Top 10 Places to See in Istanbul
Istanbul is a city that consists of two parts, Asia and Europe. With all its past and present, Istanbul is the main tourist attraction of Turkey. Istanbul is a city of diverse cultural and historical background. That’s why it has so much to offer for the first time visitors or even for those who have already visited. It will be a worthy memory to visit here and enjoy the time you have! Here is the top 10 places of Istanbul;
1. Sultanahmet Square
Sultanahmet Square is one of the most visited sites in Istanbul and is located at the heart of the historical peninsula and is surrounded by almost the most important landmarks of Istanbul, such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Sultanahmet is a nice area to rest and enjoy the scenery of the beautiful park with its gardens. It is a good starting spot for your journey into the history of Istanbul.
2. Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is one of the most major parts of Byzantine architectural glory and is located in the district of Istanbul. This is an ex-cathedral that was built in the 6th century and was followed by turning into a mosque and now a museum. It is embellished with a large dome and mosaics. It is very rich in historical significance and is one place that no traveler should miss.
3. Blue Mosque
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, features six minarets and beautiful blue tile adorning the walls. This active mosque stands for its strong blue lacquered interior, stunning architecture, and art including Hijri’s dating from the beginning of the 17th century. The Blue Mosque might be visited easily alongside a tour that includes Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace for a better understanding of the imperial background of the city of Istanbul.
4. Topkapi Palace
The Topkapi Palace was the home of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire for no less than 400 years. Currently, it is a museum that features the magnificent gems that belonged to the empire. It is a palace complex that includes open courtyards, a harem, and several exhibition rooms containing valuable jewelry collections and regards of faith. Joining one of our guided tours is highly recommended to get the most out of your time at the palace so that you don’t have to rely on your memory alone to understand the captivating history of the palace.
5. Spice Bazaar
The Spice Bazaar is located in Istanbul. It is one of the prominent bazaars that attracts tourists. It is also known as “The Egyptian Bazaar”, believed to be established during the 17th century period. The market is near the Eminonu area. So for tourists who want to go to the bazaar and markets, it is easily accessed. The place offers a cultural experience for tourists who would like to enjoy the scent and taste of Turkey ranging from spices, herbs, Turkish delight and so much more. Most of their visitors tend to buy local products or mementos as Christmas gifts or for their personal use. If you want to make a purchase, be ready to bargain here!
6. Grand Bazaar
It is an iconic place in Istanbul as it showcases cultural richness splendidly. So, if you are a shopping enthusiast and enjoy buying carpets, jewelry, spices, and antiques then Grand Bazaar is the place for you, as it has more than 4,000 shops. But in case you do not feel like buying anything, it’s still worth visiting due to the diverse culture and craftsmanship present in the various shops. And remember, if you choose to make a purchase, enjoy bargaining to the fun parts.
7. Basilica Cistern
As one of the most visited places in Istanbul, Basilica Cistern is located just a few steps away from Sultanahmet Square. It is a strange ominous place covered by dull water where people see several marble pillars, as their reflection, and their tiny pools of water surround these round marble pillars. The museum provides visiting services in the morning and evening. So, no worries if you can not catch it in the morning time, you can still visit Cistern in the evening. This makes it an easily accessible place for various visitors. Seeing such miniature models of ancient civilizations is breathtaking.
8. Bosphorus Strait
The Bosphorus, or Bogaz as it is called in Turkish, is the body of water that separates the two continents of Europe and Asia. A feature that typifies the city of Istanbul and provides breathtaking views of the city. There are so many beautiful places filled with catchy spots near Bosphorus, however, there is nothing better than enjoying the sunset view and where the city’s skyline turns to gold.
Something absolutely out of the ordinary is to take a cruise on the Bosphorus, particularly at the event of a sunset; this gives a unique angle to view both the European and Asian coasts. You will admire Ottoman dukes' monuments, palaces, and the renowned Bosphorus Bridge with the gushing of the sea. The private and public boat trips enable the guests to sit back and enjoy their stunning sights. You can connect us for Sunset Cruise Tours for both private and group boats.
9. Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace is a lavish structure built in the 19th Century and is the place where the Ottoman sultans resided. It reflects the very essence of Europe’s architecture, blending elegance and an impressive location on the coast. People who have an affinity towards monarchy will be spellbound. Walking through the staterooms that are decorated with dazzling chandeliers and artwork makes one feel as if they are stepping into another era.
10. Taksim Square
Taksim Square, which is linked to the meaning of a busy street with lots of shops and eateries, is regarded as the center of civilization in Istanbul. Furthermore, it gives way to the paved walking street, Istiklal Street, which has cafes, boutiques, and other older structures. This forms part of the more internationalized areas of the city, with many people looking for a new age feel.
Contact Us For Detailed Information
Istanbul is captivating for both its historical wonders and for its contemporary tourist centers. Things to see and do in Istanbul are never done. Private guided tours in Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, or a sunset cruise along the Bosphorus are the other services we offer. Contact us to know about the packages and the vast range of options that can be elaborated and tweaked to not only tailor-fit your preferences but also help you enhance your visit to Istanbul.
We advise you to take part in one of our guided tours to get a better appreciation and overview of this wonderful city with all its historical and cultural backgrounds!