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Places to Visit in Istanbul, Turkey, Europe

Places to Visit in Istanbul, Turkey, Europe

Istanbul is the largest city of the Eurasian nation Istanbul, situated in the northwestern part of the country at 41°1′ N 28°57′ E. It is the historical, cultural and economic capital of Turkey and ranks second in the Middle East in terms of metropolitan population and in terms of proper city population, Istanbul is the 3^rd largest city in the world.

Istanbul is the administrative centre of Istanbul Province, spanning over an area of 5,343 sq. km. Together with Essen in Germany and Pécs in Hungary, Istanbul was the European Capital of Culture 2010, which aided city tremendously to gain the title of the 5^th most popular tourist destination in the globe.

History of Istanbul:

Istanbul is one of the oldest cities in the world, founded around 660 BC on the foreland Sarayburnu with name Byzantium. In 330 AD, Byzantium was re-founded as Constantinople which served as capital of the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Latin Empire and the Ottoman Empire. Istanbul gained its current name officially in 1930.

How to reach Istanbul?

The Istanbul Atatürk Airport is situated in Yeşilköy, around 24 km west of the heart of the city with scheduled flight services from and to Athens, Moscow, London, Paris, Rome, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam and many other global destinations.

The airport is connected to the city centre by metro, taxi and bus services.

The railway network of Istanbul extends to Belgrade, Bucharest, Teheran, Aleppo and other Asian and European cities.

Culture and Food in Istanbul:

However Ankara being the administrative capital of Turkey, Istanbul is the cultural capital of Turkey holding more than thousand years of grand historical and cultural background.

Grand-Bazaar in Istanbul is an internationally recognized shopping centre housing more than 3000 shops.

Must try dishes in Istanbul are Balık-Ekmek, Döner, Kumpir and Patso.

Things to do in Istanbul:

Daily Istanbul Tours
Turkland Tours Istanbul
Visiting Istanbul Cooking School

Places of interest in Istanbul:

Chora Church:

The Chora Church is one of the great examples representing the Byzantine architecture. It was first constructed in the early 5th century as a church and during the Ottoman era, it was a mosque and in 1948, the mosque turned into museum. Eye-catching mosaics and frescoes are the highlights of Chora.

Süleymaniye Mosque:

Being the largest mosque of Istanbul, the Süleymaniye Mosque is one of the landmarks of the city. Dating back to the Ottoman era, the imposing Süleymaniye Mosque is situated on the Third Hill. It was opened in 1558.

Galata Tower:

A symbolic structure, the Galata Tower is a stone tower located in the quarter of Galata/Karaköy, dating back to the medieval period. This cone capped cylinder tower is a great view point offering a striking view of historic peninsula of Istanbul.

Dolmabahçe Palace:

Served as the major administrative house of the Ottoman Empire from 1856 until the collapse of empire, Dolmabahçe Palace is situated in the district of Beşiktaş in Istanbul. Garabet Balyan was the designer of this imperial palace.

Istanbul Archaeology Museums:

The Istanbul Archaeology Museums is divided into 3 museums, the Archaeological Museum, Museum of the Ancient Orient and Museum of Islamic Art, covering the complete history of Turkey with around one million objects. It is situated in the Eminönü district.

List of other places of interest in Istanbul includes:

Kariye Museum
Hagia Sophia
Sultan Ahmed Mosque
Grand Bazaar
Topkapı Palace
Basilica Cistern
Hagia Sophia Museum
Basilica Cistern
Sakip Sabanci Museum
Historic Areas of Istanbul

Best time to visit Istanbul:

Being situated on a transitional climatic zone, Istanbul features humid subtropical climate, Mediterranean climate and oceanic climate. The months of April, May, September and October would be the best time to travel Istanbul in Turkey.

Accommodation options in Istanbul:

Istanbul houses nearly 2000 standard accommodation centres categorized as hotels, holiday rentals and BB and inns with different upgraded facilities and services, although advance booking is recommended. Here are some top end hotels in Istanbul in Turkey:

Hotel Sultania
White House Hotel
Premist Hotel
Witt Istanbul Suites
Dersaadet Hotel Istanbul
Best Point Hotel
Sultans Royal Hotel
Biz Cevahir Hotel
Hotel Niles Istanbul
Rose Garden Suites
Armada Istanbul Pera Hotel
Inncity Hotel Nisantasi
Aren Suites
Garden House Istanbul
Orient Express Hotel

Tourist Places to Visit in Ayvalik, Turkey, Europe

Tourist Places to Visit in Ayvalik, Turkey, Europe

Ayvalik is a town and district belonging to the province of Balikesir in Turkey. It is located on the northwestern coast of the Aegean Sea between 39°19′10″ N latitude and 26°41′40″ E longitude, around 150 km north-northwest of the Izmir city and 510 km southwest of Istanbul, the largest city of Turkey. The district of Ayvalik is spread over an area of 265.37 sq. km.

Ayvalik is a tourist favor town with rich eco system, spectacular beaches and historic mosques. Ayvalik is a gateway for the Greek island of Lesbos connected by ferries and is also recognized for olive oil production owing from olive trees surrounding the town.

History of Ayvalik:

According to the archeological studies, Ayvalik has been inhabited since the prehistoric ages. Following the end of the Ottoman Empire, Greek citizens lived in Ayvalik moved to Greece and Turkish people lived in Greece came back to Ayvalik. Kydonies was the Greek name of Ayvalik.

How to reach Ayvalik?

Ayvalik is catered by the Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport, located around 40 km northeast of the midpoint of Ayvalik. This airport is served by Atlasjet and Borajet with scheduled flights to Istanbul and Turkish Airlines connects it with the national capital, Ankara.

The international airport, Adnan Menderes Airport in Izmir is situated around 175 km away from Ayvalik.

Ayvalik does not have good railway connection but it is connected by bus to all its surrounding cities, including Izmir.

Culture, Shopping and Food in Ayvalik:

Ayvalik is home to Ayvalık International Music Academy where thousands of students from all over the world get violin, viola and cello trainings annually.

Olive oil and castile soaps are famous in Ayvalik which can be purchased at Persembe Pazari” on Thursdays.

Seafood items are popular among both visitors and locals and one can taste it at restaurants in downtown and on Cunda Island.

Things to do in Ayvalik:

Diving
Boating
Viewing sunset

Places of interest in Ayvalik:

Alibey (Cunda) Island:

Connected to Ayvalik by bridge, the Alibey (Cunda) Island is a paradise for tourists knowing for its stunning beaches, churches and monasteries including the Taksiyarhis Church and seafood restaurants. Shared taxis and buses are available year round and Alibey can also be reached by ferry from Ayvalik during the summer.

Sarimsakli Beach:

A hotspot of water-sport lovers, the Sarimsakli Beach stretches a length of 7 km, is situated in the southern part of Ayvalik and its width extends up to 100 metres. Other than beauty of beaches, visitors can also have mouthwatering sea food at restaurants lining on the beach.

Taksiyarhis Church:

Situated on the Alibey Island, the Taksiyarhis Church is one of the top tourist attractions of Ayvalik depicting the life of Jesus Christ and also features the pictures of the Saints and eye-catching interior marble design. It was constructed in 1873.

Saatli Camii:

Located in the centre of the Ayvalik town, originally a Greeks church, Saatli Camii was converted into a mosque in the 20^th century. Its highlights include gorgeous frescoes, a minaret and tower with clock.

Bergama:

Bergama is a city situated around 65 km away from Ayvalik housing different tourist attractions like Selçuk Minaret, Great Mosque, Şadırvanlı Mosque and Çukurhan caravanserai. There is an ancient Roman spa settlement, Allianoi and an ancient Greek settlement, Pergamon, located not too far from Bergama.

List of other places of interest in Ayvalik includes:

Old Ayvalik Houses
Çamlık
Çınarlı Camii
Moonlight Monastery
Saint Nicola Church
Altinova Beach
Leka Monastery
Ida Dalis Merkezi
Devil’s Feast
Saatli Cami
Taksiyarhis Kilisesi
Moshos Taverna
Ayvalik Bit Pazari
Nokta Cafe Beach Club

Best time to visit Ayvalik:

Due to the presence of spectacular beaches, during the summer months between May and September will be best to visit Ayvalik in Turkey.

Accommodation options in Ayvalik:

There are plenty of accommodation options in Ayvalik including tourist favor resorts and spas as well budget guest houses. Price for hotel rooms differs on season and facilities offered by such hotels. List of the prominent hotels in Ayvalik in Turkey include:

Ortunc Hotel
Ferahi Evler Butik Hotel
Hotel Sobe
YundAntik Cunda Konaklari
Cunda Basel Hotel
Mola Cunda Hotel
Tas Bahce Butik Hotel
Cunda Basel Hotel
Grand Hotel Temizel
Ayvalik Cinar Hotel
Aytas Hotel
Kaptan Otel
Tas Konak Otel
Camlik Berk Hotel
Halic Park Hotel

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Antalya, Turkey, Europe

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Antalya, Turkey, Europe

Antalya is a city and the largest international sea resort of Turkey situated on the Mediterranean coast of the country between 36°54′ N latitude and 30°41′ E longitude. Lying on the Turkish Riviera, Antalya was the world’s 3^rd most visited city in 2012 by overseas travelers following the cities of Paris and London. Other than resorts, Antalya is also internationally recognized for its historical sites including Hidirlik Tower and Hadrian’s Gate.

Antalya is located around 30 meters above sea level, sprawling over a total area of 1,417 sq. km. Antalya features a hot-summer Mediterranean climate with rainy winters and dry summers.

History of Antalya:

Antalya was founded by Attalos II, the king of Pergamon, around 150 BC, from whom the city got its name, initially Attaleia, later modified to its current name. The Roman rule began in Antalya in 133 BC and the city geared up towards development during the Ancient Roman period.

Connectivity to Antalya:

Antalya holds one of the important airports of Turkey, located around 13 km away from the heart of the city. Including the cites of London, Paris, Rome, Berlin, Amsterdam, the airport handles flights from all around Europe and many American and Asian destinations as well.

Taxi ride from the airport to Antalya city centre costs around € 18.

Antalya is situated around 830 km south-southeast of the Istanbul city.

Culture and Food in Antalya:

Antalya is home to Akdeniz University in which around 30,000 students enroll every year. Antalya is also famous for its museums, theatres and art galleries.

Some tourist favor shopping centres in Antalya include:

Mark Antalya
Antalium Premium Mall
Akkapark Shopping Mall
Deepo Outlet Center

Here are the famous food corners in Antalya:

Seraser Fine Dining Restaurant
Sibel’s Four Seasons Cafe & Restaurant
Ship Inn Restaurant
Pasa Bey Kebapcisi

Things to do in Antalya:

Novaraft – Private Day Adventures
Pamukkale Tour- Private Tours
Mevlana Jeep Safari Tour
Visiting spas

Places of interest in Antalya:

Konyaalti Beach:

The Konyaaltı Beach is situated in the western part of the city featuring a water park Aqualand, a big shopping centre Migros MMM, the largest tunnel aquarium of the globe, Antalya Aquarium and a fairground Aktur Lunapark Antalya.

Hidirlik Tower:

Hidirlik Tower is situated in the Karaalioğlu Park dating back to 2nd-century. According to the local belief, it was constructed during the Roman Empire. Don’t miss this historic wonder.

Hadrian’s Gate:

The Hadrian’s Gate was constructed to commemorate the visit of the Roman emperor Hadrian to Antalya. This triumphal arch or three gates and its surroundings can be explored best through a guided tour.

Upper Düden Fall:

The Upper Düden Fall is situated 12 km away from the heart of Antalya city. The Düden River forms this natural wonder and it also can be reached by boat. It will surely be a memorable experience for nature lovers.

Perge ruins:

The Perge ruins are the Roman ruins featuring untouched bathhouses, hippodrome and theatre as well. It costs around TL1.75 from the city centre to Perge ruins by bus.

List of other places of interest in Antalya includes:

Antalya Archaeological Museum
Hierapolis & Pamukkale
Antalya Golf Club
Termessos Ruins
Nirvana Travel
Hip-Notics Cable Ski
Kursunlu Waterfalls
Karaalioglu Park
Goynuk Canyon
Antaliiskaya Fortress
MiniCity Antalya
Gloria Golf Club
Arykanda Ruins
Kaleici Marina
Yivli Minaret Mosque

Best time to visit Antalya:

Throughout the year is best, although those who have desire of exploring world class beaches of Antalya can trip Antalya between May and September.

Accommodation options in Antalya:

Antalya is a world famous city widely recognized for its beaches and also the city houses around 400 accommodation centers categorized as hotels, vacation rentals and BB and inns with different facilities and services. List of star rated hotels in Antalya in Turkey include:

Hotel Baia Lara
Delphin Palace Hotel
Barut Lara
Liberty Hotels Lara
Limak Lara De Luxe Hotel & Resort
Delphin Imperial Hotel Lara
Rixos Downtown Antalya
Titanic Beach Lara Hotel
Royal Holiday Palace
IC Green Palace
Melas Lara Hotel
Sherwood Breezes Resort
La Boutique Antalya
IC Hotels Residence
Amara Club Marine

Alanya Tourist Places to Visit in Alanya, Turkey, Europe

Alanya Tourist Places to Visit in Alanya, Turkey, Europe

Alanya is a Turkish city, well known for beaches, situated in Antalya Province in the Mediterranean Region of the country. It is located on the Turkey’s southern coast at 36°33′0″N 32°0′0″E, covering a total area of 1,598.51 sq. km. Alanya is one of the top resort cities of Turkey, contributed by natural attractions, tourist favor Mediterranean climate and historic significance. Alanya covers 9% of the tourism sector of Turkey.

Alanya is also famous for hosting sport events, highly beach handball tournament sand cultural events year round. Beside tourism industry, Alanya also gets substantial revenue from fruit production, prominently lemons and oranges.

History of Alanya:

Alanya served as the local stronghold for many recognized Asian and European powers including Roman, Byzantine, Seleucid and Ottomans. Alanya came to prominence in politics during the rule of Alaeddin Kayqubad I in the Middle Ages. Alanya Castle and Kızıl Kule are the historical landmarks of Alanya dating from his period.

How to reach Alanya?

Antalya Airport is the closest airport to Alanya, situated around 120 km away from the centre of Alanya. It is one of the important airports of Turkey covering all the important European cities like Rome, Moscow, Paris, Berlin and London.

Visitors can use Antalya airport transfers to reach Alanya city safely and comfortably. There are buses also available at the airport.

Apart from public bus services, the city of Alanya also houses many car rentals and taxi operators.

Culture, shopping and Food in Alanya:

Alanya is home to many recognized cultural centres all around the city with regular concerts and dance performances of which the Alanya Ataturk House Museum is famous among both visitors and locals.

Sunglasses, watches, bags and wallets are available at affordable prices in Alanya.

Here are some nice restaurants in Alanya:

Dinner Restaurant
Prima Restaurant-Bar
Seasons Restaurant
A Different Taste

Things to do in Alanya:

City tours
Visiting aqua parks
Train riding

Places of interest in Alanya:

Alanya Castle:

The Alanya Castle is one of the historic identities of Alanya, situated on hilly area. This medieval castle was constructed during the rule of the Seljuq Sultanate of Rûm in 1226 in the Seljuk architectural style.

Kızıl Kule:

The Kızıl Kule is a hexagonal tower depicted on the flag of the city since it is one of the icons of Alanya. This red color historic tower measures a height of 33 meters and diameter of 29 meters. It is worth a visit.

Old Shipyard:

Constructed under the reign of Seljuk Sultanate of Rûm in the year 1228, Old Shipyard or Tersane is situated in the vicinity of The Red Tower (Kızıl Kule). It is worth a visit.

Beaches in Alanya:

Alanya is the site of many world class beaches of which Kleoptra Beach is one of the major one offering activities like parasailing, windsurfing and banana boating.

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk Monument:

The Mustafa Kemal Atatürk Monument is dedicated to the Turkish army officer during the Ottoman rule, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. It is located in downtown Alanya where many national celebrations take place.

List of other places of interest in Alanya includes:

Sapadere Canyon
Dim Cave
Alanya Gardens
Alanya Arkeoloji Muzesi
Sapadere Canyon
Alara Kalesi
Gold Cable Park
Alanya Aquapark
Alanya City Tour Train
Damlatas Caves
Ornek Sinemalari
House of Ataturk
Alanya Ataturk House Museum
Water Planet Aqua Park
Waterplanet Aquapark & Hotel

Best time to visit Alanya:

During the summer months would be best, especially the months of July and August will be great to visit Alanya in Turkey.

Accommodation options in Alanya:

Being a tourist favor city, Alanya is home to dozens of world class hotels with superior facilities and services to serve visitors coming to the city year round. The major hotels in Alanya include: