The city discovered as you live it, and loved as you discover it.

The capital of empires. The city that ruled continents. The cradle of civilizations. The meeting point of cultures, civilizations, and continents. These are just a few of the thousands of words and definitions that could describe Istanbul. Just as words fall short of describing Istanbul, simply reading what is written or listening to what is told about it will never be enough to truly know it. You only begin to know Istanbul when you wander its history-scented streets step by step, see the heritage of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires—two of the greatest empires in world history—on-site, and discover all its beauties for yourself, with the panoramic views offered by its unique location and the mysteries hidden in every corner. And the more you know it, the more you fall in love.