(Türkçe: İstanbul) Istanbul is one of the busiest, most crowded and bustling places you may ever visit. There is so much to do here and so many attractions that people from all over the world literally flock here. Just a few years ago some of the best locations to stay while in Istanbul was in the Sultanahmet district. You could find very quaint and comfortable accommodations in very authentic surroundings. What just a few years ago cost no more than €20 will now run upwards of €100, for the exact same room with no added value. Tourists also have difficulties in this area with street merchants who are aggressive and pushy. With that in mind when you are looking for an Istanbul hotel, or any place to stay, the best area is the Beyoglu district. hotels in Istanbul, in the Beyoglu district, are managed by people who know how to run hotels and you will get far more value for your money. The price of a Istanbul hotel generally will include breakfast and tax, but some higher-class hotels might charge these as an add-on. Many of the hotels in Istanbul will be more expensive if booked directly, so be sure to take advantage of preferred channels online.
There is no doubt that Istanbul is one of the most amazing cities on the earth. With history layered upon history you will find everything from ancient Roman architecture to designs left over from the Ottoman Empire. The city of Istanbul literally straddles two continents, Asia and Europe and has been the center of empires from Xerxes and the Persians to the Ottomans. With such a rich history it can be difficult to know what to see first. Start with heading over to Harbiye to see a performance of the Ottoman Mehta Band. This band is a remnant of the fierce Ottoman Military and is an impressive display of discipline and musical style. After the band you might want to take a quick cruise up the historic Bosphorus. You must visit the Ortaköy district and sample some of the best dining experiences in Istanbul. With the twinkling lights beneath the Bosphorus Bridge, the neighborhood is exceptionally vibrant and attractive. If you are looking for a wide range of Turkish foods look no further than the streets behind the mosque, or you can select a spot at one of several popular cafes.