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| A City with a Unique Mix of East and West Perched across two continents, the exciting city of Istanbul combines all the vibrancy of a modern European city with the intrigue and culture of Asia. Although Istanbul is rapidly developing into a major international city, it has retained much of its intriguing heritage. Today, it’s packed with an unusual blend of art, history, skyscrapers and nightlife that makes for a fascinating vacation. |
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Budget Accommodation Thanks to its popularity on the backpacking circuit, there are plenty of Istanbul hostels offering a cheap base for travellers, from dorm beds and private rooms to larger group accommodation. What’s more, many of the hostels are located in the historic district of Sultanahmet, right on the doorstep of Istanbul’s popular sights and attractions. |
History and Monuments Two of the most famous monuments in Istanbul, the Blue Mosque and the Aya Sofya, sit side by side in Sultanahmet. Whilst both buildings are rather grand and impressive in their own right, it’s the proximity of the two which make this genuinely unique spectacle a must on every visitor’s itinerary. Istanbul is also home to an extensive collection of museums that offer a detailed history of Turkish culture and, more specifically, that of Istanbul. The open-air Miniaturk museum in Beyoglu provides an interesting overview of this theme, with a great range of artefacts and exhibitions. In contrast to the city’s ancient neighbourhoods, Taksim Square is the place to see Istanbul’s monuments to modernity – European boutiques and designer hotels. However, this is far from just a tourist trap; it’s at the heart of the city’s contemporary development. |
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Shopping Aside from the Blue Mosque and Aya Sofya, Istanbul’s most renowned attraction is the Kapali Carsi (Grand Bazaar). A chaotic hub of stalls and small shops, it makes for an unbeatable (if sometimes overwhelming) shopping experience. Unfortunately, the tourist draw of the bazaar means there are now few bargains to be found here. There are, however, better shops at the Misir Carsisi (Spice Bazaar) and in the maze of backstreets around the Yeni Camii. |
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Turkish Cuisine Although many students will undoubtedly be acquainted with this famous culinary export, the kebab (unlike in Britain) is a healthy, affordable and deliciously authentic dish in Istanbul. Another excellent budget meal option can be found on the European mouth of the Bosphorous at Karakoy, where you can pick up a sandwich with freshly caught fish for about £1. The traditional Turkish mayhanes are also great for budget travellers, serving a variety of affordable mezes along with a selection of beer and wine. With a cluster of cheap, popular mayhanes, Cicek Pasaj in Beyoglu is one of the most vibrant places to eat in the city. |
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Nightlife in Istanbul Although much of its population is Muslim, Istanbul has a thriving nightlife and drinking scene that reflects its European influences. In addition to the old-fashioned taverns of Beyoglu, heaps of new venues from chic cocktail bars to rock clubs have sprung up around the city. Cheap drinks are easy to find in the fun studenty bars around Taksim Square where there’s often an animated crowd and live music. Alternatively, the continental-style cafés at Akarsu Caddesi in Cihangir make for a more relaxed night out. In the summer, Istanbul’s nightlife really comes into its own with bars in the city centre opening up their terraces and all-night discos starting along the edge of the Boshphorus. All in all, Istanbul is a fascinating city to explore, whether for its vibrant nightclubs, bustling bazaars or just a taste of the balance between East and West which makes its culture and history so unique. |
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