Why visit Istanbul?
For starters, no other city in Turkey has a higher concentration of main tourist attractions. Just in the central Sultanahmet neighborhood alone, you have the Hagia Sophia Mosque, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern (scroll down for more details). At the same time, the splendors of the Topkapı Palace and the floral beauty of Gulhane Park are a short stroll away.
As with most cosmopolitan places worldwide, Istanbul is a hub for good food, whether you want a glam, fine dining experience or a kebab from a local street stall.
The same principle extends to shopping: if you want a touristy memento, you’ll find plenty of places in the Grand Bazaar willing to sell you pottery, clothing, or a magnet, but there are also huge malls that offer a more contemporary look at Turkish fashion.
A Rich History
From the Byzantines to the Ottomans, Istanbul is bursting with reminders of the city’s storied past, both as the last bastion of the Roman Empire and as the capital of the last great caliphate.
Great Public Transport
While not all forms of transport in this unique city are easy to navigate as a tourist, the metro and the tram are both very self-explanatory and make it easy to get to all the popular tourist areas of town that a visitor might wish to see.
Private transportation
Uber is still not seen as official transportation system due some regulations but there are local equivalents such as BiTaksi, if you find yourself wanting a bit of private transportation. Widely used transportation is still public ones and taxis.
Affordable
Turkey, in general, is not expensive compared to European cities. Of course, everything costs more in Istanbul because it’s such a tourist hotspot and a desirable place to live, but it’s still affordable in the grand scheme of things.
Cuisine
There’s rarely a time when you can’t get a delicious meal in Istanbul; the streets of Istanbul have so many corner food stalls, restaurants, taverns, and cafes vending all kinds of local specialties and Turkish coffee to keep you awake throughout the night.
Nightlife
Speaking of the night, Istanbul has the best selection of clubs and bars in Turkey. The country’s most populous metropolis has a more liberal outlook than many other areas, making for a buzzier party scene.
Good Weather
Istanbul may not have summer weather that’s as perfect as the southern coastal cities of Bodrum or Antalya, but it’s still nice and warm from April to October.
Crowded
One of the main reasons not to visit Istanbul is the swarm of locals and visitors. Admittedly, what big city isn’t full of people? But for those looking for a quiet getaway to relax and refresh, this isn’t the place for you.
Congestion
Linked to the sheer volume of people is the congestion. Traffic can be absolutely horrendous during peak times when public transportation also becomes stiflingly packed.
Language Barrier
Turkey is not one of those countries where everyone speaks English. Of course, this being Istanbul, there is a higher proportion of English speakers than elsewhere in the country, but be prepared to muddle along with hand gestures at local stalls.
Taxi
Sometimes some taxi drivers might fiddle with the meter to give incorrect payment info. It is always better to know the distance to your destination , make an approximate calculation and speak with driver or make bargain upfront so you don’t find yourself in an unnecessary more payment situation.
In addition since it is very crowded city it might take long time to find an empty taxi in istanbul too.
Pickpocketing
Istanbul is seen as safe place, millions of tourists visit every year. however, just like in all countries, it would be best if you still be cautious and not to be away from your purse , phone or wallet especially in crowded popular visiting places.
**Last Note **
This article has been shared for general information. Some costs which have been mentioned in external links might be different due time difference and inflation.
To all great cats that are planning to come to Catstanbul i wish the greatest pleasure with their visits 
I usually use UBER when using taxi in Istanbul btw!
