Rick Steves Thinks This Historic Destination Is One Of The World's Greatest Cities By Far

Great cities offer more than just sheer size; they bridge cultural divides while supporting centuries of human expression and history. While New York, Toronto, and London are global melting pots today, few places in the world combine cosmopolitan diversity with thousands of years of history, and even fewer sit between two continents like Istanbul, Turkey's largest metropolis. Istanbul is a cosmopolitan traveler's dream, and according to travel guru Rick Steves, it's "one of the world's great cities, period." On his website, he writes, "For millennia, it's been at the crossroads of civilizations, where Europe meets Asia. Few places on earth have seen more history than this sprawling metropolis on the Bosphorus." With tasty food, lively bazaars, and modern transportation infrastructure, Istanbul is easy to reach and explore even for non-Turkish speakers. 

Istanbul, formerly Constantinople, rose to prominence under Emperor Constantine the Great as the seat of the Eastern Roman Empire, which lasted until 1453. Constantinople then became the seat of power for the Ottoman Empire for over four and a half centuries, and, over time, was colloquially called "Istanpolin," meaning "to the city" in Turkish. After the Ottoman Empire collapsed, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk officially renamed the city "Istanbul" to build a national Turkish identity in 1930. While Istanbul is a Muslim-majority city, it is largely tolerant and respectful, and, per Steves, "offers a good opportunity to better understand Islam" by visiting its mosques.

While no U.S. airline currently flies to Istanbul, Turkish Airlines has flights from across the United States and Canada to Istanbul Airport and serves the three airports in the U.S. with the most non-stop flights. In recent years, travel to Turkey has become more streamlined. Americans, Canadians, and most European passport holders do not need a tourist visa if staying under 90 days. Once you arrive, hop on the country's fastest metro for easy access into the city. 

Whether you're strolling through the Grand Bazaar or are taking in the beautiful sights from a ferry, you'll likely note the historic and cultural mixes that lock in your senses and, as Rick Steves notes, pull from both sides of the Bosphorus. Few places in the city have as rich a history as Sultanahmet, the former heart of Constantinople. Within a single square mile, you'll find remnants of a Roman hippodrome, the city's iconic Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, some of Turkey's most popular tourist attractions.  If you plan to visit these sights and take in Istanbul's incredible views, keep in mind that both men and women should dress conservatively when visiting the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, and also note that both are active houses of worship. 

Istanbul is a city for the history books; however, it's not only for historians. From Sultanahmet, take a stroll to the waterfront along Istanbul's legendary Golden Horn, where you'll likely spot the historic Galata Tower. Hop on the tram or take a stunning walk across the Galata Bridge, where you may pass fishermen as you cross to Karaköy, the city's traditional commercial district beneath the Galata Tower. As the area is becoming more touristy, follow Steves' advice to eat like a local when you're looking for a meal.

Though it is a bit of a tourist trap, another popular attraction for history buffs in Istanbul is Taksim Square. Note, however, that the area around Taksim is infamous for petty crime, so be on the lookout for locals trying to "accidentally" bump you or buy you a drink. Keep Steves' tips to outsmart would-be pickpockets in mind when exploring. 

You can truly get a feel for the rhythm of Istanbul by taking a short cruise across the Bosphorus to a more traditionally Turkish part of Istanbul in Asia. On your ride, you'll not only get incredible views of two continents and some of Istanbul's most historic landmarks, but also, per Rick Steves, genuine insight into the lives of 1 million locals who commute across the continents daily. Two recommended areas to visit are Kadiköy, a trendy and largely local district full of small restaurants and galleries, and Üsküdar, a more historic and traditional part of town with Ottoman architecture and traditional fish markets. In either place, don't miss trying balık ekmek – which Steves calls a "fishwich" in an article on his website – normally caught fresh. From the author's personal experience and the advice of locals, there are fewer English speakers in this part of the city. If you decide to visit, follow Steves' advice to learn crucial European gestures (be very careful of the "OK" sign when in Turkey), or go a step further and learn a few simple phrases in Turkish to grease those communication gears. 

For accommodation, you'll have two distinct choices by staying in either Europe or Asia. First-time visitors will likely want to stay on the European side around Sultanahmet, within walking distance of the city's major sights and a tram line. Hotels in Kadiköy or Üsküdar are generally easier on your wallet, though you will have to pay with time by taking the metro or a ferry back and forth to major tourist areas.