At the divide of two continents, this is an imperial city that has undergone its fair share of changes throughout the centuries. And any visit to Istanbul Turkey will make this immediately apparent, as the powerful domain formerly known as Byzantium and Constantinople is a surging convergence of cultures, histories and the pungent aromas of spice. But it’s also an upbeat berg with modern edge, driven by a young crowd that wants to mix, mingle and get to know at least a few of the 12,6 million that call this city home. And still today around the world famous port called the Golden Horn, Istanbul’s business world operates much like it did over a thousand years ago. Ready? Get cheap flight tickets to Istanbul with airBalticTravel.com and embark on a voyage into a most energetic and buoyant city.
Languages
The national language of Turkey and of Istanbul is Turkish – the same Turkish of the Ottomans. Such an enormous city like Istanbul though means there a plenty of other languages on the street. Get ready to hear Arabic and Armenian, Greek and Russian – but don’t expect to hear much English outside of the tourist areas and hotels. Once you’ve booked your cheap tickets to Istanbul, be sure to pick up a few phrases to get by with the locals and win a few friends too!
See and Do
You’ll be amazed at the look of Istanbul, before you even land. It seems that every religion is well-represented by the spires and the towers, the minarets and domed mosques. And from that cheap hotel in Istanbul you found at airBalticTravel.com, you’ll want to immediately get out and see the sights. Without a doubt one of Istanbul’s greatest wonders, the Hagia Sophia held the record for the largest building in the world – for a thousand years! Do see the Greek-built Maiden’s Tower overlooking the harbour and the Archaeology Museum with more than one million artefacts. Rent a car in Istanbul and cruise throughout the city, taking yourself down to a Turkish Bath or just outside the Grand Bazaar – but be sure to bring your bargaining skills here. Then, after nightfall, there are plenty of hot new clubs and trendy bars when you’re ready to join in for an evening’s entertainment (or all night long, for that matter), and the local population is well-prepared to direct the show.
