Istanbul Travel Guide

Istanbul is a city with a long history and rich culture. Here's a travel guide to help you have a wonderful trip: Attractions - Hagia Sophia: Located in the old European quarter, it is a model of Byzantine architecture and one of Istanbul's landmarks. It has a long history, originally a Christian church, later converted into a mosque, and now a museum. - Blue Mosque: Another landmark of Istanbul, it is the only mosque in the world with six minarets. It is famous for its Iznik indigo tiles. - Basilica Cistern: Located near the Hagia Sophia, it is an underground reservoir from the Byzantine period, featuring stone columns, lights, and Medusa statues. It was also a filming location for *The Da Vinci Code*. - Bosphorus Strait: A strategic point connecting Europe and Asia, it is the narrowest international navigable strait in the world. You can take a ferry or cruise to tour the strait and enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides. Food - Turkish Kebabs: One of Türkiye's traditional delicacies. You can choose from lamb, chicken, and other varieties, served with French fries and vegetable salad. - Turkish Pizza: A thin-crust pizza that can be topped with a variety of ingredients, such as meat, vegetables, and cheese. - Turkish Ice Cream: A rich, sweet, and delicious ice cream with various flavors and toppings. - Baklava: One of Türkiye's traditional desserts, made from thin pastry, nuts, and honey. Accommodation - Sultanahmet District: Located in the old European quarter, it is the historical center of Istanbul, with many famous attractions such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Basilica Cistern. - Beyoğlu District: Located in the new European quarter, it is the commercial center of Istanbul, with many shopping malls, restaurants, and bars. Istiklal Street is the main street in this district, known as the "Champs-Élysées of Istanbul". - Kadıköy District: Located in the Asian quarter, it is a vibrant commercial area with many restaurants, cafes, and bars. The Kadıköy pier is one of the main ferry terminals to the European quarter. Transportation - Public Transportation: Istanbul's public transportation system includes subways, buses, ferries, and trams. You can purchase an IstanbulKart for convenient travel. - Taxis: Taxis in Istanbul are relatively inexpensive, but be sure to choose a reputable taxi company to avoid being overcharged. - Car Rentals: If you want to travel freely, you can choose to rent a car, but pay attention to local traffic rules and road conditions. Important Notes - Religion: Türkiye is a Muslim country. When entering a mosque, pay attention to your attire. Women need to cover their hair with a headscarf, and men need to wear long pants. - Safety: Istanbul is a relatively safe city, but be aware of theft and scams in tourist attractions and crowded areas. - Shopping: When shopping in Istanbul, pay attention to price and quality to avoid buying counterfeit goods. You can try bargaining in places like the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market. - Time Difference: Istanbul has a 5-hour time difference from China. Remember to adjust your time accordingly.