A Weekend In Istanbul 2000 Years Of History In Two Days

Turkey?s capital city of Istanbul was formerly home to the Roman, Byzantine and the Ottoman empires. The historical city still preserves a legacy of its past while, at the same time, forging ahead and building a modern future. Istanbul?s diverse history, combined with its remarkable location on the Bosphorus has made it one of the most desirable locations for a weekend getaway. When visiting the city, the best Istanbul hotels are conveniently located near the most significant sites so you have an open invitation to explore.

Weekend Getaway Guide

While it may not be possible to see all the city in just two days, with a bit of planning it is certainly possible to cover a great deal of the most renowned sites. When planning a short break, selecting accommodation that is centrally located is best. Istanbul hotels within the city-centre are typically close to public transportation, which is the easiest way to get around.??

Day 1:

Begin the day at the stunning Topkapi Palace, which served as the imperial residence of Ottoman Sultans and was also the administrative, education and art centre of the Empire for nearly four centuries.

From the palace make your way to the Hagia Sophia Museum. It was once a Byzantine church, and then became an Ottoman mosque. Today, it is a Turkish museum.

Once you?ve made your way past the remarkable mosaic walls and vaulted chambers of the museum, you may find yourself a little hungry. Turkish cuisine is a far cry from the greasy kebabs that are served abroad. Just behind the museum is the highly recommended Sarnic Restaurant, which serves up the country?s best classics. However, if you are in a hurry to get to your next stop, why not grab a Doner made of roasted chicken or lamb. For those who are unfamiliar with this Turkish delight, it is certainly worth a try!

End your day with a traditional Turkish bath called a ?Hamam?. When selecting a location for a Turkish bath asking a local is always best. Istanbul hotels typically give excellent recommendations, such as the Cemberlitas and Cagaloglu and Sultanahmet bathhouses.?

Day 2

Begin your second day in the city with a visit to the Galata Tower. Constructed in 1348 and originally named the Tower of Christ, it was built at the apex of fortified walls. From the top, you will have a spectacular view of the entire metropolis.

From the Galata Tower, take an old cable car, known as a Funicular, to Karakoy. Once you arrive, you will reach a bridge where you will see fisherman fishing on the Bosphorus. Take a cruise along one of the world?s busiest waterways that stops at Besiktas, Ortakoy and Bebek along the way, so that you can see the waterside mansions, palaces and lush parks.

As you return from the cruise, make sure to stop at an Egyptian bazaar (a spice market). There, you will find everything from perfume to peanuts. The atmosphere is loud and hectic, but certainly part of the experience.

After the hustle and bustle of the spice market, end your day under the Galata Bridge. It is filled with a variety of different restaurants, bars and Turkish coffee shops and allows for excellent people watching.

This gorgeous city can certainly be appreciated in two days. While you won?t see it all, you will certainly get an understanding of the fascinating culture of the diverse city. All of the best Istanbul hotels are happy to provide excellent recommendations about what to see as well, so you are bound of have a wonderful weekend getaway.

About the Author:
Looking for the best Istanbul hotels? Roberta Stuart is the Travel Manager for Worldhotels, a company offering the best rooms in a selection of unique four and five star hotels around the world.

Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/A-Weekend-In-Istanbul-----2000-Years-Of-History-In-Two-Days/4394318

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