Istanbul attractions? Also known as Shisha or waterpipe, Hookah lounges are very popular in the city. Dave and I are ardent non-smokers, but to visit Istanbul without giving a Hookah a try would be criminal. Hookahs are flavoured tobacco smoked through a water pipe. It became popular in Turkey in the 17th century and was a status symbol for those in the city. You cannot visit Istanbul without experiencing the weird and wackiness of a Turkish Bath, also known as a traditional hammam. Be prepared to strip down to your birthday suit and have strangers vigorously bath and massage your entire body after a hot steam bath. It can be painful, strange, and heavenly all at once. You may or may not like it, but I can tell you one thing for sure, you will never forget it.
Home to the iconic Galata Tower and Dolmabahce Palace as well as the city’s most fashionable boulevard in Istiklal Caddesi, the neighborhoods across Galata Bridge provide an interesting mix of old and new that’s different in feel to the time-honored charm of Sultanahmet. If you enjoy shopping, good food, and perhaps a taste of Istanbul’s nightlife, then this is where you need to be. You can check my post on Galata Bridge, Beyoglu, and Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul for more pictures and information, but here’s a quick rundown of what you a can find there: As described, you can visit all these sites on your own, but you may want to consider a guided tour as well, especially if you want to learn more about each place.
Emirgan Park is one of the biggest public parks in Istanbul, covering some 117 acres (47 hectares) and surrounded by a high wall. The land was once covered with cypress trees, and the estate passed through many owners over the years, eventually becoming available to the public in the 1940s. Filled with many plant and flower species, the pleasant park has two ornamental ponds and three beautiful mansions. A popular recreational spot, there are jogging tracks, walking trails, and places to eat and drink. Take a stroll around the extensive park, seeing the wide array of pretty flora. Trees in the park include pine, cedar, beech, ash, spruce, and willow. The plants attract plenty of birds and insects. Don’t miss seeing the tulips in full bloom if you visit in the spring. Keep fit on the running tracks, relax alongside the ponds, enjoy a picnic, and let kids run and play in the wide open spaces. Discover additional info on Free walking tour Istanbul.
Istanbul is the capital of Turkey and one of the popular tourist destinations worldwide. The rich culture and glorious history attracts many to visit this one of the largest cities in Europe. Beautiful city Istanbul is a complete historic city where the main attractions are many years old mosques and churches. Some topmost must-see landmarks are Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Ortakoy Mosque. The traditional Grand Bazaar became an iconic must-visit popular market for tourists in Istanbul. And this market is also one of the largest and oldest markets in the world. Another popular and historical activity in Istanbul is Turkish Baths. There are many hamams or Turkish bathhouses you might like to try for the first time during your trip.
Our free walking tour of Istanbul take you on a travel thru Istanbul’s deep history. Our Tours are educative and entertaining, we don’t offer unexciting details! Check out Istanbul’s bustling avenues and explore 10.000 years of remarkable and interesting history. Our Istanbul walking tours promise enough laughs thru fun information and facts as well as stories. Discover additional info on here.