One city, two continents
Istanbul stretches across the Bosphorus, with land in Europe and Asia. The historic peninsula sits south of the Golden Horn, while the modern city spreads north and east. That geography has made Istanbul a meeting point for trade, ideas and people for centuries.
The city is Turkey's centre for culture, finance and business. Its historic areas received UNESCO World Heritage status in 1985, and the city served as a capital for successive empires. Today it is a metropolis of more than 15 million people.
What to see
The historic peninsula holds many of the city's best known monuments. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar sit close together, while the Basilica Cistern and the archaeology museum occupy the same quarter. Across the Golden Horn, the Galata Tower offers a view over the whole city.
For a slower day, take a ferry to the Princes Islands, walk along the Bosphorus, or spend an afternoon in the cafes and galleries of Beyoglu. Istanbul's food culture ranges from street food to long dinners, and the city is known for its breakfast.
Getting around
The metro, tram, funicular and ferry network covers most visitor routes. The historic peninsula and Taksim are connected by tram and metro, and ferries link the European and Asian sides. Walking is often the best way to see the older districts, but the hills are steep and the pavements uneven.
The travel guide covers the route from the airport to the congress centre. The social tours page describes the organised tour programme.