Istanbul east meets west: 5 stops on a 62.9 km route
This 62.9 km route traces Istanbul's transcontinental geography, connecting the European and Asian sides through the Bosphorus and Golden Horn Waterway. Visit iconic landmarks in the historic city center, explore the verdant Gezi Park, and experience the distinct character of Istanbul's Asian shore.
- Distance
- 62.9 km
- Duration
- 12 h 35 min
- Mode
- route
- Start
- ISTANBUL
- End
- Asian Side
- Stops
- 5
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- ISTANBUL — Historic city spanning two continents, divided by the Bosphorus with territory in both Europe and Asia.
- Golden Horn Waterway — Historic waterway that has protected Istanbul and is central to its geography.
- Bosphorus — Waterway dividing Istanbul between Europe and Asia, connecting the Black Sea to the Mediterranean.
- Gezi Park — Park targeted by government redevelopment plans, site of student protests in 2013.
- Asian Side — The Asian territory of Istanbul across the Bosphorus.
Useful for your trip
- Food
- Try tripe (işkembe) soup at traditional restaurants - it's a popular traditional Turkish dish known as a hangover cure, served with lamb head and other offal parts.
- Food
- Sample traditional Turkish breakfast (kahvaltı) which includes special fried cheese, meat with spices, and coffee before the café.
- Food
- Try lahmacun - minced meat with parsley, onion and spices on stone oven bread; roll it with parsley and lemon juice.
- Food
- Eat pide - boat-shaped pastry filled with cheese, meats, or minced meat, topped with egg; traditional Turkish dish.
- Food
- Try döner kebab - famous Istanbul street food with juicy, tender meat on skewers with tomato and other toppings.
- Food
- Sample meze - typical small dishes served at local restaurants on the Asian side.
- Tip
- Book tours through GetYourGuide to skip queues at famous monuments; 24/7 customer support and cancellation up to 24 hours before tour.
- Tip
- Visit the Aya Sophia - built in 6th century AD by Byzantine Empire, later converted to mosque by Ottomans; see original Christian mosaics and Arabic calligraphy.
- Tip
- Explore Fener - Greek neighborhood dating back to 7th century BC; historically significant area reflecting multicultural Ottoman heritage.
- Tip
- Visit Kataköy on the Asian side - relaxed neighborhood with many outdoor cafes, bars, and restaurants; young people frequently gather here.
- Tip
- The Bosphorus waterway divides Istanbul between Europe and Asia; Istanbul is the only city in the world with territory on two continents.
Video on this route
ISTANBUL: EAST MEETS WEST (Turkey)