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Straddling the Bosporus, Istanbul is a bridge between Europe and Asia as well as a living history museum of artistic, musical and culinary heritage. The city features modern cultural attractions, shopping malls and sports complexes, including the Museum of Modern Art, Istinye Park and Ataturk Olympic Stadium, all of which contrast with the backdrop of ancient landmarks such as Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar and Hagia Sophia. Istanbul is a cosmopolitan capital city built on ancient traditions.

Key facts

Visitors fly into Istanbul Ataturk International (IST), the main gateway to Turkey. While car rentals are available at the airport, Istanbul also has an extensive public transit system that includes buses, subways and ferries for crossing the Bosporus. Many popular neighborhoods are easily walkable, including Galata, a nightlife hub, and the Sultanahmet-Old City, which is filled with historic sites from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Travelers can visit the Hippodrome, the Kariye Museum or the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, which is housed in a 16th century Ottoman palace.

Hints and tips

Known as Constantinople in ancient times, Istanbul features four distinct seasons. While the dry summer highs can approach 80 degrees, winter lows may reach 30 degrees, and snow is common. The city is located on the shore of both the Mediterranean and Black Seas.