Istanbul, Turkey
From Byzantium, to Constantinople, Istanbul is a city that has lived through the rise and fall of many of modern history's most pivotal civilisations. Today the largest city proper in Europe, the fourth largest city proper in the world. Having been at the centre of more than a few ancient empires, it is no surprise that several areas of Istanbul were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985.
A traditional marketplace, Istanbul has always thrived as a commercial centre, and even today generates 55% of Turkey's trade and 21.2% of its Gross National Product, thus making it an important financial centre, both for the country and the region at large. Forbes magazine reports that as of March 2008, the city is home to 35 billionaires, ranking it 4th in the world behind only Moscow, New York and London. A strong industrial city, Istanbul also employs around 20% of the country's industrial labour, and this, if anything, strengthens its position as a financial hub.
Of course, the city's economy also revolves heavily around tourism. With plenty of Ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman architecture to see, it is easy to see why visitors from all over the world flock to this historic location every year. From Leander's Tower, to the Column of Constantine, the city boasts of a cross-section of architecture from multiple civilizations, and is therefore an attractive vacation spot for history buffs and cultural tourists.
Of course, a visit to a city with such a rich commercial history would not be complete without a sampling of its legendary bazaars. From the Grand Bazaar to the Mahmutpaşa Bazaar and the Egyptian Bazaar, the city has several ancient marketplaces that sell a massive variety of goods. Of course, if choice beverage is more your thing, be sure to stop by İstiklal Avenue in Beyoğlu to sample some of the city's most historic wine houses.
One of Europe's cornerstones, Istanbul has stood the test of time to emerge as crossroads at which the ancient and the contemporary meet. Whether you're visiting for business, or pleasure, the city will no doubt greet you with the trademark hospitality it has shown travellers for centuries.
Show me this city's main attractions
Your 2 night stay in Istanbul, TR
Check-in: Friday, September 17, 2010
Check-out: Sunday, September 19, 2010
Room 1: 1 Adult, 0 Children
Dedeman Istanbul
This city-center hotel is located in Istanbul, close to Ali Sami Yen Stadium and Kanyon Mall. Also nearby are
$15.17 
Rating: 
From
$190
Avg. per night
Konak Hotel Istanbul
This city-center hotel is located in Istanbul, close to Taksim Square, Ataturk Cultural Center, and $23.94
Rating: 
From
$299
Avg. per night
Barcelo Eresin Topkapi
In Istanbul's Fatih neighborhood, this hotel is close to Constantinople Walls, Chora Church, $21.38 Stay 2 Nights and Save 10% on Your Stay!
Rating:
From$297
$267
Avg. per night
The Marmara Taksim
Location. This modern hotel stands high on a hill in Taksim Square, on the European side of Istanbul. The Spice Bazaar, Topkapi Palace, $21.47
Rating:
From
$268
Avg. per night
Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul
This city-center property is located in Istanbul, close to Dolmabahce Palace, BJK Inonu Stadium, and $25.65
Rating:
From
$321
Avg. per night
Conrad Istanbul
Situated in the Besiktas neighborhood, in the heart of Istanbul, this family-friendly luxury hotel is close to Yildiz $26.16
Rating:
From
$327
Avg. per night
Atakoy Marina Hotel Istanbul
This city-center hotel is located in the heart of Istanbul. CNR Expo Center, Blue Mosque, and Hagia $31.12
Rating:
From
$389
Avg. per night
Renaissance Polat Istanbul Hotel
This Istanbul hotel is conveniently close to the airport, near CNR Expo Center. Features. $14.77
Rating:
From
$185
Avg. per night
Grand Hyatt Istanbul
This luxury hotel is located in Istanbul, close to Istanbul Technical University, Ataturk Cultural Center, and $34.89
Rating:
From
$436
Avg. per night
Sheraton Istanbul Atakoy Hotel
This Istanbul hotel is situated near the beach. Area attractions include CNR Expo Center and Suleymaniye Mosque. $24.62
Rating:
From
$308
Avg. per night
Alzer Hotel
Conveniently situated near the airport in the Sultanahmet neighborhood of Istanbul, this business-friendly hotel is close to $17.86
Rating:
From
$223
Avg. per night
Seres Hotel
In Istanbul's Sirkeci neighborhood, this hotel is close to Istanbul Archaelogy Museum, Topkapi $6.29
Rating:
From
$79
Avg. per night
Hotel Yasmak Sultan
In Istanbul's Sirkeci neighborhood, this hotel is close to Istanbul Archaelogy Museum, Spice $7.99 Sale! Save 15% on this Stay.
Rating:
From$118
$100
Avg. per night
Best Western Eresin Taxim Hotel
This Istanbul hotel is close to Taksim Square, Istiklal Avenue, and Ataturk Cultural Center. $28.50
Rating:
From
$356
Avg. per night
Hotel Spectra
Situated in the Sultanahmet neighborhood, in the heart of Istanbul, this hotel is close to Hippodrome, $8.93
Rating:
From
$112
Avg. per night
Madison Hotel
This Istanbul property is close to Taksim Square, Ataturk Cultural Center, and Istiklal Avenue. $10.72
Rating:
From
$134
Avg. per night
Black Bird Hotel
In Istanbul's Grand Bazaar - Beyazit neighborhood, this spa hotel is close to Valens Aqueduct and Column $6.37
Rating:
From
$80
Avg. per night
Airport Gunes Hotel
This Istanbul hotel is conveniently situated near the airport. Abdi Ipekci Arena, Blue Mosque, and Hagia $6.18
Rating:
From
$77
Avg. per night
Sunlight Hotel
In Istanbul's Sultanahmet neighborhood, this hotel is close to Column of Constantine, Turkish and $13.68
Rating:
From
$171
Avg. per night
Best Western The President Hotel
Situated in the Grand Bazaar - Beyazit neighborhood, in the heart of Istanbul, this business-friendly property is close to $34.11
Rating:
From
$426
Avg. per night
Key Attractions
- Abdi Ipekci Arena
Abdi İpekçi Arena, formerly known as Abdi İpekçi Sports Complex, is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in the Zeytinburnu district of İstanbul, Turkey, situated just outside of the ancient city walls in Yedikule.
- Ali Sami Yen Stadium
Ali Sami Yen Stadı is the home of the football club Galatasaray SK in Istanbul, Turkey. It is named after the founder of the club, Ali Sami Yen. The stadium has a capacity of 23,785 (all-seater) and is situated in the Mecidiyeköy quarter of the Şişli district, at the center of the European side of the city.
- Ataturk Airport
Atatürk International Airport is the major international airport in Istanbul, Turkey. Located in Yeşilköy, on the European side of the city, it is 15 km (9 mi) southwest of the city centre.
More Attractions from Istanbul, Turkey
- Ataturk Cultural Center
- Ataturk Stadium
- Beyazit Mosque
- Beyazit Tower
- Beylerbeyi Palace
- BJK Inonu Stadium
- Blue Mosque
- Boganzici University
- Bosphurus Bridge
- Chora Church
- Cicek Pasaji
- Column of Constantine
- Constantinople Walls
- Dolmabahce Palace
- Fatih Mosque
- Fatih Mosque
- Fatih Sultan Bridge
- Galata Bridge
- Galata Tower
- Grand Bazaar
- Gulhane Park
- Hagia Sophia
- Istanbul Archaelogy Museum
- Istanbul Modern Art Museum
- Istanbul Technical University
- Istanbul University
- Istiklal Avenue
- Kanyon Mall
- Little Hagia Sophia
- Maiden's Tower
- Mosaic Museum
- Orient Express Railway Station
- Ortakoy Mosque
- Palace of the Porphyrogenitus
- Pera Museum
- Rumeli Hisari
- Sadberk Hanim Museum
- Sakip Sabanci Museum
- Serpentine Column
- Spice Bazaar
- St. Antoine Cathedral
- Sukru Saracoglu Stadium
- Suleymaniye Mosque
- Topkapi Palace
- Turkish and Islamic Art Museum
- Valens Aqueduct
- Yildiz Palace
- Zeyrek Mosque
Find cheap hotels from Istanbul | Find discount hotels from Istanbul
