But once you’ve visited the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, taking a ferry ride over to the Asian—or Anatolian—side of Istanbul is where you’ll find the more local-leaning attractions.
The best times to visit Istanbul are from March to May and between September and November. That's when crowds at the city's attractions are manageable, room rates are average and daytime ...
Add in a lively events calendar – think Turkish Cuisine Week and modern art festival Contemporary Istanbul– and this is the best place to soak up Turkish cuisine, culture and mingling.
The rooftop bars and restaurants on the European side of Istanbul get a lot of glory, largely because they’re within walking distance of the major tourist attractions like the Hagia Sophia and ...