We’ve gathered 12 fun facts about Istanbul, a city where an underground metro has just two stops and the Galata Tower is said to promise everlasting love to couples who climb it together.
Those drawn to meaningful travel can explore Istanbul and other destinations while connecting with local communities. See how students can make an impact through service trips for teens.
Here are some key facts about Istanbul:
| Key Facts About Istanbul | Details |
| Population | 16,236,700 |
| Area | 994 sq mi (2,576 sq km) |
| Year Founded | 330 AD |
| Age | 1,695 years |
Here are more interesting facts about Istanbul that will make you want to visit!
12 Fun Facts About Istanbul
- In Istanbul, you stand on two continents: Asia and Europe
- Istanbul is not Turkey’s capital but was the capital of many empires
- Istanbul is built on seven hills (like Rome)
- Istanbul’s Tünel is the second oldest underground metro in the world, but it only has two stops
- This train journey from Istanbul to Paris was once famous for its luxury and mystery
- The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world
- Istanbul is a beach city
- Istanbul is the snowiest city in the Mediterranean Basin
- Hagia Sophia was transformed from a cathedral into a mosque
- The Galata Tower promises everlasting love to those who climb with a loved one
- Istanbul is the city of cats
- Istanbul is a famous movie set location
1. In Istanbul, you stand on two continents: Asia and Europe
Experience the meeting point of Asia and Europe when you visit Istanbul.
Istanbul’s geographic location lets visitors step between two continents in just one city. The Bosphorus Strait, which flows through Istanbul, separates parts of Asian Turkey and European Turkey while connecting the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea.
European Istanbul, located west of the strait, is known for its historical landmarks, while Asian Istanbul, to the east, is more residential with local markets and parks.
Enjoy both while visiting Istanbul:
- Cross continents by ferry: A ferry ride across the Bosphorus Strait takes passengers between Europe and Asia in under 30 minutes.
- Explore two historic markets: Visit the Grand Bazaar in Europe for traditional Turkish good like ceramics and lamps, then head to Kadıköy Market in Asia for local sweets and traditional Turkish coffee.
- Try two culinary styles: Start with a European-style breakfast in Karaköy, then savor a mix of Turkish and Asian flavors for lunch in Moda.
While Istanbul is well-known for spanning two continents, it’s not the only city in the world to do so. Other transcontinental cities include Atyrau in Kazakhstan, El Qantara and Suez in Egypt and Magnitogorsk in Russia.
2. Istanbul is not the capital of Turkey but was the capital of many empires
Istanbul is Turkey’s largest city by population within city limits, but it is not the country’s capital city. For nearly 1,600 years, Istanbul was the capital for three major empires: the Eastern Roman Empire (330-395 CE), the Byzantine Empire (395–1453 CE) and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922 CE).
With such a long history, the city has had many different names:
| City’s Name | Period of Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Byzantium | Founded 667 BC | Founded by Greek colonists from Megara. |
| Byzantinós | Medieval period | Used to describe people from Byzantion; also influenced the term “Byzantine.” |
| New Rome | 330 AD onward | Name used by Constantine the Great; mentioned in the Third Canon of the First Council of Constantinople. |
| Constantinople | Officially from 408 AD | Became widely known in honor of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great; remained the principal name through the Byzantine period. |
| Kostantiniyye | Post-1453 (Ottoman period) | Used officially in the Ottoman Empire; reflected the Islamic world’s adaptation of the name. |
| Istanbul | From the 10th century, officially used after 1930 | Became the common name in Turkish; official name after the Republic of Turkey’s establishment. |
Modern Istanbul is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to 20% of Turkey‘s population. The city is also one of the world’s top travel destinations, drawing over 18 million visitors in 2024, making it a top 20 most visited city based on International arrivals in 2024, according to Euromonitor International.
3. Istanbul is built on seven hills (like Rome)
Ancient Istanbul was built on seven hills. The title “City of Seven Hills” is most commonly associated with Rome, but many cities share this moniker.
Watch the sunset over Istanbul’s timeless Galata Tower.
The seven hills listed below are located within Istanbul’s ancient city walls:
- Sarayburnu Hill: Sarayburnu Hill is where ancient Byzantium was founded, starting from Seraglio Point and extending over landmarks like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace.
- Süleymaniye (Beyazıt) Hill: Today, Istanbul University sits on Süleymaniye Hill, also known as Beyazit Hill, alongside the Bayezid II Mosque and the Süleymaniye Mosque.
- Çemberlitaş Hill is home to the Nuruosmaniye Mosque, Firuzağa Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, Binbirdirek Cistern and the Egyptian Bazaar.
- Fatih Hill: The highest hill in Istanbul, Fatih Hill was a key strategic point for both the Byzantines and Ottomans.
- Yavuz Selim Hill: This lesser-known hill features Yavuz Sultan Selim Mosque, Fethiye Mosque, and the Fener Greek Patriarchate.
- Edirnekapı Hill: Located in Edirnekapi district, Edirnekapı Hill is home to Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, Tekfur Palace and Kariye Museum.
- Kocamustafapaşa Hill: Distinguished by its location, Kocamustafapaşa Hill includes Haseki Complex, Haseki Sultan Mosque and Bayrampaşa Masjid.
>> LEARN MORE: 24 Fun Facts About Rome
4. Istanbul’s Tünel is the second oldest underground metro in the world, but it only has two stops
Istanbul’s Tünel is the second-oldest underground metro in the world, opening just 12 years after the London Underground. It formed part of the city’s early transportation network along with ferries and trams.
Today, the Tünel features modernized steel cars on pneumatic tires, carrying up to 170 passengers in just 90 seconds over a 1,880 feet (573-meter) distance, connecting two stops.
>> LEARN MORE: Fun Facts About London
5. The Orient Express train from Istanbul to Paris was once famous for its luxury and mystery
The Orient Express train provided a luxurious and mysterious journey across Europe, connecting the bazaars of Istanbul to the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
The Orient Express catered to the elite and became a symbol of opulence, offering fine dining, a formal dress code and gourmet meals. Agatha Christie’s novel Murder on the Orient Express added mystery to the train’s reputation.
The Orient Express transported travelers from Paris through Strasbourg, Munich, Vienna, Budapest and Bucharest before reaching Istanbul. While the train is no longer in service, travelers can still find a budget-friendly option by flying from Istanbul Airport to Paris.
Although, I must admit that EasyJet is the opposite of luxury.
6. The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world
Join the buzz at Istanbul’s legendary Grand Bazaar.
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. It has 61 streets and over 4,000 shops to explore. The Grand Bazaar dates back to the 15th century and has withstood fires and earthquakes to remain a major tourist attraction.
7. Istanbul is a beach city
Istanbul is located on a peninsula, creating a coastline that stretches from the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara along the Bosphorus Strait. Along the Black Sea, you can find beaches like Kilyos, Kısırkaya and Karaburun, while Florya and Yeşilköy line the Marmara Sea.
8. Istanbul is the snowiest city in the Mediterranean Basin
Istanbul is the snowiest city in the Mediterranean Basin, ahead of places like Barcelona, Palma and Valencia.
The city’s hills and valleys create microclimates, leading to large deltas in rainfall and snowfall in different places. This means you can enjoy snowfall in one area while another area enjoys sunshine.
Istanbul’s red Tünel tram makes its snowy rounds.
9. Hagia Sophia was transformed from a cathedral into a mosque
Hagia Sophia was originally a Christian cathedral built in 537 AD during the Byzantine Empire. Later, it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453. In 1935, it became a museum under the Turkish Republic. In 2020, it reopened for Muslim worship.
Hagia Sophia’s transformation mirrors the history of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba in Spain, which was first built as an Islamic Mosque before being converted into a Christian cathedral.
10. The Galata Tower promises everlasting love to those who climb with a loved one
Take your lover on a romantic climb up Galata Tower.
The Galata Tower was originally built as a watchtower, later used as a prison and eventually became an observatory. The tower is located on the northern shore of the Golden Horn. From the top, visitors can overlook old Istanbul, including landmarks like the Bosphorus Bridge, the Golden Horn and the Blue Mosque.
According to legend of the Galata Tower, anyone who climbs this tower with a partner for the first time is destined to marry them.
That makes it the perfect spot for my honeymoon plans.
11. Istanbul is the city of cats
Istanbul has a large population of street cats. These cats are cared for by locals as communal pets rather than treated as typical strays.
The country has a blanket no-kill, no-capture policy to protect these cats. Residents provide for the cats by building shelters, keeping their food and water supplies full and donating to support their well-being.
Istanbul is truly the city of cats.
These well-loved feral cats have become symbols of the city and earned media attention and giving Istanbul its reputation as the “city of cats.”
12. Istanbul is a famous movie set location
Istanbul feels familiar even to those who haven’t visited, thanks to its frequent appearances in international movies. Its landmarks like the Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern add mystery and cultural depth to the screen in movies such as:
- Argo (2012)
- From Russia With Love (1963)
- Skyfall (2012)
- Murder On The Orient Express (1974)
- The International (2009)