Istanbul

Istanbul tourist guide - hotels - car hire

With its mix of cultures, attractions, historic sites, and impressive architecture, Istanbul makes an interesting vacation destination for all. The city is both busy and exotic with lots to do both day and night.

Attractions in Istanbul

You may want to make Sultanahmet district your first stop, as there is much to see here. Ottoman mosques are scattered about the district, and Topkapi Palace is also located here. The palace is a must-see with its stunning architecture and interior.

The nearby Aya Sofya is another key attraction. Regarded as the greatest church in Christendom, this edifice is crammed with fine mosaics and topped by a magnificent dome.

Situated right on the waterfront on the Golden Horn is Eminönü. The enormous Egyptian Spice Bazaar is the main feature of Eminönü Square and Mimar Sinan’s Yeni Camii is a familiar landmark with its minarets standing tall above the general chaos.

Beyoglu is the center of Istanbul’s day and nightlife, offering a multitude of bars, restaurants, cafes, cinemas, and shops to visit.

Getting a hire car and driving outside of the busy city is most pleasurable. There are many smaller villages and fun attractions like hot springs to see if you have the convenience of your own hire car. You can book a hire car in Istanbul at a good price online.

Hotels in Istanbul

If you would like to stay in a modern hotel, you’re best bet is to check out the accommodations in the new part of the city. There are three sections of Istanbul: new, old, and Asiatic. Plenty of hotels are located in each section. For information on hotels in Istanbul, go online.

There is a huge variety of Istanbul hotels, inns, and hostels. Prices also vary according to location, amenities, and the time of year. It’s recommended that you book an Istanbul hotel in advance.

Airport and car hire in Istanbul

Istanbul’s Atatürk International Airport is Turkey’s largest and busiest. Any number of popular regular services from the Middle East, the USA, Australia, Asia, and Europe land here. Istanbul’s airport is located 15kms to the west of the city center.

You can get from the airport to the city center by taxi or shuttle. Havas operates a shuttle bus every 30 minutes from just outside the airport exit to both the Aksaray and Taksim neighborhoods.

You can also hire a car from Istanbul’s airport. Several major car hire companies are available. For the best deals on Istanbul car hire, click here.

There is usually plenty of parking at Istanbul’s airport. However, it may be best to book airport parking in advance to make sure you reserve a spot. Also, better prices on Istanbul airport parking are usually found online.