Lonely Planet İstanbul Guide

Tram on İstiklal Caddesi | BORIS STROUJKO/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

City Geography İstanbul is the world’s only city to straddle two continents, separated by the Sea of Marmara. You’ll spend most of your time on the European side exploring Sultanahmet’s sights and Beyoğlu’s restaurants and bars, but a trip to the city’s Asian side is highly recommended for the scenic ferry ride between the two shores and for the fascinating glimpse into local life that a visit to suburbs such as Kadıköy and Üsküdar imparts. Language The vast majority of people working in İstanbul’s tourist sector speak English. However, it goes almost without saying that locals appreciate visitors making the effort to master a few Turkish phrases.