Istanbul is a city which impossible to split into distinct areas besides its European & Asian side which separated by Bosphorus. Its origin starting from Black Sea and runs into the Sea of Marmara spreading about 10-13 million of its local population. It is a city which described as one of the chic, cultural and historical centers among surrounding European countries with its diversity in Islamic and Christian backgrounds.
Although Ankara is a capital of Turkey, Istanbul has always showed its dominant influence as cultural and economic city. It has been changing through years and has established itself as a center of modern and chic living in the European region. Since Istanbul currently has the youngest population of any European city, it had been influenced as any major city and opened up doors to more freedom to places to drink, dance & enjoy social life.
Kebap houses, bufets and fast-foods joints can supply cheap meals on the run. But, there are many nice restaurants out there as well. If you would like to eat at a authentic restaurant fishermen's quarter of Kumkapi behind Sultanahmet, Istiklal Caddesi and its side alleys (Cicek Passage, Nevizade Sokak) are the best places.
Some of the busy traveling seasons require you to book hotels in advance in order to save money, meaning to get better accommodations at a better rate. The most popular areas of Istanbul have hotels which can be booked either through their website or by calling them directly. Most of them will provide a discount if you pay in cash. You need to be sure to bargain for lower rate, most hotels will reduce the rates by at least 10%.
If main priority of your travel is social scene, business trip or shopping spree, you might look into staying in Taksim. Hotels in this area are relatively highly priced and would require you to be more generous with your money. Hotel's prices are high due to you being in the perfect location with an easy access to beautiful Bosphorus & Beyoglu. Beyoglu is famous for its wide range of restaurants and authentic shopping places. Also, it is very close to the Old Istanbul where you can either walk across the Galata Bridge or catch the Taksim Square-Kabatas funicular and tram. If you are planning to have more relaxing time and do not want to be in the middle of the busy city, you should look into staying in the hotels which reside on the other side of Bosphorus or so called Asian side, Kadikoy & Uskudar. - 31515
Although Ankara is a capital of Turkey, Istanbul has always showed its dominant influence as cultural and economic city. It has been changing through years and has established itself as a center of modern and chic living in the European region. Since Istanbul currently has the youngest population of any European city, it had been influenced as any major city and opened up doors to more freedom to places to drink, dance & enjoy social life.
Kebap houses, bufets and fast-foods joints can supply cheap meals on the run. But, there are many nice restaurants out there as well. If you would like to eat at a authentic restaurant fishermen's quarter of Kumkapi behind Sultanahmet, Istiklal Caddesi and its side alleys (Cicek Passage, Nevizade Sokak) are the best places.
Some of the busy traveling seasons require you to book hotels in advance in order to save money, meaning to get better accommodations at a better rate. The most popular areas of Istanbul have hotels which can be booked either through their website or by calling them directly. Most of them will provide a discount if you pay in cash. You need to be sure to bargain for lower rate, most hotels will reduce the rates by at least 10%.
If main priority of your travel is social scene, business trip or shopping spree, you might look into staying in Taksim. Hotels in this area are relatively highly priced and would require you to be more generous with your money. Hotel's prices are high due to you being in the perfect location with an easy access to beautiful Bosphorus & Beyoglu. Beyoglu is famous for its wide range of restaurants and authentic shopping places. Also, it is very close to the Old Istanbul where you can either walk across the Galata Bridge or catch the Taksim Square-Kabatas funicular and tram. If you are planning to have more relaxing time and do not want to be in the middle of the busy city, you should look into staying in the hotels which reside on the other side of Bosphorus or so called Asian side, Kadikoy & Uskudar. - 31515
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Learn more about Istanbul. Stop by Sarah Ashley's site where you can find out all about Cheap Istanbul Hotels.
