Istanbul is one of the best places to go for business travel, as shown by the growing amount of money being put into its economy. The city also has a lot of job opportunities for people who work in hospitality because the tourism business is doing so well. Make the most of your time here on work trips by getting out and seeing what the city has to offer. Below, check out some tips on where to go in Istanbul when travelling in the hospitality business.
Climb the Galata Tower
If you’re in Istanbul for work, you should check out some of the city’s best sights, like the Galata Tower. The lookout, which is 67 meters tall, commands the middle of Istanbul. It was built in the Byzantine era and has been fixed up many times since then. The Galata Tower is one of the best things to see in Istanbul because it is one of the major features in the city.
Before 2021, the Galata Tower was closed for a few months so that it could be fixed up. The museum has been updated and now has new and different displays. But most people who come here don’t come to the museum. They instead come here to enjoy the deck on the eighth floor, which has a view of the whole city. From the viewing deck, you can see the Bosporus Strait, the Golden Horn, and other famous sights in Istanbul.
After looking at the views and learning about the museum, go to the restaurant in the tower to eat some tasty food. The restaurant is below the viewing deck, on the floor below. For the Galata Tower to not be too busy, get there early. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Istanbul.
Wander the Spice Bazaar
When you’re in Istanbul, make time to see places like the Spice Bazaar where you can learn more about the food and customs of the area. There are hundreds of stands in the huge market selling different kinds of nuts, spices, herbs, and local treats, such as Turkish sweets. Turkey has a lot of great tours and routes that include stops at local spots and bazaars. These are great for people who want to learn more about the country than just the tourist spots.
The architecture of the spice market is in the shape of an L, and it has many rooms and chambers. In front of each shop is a small dome with an arch. Though not as big as the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar might take an hour or two to look around. There are both big and small shops in the Spice Bazaar that sell things like coffee, nuts, spices, and more.
You can buy some things, but don’t forget to haggle before you pay. The bazaar is one of the most famous places for tourists to visit in Istanbul, so it can get crazy crowded at times. You should book a tour guide so you don’t get lost in the city’s small streets.
Sultanahmet
If you’re looking for a place to base yourself in Istanbul, consider staying in Sultanahmet. It’s a historical area in the city and perfect for a short stay since you’d be able to visit many famous attractions from here. Most of the hotels in Sultanahmet are within walking distance of famous attractions like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, etc.
Sultanahmet District was named after Sultan Ahmet I, who also commissioned the Blue Mosque, one of the attractions in the area. Also called the Old City, the Sultanahmet District has many great hotels that cater to all travellers, including those who come here for business. Since it’s close to the top attractions in the city, staying here means you’ll have plenty to explore during your downtime.
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Once your business dealings are over, you could find yourself walking through the ancient city walls, shopping at the historic bazaars, soaking up the views of Ottoman mosques, enjoying a beer at a rooftop bar, or relaxing in a Turkish bath.
The Hagia Sophia
Istanbul is a great place for business trips because it is one of the most culturally rich places for foreign meetings. If you are here on work and want to experience some culture, you should go to the Aya Sofya or Hagia Sophia mosque. The Hagia Sophia is one of the most interesting holy sites in the world. It was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in 537. Take your time to look around the old building and learn about its interesting past.
The Hagia Sophia used to be a church. It turned into a mosque when the Ottoman Empire took over Istanbul, though. From then on, it was known as “Aya Sofya.” The colorful marble and decorative stone carvings found in other old buildings make the inside of the mosque look very interesting. As you walk into Hagia Sophia, you’ll see a lot of interesting things. The big dome, which is the building’s most noticeable feature, looks beautiful from the inside out.
Inside the Aya Sofya, people can see a unique mix of Christian and Muslim art. On the ground floor, the building is mostly made up of art with Islamic themes. Another thing you will see is the mihrab, a beautiful marble arch that faces Mecca. Keep in mind that the Aya Sofya is a working mosque, so people can only go there when it’s not prayer time.
Cihangir
Another great place to stay in Istanbul is Cihangir, only a short walk from Taksim Square. There are many places to stay in Cihangir, some of which are suitable for long-term stays. This makes it a popular choice for digital nomads and business travelers in Istanbul.
Cihangir is known for many things, including its many places to stay and its old shops and cafes. There are great art galleries and museums in the area. You can also find classic Turkish baths, which are a great way to unwind after a busy day in Istanbul.
It’s great for young travelers and tourists to hang out in Cihangir. The neighborhood still feels like a real place to live, even though it’s full of tourists. People from this area often eat at these places. One great thing about this hotel is that it’s close to public transportation, which makes it easy to get around Istanbul while you’re on work.