Istanbul

Istanbul is the only city in the world spanning two continents, offering an unparalleled blend of ancient and modern. The Hagia Sophia, originally built as a cathedral in 537 AD, stands as a testament to over 1,400 years of history, while the Grand Bazaar, with over 4,000 shops across 61 streets, has been a commercial hub since 1461. Average hotel costs range from $70 to $200 per night, depending on season and district. Istanbul outperforms #2 Cappadocia in historical diversity, as no other Turkish city packs three imperial capitals into one skyline.