Istanbul
Istanbul is one of those cities that every traveler would like to visit, as it has a lot of history, a lot of culture and, in addition, it is the only city in the world that is between two continents, Europe and Asia.
The city was historically referred to as Byzantium and Constantinople. It served as the focal point of several ancient empires. Even today we have numerous architectural wonders, remnants of these empires.
These include Hagia Sophia, which has stood the test of time and continues to provoke awe with its display of stunning mosaics.
With its beautiful historical landmarks, quintessential cuisine, vibrant nightlife, the labyrinth of markets, and shopping arcades it is the beating heart of Istanbul and the soul is the Bosphorus Strait.
More information about Istanbul’s official website.
In addition to Istanbul’s historic sites, you can find skyscrapers and modern shopping malls, a mix of culture that only exists in this city.
There are interesting locations in and around the city, some of which offer stunning views of the city and the Bosphorus Strait.
Even with the knowledge of the importance of Istanbul, upon arriving in the city you feel the impact of all this effervescence.
At the airport it was crazy, the number of people arriving was impressive. I stood in a passport control line of about 50 people at number 105 and they were all full.
I know many connecting airports like Amsterdam, Paris, and Doha among others, but Istanbul doesn’t have one.
The city
Walking down the street you will also notice the number of nationalities, especially in the change houses, they exchange all convertible currencies.
The city is very organized, public transport works very well.
You can find everything in Istanbul, it seems like everyone goes there to do business and sightseeing.
The architecture is a mix of the past and the modern. You can be alongside history and at the same time have access to the most modern products and services.
Nowadays the Asian side is very similar to the European side, everything is minutes away, whether by train, boat or even by car.
Hagia Sofia
Bosphorus Strait
The tour across the Bosphorus Strait really shows this proximity, as well as highlighting the beauty of the city.
For those who don’t know the Bosphorus Strait, it is a narrow passage that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and consequently to the Mediterranean Sea.
It is the link between the countries around the Black Sea and the rest of the world.
With an extension of approximately 32 kilometers in length and a width that varies between 698 and 3,000 meters, the strait is a strategic point for trade in the region. In addition to a stunning view for residents and visitors.
