Istanbul, Türkiye’s largest city and its cultural and economic hub, is a dynamic global metropolis where Europe and Asia meet. Strategically located on both sides of the Bosphorus Strait, which connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, Istanbul has served for centuries as a crossroads of civilizations, cultures and international exchange.
Covering an area of approximately 5,500 km² and home to nearly 16 million people, Istanbul is Türkiye’s most populous city and one of the world’s major metropolitan centres. Its unique transcontinental location, combined with its historical legacy and contemporary urban character, gives the city a distinctive identity shaped by both East and West.
Istanbul offers an exceptional combination of cultural heritage and modern city life. Historic landmarks, palaces, mosques, churches, museums and centuries-old bazaars coexist with contemporary art and cultural venues, international festivals, vibrant neighbourhoods, restaurants, shopping districts and an extensive waterfront along the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.
The city is also one of Türkiye’s leading international tourism destinations. In 2025, Istanbul welcomed approximately 19 million foreign visitors, reflecting its strong global appeal and its capacity to host visitors from around the world.
Gastronomy is an integral part of the Istanbul experience. From traditional Turkish and Ottoman cuisine, street food and historic marketplaces to contemporary restaurants and international fine dining, the city offers a remarkably diverse culinary scene. Turkish coffee, Turkish delight, spices and other local flavours form part of this rich cultural experience.
Istanbul is equally renowned for its traditional crafts and shopping culture. The Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar and the city’s many shopping districts offer a wide variety of products, including hand-woven carpets and kilims, ceramics and tiles, textiles, jewellery, spices and traditional handicrafts.
Combining centuries of history with contemporary culture, exceptional gastronomy and the unique landscapes of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, Istanbul offers visitors an unforgettable experience where continents, cultures and centuries come together.
