“If the world were only one country, İstanbul would be its capital” – so said Napoleon Bonaparte, who saw İstanbul as the most strategic point on earth. And centuries later, his words still stand. With its unique position, bridging Europe and Asia, İstanbul remains an eternal destination that captivates travelers from around the globe.
Adventurers from across Europe once arrived here via the Orient Express, the legendary train route that fused luxury and exploration. Today, you can retrace these illustrious steps by embarking on a newly restored Orient Express, rekindling the nostalgia of classic train travel. For those wishing to craft their own adventure, Europe’s extensive train network offers a scenic route to İstanbul’s Sirkeci Station, with mesmerizing landscapes unfolding along each mile. Alternatively if you prefer to travel by sea, İstanbul welcomes cruise passengers at Galataport, its brand-new waterfront terminal along the shores of the Bosphorus.
Immerse yourself in culture and cuisine
Begin your exploration of this vibrant city with a trip to İstanbul Modern, a world-class museum where you can tap into the artistic pulse of the city. From there, explore the galleries scattered around Karaköy and Galata, or the nearby Pera Museum. Whether you’re admiring Ottoman portraiture, soaking in avant-garde installations, or visiting independent artists’ studios, you can immerse yourself in the creative atmosphere that defines İstanbul’s thriving art scene today.
İstanbul’s dynamic food scene has also gained recent global recognition, extending far beyond iconic traditional dishes like baklava and kebab. The city now has 77 Michelin-recommended restaurants, including six Michelin-starred eateries and one boasting a hallowed two stars. A sophisticated culinary style has emerged thanks to the efforts of a new generation of culinary stars, including several notable female chefs. Ready your tastebuds for an elevated experience, as these culinary hotspots craft traditional Anatolian ingredients like yogurt, tahini, figs and pomegranates into inventive dishes.
One of the great joys of visiting İstanbul is its connection to two continents. In just 15 minutes, you can cross from Europe to Asia by boat, touching down in Kadıköy, a neighborhood that has transformed into one of the city’s trendiest locales, brimming with life, creativity, and an…
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