Istanbul
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Dec 22 - Dec 28
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Istanbul at a glance
Istanbul sits on the Boshporus Straits, where European and Asian Turkey meet. Once the capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, the city is home to landmarks of astounding beauty such as the Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar.
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Istanbul history
Byzantium
A settlement on Sarayburnu was established around 655 BC. Triangular in shape, with water on two sides, it was a ready-made fortress. To the north, this peninsula later to be named the "Golden Horn" (Haliç in Turkish) formed a natural deep-water harbor. The site offered easy access to the Mediterranean, Africa and the Black Sea, and lay at the crossroads of mainland transit routes crossing Europe and Asia. The small colony's founding was attributed to a sailor by the name of Byzas, hence the name Byzantium.
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Istanbul local information
Province:
Istanbul

Country:
Turkey

Istanbul By The Numbers:
Population: 10,000,000 (though some estimates have it millions higher)

Elevation: 121 feet

Average Annual Rainfall: 25.8 inches

Average Annual Snowfall: 18 inches

Average January Temperature: 0 degrees C

Average July Temperature: 23 degrees C

Quick Facts:
Major Industries: textiles, glass, shoes, motor vehicles, ships, and cement

Ethnic Mix: 90% Turkish, 4% Kurdish, 6% Greek, Armenian, Jewish and other minorities

Electricity: 220 volts, 50 Hz; two or three round prongs

Time Zone: GMT +2

Country Dialing Code: 90

Area Code: Asia 216 / Europe 212

Did You Know?
Istanbul was founded in 660 BC as Byzantium. In 330 AD, it was renamed Constantinople by Constantine the Great, who made it the capital of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire. In 1204, the city was sacked by Crusaders, and two and a half centuries later it was taken by the Turks. Istanbul was chosen as the official name in 1930.

Orientation:
Istanbul is located in the northwest part of the country on both sides of the Bosphorus where the strait enters the Sea of Marmara.
Istanbul weather
Average Temperatures
Fah
Cel
Rainy Days
Average Annual Rainfall:
17.9" / 45.5 cm
Plan Your Istanbul Trip
Top Rated Activities
Hagia Sophia
1,500 year old monument
Galata Tower
Historical landmark not to be missed
Topkapi Palace
The harem of the sultans
Platform Garanti Contemporary Art Center
Serious about art
Hippodrome
Ancient landmark
 
Top Rated Places To Stay
Adonis Palace Hotel
Historic hotel set in Kumkapı
Akmerkez Hotel
Close to shopping
Albion Hotel
Close to Topkapi Palace
Allstar Ambassador Hotel
Unwind with a Turkish bath
Allstar Hotel Villa Suite
Enjoy views across Istanbul
 
Top Rated Restaurants
360 Istanbul
Panoramic destination
Calle (La)
Nutritious bohemian fare
Rumeli Iskele
Fresh seasonal fish with a view
360 Istanbul
Panoramic destination
A La Turka
Popular Turkish fare
 
Top Rated Nightlife
360 Istanbul
Panoramic destination
Andon Bar
Anjelique
One of the top nightclubs of Istanbul
Araf
Popular among international tourists
Arka Bahçe
Oasis of green