Straddling both Europe and Asia, a variety of influences have been woven into the tapestry of Istanbul and theyâre apparent right from the start. As are the reasons for Istanbulâs status as a monolith of European tourism: Istanbul is a lovely, pedestrian-friendly city filled with picturesque streets and breathtakingly beautiful historic and cultural monuments.
And Istanbul isnât just a place for the serious history and culture buff. Istanbul is also rapidly becoming the place to have fun. The nightlife scene is booming, as are the culinary and art scenes.
But all this modernity doesnât mean that Istanbul has lost its Old World vibe. If anything, itâs the fusion of the old and the new, the East and the West, that gives Istanbul its irresistible allure.
Because there is so much to choose from, Istanbul vacations can be whatever you want them to be: jam-packed with sightseeing with nary a minute to rest or filled with leisurely afternoons at the hamman, followed by long, relaxing outdoor dinners. The city of Istanbul is a Turkish delight no matter what your taste!