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Istanbul Travel Tips

Attractions near Istanbul Vacation Rentals

Istanbul is a beautiful ancient city filled with culture, relics, museums and majestic old buildings. With a history that dates back thousands of years, there are numerous attractions to visit. You will need to choose your sightseeing options carefully if you want to visit all the places that are of interest to you. Most of the historic sites can be found in old Istanbul and have stood there since Roman times.

The Hippodrome is a relic of the Byzantine Empire and was built by Septimus Severus. Once a majestic arena measuring 480 by 117 meters, it could house up to 10,000 people. The emperor could reach the arena through a series of underground tunnels that ran from the palace. The Hippodrome was an important part of Byzantine social life as it was where chariot races took place. Later, during the Ottoman Empire, it was used for important ceremonies and events.

The Sultanmet Mosque is located across the square from the Hippodrome. This impressive structure is also sometimes known as the Blue Mosque. It is the only mosque worldwide that has six minarets. The mosque is open to visitors for viewing but you need to make sure that you are properly attired before entering. Women must have their heads covered with a scarf and wear long-sleeved tops and long pants. Men should not wear shorts as this is also frowned upon.

There are several historic Turkish Baths that can be seen in Istanbul. Rather than seeking them out on your own, why not join a guided special interest tour? This will give you some insight into the history and design of each of the baths and their significance to the local community.

Traveling to Istanbul Vacation Houses

There are many different ways in which you can arrive in Istanbul, Turkey. Most international travelers will fly into Ataturk International Airport which is located 28 kilometers from downtown Istanbul. It is one of Europe’s busiest airports and regular commercial flights are operated by a wide range of international carriers. If traveling from North America, you may need to route via one of the European hubs and on to Istanbul.

To get from the airport into the city, you have several transport options. Taxis will provide a private transfer to anywhere in the city and its surroundings. For a special occasion, you could also make use of the limo transfer service. The public transport system consists of buses that operate a network of routes within the city. There are regular departures that travel between the airport and Taksim Square. Once there, you can get a connection to other parts of the city.

Other ways to arrive in Istanbul are either by road or rail from Europe. The roads are in a relatively good condition but the traffic can be a bit chaotic. Throughout the summer season, there are many cruise ships that dock in Istanbul as part of a Mediterranean cruise. There is also an extensive ferry network connecting to Greece and the neighboring countries.

Benefits of Staying in Istanbul lodging

Like most major cities worldwide, hotel accommodations can be expensive. Vacation rentals offer an affordable alternative with a high level of quality accommodation. Many rental apartments have great views out over the city or are conveniently located near the old city and tourist sites.

Travelers to Turkey Vacation Rentals

People who travel to Istanbul generally have an interest in ancient culture and architecture. There are so many sights to see in Istanbul and travelers can spend each day on a new exploration. The busy markets and wonderful blend of old and new make Istanbul a fascinating destination.

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