Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul

Straddling two continents, Istanbul is where East meets West in a swirl of Byzantine mosaics, Ottoman domes, and modern Turkish energy. The only city in the world spanning Europe and Asia, Istanbul has served as capital to Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires, leaving layers of history visible at every turn. The call to prayer echoes across the Bosphorus as ferries shuttle between continents, while the Grand Bazaar continues centuries of commerce beneath vaulted ceilings. From the Hagia Sophia's architectural marvel to the aromatic spice markets, from rooftop terraces overlooking minarets to underground cisterns, Istanbul offers an intensity and beauty that overwhelm the senses.