The port of Istanbul is located on the bank of the Golden Horn, a cove of the Bosphorus. Istanbul is a vast and populous city that has the particularity of being located between Europe and Asia. The Bosphorus that connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara separates Turkey between its European and Asian parts. The city was called Byzantium during the Byzantine era and later Constantinople, the eastern capital of the Roman Empire. The city officially took the name Istanbul in 1930.
The majority of the sights are in the Sultanahmet district, which is on the opposite bank of the Istanbul Cruise Port. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, aqueducts and several museums are in the same area. Many restaurants and shops can be found in this neighborhood.
On the cruise port side, you will find Dolmabahçe Palace, Galata Tower, Taksim Square, and Istiklal Pedestrian Shopping Street. This area is more frequented by the local population.
When you walk around, be careful with your personal belongings and small scams. For example, if a shoe-shiner drops his brush in front of you, he does so knowingly. If you mention it, it will thank you, try to shine your shoes, but eventually ask for money.
