The Best Places to See in Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the most historically rich and vibrant cities in the world. It is a city with a global reach and an ancient past. From the bustling waterfronts of the Bosporus to the grand palaces of Ottoman sultans, Istanbul is a place of immense culture, energy, and beauty. It has been the capital of three different empires: the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. This multicultural city is where Europe meets Asia and has become a major hub for tourism, commerce, and finance.

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey with a population of over 15 million people. It is spread across two continents, Europe and Asia, straddling the Bosporus strait. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, with its roots stretching back more than 2,500 years. Its rich history and culture draw millions of visitors each year. From its ancient monuments and mosques to its vibrant street life and bustling bazaars, Istanbul has something for everyone to explore.

Istanbul is home to many iconic landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia, the Galata Tower, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. It is also known for its lively nightlife and delicious cuisine. There are many great restaurants and bars to choose from, as well as a variety of cultural activities for visitors to enjoy. Istanbul is a great place to explore on foot or by boat, as it is filled with stunning views of the Bosporus and Golden Horn.

To help you make the most of your visit to this amazing city, we’ve put together a guide to the best places to see in Istanbul. Whether you’re looking for historical landmarks, cultural attractions, or simply places to relax and take in the city’s beauty, there’s something here for you. So, let’s get started!

Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia is undoubtedly one of the most famous landmarks in Istanbul. This iconic building was originally built as a Christian church in 537 AD by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. It was then converted into a mosque in 1453 after the fall of Constantinople. Today, it stands as a museum open to visitors from all over the world.

The Hagia Sophia is home to some of the world’s most beautiful mosaics and frescoes. Inside its grand interior, visitors can admire its stunning architecture, which is a mix of Byzantine, Ottoman, and Islamic styles. In addition to its historical importance, the Hagia Sophia also has a spiritual significance for many people around the world. It is truly a marvel to behold.

Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. It has been around since 1461 and is home to over 4,000 shops selling everything from jewelry and spices to carpets and pottery. It is an essential part of Istanbul’s culture and provides an opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs and gifts.

The Grand Bazaar is also a great place to experience Istanbul’s vibrant street life. There are numerous restaurants and cafes located throughout the bazaar where visitors can stop for lunch or a snack. The atmosphere is lively and bustling with merchants hawking their wares and tourists bargaining for a good deal.

Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. Built in 1617 under the rule of Sultan Ahmet I, this magnificent mosque stands tall on Istanbul’s skyline. From the outside, its six minarets reach up towards the sky while its blue tiled roof glimmers in the sunlight. Inside, its vast interior is adorned with thousands of intricate designs and decorated with beautiful stained glass windows.

The Blue Mosque is open to visitors throughout the year and offers a unique opportunity to experience an Islamic place of worship up close. It is an impressive sight to behold and truly captures the beauty of Istanbul’s skyline.

Topkapi Palace

The Topkapi Palace was once home to Ottoman sultans and their courtiers from 1465 until 1853. Today, it stands as a museum open to visitors from all over the world. The palace complex consists of four courtyards surrounded by beautiful gardens and grand buildings that house a wealth of items from different periods of Ottoman history.

Visitors can explore the palace’s many different rooms filled with artifacts including paintings, jewels, manuscripts, furniture, and other items of historical significance. The palace also has several beautiful courtyards that are perfect for relaxing in during your time in Istanbul.

Galata Tower

The Galata Tower stands tall on Istanbul’s skyline as one of its most recognizable landmarks. Built by Genoese traders in 1348, it was once used as an observatory tower to spot fires in the city below. Today, it stands as one of Istanbul’s most popular tourist attractions with stunning views that stretch across both sides of the Bosporus strait.

At nearly 150 meters tall, visitors can take an elevator to the top of the tower for sweeping views of Istanbul’s skyline. The tower is also home to several restaurants offering fine dining with views that stretch across the city below. It is definitely worth checking out during your visit to Istanbul.

Suleymaniye Mosque

The Suleymaniye Mosque was built between 1550-1557 under the rule of Sultan Suleyman I, also known as Suleyman the Magnificent. It stands as one of Istanbul’s most impressive landmarks with its grand dome rising up into the sky. It is an important symbol of Muslim culture in Istanbul as it was built as a place of worship for Muslims living in the city during Ottoman times.

Today, visitors can explore its interior filled with detailed Islamic calligraphy and ornate decorations. The mosque also has several courtyards which are perfect for relaxing during your time in Istanbul. It is definitely a sight not to be missed during your visit to this amazing city.

Pierre Loti Hill

Pierre Loti Hill provides beautiful views across the Golden Horn and Bosporus strait from an elevation of 170 meters above sea level. It was named after French novelist Pierre Loti who wrote about his visits to Istanbul in his books “Aziyade’ and “Sante Fe’. There are several restaurants located at the top which provide stunning views across Istanbul’s skyline during your visit.

The hill is also home to Pierre Loti Cafe which serves traditional Turkish food with an amazing view out over the Bosporus strait below. This is definitely a great spot for visitors who want to take a break from exploring Istanbul’s busy streets and relax with some delicious food while admiring stunning views out over the city below them.

Tours in Istanbul

Istanbul has many great tours available for visitors who want to make the most of their visit this amazing city. Here are two popular tours that provide unique experiences that will help you get more out of your time here:

Bosphorus Sightseeing Tour

Take a Bosphorus sightseeing tour on a traditional wooden boat along Istanbul’s famous waterways. This tour takes you on a cruise down both sides of the Bosphorus Strait providing amazing views across both Europe and Asia with stops along the way at some of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks including Ortaköy Mosque, Dolmabahçe Palace and Rumeli Fortress. During this tour you will also get a chance to witness traditional wooden villas lining both sides of this beautiful waterway as well as see bustling shipping lanes full of boats passing through on their way out into open sea. You can book this tour at Viator.

Istanbul Street Food Tour

Experience Istanbul’s street food scene on a guided tour through some of its most popular neighborhoods including Beyoglu, Kadikoy and Karaköy. This tour takes you through bustling streets full of locals selling delicious treats such as simit (sesame-covered bread), börek (filled pastry) and kumpir (baked potato). You will also have a chance to sample traditional Turkish mezes (appetizers) such as hummus, cacik (yogurt salad) and borek (stuffed pastry). This tour gives you an unforgettable taste of local life in Istanbul with plenty of opportunities to sample delicious food along the way. You can book this tour at GetYourGuide.

In conclusion, Istanbul has so much to offer travelers looking for an unforgettable experience full of culture, history, and beauty. From iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque to bustling bazaars like Grand Bazaar, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy during their visit to this amazing city! And don’t forget about its many tours available which will help you get even more out of your time here!