Istanbul is a vibrant and exciting city filled with fascinating history, culture, and activity. Historically known as Constantinople, Istanbul has been a cultural and political crossroads for centuries, acting as a bridge between Europe and Asia. From its cobblestone streets and historical monuments, to its modern shopping malls and world-class dining, Istanbul is the perfect place to explore the best of both worlds. Beautiful architectural wonders such as the Hagia Sophia, street markets filled with delicious pastries, and a lively nightlife scene all make Istanbul a magical city to discover. Join me as I explore this vibrant metropolitan city and uncover the flair, culture, and charm that make Istanbul so magical.
Getting to Know Istanbul
Istanbul, the vibrant and populous metropolis, is the most populous city in Turkey and its financial and cultural center. Located on the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul is the only city in the world that falls within two continents – Europe and Asia. Population-wise, the city has a population of over 15 million people, making it one of the largest cities in Europe.
Istanbul is located in the Istanbul Time Zone, which is one hour ahead of Central European Standard Time and two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
The majority of the population of Istanbul speaks Turkish as their native language, along with a minority of people who can speak various other languages, such as Kurdish, Armenian and Greek.
The local currency used in Istanbul is the Turkish lira. The lira can be exchanged for other major international currencies in money exchange offices around the city.
Climate and Weather
Istanbul has a temperate Climate and is classified as a humid subtropical climate. It has hot, humid summers and mild to cool, humid winters. Istanbul experiences four distinct seasons. Spring runs from March till May and is mild and pleasant. Summer starts in June, with temperatures increasing as the season progresses and can be quite hot and humid. Autumn begins in September, with temperatures dropping and weather becoming cold and wet. Winter starts in December and can be quite cold, with occasional snow and the occasional rainstorm. Average temperatures range from 40°F (4°C) in January to 82°F (28°C) in July and August. Istanbul receives approximately 60 inches (1,500 millimeters) of precipitation per year, with more rain falling from October to April.
Touring Istanbul: Airport and Transportation
There are two major airports in Istanbul: Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). You can get from Istanbul Atatürk Airport to downtown in Istanbul by public transportation (Metro, HAVABUS or Metrobus) or taxi. The cost for public transportation is around 3-4 EUR depending on the destination and for taxi services the cost is around 30-50 EUR. Yes, you can change money at Istanbul airport.
Exploring the Rich History and Culture of Istanbul
- Istanbul is a historically and culturally rich city at the crossroads of East and West. Throughout its thousands of years of history, it has been the capital of four different empires, each leaving its mark on the city
- Historic, Ottoman-era landmarks including Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque all comprise Istanbul's cultural landscape
- The vibrant multicultural city is home to Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman heritage, as well as modern Turkish culture, all of which create the unique fusion that is Istanbul
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