Istanbul commented by foreigners

Third suspension bridge on Bosphorus

On 26th of August 2016 Turkey opened one of the world's biggest suspension bridges. It's the widest suspension beidge in the world with 8 lanes for motor vehicles plus 2 lanes for high speed trains. It also has the world's highest pillars in a suspension bridge, around 322 meters (1,056 feet) high. The name of the bridge is Yavuz Sultan Selim bridge, named after one of the Ottoman sultans who ruled in the 16th century. 

The third bridge creates a new link across the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, which divides Asia and Europe. It was built by private construction companies and costed around 3 billion US dollars.

Istanbul: Best Destination in 2016

According to Trip Advisor's millions of users, Istanbul is the best destination in the world in 2016, after London. 

The mosques, bazaars, and Turkish baths of Istanbul could keep you happily occupied for your entire trip: an eyeful of breathtaking architecture here, a good-natured haggle over a carpet there. Kick your trip off at the awe-inspiring Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), which is visible from many points of the city. Stroll the Galata Bridge and stop by the Miniaturk Park to see its tiny artifacts. The Grand Bazaar has thousands of shops to browse, while the Egyptian Bazaar is a fragrant trove of spices and fruits.

2016 Travelers Choice by Trip Advisor, Best Destinations in the World: 

1- London, United Kingdom 

2- Istanbul, Turkey 

3- Marrakech, Marocco 

4- Paris, France

5- Siem Reap, Cambodia

6- Prague, Czech Republic

7- Rome, Italy 

8- Hanoi, Vietnam 

9- New York, U.S.A 

10- Ubud, Indonesia

11- Barcelona, Spain

12- Lisbon, Portugal 

13- Dubai, U.A.E.

14 St. Petersburg, Russia

15- Bangkok, Thailand

16- Amsterdam, Holland

17- Buenos Aires, Argentina

18- Hong Kong, China 

19- Playa del Carmen, Mexico

20- Cape Town, South Africa

21- Tokyo, Japan

22- Cusco, Peru

23- Kathmandu, Nepal 

24- Sydney, Australia

25- Budapest, Hungary

New ticket costs for public transportation

As of 31st of January 2016 ticket prices for public transportation in Istanbul are raised. This includes public busses, local ferries, subway/metro, trams, funicular.

The price of the single-use ticket (or coin) remains the same as 4 Turkish Lira for each ride. Meanwhile the rate for Istanbul Card is now 2,30 TL for the ride, it was 2,15 TL before.

Istanbul Biennale

14th edition of the Istanbul Biennale can be visited between September 5th - November 1st, 2015. There are several venues for the Biennale in different locations of the city: old city area, Taksim and Beyoglu area, Bosphorus, Princes islands, Kadikoy district, and so on. It's one of the most important cultural events in Istanbul.

Admission to the 14th Istanbul Biennial is free of charge, except at the Museum of Innocence.All venues will be closed on 24 September, the first day of the Religious holiday of Sacrifice (Eid). As of the 2nd day of holiday (between 25–27 September) İstanbul Modern, Pera Museum, ARTER and The Museum of Innocence opens while other venues remain closed. 

Bosphorus Swimming Race

The Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race will take place at 10:00 A.M.on Sunday 26th of July 2015 in Istanbul. The race will start at Kanlıca Ferry Port on the Asian side and will end at Kuruçeşme Cemil Topuzlu Park on the European side. Over 2000 local and foreign swimmers will compete this year.

Istanbul - San Francisco with Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines starts direct flights from Istanbul to San Francisco, which will be its 7th destination in the USA after Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Washington, and Boston.

The San Francisco flight will operate 5 times a week on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays in both directions.

Expensive restaurants in Istanbul

Here is a list of most expensive classy restaurants in Istanbul according to Hurriyet newspaper: 
1- Sunset in Ulus
2- Ristorante Italia at Zorlu Center 
3- Lacivert in Anadoluhisarı
4- Spago at St. Regis hotel in Nişantaşı
5- Alancha in Beşiktaş
6- La Petite Maison in Şişli
7- Ulus 29
8- Nicole in Beyoglu
9- Kız kulesi off Salacak-Üsküdar
10- Papermoon at Akmerkez-Etile

Hagia Irene opened to visitors

Hagia Irene (Aya Irini), former Byzantine church of 6th century, is opened to public as a museum as of April 2014. The site is located in the first courtyard of Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. 

Entrance to the museum costs 20 Turkish Liras. It's closed on Tuesdays, same as Topkapi palace museum. During summer months it can be visited between 09:00-18:00 (last entry).

Istanbul is a "Powerful City Brand"

English newspaper The Guardian has listed "The World's Most Powerful City Brands" for 2014. The list ranks world cities on everything such as transport, attractions, weather, crime rate and safety, economic prosperity, and social ‘buzz’. This brand list is all about how cities use their assets, how they do the best with what they have.

Istanbul ranks #11 out of 25 cities listed.