Istanbul
Istanbul, once known as the capital of capital cities is the only city in the world to straddle two continents. Istanbul is also the only city to have been a capital during two consecutive empires - the Christian Byzantine Empire and the Islamic Ottoman Empire. Once as the capital of the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul still remains the commercial, historical and cultural capital of Turkey (although not the capital anymore). Istanbul's beauty lies in its ability to embrace its contradictions. Ancient and modern, religious and secular, Asia and Europe, mystical and earthly all exist in Istanbul.
Having served two completely different empires as the capital for over 2000 years, you can visit many touristic sites in Istanbul. The ancient churches, mosques, palaces, museums and bazaars reflect Istanbul's diverse history. The thriving shopping area of Taksim and Nisantasi, the huge shopping centers (the second biggest mall of the world) buzzes with life and entertainment in Istanbul. The shining beauty of the Bosphorus, Princes Islands and parks bring a touch of peace to the otherwise chaotic Istanbul. One of the greatest churches of its time, the Hagia Sophia, or one of the greatest mosques of the world Sultanahmet Mosque are all located in Istanbul.
Istanbul is an international art and culture center. Istanbul International Arts and Culture Festival is held each year in June with famous artists coming from all over the world. These performances are held at the Istanbul Ataturk Cultural Center. The Istanbul Science Center, founded by the Science Center Foundation and located on the campus of Istanbul Technical University, has hands-on experimental and theoretical opportunities for adults and children from different educational levels. Those who enjoy classical music can visit the Cemal Resit Rey Hall. Operas, operettas, ballets, concerts, films, exhibitions and conferences all contribute to the cultural palette of Istanbul. Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace and Ciragan Palace are all cultural must-sees in Istanbul.
Istanbul also has a rich program of night entertainment. Nightclubs provide splendid entertainment throughout dinner, ranging from a selection of Turkish songs to oriental belly-dancing. Alongside these are modern discos (try the ones on the Bosphorus shore), cabarets, and jazz clubs in the Taksim-Harbiye district in Istanbul. In Sultanahmet district, there are a number of restaurants restored in Byzantine and Ottoman buildings offering a unique setting for an evening out in Istanbul.
Kumkapi, with its many taverns, bars and fish restaurants, is another attractive district in Istanbul. People have been meeting for years at Cicek Pasaji in the district of Beyoglu for raki and seafood specialties. Also in the area near Cicek Pasaji is the narrow Nevizade Street, which is the best place in Istanbul for eating Turkish specialties and drinking raki, the special Turkish alcoholic drink.
On the Bosphorus shore, Ortakoy is the best place for nightlife in Istanbul, with its nightclubs, jazz clubs, line seafood restaurants and bars. There are very high quality restaurants along the Bosphorus shore with a magnificent view of the Bosphorus in Istanbul.
There are numerous accommodation facilities, from 5 star well-known hotels to small pensions or youth hostels and aparts, are available in Istanbul.