Lets go Istanbul. Istanbul Information, Sights, attractions, hotels and restaurants

ISTANBUL

The only city in the world on two continents,

Welcome to "Let's Go Istanbul"

Istanbul, capital city of three successive empires with over 2,000 years of history and fabulous turquoise blue water fronts, Welcomes you to share this amazing experience on the crossroads of Europe and Asia..

This is a special website designed for travelers who are planning, wishing or dreaming to visit Istanbul for their next journeys. Here, you will find many useful information about Istanbul, that you may need before coming, while you are in Istanbul and when you are leaving Istanbul.

The former capital of three successive empires, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, Istanbul still preserves the legacy of its past while looking forward to a modern future. In Istanbul you can feel Orient on your one side and Europe on the other side or a wonderful mix of different cultures all around you. Enjoy the harmony of cultures, enjoy the harmony of people & enjoy the rhythm of diversities in Istanbul. Historical landmarks of the city are in harmony with the wonderful Turquoise blues of Bosphorus, which creates an unbeaten landscape. Istanbul is the only city in the world where you can enjoy your meal with the landscape of another continent.

New Attractions in Istanbul

ist 2010

Istanbul 2010:
Istanbul has been elected as European Capital of Culture for year 2010. Istanbul the Cultural Capital city of Europe. Throughout history, then, Istanbul has been home to countless societies and cultures. Istanbul retains still its rich cosmopolitan character, sometimes concealing and sometimes revealing the evidence of its unrivalled physical and cultural legacy.

La Rue Francaise:
A small area full of old houses, just near the old pera region. All houses has been restored and now available for an open air road festival. 43 Houses in between two small roads, all are now hosting new cafes, Brasseries, Patisseries, wine houses and restaurants and they all are in French style

Miniaturk:
The mini Turkey park , Located in Sutluce with the mini models of old ottoman architectural works in Turkey. On miniaturk Turkey's rich historical and cultural heritage is being displayed with their maquettes. The park is located over on a 56-hectare area along the coast of the Golden Horn.

Bus Turistik:
Istanbul has a new Bus, available for Tourists, Bus Touristic is designed for a special need that most tourists were looking. Bus touristik with unlimited hip-hop chance through the day, makes a ring around the touristy peninsula and around the historical sites.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Turkey has now new money banknotes: As of 1 January 2009 Turkey has new money banknotes. These new banknotes are due for transisin from the New Turkish Lira ( YTL) to Turkish Lira (TL). The old banknotes will be valid till the year end and during 2009, both the YTL banknotes and TL banknotes will be used. In this respect, you shall not be puzzled to see two different for 5,10, 20, 50 or 100 lira banknotes. Different than the old YTL banknotes, new TL banknotes has 200 TL banknotes, which is roughly 100 Euro. For further details visit the money section or www.tcmb.gov.tr

EVENTS CALENDAR

	FORMULA 1: Istanbul Race Live at Istanbul park circuit : 5 - 7 June 2009 7th race of Formula 1 grand prix will be in Istanbul on 7th of June. Last two year winner Massa will try to make his triple, while Jenson button and Rubens Barichello will force for their first Istanbul win..


TRAVEL ARTICLES
Turkey - Where East meets West
The Great Pyramid of Giza

PRACTICAL INFO

Istanbul is at GMT +2 hour zone.
Turkey has no regulations concerning vaccinations.
Turkey Uses 220 V, 50 Hz electrical system.
GSM (Non-North American) standard mobile cellular telephones functions. 900/1800.
Weekdays are Monday to Friday, Banking hours are from 09:00 to 17:00.
Turkish lira is used in the country, all major currencies can be converted at Banks and Exchange offices. Turkey has a new Lira system. Six zeros has been removed from the old currency.
Official Holidays: Jan 1 - New years day, April23 - Children's day, May19 - Youths day, August30 - Independence day, Oct29 - Republic day.
Religious Holidays: There are also two long Religious Holidays, dates are changing according to Islamic Calendar. Islamic Holidays for 2009 will be as follows from September 19 to 22, and 26 to 30 November.