Formerly known as Byzantium and Constantinople, the city of Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and is the fifth largest metropolitan center in the world, with a population of around 12 million. It’s located on the Bosphorus Strait and includes a natural harbor called the Golden Horn. This city is the cultural and financial of Turkey, and offers a lot of historical, dining and entertainment attractions for senior travelers.

The Old City and New City

Istanbul is basically divided into 2 major parts, the old city peninsula and the new city district. These 2 districts have their own unique features and offer a lot wonderful attractions for tourists. Walking through the Old City should be fairly comfortable for senior travelers, since most of the hotels and dining establishments are within close proximity to the major historical and cultural attractions.

The New City offers a more modern and cosmopolitan experience of Istanbul. Here, senior travelers will find a multitude of dining and recreational establishments that are in close proximity to each other, allowing for more convenient travel. 

Historical Attractions

The city’s Old City district of Sultanahmet is world-renowned because the main attractions here are steeped in 2,500 years of history. The good thing is that the major historical and cultural attractions are within walking distance; therefore it won’t be hard for senior travelers to hop from the Haghia Sophia Church, Basilica Cistern and Blue Mosque to the Hippodrome and Sabilah Mosque.

Akmerez, Ulus Park and Ortakoy

For more relaxing and stree-free sightseeing Istanbul, here are some great destinations to drop by. Ulus Park is situated in 1 of the hills that faces the Bosphorus Strait. Here, you’ll find a lovely park that has restaurants offering continental breakfasts complete with fresh orange juice and omelets.

The Akmerez is a large shopping mall close to Ulus Park. Visitors can choose to shop or simply sit down in a café and watch other people shop. The Ortakoy District is an area that’s filled with restaurants, art galleries and bars. Here, you can comfortably sit on a bench by the Bosporus Strait and gaze at passing ships or have coffee and some snacks, as well as get a hearty meal.     

A trip to Istanbul will surely offer senior travelers a lovely blend of Eastern and Western civilization and may also serve as a great eye-opener for appreciating different cultures and historical perspectives. 

Contributor : Sameera Kumar