Istanbul guide for lifestyle, entertainment and attractions

It has been known as Byzantium and Constantinople, but visitors to Istanbul would know this city anywhere. A dynamic meeting of the east and the west, Turkey's largest city is absolutely unforgettable.

With a population of 12.6 million, Istanbul is the world's fifth largest city, and the only city in the world that spans two continents.

Over the past decade, the city has experienced a renaissance, fast becoming an epicentre of fashion, art and culture, and deserving of the moniker 'the world's hippest city'. Istanbul is full of happening restaurants, bars, galleries and clubs, as well as being so chock-full of historical sites that it would take an enthusiastic visitor weeks to explore them all.

Istanbul has a temperate climate. Summers are hot and humid, averaging twenty eight degrees. During winter, it is wet and cold and can even snow. The city is also windy, with an average wind speed of seventeen kilometres per hour.

Istanbul's energy and modernity is relished by visitors and locals alike. Buying Istanbul property will catapult you headfirst into one of the world's most exciting places.
Istanbul has two airports, Ataturk and Sabiha Gokcen, and both have direct flights to many areas of the UK all year round. It's a very accessible city, with excellent links to the rest of Turkey.

 

Months:	Jan - March	April - June	July - Sep	Oct - Dec
Average Temperature:	5°	20°	26°	10°

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Istanbul Nearest Airport:

Istanbul Ataturk International Airport 15 km to Istanbul European 20 km to Istanbul City Centre 55 km to Istanbul Asian Sabiha Gokcen International Airport 20 km to Istanbul Asian 50 km to Istanbul City Centre 65 km to Istanbul European

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Istanbul Nearest Marina/Port:

Istanbul Atakoy Marina 700 berths 100 yatchs on land 10 km to Istanbul European

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Istanbul Hospitals:

State Hospital Marmara University Hospital Dr Siyami Ersek Hospital Private Hospitals American Hospital Florence Nightingale Hospital

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Istanbul Beaches:

Calis Beach Olu Deniz Beach

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Istanbul Main Attractions:

A brief history of Istanbul It's thought that people inhabited the area now known as Istanbul from 3000 BC, but the city's real history began in 658 BC, with the appearance of Byzas from Megara Byzantine hippodrome Istanbul's most incredible historical remains can be found in Sultanahmet Square, in the heart of Istanbul's Old Town Dolmabahce Palace This beautiful building was once the winter residence of 19th century Ottoman sultans Egyptian bazaar This market was built in the seventeenth century as an extension to Yeni Camii (New Mosque) Galata Tower The Galata Tower is a medieval stone tower in Istanbul's Galata suburb Haghia Sophia Known as Aya Sofya and translated as 'Church of Divine Wisdom,' Haghia Sophia is famous throughout the world as the finest remaining example of Byzantine architecture Istanbul Blue Mosque Sultanahmet Camii, also known as the Blue Mosque, is located in the touristy Sultanahmet district of Istanbul Istanbul Modern This gigantic art gallery holds an impressive collection of contemporary art from Turkey and across the globe Kapali Carsisi - the Grand Bazaar Prepare yourself for the most intense shopping experience of your life Nightlife in Istanbul At night Istanbul turns into action central, with nightlife to rival the most stylish European centre Rumeli Hisari The great fortress of Rumeli Hisari was built at the order of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in the 15th Century Taksim Square and Istiklal Caddesi When you wander this area in the evening, you'll get a feel for Istanbul's modern European side Topkapi Palace This palace was originally a summer residence and the seat of government Yildiz Park If you want to escape the sheer madness of the city, this is the place to come

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