Why Istanbul is One of The Best Places to Travel in 2024?

Turkey has always been a popular tourist destination with its vast, unspoiled landscapes featuring forests, rivers, and mountains along with an extensive coastline. Luckily, one doesn’t need to travel the entire country to witness its splendour; Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city and capital, has it all. Istanbul straddles the Bosphorus Strait, the boundary between Europe and Asia. Due to this unique geographical position, Istanbul has been the cradle for various civilisations throughout history. 

Vibrant Markets and Shopping Experiences Shopping makes up a significant part of the tourist experience, and shopping in Istanbul is an adventure in itself. The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul was established in the fifteenth century, shortly after the Ottomans conquered Constantinople. Today, it is one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, spanning over 60 streets with more than 5000 shops. Tourists can find artisanal souvenirs such as hand-painted ceramics, woven carpets, and handmade jewellery. Other historical bazaars include the Arasta Bazaar, located behind the Blue Mosque (specialising in rugs, antiques, and Iznik tiles) and the Sahaflar Bazaar (specialising in paper goods and second-hand books). 

Modern shopping in Istanbul is divided into two major types: high-street shopping and mall shopping. High-street shopping dominates the market right now, with Istiklal Caddesi being the most popular destination. The streets are lined with luxury international brands, local boutiques, and cheap stores. The street is crowded day and night by both locals and tourists alike. This doesn’t mean that malls aren’t popular; Istanbul has over 100 malls. Some of the popular malls include Istinye Park (more on the expensive side) and the Cevahir Mall. 

Rich Cultural Heritage 

Istanbul’s status as a capital city for various historical empires and its transitional geographical location means that the city is dotted with cultural sites. These include the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, the Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace, and many more. The Blue Mosque is a grand example of Ottoman architecture and is renowned for its resplendent blue tiles and six minarets. 

Another must-see is the Dolmabahçe Palace, which was built in the nineteenth century as the administrative headquarters for one of the last sultans of the Ottoman Empire. The palace's restoration project was recently completed, and it is now open for public visits. It is one of the most glamorous palaces, with the decor being a mixture of baroque, rococo, and neoclassical styles along with traditional Ottoman architecture. The palace has been extensively decorated with gold and has the world’s largest crystal chandelier in its Ceremonial Hall. There are over 202 oil paintings on display, and it includes a large number of Hereke carpets. To preserve the palace, the government has limited the number of daily visitors to 300, so make sure to snag your chance. 

Culinary Delights 

Istanbul's culinary scene is as diverse as its history. During the Ottoman Empire, chefs were brought in from all over the region to the Topkapi Palace to create sophisticated dishes for the sultan, which is why Istanbul was at the centre of culinary activity. Dishes from Ottoman cuisine, such as hünkar beğendi (lamb stew served on a roasted aubergine puree), are best experienced here. Istanbul's food offerings cater to all tastes, ranging from street food vendors selling simit (a sesame-covered bread) and balik ekmek (fish sandwiches) to high-end restaurants offering a modern twist on traditional dishes. Additionally, Istanbul's proximity to Thrace makes it a great spot to indulge in good-quality wine. 

Make sure to also pop into the Spice Bazaar. It is situated at the entrance of the Golden Horn and is quite close to the Grand Bazaar. It specialises in selling spices, Turkish sweets, medicinal plants, and different types of herbs. 

Modern Amenities and Comfortable Stays 

Travellers to Istanbul can enjoy a wide range of modern amenities, making their stay comfortable and convenient. The city offers numerous accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. One standout option is Somerset Maslak Istanbul, which provides elegantly furnished apartments in Istanbul.