Istanbul by private jet

It is the East that ignites the West. Istanbul sometimes recalls that it was Byzantium of the Greeks, Constantinople of the Eastern Roman Empire, and the capital of the Ottoman sultans. And always, THE city par excellence: more than a thousand years ago, the Chinese already called it the “city of cities.” Today you can contemplate traces of these influences by exploring the city’s different mahalles (neighborhoods). You’ll understand why visitors often say Istanbul is not just one city, but several cities in one…

A stage of history, Istanbul is also a true street theater where the archaic intimately meets the modern. Built on seven hills, the city is a cosmopolitan bustle, a fantastic tangle of alleyways. People live in a neighborhood, near a mosque—not just on a street… Istanbul is full of treasures to explore!

For millennia, the Bosphorus has played a strategic and commercial role—a crossing point and communication route separating one city and country, two seas, and two continents. This tongue of sea, about thirty kilometers long, links the Black Sea in the north to the Sea of Marmara in the south, and is also the palimpsest of a rich and tumultuous history. Along its shores, nestled in its wooded hillsides, are sultans’ palaces, hunting pavilions, and yalı where Istanbul’s wealthy families seek gentleness and tranquility. A trip to Istanbul is not complete without a Bosphorus cruise. It not only offers a wonderful overview of the city, but the European and Asian banks of the famous strait have much to offer: numerous former palaces and mansions can be found there, as well as the Maiden’s Tower. In summer, the sunset cruise is especially popular.

For a breathtaking experience, head to the Basilica Cistern (the “Sunken Palace,” as the Turks nicknamed it). It is one of Sultanahmet’s most unusual monuments and well worth a visit. This impressive Byzantine cistern—140 m long, 70 m wide, and 8 m high—was supplied with water from the Valens Aqueduct. Built by Constantine and restored by Justinian in 542 with the labor of 7,000 slaves, it stood beneath the courtyard of a civil basilica and was thus called the Basilica Cistern. With its dim lighting and classical music added to the background sound of dripping water, this spectacular underground reservoir is considered by some to be the most romantic place in Istanbul.

Fancy a higher vantage point? That’s exactly what the Galata Tower offers! From its rooftop, you’ll enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the city! In good weather, you might even catch sight of the Princes’ Islands. Afterwards, wander the adjacent streets, which are a delight to stroll through.

By night, Istanbul takes on an infinitely gentle beauty. Its hills are draped in black velvet, its thousands of lights become rivers of diamonds. And everywhere in the sky, enormous domes and minarets like candelabras. Be sure to visit the Egyptian Bazaar, built in 1660 and once part of the New Mosque complex. It’s excellent for shopping, as over the years some grocers have given way to jewelers and other merchants.

If you come to Istanbul, it will be hard not to notice the city’s many palaces. All are worth a visit, but there is one you must not miss under any circumstances: Topkapi Palace. This palace was the residence of the sultans for four centuries after the conquest of Constantinople. Architecturally, what is called a palace is in fact a complex of pavilions, all built around four verdant courtyards. It extends over 70 hectares and four inner courtyards, laid out by successive rulers with gardens, kiosks, and fountains. The grand Dolmabahçe Palace is also worth a detour. Less well known than Topkapi, it is no less sumptuous and represents the final decades of the Ottoman Empire. By the sea, it offers an exceptional setting with impressive opulence.

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