Istanbul

  Istanbul is one of the most important starting points for Turkey itineraries, not only because of its location between Europe and Asia, but because the city carries several layers of history in one route. Known for centuries as Constantinople, Istanbul was the capital of the Byzantine Empire before becoming the center of the Ottoman Empire in 1453. This past is still visible in the city’s main travel areas, from the Roman-era Basilica Cistern and the monumental Hagia Sophia to Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, and the Bosphorus waterfront. For travelers comparing an Istanbul travel guide with a wider Turkey itinerary, the city is best understood as both a historic destination and a practical opening stop. It brings together imperial monuments, market streets, palace architecture, ferry crossings, and neighborhood life between Europe and Asia. The attraction and things to do options below help you compare what to include depending on your time, travel style, and whether Istanbul is your main destination or the first stop of a longer Turkey tour.

  Most Turkey tours begin in Istanbul because the city is Turkey’s main international arrival point and has strong flight connections from major travel markets such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Many travelers reach Istanbul through direct international flights or well-connected routes via major airline hubs, then continue by domestic flight or overland route to Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Gallipoli, Troy, Antalya, and the Aegean or Mediterranean coast. For this reason, Istanbul works not only as a historic city to visit, but also as the natural gateway for multi-day Turkey tours.