Istanbul, Turkey is a popular tourist destination since it is a cultural odyssey and the must-visit places in Istanbul reflect the rich cultural heritage. This ancient city sits on the shores of both the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara, in the middle of both Asia and Europe. Modern and historic buildings, landmarks and monuments, and cultural sites that are unique to this city are some of the Istanbul tourist attractions!
No matter what you do in Istanbul, from perusing the vibrant city bazaars to drinking traditional tea and gazing in amazement at some of the world's most iconic buildings, you will never get tired of being amazed. Here are the top things to see in Istanbul to let you see the city in all its glory.
Hagia Sophia
A beautiful testimony to Istanbul's Byzantine period, Hagia Sophia has a massive dome and elaborate mosaics and is one of the must-visit places in Istanbul. This remarkable building has served as both a mosque and a church for the Eastern Orthodox faith. One of the most popular tourist spots in Istanbul, it is now a museum with an impressive fusion of Islamic and Christian art.
While you're there, take in the Islamic calligraphy from Hagia Sophia's era as a mosque and the glistening golden mosaics that portray Christian symbols. Get a feel for this fascinating mashup of faiths and civilisations by going on a guided tour of Istanbul. Add this to your Istanbul travel guide!
Rumeli Castle
Marvel at Rumeli Castle, a fortification dating back to the 15th century that guarded the Bosphorus from its narrowest point, and is one of the top places to see in Istanbul! The building, constructed by Sultan Mehmed II of the Ottoman Empire, has a sequence of towers of varied heights. Sit back, relax, and try to put yourself in the shoes of a bygone era as you contemplate the 600 years of history that this castle has seen. It took just four months to construct this enormous edifice, which will astound you. Explore the lawns on top of the hill and take in the breathtaking views of the city and the Bosphorus.
The Topkapi Palace
One of the must-visit places in Istanbul, it is located close to Hagia Sophia, the magnificent Topkapi Palace was the primary palace of the Ottoman rulers for about 400 years. It has now become one of Istanbul's most prominent museums. It houses some of the world's most coveted and ephemeral treasures. Only the most important of the complex's hundreds of rooms, hallways, and chambers are accessible to the general public. Make sure to add this to your Istanbul travel guide!
Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque is a vibrant house of worship known for its remarkable blue Iznik tiles; go inside and feel the spiritual atmosphere, and is one of the top Istanbul tourist attractions. The six towers of this architectural marvel from the 17th century make it stand out against the Istanbul skyline.
Experience the serenity of this historic house of worship and marvel at the inside of the mosque, which is decorated with more than 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles, on a guided tour of Istanbul.
The Constantinople Hippodrome
During the Byzantine era, the Hippodrome of Constantinople served as the social and chariot racing hub of the city, and is one of the must-visit places in Istanbul! Presently, it takes sightseers to the opulence of classical Constantinople. Even though just a fragment of the original building is still standing, the historic site is nonetheless a popular destination for those interested in the past.
Learn the fascinating stories of the Hippodrome's attractions, such the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, and mysterious Walled Obelisk. Discover the fascinating history of this historic site and the exciting chariot races that used to be held here.
Grand Bazaar of Istanbul
There are few marketplaces as historic and expansive as Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, and you have to add this unique experience to your Istanbul travel guide! With 64 streets and over 4,000 stores, restaurants, and banks, it's like a mini-city in and of itself. People typically think of it as one of the world's earliest retail malls. You may find a wide variety of goods here, including jewellery, carpets, lanterns, pottery, and souvenirs. The Beyazıt-Kapalıçarşı tram station is the way to go.
Tower of Galata
From its mediaeval stone base, the Galata Tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of Istanbul. The Princes' Islands could be seen on very clear days. This famous landmark offers a breathtaking view of the city from its over 200 feet in height. Delve into the fascinating history of the tower and its many roles over the years, from watchtower to jail to navy depot to municipal fire watch. Uncover the myth of Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi, an aviator from the 14th century who supposedly crossed the Bosphorus from a tower using artificial wings he created himself.
Istanbul, Turkey is a popular tourist destination since it is a cultural odyssey. This ancient city sits on the shores of both the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara, in the middle of both Asia and Europe. Modern and historic buildings, landmarks and monuments, and cultural sites that are unique to this city are some of the top attractions in Istanbul.