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Daphne Pera Taksim Aparts is located in a calm street right in the historic centre of Istanbul, close to many attractions:
from museums to monuments to delicious food and the Istanbul nightlife. We are only 50 meters away from Taksim Square, making it easier to access public transport, pharmacies, hospitals, restaurants and shops. You take the comforts and cosiness of your house to the Taksim neighbourhood, the heart of Historical Istanbul. Dream of taking a rest in the comfortable and elegantly decorated apartment and cooking some meals in the modern kitchens in one of the aparts.
Why you should visit Istanbul;
Istanbul has it all: over 2500 years of history, culture, and traditions, amazing landmarks, vibrant nightlife, and breathtaking views. This transcontinental metropolis is a fast-paced cultural melting pot you can’t afford to miss. Here are the main reasons why you should plan a trip to Istanbul right now.
Istanbul – the City of Four Empires
Rome and Istanbul are both over two-and-a-half millennia old, but for the majority of the time, Istanbul was larger, more influential, and wealthier than Rome.
Istanbul has been the capital of four empires: the Roman Empire (330-395), the Byzantine Empire (395-1204), the Latin Empire (1204-1261), and the Byzantine Empire (1261-1453) and the Ottoman Empire (1453-1922). Istanbul’s history is very rich, and the remains of each of these empires can still be witnessed.
Istanbul – the City of Contrasts
As the cliché goes, Istanbul is where the east meets the west or vice versa. This unique location combined with its history and occupants of different cultural backgrounds makes this city a true melting pot.
In Istanbul, century-old buildings stand near modern skyscrapers. In the same area mosques, churches and synagogues call for devoted inhabitants. Liberal and conservative Muslims peacefully live side by side, together with people from a dozen other religions or beliefs. However, they all have one thing in common: the world-famous Turkish hospitality.
An Armenian church and a mosque in its garden. They share the same grounds; sweparated by a wall only but separated by religion. On the left hand side, out of the picture, there is also a Jewish temple
Istanbul – the City of Amazing Landmarks
Despite the city’s age, thankfully many remains of Istanbul’s opulent past remained intact. The cultural heritage of the metropolis is impressive.
Who hasn’t heard of landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Dolmabahçe Palace, Grand Bazaar, and the Spice Bazaar?
And then there are the lesser-known, but no less beautiful, spots such as Süleymaniye Mosque, Basilica Cistern, the Galata Tower, as well as numerous churches from the Byzantine era.
Istanbul – the Perfect Mix of Eastern and Western Food
The century-old mix of cultures also had a huge impact on the food scene. In Istanbul, you can enjoy different cuisines, varying from authentic Ottoman food, over typical Turkish food with its delicious mezes and meat or fish dishes, to the modern kitchen of the West. If you still have some appetite left, by all means, try one of the many Turkish desserts. But please, don’t ask me for directions to the closest McDonalds … live a little!
Did you say drinks? Sure, you can go for rakı, the national anise drink, choose one of the great quality Turkish wines or enjoy an array of fresh juices.
Istanbul – the City with Vibrant Nightlife
Thanks to Istanbul’s unique geographical location many of the top nightlife venues are located by the Bosphorus or on a rooftop offering a view of the magnificent skyline. The nightlife is vibrant, with an abundance of choices to satisfy everybody’s taste.
If partying through the night is not your thing and you prefer to relax on a cafe terrace, then you have plenty of options for that too.
Istanbul – the City of Serious Shopping
Shops galore in Istanbul. You can go luxurious and mainstream by a visit to one of the many modern shopping centres spread all over the city. Or you can hunt for authentic, handmade items by local designers and craftsmen in less touristic parts of town.
If you like to bargain, then the Grand Bazaar is of course shopping heaven on Earth. Also, don’t forget to stock up on exotic spices, olives or the great selection of nuts available.
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul (Kapali Carsi in Turkish) is a historic market built in 1460. Grand Bazaar shopping is still among top things to do in the city. It started off with two warehouses with textiles and developed to one of the largest (now the oldest too) covered markets in the world.
Considered among the oldest towers in the world and one of the symbols of Istanbul, Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List in 2013. Galata Tower, one of the most important structures that make up the silhouette of Istanbul, was used as a long-term fire watchtower and was named Galata Fire Tower.
Istanbul – the City with Breathtaking Views
There is no shortage of breathtaking views from the city. One of my favourites is the city’s silhouette seen from a boat on the Bosphorus during sunset. In second place comes the view from the bridges, unfortunately, you need a ride to experience that. For a 360 panoramic view of Istanbul, you can visit the Galata Tower or one of the many rooftop bars.