ENTERTAINMENT
Istanbul never sleeps. The morning starts before dawn with the departure of the fishermen to Istanbul Strait. Then come the fly fishers who go to the Galata Bridge to try their luck in the waters of the Golden Horn. Daylight brings the employees rushing to reach their workplaces on time, reminding visitors that Istanbul is a metropolis. Those who have to across the waters have their preferred breakfast simits (bread rings laced with sesame seeds and dripped in diluted grape molasses before baking) on board and share part of it with the seagulls chasing the boats.
At the end of the day, when the sun starts, the city begins to shimmer. Now the movement is towards the entertainment centres where the whole fatigue of the day is cast away.
Istanbul is a centre of social and culture life. It was declared European Capital of Culture 2010 and every year its historic cultural riches are complemented by exhibitions of world renowned artists. International arts and music festivals bring artists and art lovers together. Istanbul hosts cultural and artistic activities of young generations in 1000 year old venues, deserving its claim to be the Capital of Culture. Some of the open air events and events held in historic venues with superb acoustics are unique experiences not to be missed.
In Beyoglu you can find 24 hour entertainment. There are beer houses where oriental music is performed, cafes and bars, as well as old style drinking dens in the Cicek Pasaji (Flower Passage) and on Asmalimescit Road of Beyoglu , which are the most popular spots.
Nisantasi and Etiler are also renowned as luxurious entertainment venues.
Taksim and the coasts of Istanbul Strait boast prominent entertainment facilities.
On the Anatolian side, the bars in Kadikoy offer a night life that is well worth a visit. There are also seaside cafes and restaurants. If you are looking for more Turkish style entertainment venues, try one of the authentic fishermen’s drinking dens in Kumkapi and Yenikapi.
ACCOMMODATION
Together with Antalya, Istanbul is the most visited city by foreign holidaymakers in Turkey.It is also one of the prime congress centres of Europe, with many modern facilities. It provides accommodation of every type, including luxurious hotels, boutique hotels surrounded by historical buildings and historic hotels.
INTERCITY TRANSPORT
Transport in Istanbul depends greatly on city buses. There are about 500 routes regularly serve by buses. As the Istanbul Strait facilitates sea travel, there are regular boat services. The bus terminals on both sides of Istanbul Strait are connected by ferries crossing from Sirkerci Haydarpasa, Karakoy and Eminonu, which provide a very pleasant mode of transport. Uskudar is connected to Karakoy and Eminonu by ferry and there are regular boat services to the Prince Islands departing from Sirkeci, Kadikoy, Bostanci, Kabatas and Kartal. There are also fast catamaran services to the Prince Islands departing from Sirkeci, Bostanci and Kabatas. Detailed information about these services , schedules and cancellations, can be obtained from the website of Istanbul Sea Buses Corp. (IDO) where you can alsp purchase tickets online .www.ido.com.tr
Underground Metro lines , metrobus connection and taxis are other options for travel in Istanbul.
A nostalgic ride can be enjoyed on board an historical tram at Istiklal Street of Beyoglu. The Tunnel, an underground funicular, designed and built in the late19th century to climb the steep incline between Karakoy on the Halic shore and the hilltop Beyoglu, also provides an enjoyable excursion.
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