Where is Istanbul: All You Need to Know About This Beautiful City

Are you wondering exactly where Istanbul is located and what makes it so special? I feel you! Before I visited for the first time in 2018, I didn’t know a single thing about Turkey or Istanbul.

In this post, we’ll dive into Istanbul’s unique location, the stunning architecture that defines its skyline, and its role as a cultural and economic powerhouse.

Since moving to Turkey, I’ve called Istanbul my home, and I can tell you—it’s a city worth knowing.

And while Istanbul itself has so much to offer, there’s a wealth of experiences just outside the city, perfect for day trips that give you a deeper taste of Turkey.

Ranked by Planetware as one of the top international cities to visit, Istanbul has a way of capturing hearts. By the end of this post, I hope you’ll not only learn all about this captivating city but also feel inspired to explore it for yourself.

If you’re ready to fall in love with Istanbul, let’s get started!

So where is Istanbul exactly?

Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city, is a city that straddles two continents. Located at the intersection of Europe and Asia, it has been a major cultural center for centuries.

The European side makes up most of the city’s population while the Asian side offers more rural areas with incredible views of the Bosporus and even the Black Sea.

Istanbul has an impressive selection of historical sites, vibrant nightlife, yummy food, and stunning architecture, making it one of the world’s most exciting cities to explore, in my humble opinion.

Let’s look at a bit of its history.

A bit of History

Istanbul, or as it was formerly known Constantinople, was founded by the Roman Emperor Constantine in 330 AD and served as the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire for more than 1,000 years.

During this time, it was one of Europe’s most important cities and its influence spread throughout Asia Minor and beyond.

Centuries of conquest, occupation, and rule by various empires such as the Ottomans, Byzantines, and Venetians have given Istanbul an incredibly diverse culture that still lives on today.

It was also the capital of the Ottoman Empire before Turkey became the Republic of Türkiye in 1923. The capital then moved to Ankara and has remained there.

Also, it is good to note that while Turkey is technically considered a Middle Eastern country, it is not Middle Eastern in more ways than it is.

Istanbul Facts

What is Istanbul known for?

Istanbul is known for its storied history, vibrant culture, and incredible sites.

As a result of its rich heritage, Istanbul is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace— all located within walking distance from one another.

Istanbul also has such a diverse range of activities to do including things like:

• street markets filled with spices and souvenirs
• delicious cuisine that blends Turkish flavors with influences from across Europe
• lively nightlife – especially in Kadıköy and the European side
• art galleries showcasing local artists
• stunning views from atop its many hillsides
• and more!

Places to see

When visiting Istanbul, it’s important to plan and know what places you want to visit. There are so many historical sites and incredible views that you could end up spending longer than you though and miss things you really wanted to see.

Istanbul is also home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which will give you a unique look into the city’s rich heritage and culture. Places like majestic mosques, Byzantine palaces, and so much more.

In addition to the well-known sites, there are a number of lesser-known sites such as the Chora Church which offer insight into the city’s past and present.

This was recently finished being restored and it is absolutely stunning. When I first came, I couldn’t enter yet because I didn’t have my Turkish ID so I had to wait…5 years later, I got to enter and it was worth the wait!

Another off-the-beaten-path thing to do is take a trip on the cable car up to the Golden Horn and enjoy a tea with an epic view.

Make sure you check out the Eyüp Cemetary while you’re up there. It’s one of the oldest and largest Muslim cemeteries in Istanbul. There you will see headstones for Ottoman sultans and writers alike.

Landscape

The landscape of the original Istanbul is interesting and is known as the city of seven hills. Beyond that there are many more hills throughout the greater Istanbul.

There are places in Besiktas that make you want to cry having to climb up the hill, especially if you have just gone shopping. Then there are places that are on the seaside that are much more level.

There are also three bodies of water border Istanbul: the Bosphorus Strait, the Golden Horn, and the Sea of Marmara.

Climate

Istanbul has a mild climate, with hot and humid summers and cool winters.

The temperature can range from an average high of 86°F in the summer to an average low of 33°F in the winter.

It generally experiences sunny days throughout the year, although winter months may bring rain or even snow on occasion.

The city is also known for its strong winds that blow through during certain times of the year, making it a great place for windsurfing and kitesurfing. I had a friend who regularly went to the Black Sea coast on the European side to surf.

Overall, Istanbul’s mild climate offers visitors pleasant weather all year round – perfect for exploring its many historical sites! I still don’t even own a winter coat…on the cold days I just add an extra layer.

Unique Architecture

Istanbul is also known for its stunning architecture. It’s unique because it has been shaped by a diverse range of cultures and influences over the centuries.The historical sites here are some of the most iconic in the world.

You can find other architectural gems throughout Istanbul’s busy streets. Places such as traditional Ottoman houses with colorful facades or modern skyscrapers that tower above the skyline.

Above is the Dolmabahce Palace, the largest in Turkey. It is so big that it has hundreds of rooms, over 40 halls, 68 toilets (😳), and 6 different hammams. WOW. It also has its own clock tower. I thoroughly enjoyed wandering the grounds here.

But then there are also much less grand yet unique buildings like the one I see on my way to Maltpe when I take a taxi and it always makes me smile. I think it is some corporate building but its uniqueness makes me smile.

As you can see, just by way of architecture alone, there is so much to see!

Transportation

Istanbul is a big, chaotic city with many transportation options, making it easy to explore the city and its many attractions. The current mayor of Istanbul,
Ekrem İmamoğlu, has expanded it even more.

Read all about Istanbul’s public transportation here. For now, know that you can find metros, high-speed trains, ferries, buses, and more in Istanbul. If you want to go somewhere, there is a way. There are also plenty of taxi services available.

You can easily take advantage of these reliable forms of transportation while exploring all that Istanbul has to offer, especially when you use an Istanbulkart, a reloadable card to pay for your trips.

It’s also easy to top up your card with credit so you always have enough money for your travels. Just go to one of the big yellow machines, select English, and follow the instructions.

Visiting Istanbul

If you’re ready to visit, there are a few resources I definitely recommend.

• You should know these tips before you visit Istanbul or Turkey In general.

• You should also take a look at what you should wear in Istanbul, especially as a woman.

• You will likely fly into the Istanbul International Airport although if you decide to fly within the country or a close-by country, you will likely use the Sabiha Gökçen Airport.

• The most economic option for getting to the tourist areas is using the HavaBus system. They have many different stops-including Taksim on the European side and Kadikoy on the Asian side of Istanbul.

• It is much more economical than a taxi unless there is a group of you then you can arrange for a bigger transport. Even though it isn’t as cheap, I schedule a transport when I come back from the States. All the luggage and long travels make it worth it to me.

Accommodations

There are so many options when looking at where to stay in Istanbul. Airbnb of course is an option as is HostelBooker but my favorite is Booking.com.

Pro tip: if you use Airbnb, make sure that it has a registration number. Police have been cracking down on people trying to evade taxes which impacts unregistered Airbnb flats. I have friends who had theirs cancelled just before they came because of this issue. 🙈

The reason is the great review system. There seems to be a bit more accountability with Booking.com in my experience.

That being said, you can’t use it while in Turkey unless you have a VPN turned on so it is good to make sure you have everything printed as well as have VPN on your phone or computer.

One of the other things I love about them is the customization available. You can choose what is important to you and see things that fit within those criteria.

Museum Pass

I am also a huge fan of the Museum pass! Because people are always coming for visits, it makes it so handy to just buy one every year for myself.

I will say if you’re not a museum person, this will likely not be worth the investment for you. The prices have risen significantly in the last year and a half. Make sure you check the list and see if it would be worth it for you…it’s not a black and white yes or not.

There are a couple of options. You can check out the official Museum Pass website for all the details but there are a couple of things I will highlight.

• There is one for the whole of Turkey, one for just Istanbul, and then a few for regional areas.
• Make sure you check how long they are available. They are activated at your first museum entrance. So if you buy online and then don’t use it until a month later, the clock will start from when you use it.
• Make sure you always pull it out because sometimes a site isn’t covered but it will provide you with a discount! One time I went to Pamukkale with my mom and got 30% off my sandwich!
• If you’re doing a lot of sightseeing, they are typically a really great value and more than pay for themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions about Modern Istanbul

Final Thoughts on Istanbul’s Location

As we took a look at where is Istanbul, we also learned so much more!

From its beautiful architecture to its bustling economy and transportation options, Istanbul is a vibrant city with something for everyone.

Whether you’re looking to explore ancient ruins or take advantage of the economic opportunities available in this metropolitan center – there are plenty of reasons why people flock to Istanbul each year!

With modern amenities like ferries traversing the Bosphorus Strait, high-speed trains connecting major cities, and even an electronic ticketing system – getting around Istanbul has never been easier.

So if you’re looking for a new adventure or simply want to experience all that this incredible city has to offer – make sure you put Istanbul on your list! And make sure you read this article so you can learn about safety in Istanbul.

Where in the Istanbul province will you explore?