Istanbul guide

Shops in the Grand Bazaar

East meets west, ancient meets modern, water meets land: Istanbul is one of the most unique cities on the Formula One calendar. The domes and minarets of the old town ooze history, taking the discerning traveller back to the days of the Ottoman Empire and Constantinople. Modern Istanbul, meanwhile, is a diverse and 'good-time' city. On the European side of the Bosphorus Strait there are bars, clubs and all the western shops you’d expect to see in London or New York. On the Asian side there are markets and more indigenous enterprises - and it is here that the Istanbul Park circuit is located.

All of Istanbul has something to offer the curious traveller, though the main tourist attractions are in the old town. To name just a few of the must-see sights: the Grand Bazaar (a shopper’s paradise since the 15th century), the Suleymaniye Mosque and the Cagaloglu Hamam (the oldest Turkish baths in Istanbul), which are in the Sultanahmet district of the city.

As for eating, an authentic Turkish kebab is not to be missed. It is arguably the oldest fast food of all and is available on nearly every street corner. For exciting nightlife, head to the Beyoglu district or Taksim Square. Between them there is every kind of club you could wish for, including several belly dancing stages and jazz bars.

When it comes to accommodation, Istanbul caters for visitors on all budgets equally well. Most of the renowned hotel chains are situated in a cluster on the European side of the Bosphorus. There are two main areas to stay: the Sultan Ahmet Camii and the Blue Mosque.

View over the Bosphorus

If you have time for an extended stay and want to venture outside of Istanbul, why not pay a visit to the Mediterranean coastline, which boasts spectacular scenery and fabulous weather. The Aegean coast is also nearby. Once part of Asia Minor, it is littered with sights of historic interest, including the famous ruins of Troy.