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.