Romantic getaway for two, shopping trip, cultural travel, nights of the Bosphorus … Istanbul accords to all kinds of short trips. Winter and summer, but preferably in the spring, the Turkish metropolis at the crossroads of East and West, never ceases to charm the traveler. A short guide a must in Constantinople, to three or four days.

Istanbul vintage

Istanbul may roughly be divided into three main areas: one side of the Bosphorus, the Asian part of town, less touristy. On the other, Sultan Ahmet, the old Istanbul, separated by the estuary of the Golden Horn district of Beyoğlu, which forms the modern Istanbul. Sultan Ahmet is logically any city tour will begin. Thousand years of history at the crossroads of two civilizations will greet you in old Istanbul.

One of the symbols of Istanbul, the Hagia Sophia mosque was for ten centuries, from 537 to the capture of Constantinople in 1453, the largest religious monument in Christendom. It was converted into a mosque by Sultan Mehmet II and a museum in 1935 by Ataturk, father of secular Turkey. The building, whose construction was Pharaonic is an architectural marvel: its dome rises 32 meters in diameter to 56 feet high, resting on four huge pillars.

Facing St. Sophia, another emblem Istanbul: Blue Mosque (pictured), built in the seventeenth century and surrounded by six minarets. It owes its name to the 21,000 Iznik tiles, color blue, which decorate its interior. A wonder of finesse and elegance. Across the street Divanyolu, a curiosity: the Basilica Cistern. Built by Constantine, this impressive Byzantine cistern, long 140 meters wide, 70 meters high by 8 meters and a capacity of 80,000 m3, worth a visit.

Another major Sultanahmet: Topkapı Palace. Located on the Seraglio Point, overlooking both the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus and the Marmara Sea, it was the residence of the sultans for four centuries from the fall of Constantinople. Gigantic, it covers 70 hectares and four courtyards furnished by successive sovereigns, gardens, gazebos and fountains. Do not miss the harem, and especially the treasure. Nearby, the archaeological museums are also worth a detour.

Latest tourist mecca, the Grand Bazaar, the largest indoor market in the world, in existence since the fifteenth century. There are some 4,000 shops spread over sixty lanes grouped by types of products: glass beads, rugs, jewelry, hookahs, manufactured goods. The best and the worst there. Mandatory bargaining and entertainment assured.

Modern Byzantium

We must cross the Golden Horn by the Galata Bridge (great view) to see another Istanbul: more modern, less touristy and quite Europeanized. It is in the district of Beyoglu, where the neighborhoods of Pera and Galata, who is taking the pulse of contemporary Istanbul. Dominated by the Genoese Galata Tower, where one has a breathtaking view over the city and the Bosphorus, it is the trendy and cosmopolitan districts of Istanbul.

Taksim Square, the heart of modern Istanbul, easily reached by subway. From there the main street of Pera district, Istiklal Caddesi in which become pedestrian, has regained its former glory. Lined passages (like Paris!), Embassies, shops, bars, nightclubs and restaurants, it is packed with people, day and night. Do not hesitate to rush into the streets of Pera, where there are still vestiges of its sumptuous glory, like the mythical Hotel Pera Palace. Greta Garbo, Josephine Baker, Mata Hari and Hemingway had their habits.

Below Pera, on the way down to the Golden Horn, the Galata district, dominated by a Genoese tower of the thirteenth, no lack of charm with its Levantine mansions and clinging to the hill leading down to the sea presence of the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul and a Jewish museum reflect the mixing of cultures that Istanbul has always been the seat.

Nights of Constantinople

If you’re a night owl, no hesitation: find a hotel in the modern part, in Beyoğlu. Here it goes! Profusion of bars and clubs of all kinds around Istiklal Caddesi, and for all plumages. Istanbul vibrates and it feels! Unavoidable, the 360 ​​is a panoramic bar at the spectacular view, located on the top floor of the building where Mısır nestle many art galleries. Another good place: The Hall, a bar-restaurant-box installed in a church.



More tranquil and Bobo, the district of Cihangir, between Taksim Square and the Bosphorus, has flourished in recent years, cool bars and frequented by a clientele alternative arty and highbrow. Finally, in an entirely different kind, the gilded youth Istanbul to meet you in restaurants and clubs open for Ortaköy, as output, a huge restaurant can (not given) on the edge of the water to dance (almost ) on the Bosphorus head in the stars.

Marine Escape

On all sides, Istanbul is surrounded by the big blue. Golden Horn, Bosphorus and Marmara Sea, the possibilities cruise abound. The Eminonu Ferry Terminal, a boat goes every hour of the Golden Horn to Eyüp district. Along the way, nice view over the hills of Fener and Balat. At Eyüp panorama of the city from the coffee-Pierre Loti, who was a frequent visitor. Noteworthy, at the bottom of the Golden Horn, the museum of contemporary art Santral Istanbul, which opened recently.

Another nice trip: a cruise on the Bosphorus. Two options: the shortest is to use the boats between the shores of Asia and Europe departing from ferry terminals and Karaköy and go to Eminonu pier pier. Essential to halt the pier Kabataş to visit the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, residence of the last Sultans in the nineteenth century. Another option: take the ferry to Anadolu Kavağı, north of the Bosphorus, or 1:30 cruise with several stops along the way (tickets from £ 20, or 10 €).

Last breakaway Shipping: Princes’ Islands in the Marmara Sea, to focus on sunny days. Several departures daily from Eminonu and Kabataş. At twenty kilometers south of Istanbul, the islands have since the nineteenth century, privileged resorts of Istanbul residents. Ideal for walking and swimming in the deep blue sea of ​​Marmara.