About Istanbul

The only city in the world straddling two continents, Asia and Europe, Istanbul is undoubtedly one of the world's tourism hubs. It is the largest city in Turkey and is hailed as its economic, cultural, and historic capital. Moreover, it is the world's largest sixteenth-largest city and Europe's most populous city. The city's name was officially changed to Istanbul in 1930, and it was founded in the 7th century BCE by Greek settlers as Byzantium. It served as an imperial capital for almost 1600 years.

Istanbul is one of Europe and Turkey's top five most highly visited cities. Have you ever wondered why it attracts a myriad of visitors annually? This city is literally a dreamland for any tourist because it offers everything a person would aspire for in his tour. It is home to multiple brilliant architectural structures, palatable cuisine, enchanting cityscapes, and diverse culture featuring both the Asian and European sides. Read ahead to uncover more interesting facts about this city, such as the varied travel seasons, toothsome dishes, eminent tourist spots, and much more.

Distinct Travel Seasons of Istanbul

Each tourist has different preferences, travel budgets, and plans, which is why choosing the correct travel season is crucial. Every month has its own uniqueness, downsides, and benefits, so you must know about each travel season separately and select the one that suits you and your plan the most. The pointers below discuss the varied travel seasons of Istanbul, specifying its tourist crowds, budget requirements, and other critical components that will help you choose the suitable duration for your trip.

• Peak Season includes months with the most tourist crowds. Istanbul's peak season is from mid-April to June because the weather conditions are the most pleasant during the spring season. Furthermore, travelers prefer these months for their trips because they have the most authentic experience and the best sightseeing. Please note that the accommodation and conveyance charges are the highest during these months.
• The Off-Season of Istanbul lasts from November until February. During these months, the winter season prevails with heavy rainfall. This is why most tourists prefer not to travel during this season due to the cold and torrential weather. Due to the minimal traveler volume, the prices of hotels, flights, sightseeing, and other tour-related costs are relatively lower.
• Shoulder Season is an amalgamation of both peak and off-season because it offers affordable fares with limited tourist crowds. Istanbul's shoulder season runs from September to early November. It is the second-best time to visit this city because the winters are about to arrive, which enhances the city's charm and offers pleasant weather.

Relish the Istanbul's Most Iconic Delicacies

Istanbul is one of those cities that is renowned for offering the most mouth-watering delicacies. So, if you are visiting this city, missing out on its food would be one of the biggest blunders. If you want to make your trip remarkable and relish it in every way possible, you must try out its delectable cuisine, especially if you are a first-time visitor. Following are some of the most eminent dishes in Istanbul that define the city's exceptional gastronomy:

• Lahmacun
• Doner Kebab
• Iskender Kebab
• Dolma
• Borek
• Menemen

Revel in the Renowned Tourist Attractions of Istanbul

Besides the extensive range of delicacies, Istanbul also offers a broad spectrum of sightseeing locations that draw millions of visitors from all around the world, which is a significant reason for its high tourism. It houses a multitude of shopping areas, elegant architecture, dine-out places, and stunning viewpoints. If you are confused about which places to visit, below are some suggestions discussing some of the most prominent tourist attractions in Istanbul:

• Bosphorus Strait is a significant part of Istanbul's history. It has been a focal point for empires, culture, and trade because it is one of the continental boundaries between Asia and Europe. Besides its interesting history, the magnificent palaces, ancient fortresses, and charming fishing villages are some of the major reasons for its high tourism. Due to its picturesque coastal scenery, you can also capture elegant pictures on this strait. So, it is a must-visit place for tourists, whether they are traveling with their family, friends, or couples.
• Grand Bazaar, also called "Grand Market," is one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets. It consists of more than 60 covered streets and over 4,000 shops, drawing thousands of visitors daily. Fascinating facts about this market are that it is often called the world's first shopping mall and was listed among the world's top most-visited tourist spots. It offers a wide variety of products, including accessories, textiles, spices, and much more. This market operates from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day of the week except Sundays.
• Istanbul Archaeology Museum is ideal for history lovers because it is an amalgamation of three museums: the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Orient, and the Museum of Islamic Art. These museums house more than one million antiques from nearly all periods and civilizations in world history. Their exhibitions offer a diverse array of artifacts from the Assyrian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and many other civilizations. Besides its extensive collection, the museum's brilliant architecture is another reason for its high tourism. These museums operate from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., seven days a week.
• Istanbul Cevahir Mall is one of the most premium malls and prominent commercial centers in Istanbul. It primarily attracts foreign visitors from Arabs because it includes all the essential facilities. In the past times, this mall has also been called the largest shopping mall in Europe in terms of gross leasable area. Besides the mall's architectural brilliance, it houses a wide variety of entertainment facilities and brand outlets, making it a perfect place for visitors. This mall allows visitors from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Sunday.
• Emirgan Park is one of the largest public parks in Istanbul. If you are planning your trip during April, then you cannot miss out on this place at any cost because this park features "The Tulip Festival." This festival makes the park attractive and extremely vibrant. This park houses a diverse collection of rare trees and plants, such as oak, pine, and cedar, complimented by a peaceful atmosphere. It is a perfect place to visit with your family, friends, or couples due to its riveting beauty.
• Istanbul Akvaryum is the world's biggest theme aquarium, housing more than 17,000 sea creatures and 18 different theme areas. This aquarium holds a leading position among the worldwide aquariums due to its massive volume, species variety, and activities. It is one of the most fascinating tourist spots you will ever come across, providing views of the marine life. It is a must-visit place for animal lovers, nature admirers, and families with children. This aquarium operates from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends.