Flight tickets from Margate to Istanbul

Istanbul is a city steeped in history and culture. From the rise of the majestic Ottoman Empire to the bustling urban metropolis of today, Istanbul is a destination unlike any other. Its unique multicultural environment and vibrant streets make it an ideal spot for travelers looking to experience a city where the ancient meets the modern. This overview of the city will provide readers with useful information and insight into all that Istanbul has to offer.

Getting to Know Istanbul

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and the fifth largest urban agglomeration in the world. It is located on the banks of the Bosporus strait and is a transcontinental city with its strategic location and dense population. According to the 2020 estimates, the population of Istanbul is 15,099,039, making it the most populous city in Turkey. The time zone of Istanbul is EET (UTC+3). Turkish is the official language of Istanbul, and it is spoken as the native language by approximately 65% of the population. Other languages spoken and understood by many people in Istanbul include English, Armenian, and French. The currency used in Istanbul is the Turkish lira (TRY). The Euro and US Dollar are widely accepted for certain transactions throughout the city.

Climate and Weather

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, straddling both Europe and Asia. As such, it has a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot dry summers and mild, wet winters. The average temperature in Istanbul is a comfortable 18-31°C (64-87°F). Summer months in Istanbul bring warm, sunny days and can reach temperatures of up to 30°C (86°F). Although it may rain occasionally during these months, they are mostly dry. Winter can be chilly with temperatures dropping to as low as 4°C (39°F). It can rain or snow during the winter months in Istanbul, although it rarely occurs. Istanbul is a city of thousands of years of history and one of the largest cities in the world. Its climate is ideal for enjoying the many attractions and activities the city offers throughout the year.

Touring Istanbul: Airport and Transportation

There are two airports in Istanbul: Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). You can get from the main airport (Atatürk Airport) to downtown in Istanbul by taxi or by Havataş Airport Shuttle. Taxis in Istanbul run on metered fares, so it would cost around 60 TL and take around 45 minutes to get to downtown. The Havataş Airport Shuttle costs around 10 TL and takes around 1 hour. Yes, you can exchange money at Istanbul Airport. There are currency exchange offices in both terminals.

Exploring the Rich History and Culture of Istanbul

1. Istanbul has been a prominent cultural hub since its founding in 667 BC and today, it is a vibrant melting pot of cultures and religions, with influence from the Byzantine Empire and Ottoman Empire
2. Istanbul is home to architectural marvels such as the Hagia Sophia, one of the largest and oldest universities in the world, and the Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in the world
3. Istanbul is known for its rich and diverse cuisine, including world-famous street food like döner kebap, freshly-baked Turkish 'Simit', and savory meze platters