5 Reasons to visit Istanbul

Among lots of other reasons of visiting this legendary city, we will name you just five of them, after which you will surely want to get to Istanbul.

Istanbul — the cradle of civilization

Only in Istanbul you will find that big number of monuments of ancient history and remarkable places. There are so many cultural values in a single city that it would have been enough for a whole country. The names of the sights speak for themselves — Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi palace, Dolmabahce, ancient churches of the Byzantine period, which became mosques... You will never get bored here!

Istanbul — the city of purchases

Independently of the purpose of your visit, you will always find something to buy in Istanbul. Besides souvenirs, the guests of Istanbul usually bring home antiques, leather, ceramics, and spices. You can buy there footwear and clothes at rather low prices, though the quality of the goods is not always high. There are thousands of places for trade in Istanbul — these are wonderful Eastern bazaars, separate stores of street merchants, large and modern shopping centers. Purchasing there is pleasant and comfortable.

Istanbul — the city of contrasts

Istanbul is unique from the geographical point of view — it is located in two parts of the world — in Europe and in Asia. The city combines in itself the beast features of East and West. Here modern multistoreys stand near ancient buildings, Muslims live near the representatives of Christianity and Judaism. You can see many other wonders in th streets of Istanbul!

Istanbul — the city of Eastern bazaars

We can endlessly speak about the markets of Istanbul, but you should better visit them at least once. There are lots of markets in the city, some of them are known worldwide. You should visit the Egyptian market — the paradise of spices and fragrances, Grand Bazaar, which astonishes with its sizes and diversity — this is a separate city within Istanbul with its own streets and squares. Here you will find any goods and have the possibility to bargain, just like it should be at a real Oriental bazaar.

Istanbul and Turkish bathes

You have a great chance to give yourself a treat and improve your health. Turkish bath «hamam» is a pleasure, and those who had tried it say that word’s can not express the feelings — you need to try it. The distinguishing feature of hamam are the attendant procedures, turning it into a pleasant ritual. These are peeling, different kinds of massage, and sauna, traditional for many people.