Tour Istanbul by Photograph

Take a tour through the only pan-continental city in the world. Straddling both Europe and Asia, Istanbul is Turkey's largest city.

August 25, 2021

By: Tatum Lenberg

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Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is Turkey's largest city, with a population of more than 13 million people. Famous for its rich culture and history, Istanbul straddles the Bosphorus strait, providing the only passage from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean.

Dolmabahce Palace

With an area of 11.1 acres, Dolmabahce is the largest palace in Turkey. It served as the main administrative center under the Ottoman Empire, and was home to six sultans between 1856–1924. The palace contains 46 halls, 285 rooms, 6 baths, and 68 toilets.

Balat

Balat is a colorful and hip neighborhood of Istanbul. With cobblestone streets, painted houses, and modern cafes, the district lies on the European side of the city. Formerly a diverse center for Jewish, Greek, and Armenian communities, Balat is home to the Greek Ecumenical Patriarchate basilica, synagogues, and Byzantine churches. In 1985, Balat was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list as one of the significant historical areas of Istanbul.

Hagia Sophia Mosque

Once a church, later a mosque, now an important monument, Hagia Sophia is a museum at the Turkish Republic. Anthemius of Tralles and Isidorus of Miletus designed this enormous architectural marvel in 537 CE. Hagia Sophia anchors the Old City of Istanbul and has played an important role in Istanbul's history, international politics, and religion.

Bosphorus Strait

The Bosphorus Strait, also known as the Strait of Istanbul, is a natural waterway that forms part of the continental boundary between Europe and Asia. Its shorelines are largely populated by the people of Istanbul, and as a maritime waterway it connects the Black Sea, Sea of Marmara, and by extension the Dardanelles, Aegean, sea of Azov, and the Mediterranean Sea.

Emirgan Park

Emirgan Park is a historical urban park in the Sariyer district of Istanbul. Covering over 117 acres, this park is known for its decorative ponds and more than 120 species of plants. In the 1960s, a tulip garden was planted to revive the city's tradition of tulip growing. Now every April, the park hosts an annual tulip festival where visitors from around the globe come to admire Emirgan's colorful tulip display.

Galata Tower

The Galata Tower is a medieval stone tower that forms an important part of Istanbul's skyline. In 1348, at the time this Romanesque-style tower was built, it was the tallest building in the city.

Today, visitors can take an elevator to the top of the nine-story tower where there is a restaurant and cafe with panoramic views of Istanbul.