Istanbul, with a rich history and culture is a tourist’s delight with the best of sightseeing spots like Museums, Mosques, Churches, Castles, Archaeological Sites, Parks and shopping complexes. An amazing city with something for every travel class from adventure seekers to business tourists.

Three things you should know about Istanbul 

• Istanbul has the tag of the “Happiest City in the World”
• It is nicknamed as “The city on Seven Hills” because of surrounding landscapes
• There is an amazing combination of traditional and modern architecture that stand tall  

Three historical facts about Istanbul

• Istanbul was founded in the 7th century BC on a natural spot, from which trade over the Bosphorus could be controlled
• For over 16 centuries it remained an important capital, first of the Byzantine Empire and later to the Ottoman sultans.
• The city known as Byzantium (667 BC), then Constantinople (330 AD) and finally Istanbul (1930 AD)

Things to do

The only drawback a visitor might feel is that the visit no matter how long is just not enough to explore everything in the city. Some must do activities include

• The Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sofia, the most famous monument
• Enjoy the professional dance show known as “Dance of Colors”
• The Blue Mosque and the Bosphorous Night Cruise  

Shopping opportunities

Grand Bazaar is a must visit for genuine artifacts and an enjoyable shopping experience. The Ottoman-era Bazaar is arguably the largest in the world housing thousands of shops. Lined up shops in Istiklal Street offers an altogether different experience of best bargains in clothing, accessories, antiques, etc... Malls are another level of shopping experience if one is looking forward for a posh shopping experience.

Written with Prakash Bang from www.yogoyo.com