Istanbul, where the magic of the East dwells

Travel to Istanbul, Europe's largest city, which fascinates. The former capital of two great empires, Istanbul straddles two continents and has lured travelers with its stunning architecture, both Occidental and Oriental, a great variety of tasteful food, one-of-its-kind nightlife, and culture scene that combines all the best of Asia and Europe. Trips to Istanbul are worth making in every season of the year and in every mood, read on for five tips to travel to Istanbul.

Best season to travel to Istanbul

It does not matter when you travel to Istanbul, it is still a great place to be. Nevertheless, there are two periods when your travel to Istanbul can be as pleasurable as it can get. March to May and June to August are the best times to travel to Istanbul. Crowds are still thin, and tourist attractions are not packed yet. What is more, accommodation is still relatively affordable, and temperatures are mild. Whereas trips during these periods will be both warm, and sunny, the summer brings more heat, and more crowds. If you travel to Istanbul in the summer, stay closer to the seaside and its breeze and prepare to fork out on accommodation. Note that winter tourism to Istanbul is the most affordable due to low accommodation prices. The weather is somewhat chilly, and it can rain and snow but it is probably the most romantic time to be there. If visiting in winter, pack up warm clothes and don't forget to fetch an umbrella.

Travel to Istanbul to delight in gustatory tourism

Istanbul is situated on both sides of the Bosphorus, that is it covers two continents, Europe and Asia. It is that makes its culinary scene so attractive to tourism. Travel to Istanbul to taste the delicious Turkish street food in Faith, its main historical neighborhood. Enjoy Turkish chai, local sweetmeats, and doner, one of the must-do tourist attractions of Istanbul. Apart from Turkish food, try the Arab cuisine, which can be found in every district due to a large Arab diaspora; or go to a Greek restaurant, a reminder of the former masters of the land; don't miss out on more exotic gastronomic delights, Uzbek or Turkmen for example, rarely found in the rest of the world.

Relish the magnificence of Istanbul’s architecture during your travel to Istanbul

Travel to Istanbul to uncover its magical architectural potpourri where the East meets the West. First and foremost, travel to Hagia Sofia. It is thought the most beautiful edifice in Istanbul. Built as a church during the times of the Second Roman Empire, it has witnessed the coming of the Ottomans and the building of the new Turkish state among other things. Converted to a mosque, its stupendous dome is graceful in outline just as its slender minarets, a more recent addition. The Interior features Islamic features such as mihrab and minbar and is one of the world's most beauteous enclosed spaces.

To see another vestige of the Second Roman Empire, travel to the Walls of Constantinopole and their environs, one of the main tourist attractions in Istanbul. Constructed by the city's founding father, Constantine the Great, they are among the world's most impressive structures and are among the greatest achievements of antiquity.

Other prime tourist attractions include Palazzo del Commune, a former residence of Genoese podesta of Galata, and the monumental Galata Tower, pieces of Renaissance Genoa in the heart of the city; and Yedikule, a neighborhood in Faith named after the seven-towered Yedikule Fortress located there, and featuring many other tourist attractions.

Travel to Istanbul to succumb to the beauty of the night

Istanbul is a city that fascinates, but its charms are especially powerful at night. Travel to Beyoglu to enjoy the best of Istanbul nightlife. Here you can find thousands of night establishments, including amazing bars with a youthful vibe, kinetic street parties, night clubs, and eateries working throughout the night. Note that Beyoglue is located near the legendary Taksim Square, an area where you can meet friendly locals, and walk around till dawn in company with glee and merriment. Note that some of the best nightspots for a romantic rendezvous are by the Bosphorus: if going there, don't forget to book in advance.

Explore the rich cultural heritage during your travel

Istanbul has not only stunning architecture, and a myriad of gastronomical delights, it is also a treasure-trove of cultural heritage. To unveil the engrossing story of the city, travel first to Topkapi Palace, or the Seraglio, from where the Ottoman sultans ruled. There you can see for yourself a real seraglio or Harem, or the chambers of the treasury, where are exhibited the famous Topkapi dagger and 86-carat Spoonmaker’s diamond. Three minutes away is situated Istanbul Archaeology Museum, one of Istanbul’s main tourist attractions. Here you can visit the splendid Ancient Orient Museum of Islamic Art, one of the world’s finest, among other branches of the museum.

Travel to Istanbul, one of the world’s megapolises, to enjoy the unique mélange of the Orient and the Occident, and uncover the unique cultural heritage of some of the world’s greatest Empires.