Istanbul Guide: What to Do, Where to Eat, and Where to Stay

  Here's a definitive travel guide for holidaymakers who wish to find the best Istanbul accommodations, dining options, and attractions.

What to Do

Known as the only city in the world that encompasses both Europe and Asia, the capital of Turkey boasts a slew of historical and cultural sites. Go on a walking tour and discover these places of interest:

• Basilica Cistern - a 6th-century structure that shows the early water system in Istanbul
• Aya Sofya - another 6th-century edifice where you will find the world's "official center"
• Topkapi Palace - a beautiful complex that commands stunning view of the Marmara Sea
• Blue Mosque - one of the few mosques that features 6 minarets or lighthouses
• Istanbul Archeology Museums - has a state-of-the-art facility that chronicles the life of Alexander the Great in vivid 3D
• Chora Church - famous for its walls and ceilings that are adorned with glittering frescoes and mosaics
• Galata Tower - a place where you can enjoy a bird's-eye view of everything around the old city

Where to Eat

Your vacation in Istanbul will not be complete without having a taste of its local cuisines and delicacies. Some of the best dining options in town are:

• 360 Istanbul - this restaurant that stands along the old embassy row is known for modern-fusion cooking; the place has floor-to-ceiling glass windows where you can bask in a stunning view of the city
• Balikci Sabahattin - a seafood restaurant in Sultanahmet where you can relish grilled levrek (sea bass) that is perfect with a glass of raki (Turkey's signature liquor)
• Cipalikapi Balikcisi - a favored diner near the Golden Horn, which serves traditional Turkish dishes with a focus on fish and meze (small dishes that go well with alcoholic drinks)

Where to Stay

EurostarsHotel Istanbul, a premier accommodation in the district of Fatih, offers a great vantage point to the splendors of the city. Its location affords easy access to some of the above-mentioned tourist spots. Apart from a central address, this Istanbul hotel also presents the following perks and privileges:

• Spacious lodgings that cover a floor area of 40 sqm
• Basic amenities, like LCD TV, mini-bar, safety deposit box, private toilet and bath, and free Wi-Fi Internet access
• Spa, Turkish bath, and sauna
• A restaurant that serves scrumptious buffet breakfast and a variety of delectable dishes
• Personalized services (concierge, room service, airport transfer, and 24-hour front desk)

This Istanbulaccommodation also provides 9 types of tours, which include city exploration, cruise, and island visit.