Istanbul in Brief: Its Story, Its People and the Districts Worth Knowing
Istanbul is a city of about 15.7 million people split by the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia. It was Byzantion, then Constantinople, capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, and it is still Türkiye's largest city and business centre. Most visitors stay in the Old City (Sultanahmet), around Taksim and Galata, or on the Asian side in Kadıköy.
A city with three names
Greek settlers founded Byzantion on the tip of the historic peninsula in the 7th century BC. In 330 the Roman emperor Constantine made it his new capital, Constantinople, and for more than a thousand years it was the heart of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire. In 1453 Sultan Mehmed II took the city and it became the Ottoman capital until the empire ended. When the Republic of Türkiye was founded in 1923 the capital moved to Ankara, but Istanbul stayed the country's largest city and its centre of trade, culture and tourism.
Two continents, one city
The Bosphorus strait, about 30 km long, runs between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara and divides the city into a European side and an Asian (Anatolian) side. The Golden Horn, an inlet on the European side, separates the Old City from Galata and Beyoğlu. Three bridges, the Marmaray rail tunnel, the Eurasia road tunnel and dozens of ferry lines connect the two sides; many locals cross the water every day to get to work.
The people and the shopkeepers
Istanbul is a city of people who came from everywhere: from every region of Türkiye, from the Balkans, the Caucasus and the Middle East. Neighbourhood life still runs on the esnaf, the local shopkeepers: the grocer, the baker, the tea house, the tailor who has been on the same corner for decades. Shopkeepers will often offer you a glass of tea while you look around, and a short chat is part of buying something. Hospitality is a point of pride: if you ask for directions, people will often walk you there.
Districts worth knowing
- Sultanahmet and Fatih (Old City): Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, the Grand Bazaar. Busy by day, quiet at night.
- Beyoğlu, Galata and Karaköy: İstiklal Avenue, the Galata Tower, galleries, cafés and the Galataport cruise terminal on the waterfront.
- Beşiktaş and Ortaköy: Dolmabahçe Palace, a lively student and football district, and the Ortaköy mosque by the first Bosphorus bridge.
- Nişantaşı and Şişli: fashion boutiques, restaurants and business hotels.
- Balat and Fener: colourful old houses, churches and synagogues on the Golden Horn.
- Kadıköy and Moda (Asian side): the food market, bars, the seaside walk at Moda and a relaxed local feel.
- Üsküdar: old mosques, the Maiden's Tower offshore and one of the best sunset views of the European skyline.
- Sarıyer and the Bosphorus villages: Bebek, Arnavutköy, Emirgan and Rumeli Hisarı, with fish restaurants and waterfront mansions.
Where to stay
For a first visit, the Old City puts the main sights within walking distance, while Galata and Karaköy are better for evenings out and easy ferry access. Kadıköy suits travellers who want local life and lower prices. Whichever you choose, we drive you there from IST or SAW at a fixed price per car.
Frequently asked questions
Is Istanbul in Europe or Asia?
Both. The Bosphorus strait divides the city into a European side and an Asian side, connected by bridges, tunnels and ferries.
Is Istanbul the capital of Türkiye?
No. The capital has been Ankara since 1923. Istanbul is the largest city and the country's economic and cultural centre.
Which district is best for a first visit?
Sultanahmet (the Old City) for the main sights within walking distance, or Galata and Karaköy for restaurants, nightlife and ferries.