This 3000 year old melting pot of East and West is the only city in the world to be in both Europe and Asia. The city is the largest in Turkey and has a staggering population of 15 million people. That’s more than 177 countries around the world. Often noted as one of the most important cities in history, the city has seen the rise and fall of many empires including the Roman (330–1204), the Byzantine (1261–1453) and the Ottoman (1453–1922).
Incredible historical remnants, relics and architectural wonders still remain for tourists and locals alike to admire. From the Byzantine Empire stands the ornate Aya Sofya (now Hagia Sophia Museum) ordered by Emperor Justinian and at the time it was an engineering marvel and the world’s largest building. From the Ottoman empire remains the opulent Topkapi Palace filled with beautiful Islamic art, which served as the primary residence and headquarters of the Ottoman sultans. Another jaw dropping architectural wonder from centuries past is the Blue Mosque, Sultan Ahmet I's grand gift to his capital, made iconic for its stunning blue interior. It is little wonder why Istanbul was the European Cultural Capital City in 2010.
Despite this evident rich history, the city is also brimming with modern delights. With the 2000’s came a wave of new modern art galleries including Istanbul Modern, the Garaj, Arter and Santral Istanbul to name a few. With everything from masters to multidisciplinary art, Istanbul is an oasis for art lovers.
For travellers wondering how to spend the night after a stimulating day out filled with cultural treasures, fear not, as the city has a vibrant nightlife. From taking a ride in a rented yacht to one of the many exciting nightclubs by the Bosphorus such as the infamous Reina, to people watching the lively locals from a charismatic street bar, there are so many opportunities for a fun night out.
And what about the food you ask? Well thankfully for your taste buds it's just as diverse as the city’s cultural heritage. Before you take on the night sample some delicious Aisan cuisine, familiar Italian dishes or even some of the fresh off the boat local seafood! Visitors must also be advised to try the world famous döner kebap before leaving Turkey. With all this going for it, it isn’t hard to see why the Travellers' Choice Destinations awards named Istanbul the world’s top destination in 2014. If you happen to know a friend, family or couple visiting the jam packed city of Istanbul, Gifting Owl has got you covered for the perfect present with a wide variety of unforgettable experiences.
Here at Gifting Owl we are declaring war on boring annual gifts. Ditch your fears of buying a boring gift this year with Gifting Owl. No matter what your special giftee is interested in, Gifting Owl has sensational experiences bound to have your giftee boasting to all their friends upon arriving home.
An unforgettable introductory tour of the city Istanbul would have to be the Istanbul Conquered Tour. The tour starts with a visit to the mesmerising ancient site of Hagia Sophia. This masterpiece of Byzantium history will have your giftee’s jaw on the floor. The tour then teaches visitors about the delicate intricacies of the majestic Blue Mosque before listening to colourful stories of sultans at Topkapi Palace!
For the young couple looking for a lively night out on the town the Istanbul Club, Bar & Nightlife Experience is the best way to meet interesting people from all over the world in Istanbul. Included in the experience is a personal guide armed with all the necessary insider knowledge that will introduce them to the best kept secrets and most exciting venues that Istanbul has to offer. To make for an unforgettable (hopefully) night this 5 hour nightlife tour also includes free drinks, free shots and skip the line privileges.
For the avid foodies among us, or history buffs, the Istanbul Food Tour With Historian Guide is the perfect fusion of delicious cuisine and intriguing historical knowledge. Why not have your giftee eat while they learn about the city? This unique and tailor-made culinary tour aims to introduce guests to authentic Turkish cuisine as well as one of Istanbul's most colourful neighbourhoods, Kadikoy. Selected recently as one of the 50 coolest areas in the entire world by Time Out Magazine, your giftee will fall in love with the flavours and sights of Kadikoy.
If your giftee is an avid shopaholic the Istanbul Grand Bazaar Shopping Tour is sure to scratch their itch for some serious retail therapy. With operations beginning in 1461, the Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world and contains 60 streets and almost 5,000 shops. This 30km² shopping oasis attracts 250,000 and 400,000 visitors every day! This affordable tour is led by a local expert guide that will help your giftee navigate the bustling streets of the Bazaar as well as teaching them the art of handling the tricky business of negotiating a fair price.
Gifting Owl has got you covered for unforgettable Istanbul experiences no matter what kind of giftee you are buying for. All Gifting Owl vouchers are fully exchangeable so your gift can't go wrong. Happy gifting!
