Host city

Chosen as the joint city for European Capital of Culture 2010, Istanbul is the fourth largest city in the world. A megacity located on the Bosphorus Strait, encompassing the harbour known as the Golden Horn, Istanbul lies northwest in the country of Turkey and is the only city that uniquely shares two continents from the European and Asian side. Given its special location, Istanbul offers visitors and tourists a multicultural experience unlike any other destination around.

The city boasts 39 districts of which 27 are called the Greater Istanbul. The districts are divided into three main areas:

  • Historic Peninsula is old Istanbul that resonates much of 15th century Constantinople. The area is on the south shores of the Golden Horn, separating the old city from the newer and younger areas of the European side.
  • North of the Golden Horn
  • The districts of Uskudar (ancient Chrysopolis) and Kadikoy (ancient Chalcedon)

 

The Turkish cuisine is known for its drinks, coffee, tea, soups, meaty dishes and dessert delights. Istanbul has a nonstop nightlife and beautiful coastline drives along the Marmara and the Princes’ islands. Walks amidst Istanbul’s elaborate parks and gardens are a must.

Getting to Istanbul
Getting to Istanbul is easy. There are two international airports, two otogars (cenral bus stations) from which international services arrive and depart, and two international rail stations.

Intercity & International Buses 

The International Istanbul Bus Station (Uluslararası İstanbul Otogarı; 212-658 0505) is the city’s main bus station for both intercity and inter­national routes. Called simply the otogar (bus station), it is in the western district of Esenler, just south of the expressway and about 10km west of Sultanahmet. 

Local Transportation

City Buses
The bus system in Istanbul is extremely efficient. The major bus stands are at Taksim Square, Beşiktaş, Aksaray, Rüstempaşa (Eminönü), Kadıköy and Üsküdar, and most services run between 6.30am and 11.30pm. Destinations and main stops on city bus routes are shown on a sign on the right (kerb) side of the bus (otobüs) or on the electronic display at its front.

Subway & Light Railway Metro
From Taksim there is a service stopping at Osmanbey, Şişli, Gayrettepe, Levent and Levent 4. The full trip takes 25 minutes. Services run every five minutes or so from 6.15am to 12.30am Monday to Thursday, 6.15am to 1am on Friday and Saturday and 6.30am to 12.20am on Sunday.

Taxis
Istanbul is full of taxis. All taxis have digital metres and must run them. A base rate (drop rate, flag fall) is levied during the daytime (gündüz); the night-time (gece) rate, from midnight to 6am, is 50% higher.

Approximate rates: Base rate 2,50TL, 1,30TL per km, 0,26TL per min for waiting, luggage under 50kg is free of charge.

Click here for detailed information about public transportation in Istanbul.

Airports
The city’s main airport, Atatürk International Airport (Atatürk Hava Limanı; flight information 212-465 3000, 212-465 5555; http://www.ataturkairport.com/), is in Yeşilköy, 23km west of Sultanahmet (the heart of Old Istanbul). The international terminal (Dış Hatlar) is polished and organised. Close by, the domestic terminal (İç Hatlar) is smaller but no less efficient. The city’s second international airport, Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (216-585 5000; http://www.sgairport.com/) is located at Kurtköy on the Asian side of the city.

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