Istanbul: Where Ancient Meets Modern and Adventure Awaits

Looking for a destination that will capture your heart and leave you breathless? Look no further than Istanbul, a city that blends the ancient with the modern, the east with the west, and the traditional with the contemporary.

One of the best things about Istanbul is its ability to surprise and delight you. Even if you think you know the city, there are always hidden gems waiting to be discovered. One of my favorite spots is the Galata Tower, which offers incredible views of the city and is especially stunning at sunset. Another must-visit spot is the Spice Bazaar, where you can find everything from exotic spices to Turkish delights.

 

Of course, no visit to Istanbul is complete without a visit to the Blue Mosque, a stunning example of Ottoman architecture that will take your breath away. But don't forget to also explore the city's lesser-known mosques, such as the Suleymaniye Mosque, which is located on a hill and offers incredible views of the city.

If you're a foodie, Istanbul is a paradise. From street food to fine dining, you can find it all here. Don't miss the opportunity to try traditional Turkish dishes like kebabs, meze, and baklava. And if you're looking for a unique culinary experience, head to the Maiden's Tower, a tiny island in the middle of the Bosphorus where you can dine with a view of the city.

For a more laid-back experience, take a leisurely stroll through the Princes' Islands, a group of nine islands located off the coast of Istanbul. You can explore the islands by bike or horse-drawn carriage and soak in the beautiful scenery.

And finally, for a truly unique experience, head to the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Here, you can find everything from traditional handicrafts to modern fashion. It's a maze of colorful stalls, so be prepared to get lost and discover something new.

In conclusion, Istanbul is a city that has it all – history, culture, food, and adventure. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there's always something new to discover in this incredible city. So pack your bags and get ready to fall in love with Istanbul!

Beijing, China’s Political, Economic, and Cultural center

Beijing was one of the world's great ancient capitals and today it is home to some of the finest remnants of China's imperial past. It is also known as a city of reinvention, undergoing several major changes to keep up with modern times without losing its identity. Below are some amazing reasons to go to Beijing. Beijing is a massive city so make sure you have the Beijing Travel Guide and Offline City Map & Metro.

Palaces of the Emperors

Beijing has been around for almost 3 millennia and it has been witness to three powerful dynasties that reigned over China. It’s been home to 34 emperors many of which ordered the construction of their own palaces, vacation houses, and other structures to serve as their legacy. Many such cultural sites from the Summer Palace to the Ming Tombs remain in good condition and serve as reminders of China’s rich culture and history.

Old Beijing

Most of Beijing has been modernized but remnants of the Old Beijing still exist the most popular of which is the world famous Peking Opera. Another must-see is the Hutong and Quadrangle. Also scattered all across the city are temples and traditional teahouses. Comparing the New Beijing with the Old Beijing will definitely deepen your understanding the effects of modernization.

Magnificent Sites

There are numerous world famous attractions in Beijing with many of them included in various must-see destinations lists. As a matter of fact, the humongous city has too many locations worthy of your time exploring them all in one visit is practically impossible. To name a few:

·         The Forbidden City – home to the Imperial Palace Complex which is one of the most popular and best preserved ancient sites in the world.

·         Tiananmen Square - the largest city square in the world.

·         The Great Wall – a World Heritage Site and also one of the Eight Wonders of the World.

4.      Traditional Cuisine

Beijing is the hub of China. Not only is it the best place to taste authentic Chinese food, it is also where you can find a wide variety of foreign cuisines and all kinds of exotic flavors. The city was home to royalty and many of the famous local dishes were once served as part of imperial cuisine.

For more neat information about the most visited spots in the world, check us out at eTips.