The Turkish metropolis of Istanbul is the only city in the world that can claim to span two continents. Here are the ways travelers can flit between Europe and Asia.

Otherwise, ask for a Deluxe Bosphorus (below) or Premier Corner Room, knowing that the former (956, for instance), look sideways at the water. The Swissôtel Bosphorus is a city resort.

Ships leave Istanbul and cruise up the Bosphorus — a strait that separates Europe from Asia — every day. On a cold April morning, I boarded one of them to follow in the footsteps of centuries ...

The water around Istanbul is a delightful 23°C in summer and drops to around 11°C in winter. Though that might sound chilly, it doesn’t put Eren off from coming for a swim every day.