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In talking about the foremost interesting cities to visit in Europe one that is frequently ignored will be the exotic city of Istanbul. Despite the fact that it's the fifth most visited metropolitan area by vacationers in 2012 it may possibly not be on any top-five selection of many Americans. But not just does it have an incredibly rich history, a well-preserved culture that's intriguing and important along with a vibrant social scene which is making it possibly one of the hip places to be. Istanbul has due to its position been among the truly eclectic societies in the world. It had long kept an ideal trading location with East and West along the Silk Road, and also with North-South trade with the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara straddling the straits of Bosphorus. It also has an extended background being a spiritual hub. From the time Constantine managed to make it the capital city within the Eastern Roman Empire in 330 AD until its fall in 1453 was the core of Eastern Christianity. The Ottoman Empire turned Istanbul into an important Muslim city, however it accepted Christians and Jews into the city, continuing a multicultural community which continues to date. When you tour this metro area you will observe how this downtown area has evolved throughout the centuries. I would highly recommend having a guide to take you to some of the little-known locations that makes this place so fascinating. I'd really as well recommend you inform your guide prior to starting you're not interested in purchasing anything, even if you are. You don't need to spend time at the Grand Bazaar negotiating with overzealous sellers. Places you won't want to miss are: 1. The Blue Mosque. One of the biggest tourist draws in Istanbul, it's one of the 2 faces of this place. It is an active religious site, therefore women should dress in headscarves, you've got to be conservatively dressed and you will have to take off your shoes. 2. Hagia Sophia. Constructed by Emperor Justinian while in the 530s, for hundreds of years it had been a Christian place of worship considered among the architectural marvels on earth. It's utterly breathtaking. Finally it was converted to a Mosque with the fall of the city in 1453, and since 1934 have been a secular museum. 3. Topkapi Palace. Initially the palace dwelling of the Ottoman Sultans, it officially turned out to be a museum in 1924. Together with some terrific architecture and artifacts from the days of the Sultans, and if you are really interested there is the Harem Tour. For around $10 you can get into the quarters of the concubines and eunuchs back in the day. 4. Cisterns. I thought one of the great finds of the city is the cisterns, basically old water storage facilities. Ask your guide about them. The largest will be the Basilica Cistern, and even though they have no functionality now they had been an important part of life in Istanbul in past centuries. There are so many great areas in Europe for exploring wines, and especially in Italy and around the Mediterranean. Check out http://bestvacationeurope.com/transportation-in-europe/ for inexpensive and hassle-free ways to get around Europe by train. Jim O'Connell is an avid traveler and writer now living in Chicago.
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