Explore the city of thousand mosques, the cultural and financial capital of Turkey- Istanbul. Straddling the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul is a transcontinental city, with one-third of its population living in Asia but has a pre-dominant European influence on culture and lifestyle. However the rich amalgamation of Asian and European culture makes it one of the most interesting and popular tourist destinations in the world. Istanbul is blessed with an excellent tropical weather that makes it accessible all-round the year. The cultural hub of Turkey, Istanbul is known for its Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, with Greek and Roman influences. A transcontinental cultural brew is evident. While Istanbul thrives to adapt ways of the west and portray itself as a European city, the people in Istanbul are rooted, with Middle Eastern values. With such potpourri of a populace has established itself as a regional artistic centre with Turkish, European and Middle Eastern artists congregating to the city.

Places to See:

Since most forts and palaces in Istanbul are built on the riverside, it is advisable to start your sightseeing with a Cruise tour that lasts for about 2 hours and covers the important destinations in the city. The cruise first takes you to the Blue Mosque. Also called Sultanahmet Camii in Turkish, the mosque is known for its overwhelming size, majesty and splendour and remains to be the most popular tourist attraction in Istanbul. Hagia Sofia is another major monument and sightseeing destination in the city. Once a mosque, it is now converted into a Church and is famous for its exceptional architecture, considering that it is one of the largest unsupported domes in the world. Topkapi Palace is a good example of Ottoman architecture and contains large collections of porcelain, robes, weapons, Islamic calligraphic manuscripts and murals. The palace served as the royal residence of the Ottoman Sultans and contains holy relics including Prophet Muhammad’s cloak and sword. Hippodrome is the city centre of Istanbul and is usually associated with Constantinople’s days of glory. With a diverse past that has witnessed both frolic and gruesome wars, Hippodrome is a must visit place in the city. After marvelling at the historical richness of Turkey, indulging into shopping at Taksim Square and Grand Bazaar is a good idea.

Shopping

As much as it is essential to visit the Blue mosque in Istanbul, exploring the renowned Grand Bazaar is equally important for any tourist who visits the city. Turkey’s largest covered market, Grand Bazaar is famous for its beautiful Turkish carpets, glazed tiles, porcelain, copper and brassware, leather and silk. While the high prices may put you off initially, it is a good place to hone your bargaining skills for a better deal. Taksim Square is another major shopping destination for tourists and the natives alike.

Fashion is a booming industry in Istanbul with a whole generation of Turkish designers emerging over the past decade. Istanbul is considered to be a jewellery-lover’s paradise and is also famous for its handmade shoes, kaftans, hand-woven rugs, ceramic pomegranates, lamps and ethnic motifs.

Istanbul’s Spice Market is another famous market with a collection of spices, teas and souvenirs.

Places to Eat

A product of its geography and culture, Turkish cuisine too is varied and extensive. Istanbul, with a restaurant at every nook and corner, is a foodie’s paradise. Many fine restaurants can be found in Taksim Square, shopping centres and areas around the Bosphorus. Turkish cuisine is particularly famous for its tender kebabs and scrumptious desserts. While contemporary versions of Ottoman and Byzantine delicacies rule the menus, one can notice the changing food preferences of Istanbul drifting towards their European counterparts. 

The Zuma’s is a popular dining destination as it is situated in close proximity of the Bosphorus River. One can relish a variety of exquisite dishes while enjoying the soothing effect of the water. Georges Hotel’s Le Fumoir is another popular destination which is a terrace restaurant that expansive view of the Bosphorus from the old city all the way to the tip of the Asian side.  Müzedechanga is a perfect getaway for a unique brunch that offers fantastic view of the sea. Mangerie, Lucca and House Café Ortakoy are other popular eating joints in Istanbul.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Istanbul is slightly overrated and is restricted to only some parts of the city. For a Turk, nightlife means sitting by the riverside and enjoying a peaceful meal. However, there are a few good pubs and bars in the city. Weekend concerts are a highlight of the nightlife in Istanbul. Sheesha / Hukka is a speciality in Turkey and is commonly available in all pubs and restaurants. The shore-facing restaurants and nightclubs in Bosphorus have various local and international culinary delights and some amazing views of the shore to enjoy while devouring your food.

Traveller’s Tips

Although Turkey is reasonably safe, nevertheless beware of street crimes like pickpockets and bag-snatchings. Also it is not advisable for tourists to drive in the city. Self-drive is expensive and the narrow roads and heavy traffic make it difficult for the tourists to drive on their own. Public transport in Istanbul is easily accessible and with good connectivity. The tourists should be prudent of the cons in the nightclubs of Istanbul. The people around can be deceiving.

Fast facts

Calling Code:  212 for European side, 216 for Asian side. International code for Turkey: 90

Currency: New Turkish Lira, TRY (Yeni Turk Lirasi, YTL). Istanbul has three currencies - TRY, USD and EURO. 1 Lira is approximately 31 Indian Rupee (INR)

Time Zone:  UTC+2 hours

Voltage: 220-240 V

The natural land formations, cave dwellings and huge expanse of silence- as you speak of such descriptions; it can’t be anything but Cappadocia. Lying in south central Turkey, the lunar landscape of Cappadocia is a beautiful blend of rich history, natural beauties and a mystic tinge of Orientalism. The twisted, billowing forms found in the rocks called the fairy chimneys have been recognized under UNESCO World Heritage Site. These large, cone-like formations were created over time by erosion of the soft volcanic tufas.

Cappadocia’s biggest attraction is the unique geological features called the ‘fairy chimneys’. The site of this natural wonder over a sweeping expanse is most mesmerising and spellbinding. The miraculous wonders of mother Earth extend further to the mysterious cave dwellings that lay below the fairy chimneys that once supposedly served the purpose of shelters to men in pre-historic times. These volcanic rocks in the form of tufa protected men from the wild animals and eventually took the form of underground cities. Although there are many underground cities in Cappadocia, but the biggest one is Derinkuyu Underground City. The Guzelyurt and the Kaymakli Underground City are other important ones in Cappadocia. The Ihlara Valley and the Churches of the Ihlara Canyon is another major tourist attraction in Cappadocia. The Ihlara Valley splits open in a fissure created by river Melendez. The riverbed not only makes the region extremely fertile but also the contrast of the dusty expanse against the verdant vegetation is picturesque and striking. The Goreme Open-Air Museum is another popular attraction in the city. The best way to explore the beauty of this vast expanse is through hot air balloon. Mountain biking in Cappadocia is also a popular activity.

Places to Eat

Cappadocia offers an array of gourmet restaurants that serves the finest Turkish delicacies. Turkish cuisine is particularly famous for its tender kebabs and delectable desserts. A’laturca is a popular restaurant that is known for its exceptionally delicious cuisines and elegant set-up. The succulent style lamb, sis kebab and Kayseri mantisi are the specialities in A’laturca. The Orient Restaurant is known for its juicy steaks, tender veal and stacks of flavoursome pasta dishes. The Nazar Borek is another popular diner famed for its fresh borek (pastries), gozleme (savoury pancakes) and sosyete boregi (stuffed spiral pastries). Firin Express and La Padella are other known restaurants in Cappadocia.

SHOPPING

Cappadocia is not the best place to shop. Unlike the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Cappadocia’s markets are sparse and limited. Considering the tradition of pottery making in the city that dates back to Hittite times, pottery, terra-cotta sculptures and ceramic works are particularly famous in the region. Kaya Seramik House and Guray Comlekcilik are the best pottery stores in the city. Sirca claims to have the largest collection ceramics in Turkey. You can also explore the antique wine shops in the city.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Cappadocia is limited to certain parts of the city. The vibrant nightlife of Cappadocia can be captured in the town if Ugrup situated in Nevsehir Province in Cappadocia. You can choose to relax in bars and pubs. Katpatuka Café and Bistro, Turasan Sarap Evi and Propkopi Pub Bar are the popular bars in Ugrup.

Fast Facts

• Calling Code:  Aksaray area code: 382.

Nevsehir area code: 384

Nigde area code: 388

Kirsehir area code: 386

Kayseri area code: 352

• Currency: New Turkish Lira, TRY (Yeni Turk Lirasi, YTL). Istanbul has three currencies - TRY, USD and EURO. 1 Lira is approximately 31 Indian Rupee (INR)
• Time Zone:  UTC+2 hours
• Voltage: 220-240 V

Not just in Turkey, Pamukkale is perhaps one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Formed by the gradual precipitation of calcite laden water over the centuries, the site has transformed into a massive white structure that glistens with hot water springs in the background of brown and green hills. The splendid site is appropriately called Pamukkale or “Cotton Palace”. This unusual natural phenomenon in Pamukkale has led to its classification as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.  The temperate climate and the spectacular white ‘palace’ make Pamukkale an important tourist destination in Turkey.

What To See

Though the hot water springs and geysers are the highlight of this place, there are ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis on the plateau. The Archaeological Museum constructed in the great Roman Bath preserves some ancient sculptures and artefacts. The restored Roman Theatre of Hierapolis still reverberates of history and is in a remarkable good condition. Hierapolis was considered as holy city and was a site of several temples. The ruins of Plutonium, the temple of Pluto and of the Apollo Temple are other tourist attractions.

What To Eat

There are plenty of options to eat in Pamukkale. Shops selling snacks and drinks surround the sacred Pool. Locally produced wine, Turkish delight (confections), pancakes and ayran (beverage made using yogurt) are certain specialities of Pamukkale that you must try out. Mehmets Heaven is a highly recommended restaurant run by an old couple. The place serves delectable Turkish cuisine and is famous for its hospitality.

Things To Do

Other than walking barefoot on the travertine and taking a bath in the warm mineral water, you can go up to the ruins of Hierapolis, an ancient Turkish city built on the plateau. A night stay at Pamukkale is highly recommended because of an extraordinary sight of the plateau during sunrise and sunset. You can also take a day tour to the neighbouring towns Aphrodisias and Karahayit. One can relax and rejuvenate in the therapeutic warm water of the Sacred Pool.

Shopping

Pamukkale and its surroundings have several shops from where you can by typical Turkish purchases like leather sandals, jewellery etc. Pamukkale is famous for its wine. Other than this you can pick up some beautiful bronze artefacts and textiles at reasonable rates because the goods are produced there itself. The shops are open till late in the evening. Onyx Souvenir Shop is a good place to buy stone artefacts. 20 kilometres away from Pamukkale, Denizli sells textiles.

 Nightlife

Pamukkale transforms into a livelier and more beautiful city every night. People often spend an overnight stay here because of cheap luxury hotels and the picturesque plateau at night. Typically, you can enjoy a belly dance show and some of Pamukkale’s local wine at a bar. Harem Disco Bar is one of the well known places here.

Fast Facts

• Currency: 1 Turkish Lira (TRY) is approximately 31 Indian Rupees (INR)
• Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time + 2 hours
• Main Language: Turkish, English
• Voltage: 230 Volts
• Telephone Code: +90 258

On the western coast of Turkey, Kusadasi is another beautiful city adorned with beautiful beaches and monuments. Kusadasi has a number of good hotels and guest houses. The typical Mediterranean climate of Kusadasi makes it a favourite holiday destination among Europeans.

What To See

Pamukkale or the Cotton Palace is a must watch in Kusadasi. It is made of limestone and has geysers and hot springs. Tourists generally go for a day tour to the ancient city of Ephesus to explore the ruins of old temples. The Pigeon Island is considered as the symbol of Kusadasi. A Byzantine castle, yachts sailing in the sea, exotic sea food and the picturesque view from the island makes the place a favourite spot to relax. The well maintained National Park is an idyllic retreat from the hassles of the city.

What To Eat

The most popular cuisine served here is Turkish. However, you can also find restaurants serving Chinese and International cuisine. Ahyan Usta Restaurant is a famous Turkish restaurant. Being close to the sea, sea food is a sure delight here.

Things to Do

On a hot summer afternoon cool off at one of city’s waterparks like Adaland, Aqua Fantasy Aquapark. The Fish market is a bustling place where you can find some delicious fish. Take a boat ride in the Aegan Sea. Scuba diving is a favourite sport among locals and tourists here. Take a trip to the Samos Island where Greek wine is produced. Camel wrestling is another highlight of the city.

Shopping

Kusadasi Market is a bustling market where you can find a variety of clothes, artefacts and other souvenirs at unbelievably cheap rates. Some of the best picks from the city are honey, sweets, etc.

Nightlife

The Turkish Night is Kusadasi is known for authentic Turkish entertainment. Countless clubs and bars can be found in Kaleici where you can enjoy different genres of music. A number of Irish clubs also line The Streets of Bar and The Lower Streets of Bars pleasant breeze and the fluttering waves make partying at beach clubs a favourite amongst the locals and tourists.

Fast Facts

• Currency: 1 Turkish Lira (TRY) is approximately 31 Indian Rupees (INR)
• Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time + 2 hours
• Main Language: Turkish, English
• Voltage: 230 Volts