Flight tickets from Port Elizabeth to Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the most historic cities in the world and an incredibly popular tourist destination. It has been the capital of four different empires, including the Roman, Byzantine, Latin, and Ottoman Empires. This diverse history has made it a city of immense culture and beauty, making it no surprise that it is one of the most visited cities on the planet. This text discusses the fascinating history, culture, and attractions of Istanbul.

Getting to Know Istanbul

Istanbul is Turkey's most populous city, with a population of 15 million in the metropolitan area. It has a mid-latitude continental climate, with hot and humid summers and cool, wet winters. The official time zone is Eastern European Time (GMT+3) and Turkish is the official language. However, many languages are widely spoken in Istanbul, with Turkish, English, German, and French being the most prevalent. The official currency is the Turkish Lira. Istanbul is known for its rich cultural and historical heritage which attracts tourists from around the world, and is also a hub for business and trade.

Climate and Weather

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey. The climate of Istanbul is classified as a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen climate classification (Csa)). This climate is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters with abundant precipitation. Summers in Istanbul are generally hot and dry, with temperatures often reaching the mid-30s Celsius during the day. Winters in Istanbul are mild, wet, and quite humid, with temperatures rarely falling below freezing and snowfall being a rare occurrence. Spring and autumn are generally mild and pleasant, though occasionally hot and humid. Rainfall is fairly plentiful in Istanbul, with precipitation occurring throughout the year. On average, the city receives around 1,000mm (40in) of precipitation annually.

Touring Istanbul: Airport and Transportation

There are two airports in Istanbul: Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST) and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). You can get from Istanbul Atatürk Airport to downtown Istanbul using the HAVATAS Airport Shuttle. The cost is around 20 TL. Yes, you can change money at Istanbul airport. There are currency exchange desks located at both airports.

Exploring the Rich History and Culture of Istanbul

1. Istanbul is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a long and rich history spanning over two thousand years. As such, it provides a unique window into Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations through its many remarkable monuments, historic sites, and archaeological discoveries
2. Istanbul is a fascinating mix of both eastern and western traditions and cultures. Visitors will find a vibrant mix of cultures and religions here, including Greek, Armenian, and Jewish communities, as well as the remnants of the Christian Byzantine Empire
3. For centuries Istanbul has been a cultural crucible and hub for music, theater, and dance, as well as traditional Turkish cuisine. Visitors can explore these cultural attractions, as well as some of the city’s many museums, which contain an astounding array of art, sculpture, and artifacts