This magical meeting place of East and West has more top-drawer attractions than it has minarets (and that?s a lot). Lonely Planet will get you to the heart of Istanbul, with amazing travel experiences and the best planning advice.

Lonely Planet Istanbul is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Shop in the colourful and chaotic bazaars, visit the majestic Aya Sofya basilica; or take a ferry to the Black Sea; all with your trusted travel companion. 

Inside Lonely Planet Istanbul:

? Full-colour maps and images throughout.
? Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests.
? Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots.
? Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices.
? Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sight-seeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss.
? Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience ? music, tourism, politics, culture, history, architecture, literature, cinema, language, cuisine, culture/etiquette.
? Free, convenient pull-out Istanbul map (included in print version), plus over 35 colour maps.

Covers: Sultanahmet, Bazaar District, Western Districts, Beyoglu, Besiktas, Ortakoy, Kurucesme, Kad?koy and more.