Private Istanbul Tour ? Exploring The Asian and European Sides of The City

Posted by Ozkan Bicer on December 15th, 2018

Istanbul, the most populous city of Turkey is also historically known as Constantinople and Byzantium. This city located on both sides of the Bosphorus, the narrow strait between the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea is rich in diverse culture. Istanbul is full of choices on how you wish to explore the city and its surrounding and hence is considered as one of the most lovable tourist destinations around the world. There are two parts of Istanbul i.e. the European part and the Asian part. And to explore both the parts in the best possible way a private Istanbul tour is always recommended by various renowned travel gurus. So let us find out what the both parts have to offer you on your tour to Istanbul below:

The European Part of Istanbul

This part of Istanbul is jam packed with the most iconic sights that includes the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia and the magnificent Topkapi Palace. Starting with the Blue Mosque that is named so due to the handmade blue ceramic tiles incorporated in its interior. Also it has 200 stained glass windows and more than 20000 tiles along with hundreds of square feet of soft red carpet knitted with mysterious symbols. You can also find ostrich eggs placed on the roof chandeliers, an age old spider web repellent system and a lot more exciting and unusual things within and around the mosque. After exploring the vivid beauty of the Blue Mosque make your way to Hagia Sophia which is 10 minutes away on foot from the mosque. Originally Hagia Sophia was a church called Magna Ecclesia and then got pillaged by Ottoman in 1453 and the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Mehmet II converted it into a mosque. You can get a glimpse of clashing religious affiliations inside this rustic, ancient museum. And then head towards Topkapi Palace which was the imperial residence of the Ottoman Sultans for almost 400 years.

Now as you explored the historical monuments of the European part, it’s time to have some shopping and fun! Enter the Grand Bazaar, a mile away from Topkapi Palace in the Fatih district. This bazaar is located within the walled city and is one of the oldest covered markets in the entire world that stretches over 61 covered streets housing more than 4000 shops! You can shop anything you want from spices, lanterns to every other goods you are looking for!

The Asian Part of Istanbul

Although less grandiose in comparison to its European counterpart but you can have a relaxed time here. There is the Prince Islands that is a scenic archipelago in the Sea of Marmara that has preserved its ancient ways in contrast to the rest of Istanbul. There are no multi-lane highways and horses are the sole means of transport making your tour more enjoyable. Reach this peaceful place via ferries that depart from Bostancı, Kartal and Maltepe on the Asian side and from Kabataş on the European part of the city.

Another amazing thing that you can do in Istanbul is roaming on the streets of Kadıköythat is the perfect Asian answer to the popular sights of the European part of Istanbul. Mesmerizing views of sea along the waterfront with a multitude of restaurants, cafes and minor markets make Kadıköy one of the warmest and welcoming places in the city. Do try traditional creamy yogurt topped with a generous sprinkling of castor sugar in Kanlıca which is the home to numerous waterside cafes!Boat trip on the Bosphorus is yet another amazing thing to do when you are in Istanbul.

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This article is written by Turkey Tours by Local Guides who provide guided and affordable private Istanbul tour. If you are interested in excursions from Istanbul with them then visit https://www.constantinopleguide.com/private-istanbul-tour.php