Looking for places to visit in Istanbul? Turkey’s largest city is Istanbul. This unique city, which is admired for its endearing surroundings and alluring vibe, is also a representation of vibrant and contemporary city life.
There are hundreds of ways to have fun while visiting Istanbul. Ten locations are listed below that visitors should check out whilst their stay in Istanbul:
1. Hagia Sophia
Officially referred to as the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, the Hagia Sophia is an important mosque and historical site in Istanbul. From the year 360, until the Ottoman Empire occupied the city in 1453, the mosque was first constructed as an Eastern Orthodox church.
Hagia Sophia acts as a representation of harmony, peace, and tolerance. While taking a tour, there are several things you can learn about this fascinating mosque.
One of Istanbul’s finest destinations for tourists, the Hagia Sophia is well worth your time. The history is fascinating, the architecture is amazing, and the tiles and paintings are breathtaking.
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2. Topkapi Palace
According to stories, Topkapi Palace is the biggest and oldest palace still in existence. I’m not sure what else there is if that isn’t a good enough reason to go! Since it was constructed in 1465, the Palace has served as a home to numerous Sultans, employees, wives, and members of the royal family.
It offers chances to explore the opulent areas of the palace, see antiques from the times of the Sultanate era, and discover the local culture and history. It is so much fun to walk through the gardens and take in the city’s buildings, vibrant tiles, and views.
3. Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque is an active place of worship. The complex was built between 1609 and 1616 and includes Sultan Ahmed’s tomb, a madrasah, and a medical facility.
Because of its heritage and significance to the history of the Ottoman Empire and the city of Istanbul, the Blue Mosque is a popular tourist destination today.
Many people still visit there to enjoy the mosque’s architectural splendor and to take part in the daily prayer services that are still held there.
The Blue mosque is one of the most distinctive structures in the world, it combines Christian medieval and Islamic Turkey architectural styles.
4. Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar, which over time created the most significant commercial hub in the area, has begun to function as a significant financial hub for the trading of jewels and precious metals from all over the globe.
The Grand Bazaar is the oldest covered market in the world, having been constructed in the 15th century.
In case you had doubts since it is also the most popular. If you love to shop and it’s not just about apparel and trinkets dedicate a few hours of your visit to Istanbul to finding this outstanding place with over four thousand stores.
5. Basilica Cistern
You should visit the Basilica Cistern, an important museum, whilst you are in Sultanahmet. The reservoir plays an important part in Istanbul’s artistic and cultural scene likewise. Here, a variety of recitals and concerts are held.
You need to head to the eye with Medusa heads as well as visit this area. According to historical records, it is the largest remaining cistern in Istanbul, measuring 138 meters long by 65 meters wide and spanning almost one thousand meters.
An hour before 12 is the most ideal time to visit. It generally takes about an hour or thirty minutes to visit the Basilica Cistern.
6. Galata Tower
One of Istanbul’s most prominent and widely recognized landmarks, the Galata Tower is located in which the Golden Horn drains into the Bosphorus, a famous waterway junction. The Tower was built in the fourteenth century, and east Roman, Genoese, and Ottoman influences are to be seen in the architectural details.
The Galata Tower itself can be seen in some of the city’s great views of Istanbul, but this part of the city is still the best for panoramic views of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.
7. Dolmabahce Palace
One of Istanbul’s oldest historical sites is the Dolmabahce Palace. The palace is also known as the location of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s death in 1938, reflecting the life of the building throughout the final decades of the Ottoman Empire.
The Dolmabahce Palace served as the last administrative tasks hub of the Ottoman Empire from the middle of the 19th century until the Caliphate’s dissolution in 1924. The first Turkish president stayed in the nation for a while even after it was founded.
It is a must-see because you can look over every part and comprehend its significance to the Ottomans and Turkey.
8. Spice Bazaar
There are 85 shops in Spice Bazaar that sell spices, Turkish delights, and other candies, jewelry, trinkets, dried fruits, and nuts.
Confectionery, customary clothing, medicinal plants, Turkish delight for your loved ones, different nuts, and coffees are all available for viewing, shopping, and purchase. The Turhan Sultan’s building in 1660, has additional historical significance.
Despite the fact that certain products are similar in both bazaars, you ought to primarily visit the Spice Bazaar for spices and foods.
9. Bosphorus Cruise
Discover the many lovely landmarks which surround the Bosphorus Strait on a sightseeing cruise along the Bosphorus. Some of these include the Ortaköy Mosque, Galata Tower, Beylerbeyi Palace, Küçüksu Palace, Rumeli Fortress, Topkapi Palace, and Hagia Sophia.
The Bosphorus Strait, which separates the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea, is the city’s most notable landmark, and cruising here is one of the city’s most luxurious experiences.
We truly believe that reading about the top tourist places to visit in Istanbul has inspired you to plan an excursion there!
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Editorial Staff at Travelco are experts in Global Tourism.