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: Saturday, February 11, 2012
Check-out: Monday, February 13, 2012
Room 1: 1 Adult, 0 Children
Tunel Residence
Located in central Istanbul, Tunel Residence is near the beach and within walking distance of Galata Whirling Dervish Hall and Galata Tower. Nearby points of interest also
$6.66 
Stay 2 Nights and Save 15% on Your Stay!
Rating: 
From$98
$83
Avg. per night
Erguvan - Special Class
Located in central Istanbul, Erguvan - Special Class is connected to the airport and within walking distance of Little Hagia Sophia Bath, Hippodrome, and Blue Mosque. $4.70 Stay 2 Nights and Save 20% on Your Stay!
Rating: 
From$73
$59
Avg. per night
Sarnic Hotel Istanbul
Located in central Istanbul, Sarnic Hotel Istanbul is a family-friendly hotel within walking distance of Little Hagia Sophia Bath, Mosaic Museum, and Turkish and Islamic $4.15 Stay 2 Nights and Save 20% on Your Stay!
Rating: 
From$65
$52
Avg. per night
Hotel Saba
Located in central Istanbul, Hotel Saba is near the beach and within walking distance of Little Hagia Sophia Bath, Hippodrome, and Blue Mosque. Additional points of $3.15 Stay 2 Nights and Save 15% on Your Stay!
Rating:
From$46
$39
Avg. per night
Lush Hotel - Special Class
Located in central Istanbul, Lush Hotel - Special Class is within walking distance of Istiklal Avenue and Taksim Square. Nearby points of interest also include Topkapi $6.19 Exclusive Deal - Save 20%
Rating:
From$97
$77
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Aziyade Hotel
Aziyade Hotel is located in Istanbul's Sultanahmet neighborhood, close to Esma Sultan Fountain, Grand Bazaar, and Hippodrome. Nearby points of interest also include Blue $4.09 Stay 2 Nights and Save 20% on Your Stay!
Rating:
From$64
$51
Avg. per night
Hotel Ipek Palas
Located in central Istanbul, Hotel Ipek Palas is within walking distance of Cagaloglu Hamami and Istanbul Archaelogy Museum. Nearby points of interest also include Topkapi $3.97 Winter Special! Stay 2 nights or more Save 40%
Rating:
From$83
$50
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Ottoman Hotel Imperial - Special Class
Ottoman Hotel Imperial - Special Class is a business-friendly hotel located in Istanbul's Sultanahmet neighborhood, close to Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and Topkapi $5.85 Valentine's Day Savings
Rating:
From$104
$73
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Raymond Hotel
Located in central Istanbul, Raymond Hotel is within walking distance of Cagaloglu Hamami and Istanbul Archaelogy Museum. Nearby points of interest also include Basilica $3.82
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$48
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Hotel Mina - Special Class
Hotel Mina - Special Class is a business-friendly hotel located in Istanbul's Sultanahmet neighborhood, close to Turkish and Islamic Art Museum, Beyazit Square, and $4.19 Stay 2 Nights and Save 10% on Your Stay!
Rating:
From$55
$52
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Emirhan Inn Apartment
Located in central Istanbul, Emirhan Inn Apartment is near the beach and within walking distance of Little Hagia Sophia and Hippodrome. Additional points of interest $2.45 Winter Special! Stay 2 nights or more Save 20%
Rating:
From$38
$31
Avg. per night
Rast Hotel
Located in central Istanbul, Rast Hotel is near the beach and within walking distance of Cemberlitas Bath, Hippodrome, and Basilica Cistern. Additional points of interest $5.29
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$66
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Poem Hotel - Special Class
Poem Hotel - Special Class is located in Istanbul's Sultanahmet neighborhood, close to Fountain of Sultan Ahmed III, Hagia Sophia, and Blue Mosque. Nearby points of $3.68 Stay 2 Nights and Save 20% on Your Stay!
Rating:
From$58
$46
Avg. per night
Alaaddin Hotel
Located in central Istanbul, Alaaddin Hotel is within walking distance of Cagaloglu Hamami, Basilica Cistern, and Hagia Sophia. Nearby points of interest also include $3.07
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$38
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Hotel Agan
Located in central Istanbul, Hotel Agan is within walking distance of Cagaloglu Hamami and Istanbul Archaelogy Museum. Nearby points of interest also include Topkapi Palace $2.60
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$32
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The Marmara Pera
The Marmara Pera is located in Istanbul, close to Pera Museum, Galata Tower, and Suleymaniye Mosque. Nearby points of interest also include Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar. $8.94 Stay 2 night and save 5% off your stay!
Rating:
From$118
$112
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The Ambassador Hotel
Located in central Istanbul, The Ambassador Hotel is within walking distance of Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, and Blue Mosque. Nearby points of interest also include $3.47
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$43
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Ayasofya Hotel - Special Class
Located in central Istanbul, Ayasofya Hotel - Special Class is a family-friendly hotel within walking distance of Little Hagia Sophia Bath, Turkish and Islamic Art Museum, $3.09
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$39
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Dara Hotel Istanbul
Located in central Istanbul, Dara Hotel Istanbul is within walking distance of Little Hagia Sophia Bath, Hippodrome, and Blue Mosque. Nearby points of interest also include $2.96 Stay 2 nights or more and SAVE
Rating:
From$46
$37
Avg. per night
Zagreb Hotel
Zagreb Hotel is located in central Istanbul, close to Beyazit Bath, Suleymaniye Mosque, and Grand Bazaar. Nearby points of interest also include Hippodrome and Basilica $3.43
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$43
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
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