City Guide

Karakoy

Grand Sirkeci Hotel, which is located in Sirkeci is at the core of culture, art, and entertainment. Our hotel, only a few minutes’ walk from the historical Tünel (Tunnel) funicular, which provides easy access to the nostalgic tram that runs along the Istiklal Avenue, is 19 km away from the international airport. In addition to these, it offers easy access to ferry piers of Eminönü, Anatolian side, the islands, and daily Bosphorus tours. It is within walking distance from the Istanbul Modern Art Museum, Galata Tower, St. Antoine Catholic Church, Galata Bridge, tramway ve bus station. Beyoğlu district, the Egyptian bazaar, The Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, and the Dolmabahçe Palace are within walking distance from the hotel.

SULTANAHMET MOSQUE (THE BLUE MOSQUE)

Sultanahmet Mosque (The Blue Mosque) was built between 1609 and 1616. The mosque was called “The Blue Mosque” by Europeans since it was decorated with more than 20.000 blue, green, and white Nicean tiles, and as the interior part of its semi-domes and great dome were also decorated with hand-made pen work adornments. When Hagia Sophia mosque was converted to a museum, it became the principal mosque of Istanbul. When considered with its annexes, the Blue Mosque is one of the most prominent building complexes in Istanbul. Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque, the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, and the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı), which are among the most famous masterpieces of Istanbul is there, around the Hippodrome. Also, Topkapı Palace, which is close to Sultanahmet is the residence of Ottoman Sultans, and the administrative and educational center of the Ottoman Empire.

HAGIA SOIPHIA

Besides being one of the most visited museums in the world, Hagia Sophia is one of the most spectacular masterpieces in the history of world architecture. Named as the “the eighth wonder of the world” by Eastern Roman Philon in the 6th century, Hagia Sophia was built three times at the same spot. Hagia Sophia is characterized as the greatest Byzantine church that was built in Istanbul. There is a column which is covered with bronze plates with a hole in its center in the northwest of the building. This column, which is known as the sweating column, the crying column, or column of wishes, is said to have supernatural powers and become wet when touched.

GALATA TOWER

The Galata Tower looks over the Beyoğlu district since 1348. The Galata Tower, which has many legends regarding its construction, was used as a fire watch tower up to the 1960s. The tower, which attracts quite an attention, allows you to watch over the city with a panoramic view from its upstairs restaurant nowadays.

Taksim Square

Taksim Square (Taksim Meydanl), in Beyoglu, is one of Istanbul's most iconic and dynamic places. During the Ottoman period, the site was a collection and distribution point for water coming from the Belgrade Forest. Therefore Taksim means 'division' or 'distribution' in Turkish. The Republican Monument, located in the middle of the square, was erected in 1928. One side depicts the Turkish War Of Independence; the other represents the Republic of Turkey; Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder Of the Turkish Republic, and his comrades in arms have a prominent place on the monument. The area around Taksim is alive at every hour of the day, from dawn to dusk to dawn again. It is full of entertainment venues, residential neighborhoods, cultural centers, and plenty of shopping opportunities in boutiques, shopping centers, and the unique passages (Turkish: pesaj) on the main street. The nostalgic tram which begins in the square and continues down Istiklal Caddesi runs all the way to Tünel (Tunnel); the second oldest metro worldwide, which also gave the area its name. Taksim square end its surroundings are not to be missed.

VODAFONE BESIKTAS PARK STADIUM

Located in front of the Dolmabahçe Palace, Vodafone Park, what was chosen as the best stadium in the world and Turkey’s first Smart Stadium ever, has been designed differently than many other stadiums. The stadium that may host 50.000 visitors creates a spectacular atmosphere for the football matches. Website: www.vodafonearena.com

THE PRINCE ISLANDS

It is said that the islands of Istanbul were named as Prince’s Islands, as they were the exile locations for members of the Royal Byzantine dynasties. Only five out of the nine islands are nowadays used as a living space. Especially Büyük Ada island, Heybeli Ada island, Burgaz Ada island, and Kınalı Ada island. The islands can be visited by taking an enjoyable ferry or boat ride that departs from Kadıköy, Eminönü ve Bostancı. You can have a horse carriage ride to reach the picnic spots, and you can also swim. The islands where in Istanbul hides one of its different aspects offer an alternative experience about the city.

Ortakoy

Ortaköy, which is located on the European side, is a popular area of Istanbul with its colorful market and vibrant atmosphere Ortaköy is also one of the most popular meeting points with its famous night clubs, bars, beautiful cafes, and restaurants on its pier with Bosphorus view.

ISTANBUL LUTFI KIRDAR CONGRESS AND EXHIBITION CENTER (ICEC)

Istanbul Lütfi Kırdar Congress and Exhibition Center operates as a multipurpose show center in Şişli district of Istanbul. It is capable of meeting all kinds of needs and demands with its halls that have varying capacities, its foyer and high technology technical equipments designed for a variety of organizations It’s 2-story Rumeli building can also be used separately or together with the main building with its 7000 m2 total area, foyers that receive the daylight, its separable halls and own entrance. Website: www.icec.org/tr