Why Istanbul has been named the top destination by TripAdvisor for 2014

IT’S the city you probably don’t know much about, and it’s just been voted the best spot on Earth by TripAdvisor travellers. We reveal what it’s really like.

Add Istanbul to your must-visit list.

FORGET Paris, Rome, London ... it is time to head to Istanbul.

It’s just been named the hottest destination for 2014 by a recent TripAdvisor poll. So what is it that makes this Turkish capital such a travelling gem?

We asked fellow Aussie, Fiona Rose-Kumral, who spent three years living in magical Istanbul, why she thinks it took out first place.

“I think a big part of it would be the perception prior to travel. People may presume that being in the Middle East it’s scary or that there are safety issues and that the people may try and take advantage of you,” she said.

“The reality is that it’s very easy to travel, the locals don’t hassle you or try to rip you off. The city is beautiful there is so much to see, full of energy, very cool bars, cheap, food is delicious, great architecture and history. The people are very warm so travellers would definitely enjoy and have the opportunity to talk to locals.”

This is what makes Istanbul so hot this year ...

Night lights. Picture: laszlo-photo.

SHOPPING

Istanbul is the city for shopping. The Grand Bazaar has been serving shoppers since the mid-fifteenth century with more than 3000 stalls to browse.

If you like to bargain, head to the Old Town bazaars including the Spice Bazaar and Arasta Bazaar and pick up traditional wares such as rugs, handicrafts and exotic spices.

If mainstream is more your thing, visit one of the many modern shopping centres spread all over the city. Beyoglu has all your contemporary fashion, music and books.

Shopping in the Grand Bazaar. Picture: G. Ozcan.

Ceramics at a bazaar.

DELICIOUS FOOD

We’re pretty familiar with doner kebabs and Turkish delight, but there is so much more on offer that is tasty, affordable and delicious.

Traditional Turkish restaurants are called Meyhanes and serve hot and cold meze, fresh seafood and rake, an aniseed-flavoured drink, to wash it all down with.

Head to the local markets and pick up a picnic feast of flatbread, cheeses, Turkish salami and olives. Or try mercimek corbasi — a steaming, red lentil soup seasoned with chilli and mint.

For something sweet, the local baklava and lokum (Turkish delight) melt in your mouth.

Local fish market. Picture: guillenperez.

Sweet baklava. Picture: Mumuio.

Spice markets. Picture:

COOL BARS

Sure, Turkey is officially a Muslim country, but they have a vibrant party scene.

Taking advantage of its beautiful location, Istanbul’s night-life capitalises on its harbour views and rooftops.

Many of its best bars are on the Bosphorus waterfront or on its soaring rooftops. Head to Beygolu, the city’s night-life hub, where weekend crowds drink cocktails and party late into the night.

Rooftop bar Nu Terras.

BEAUTIFUL ARCHITECTURE AND HISTORY

Known for its incredible Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, Istanbul is a wonderful blend of history and modernity.

From the Blue Mosque and Aya Sofya to the Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern, its amazing structures are full of history and are breathtakingly beautiful.

The spectacular Blue Mosque.

The incredible Hagia Sophia.

FRIENDLY LOCALS

The Turks are an incredibly hospitable, open and friendly people. Forget the snobby French or the cold English, you’ll find yourself sharing a tea with a shopkeeper in a local bazaar or being invited in for lunch when asking directions.

Meet the locals. Picture: e — basak.

EASY TO TRAVEL

Don’t try navigating the chaotic streets on your own in a hire car. Istanbul is full of taxis, it has an extremely efficient bus system, regular trams and plenty of ferries.

All you need is a travel card and you can easily find these in the many news stands.

A ferry ride is a great way to see the famous Bosphorus that separates Asia from Europe, with some of the best city views in the world.

Take a ferry on the Bosphorus. Picture: Calflier001.

SAFETY

While the locals are a friendly bunch, DFAT does issue a warning for Aussies travelling to Turkey. They advise exercising a high degree of caution due to terrorist threats in the region.