of luxury shops, cafes and residential blocks. It can be considered as a counterpart of Istiklal Avenue.
Nisantasi
Nişantaşı
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One of the most luxurious areas of Istanbul, Nisantasi is the place where the wealthy hang out. It is the right address for high-end shopping, eating and drinking.
Bosphorus Bridge
Boğaziçi Köprüsü
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The firstly built suspension bridge which connects the European and Asian sides of the city. Not accessible by foot, it functions as a highway for cars and public transport vehicles.
Pierre Loti Hill
Piyer Loti Tepesi
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A hill that has a coffeehouse with an astonishing view of the Golden Horn. It was named after the French novelist Pierre Loti due to his frequent visits in Istanbul.
Eminonu
Eminönü
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Located on the Golden Horn, it's a neighbourhood in the old walled city of Constantine which has a oriental feel to it with many shops and places to eat.
Moda
Moda
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Only minutes away from Kadikoy, Moda is now the centre of "cool". One can discover another newly opened cafe every time they visit it. Old people comprise the majority of the residents despite it being now the major gathering spot of the youth.
Sultanahmet
Sultanahmet
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The heart of the historic peninsula, Sultanahmet can be considered the Old Town of Istanbul. It contains the most well-known attractions of Istanbul such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace.
Kadikoy
Kadıköy
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Found on the other side of the Bosphorus, Kadikoy is the Asian equivalent of Beyoglu. Due to it being further from the Old Town, it is relatively less crowded and touristic. The district has a very welcoming vibe where one will not get stares for any kind of behaviour.
Galata
Galata
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Situated between Beyoglu and Karakoy, Galata has many art galleries, restaurants and music shops. With its narrow cobblestone streets, it's home to the iconic Galata Tower.
Beyoglu
Beyoğlu
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A district in the European side which contains Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue, separated from the Old Town by the Golden Horn. One of the most touristic areas of Istanbul, it can be considered the center of the new city.
Karakoy
Karaköy
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Historically a major trade and business area, Karakoy is now the center of hipster Istanbul. The neighbourhood has been gentrified recently and is presently packed with colorful streets, lively cafes and distinct bars.
Cihangir
Cihangir
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The neighbourhood of poets, writers and intellectuals, very close to Taksim Square. Cihangir is marked by its cats, laid back vibe and the diversity it offers.
Fener - Balat
Fener - Balat
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Being next to each other, these neighbourhoods used to possess a huge Greek population. The Patriarchate of Orthodox Greeks is situated in Fener - Balat, which still holds significance for the Eastern Orthodox Christianity.
Bebek
Bebek
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Trendy neighbourhood right by the Bosphorus that includes mansions owned by the affluent, many high-end cafes and restaurants. It is popular among the locals to have a walk by the coast or chill in its park in the weekends.
Spice Bazaar
Mısır Çarşısı
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The second most famous shopping complex after the Grand Bazaar. Similarly, it contains shops selling Turkish specialties and other goods.
Tunel
Tünel
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Tunel, literally a tunnel, is the second oldest metro system in the world built in 19th century. It connects Karakoy to Beyoglu, with having only one stop.
Sile
Şile
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A resort town in the Asian side by the Black Sea in which the locals have summer houses and spend their weekends there. Having a number of beaches, people who find it far can enjoy the European side alternative Kilyos, which is located by the Black Sea and contains a lot of beaches also.

About this lesson

Being the largest city of Turkey, Istanbul, combines two continents, Europe and Asia, with the Bosporus Strait which flows into the Sea of Marmara. If you are interested in this city of bridges, which connects the East and the West both physically and figuratively, this lesson is a must-have for you.

Why Istanbul?

Istanbul is the city of architecture, history, food, music and many other things. One should plan their next visit to Istanbul if he or she enjoys the diverse culture it provides. This magnificent city will not fail to amaze you with blending the tastes of the West and the East. As a capital of four empires; Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire, the Latin Empire and lastly Ottoman Empire impact of different cultures and religions can be witnessed all over the city. The attractions are almost limitless for visitors. Who hasn’t heard of landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Galata Tower, Grand Bazaar, and the Spice Bazaar. The centuries old mix of cultures also had a huge impact on the food scene too. From attractive street food to the traditional Ottoman and Turkish cuisine, options are infinite. You will not need to ask directions for McDonald’s in Turkey. When you get tired of eating (we doubt that) enjoy one of the breathtaking sights of the city with a glass of tea or Turkish coffee. There is no shortage of amazing views. The city’s silhouette from a boat during sunset, 360 panoramic view from Galata Tower or many of the rooftop bars offers you this experience. There is a common saying in Istanbul that states “this city never sleeps”. The hub of many different cultures living in harmony, Istanbul is the ultimate dining, shopping, music and entertainment capital of Turkey. Throughout the year in Istanbul, many events, concerts, art exhibitions and social gatherings all occur at once. Lastly, you shouldn't go back home without some souvenirs, right? Either you're into luxurious and mainstream shopping or you hunt for authentic, handmade items, Istanbul will not disappoint you. Worth to mention that you can improve your bargaining skills at local stores. Pack your luggage and let Istanbul welcome you soon!

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