Must Visit In Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the world’s oldest, largest and most vibrant cities. Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, the city has been a center of culture, trade and commerce for centuries, serving as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. With its stunning architecture, vibrant nightlife, delicious cuisine and beautiful Bosphorus views, Istanbul is a must-visit for any traveler.

A Brief Introduction to Istanbul

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, with a population of more than 15 million people. It is the only city in the world located on two continents, straddling both Europe and Asia. The city is known for its stunning historical and cultural sites, including the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar and many more.

The city was founded in 667 BC as Byzantium, and was later renamed Constantinople by the Roman Emperor Constantine. In 1453, Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Empire, which would go on to make it the capital of their vast empire. After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in 1923, Istanbul became the modern capital of Turkey. Today, Istanbul is a bustling metropolis, with a vibrant nightlife and diverse culture.

Things To Do In Istanbul

Istanbul offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day at the beach or an exciting night out on the town, you’ll find plenty of fun activities in this dynamic city. Here are some of the top things to do in Istanbul:

Explore Historic Sites

One of the best things to do in Istanbul is to explore its many historic sites. The Hagia Sophia is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks – a stunning Byzantine building originally built in 537 AD as a cathedral. Today, it is a museum that houses some of the world’s most important relics. The Topkapi Palace is another must-see site in Istanbul. Built in 1453 by Sultan Mehmed II, the palace was once home to the Ottoman sultans and their court. It’s now a museum and one of the city’s most popular attractions. The Blue Mosque is another popular spot for tourists – it’s one of Istanbul’s most beautiful buildings and its magnificent blue tiles make it a sight to behold.

Experience Local Cuisine

Istanbul is a food lover’s paradise – it’s home to some of the most delicious food in the world. From traditional Turkish dishes like döner kebab to international cuisines such as Italian and Chinese, there’s something for everyone in the city’s many restaurants. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as kunefe (a cheese-filled pastry) or kokoreç (grilled intestines).

Shop at The Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is one of Istanbul’s most popular tourist attractions. This enormous market houses thousands of shops selling everything from jewelry to spices to clothing and much more. It’s an exciting place to explore, and it’s also a great place to pick up some souvenirs or gifts for friends and family back home.

Take a Cruise on The Bosphorus

The Bosphorus is a strait that runs through Istanbul, connecting the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. Taking a cruise on this majestic waterway is one of the most popular activities for visitors to the city. On a cruise, you can admire the stunning views of both continents, as well as some of Istanbul’s famous landmarks, such as the Bosporus Bridge and Topkapi Palace.

Popular Tours in Istanbul

There are many tours available in Istanbul that can help you get an even better understanding of this amazing city. Here are two popular tours that you should consider:

Turkish Cultural Tour

This tour will give you an in-depth look at Turkey’s rich culture and history. You’ll visit some of Istanbul’s most beautiful sites, including the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque. You’ll also visit Ataturk’s Tomb, which is a monument to Turkey’s founding father Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. During this tour, you’ll learn about Turkish culture and get an up close look at some of Istanbul’s most famous sites. Book an Istanbul Cultural Tour here.

Bosphorus Cruise

This tour offers a unique perspective on Istanbul from the comfort of a boat on the Bosphorus Strait. During your cruise, you’ll sail past iconic landmarks such as Dolmabahçe Palace, Galata Tower and Maiden Tower. You’ll also get stunning views of both continents and get an up close look at some of Istanbul’s bridges. This tour gives you a great way to appreciate Istanbul’s unique location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Book an Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise here.

Conclusion

Istanbul is a vibrant and exciting city with something for everyone – from historic sites to delicious cuisine to beautiful views of both continents. No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something to do in this amazing city. From exploring ancient ruins to taking a cruise on the Bosphorus Strait – there’s no shortage of activities in Istanbul that will keep you busy during your stay. Make sure to include some of these must-do activities on your next trip to Istanbul!