Secret Places In Istanbul

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and the fifth-most populous city in the world, with a population of over 15 million people. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and its unique combination of East and West makes it a fascinating place to visit. From the iconic beauty of the Blue Mosque to the bustling spice bazaars of the Old City, Istanbul is full of incredible sights that make it a must-see destination. But beyond the hustle and bustle of the city’s famous sights, there are plenty of hidden gems and secret places that are often overlooked by tourists. In this guide, we’ll discover some of the best secret places in Istanbul, from underground caves to atmospheric ruins, and show you how to make the most of your time in this incredible city.

History and Culture

Istanbul has been an important city since ancient times, and its strategic location on a peninsula between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean has made it an attractive settlement for many different peoples over the centuries. The earliest settlers were the Greeks, who founded the city in 667 BC and named it Byzantium. The city was later captured by the Romans in 196 BC, and renamed Constantinople in 330 AD. The city remained the capital of the Byzantine Empire until 1453, when it was captured by the Ottoman Empire and renamed Istanbul. It remained the capital of the Ottoman Empire until its dissolution in 1923, and is today one of the most populous cities in Europe.

Istanbul is a multi-cultural city, with a diverse population that includes Turks, Greeks, Armenians, Jews, Kurds and other ethnic groups. It is a melting pot of cultures and religions, with a vibrant mix of East and West that makes it a captivating destination for travelers. The city is full of historical sites, from ancient Roman ruins to Ottoman palaces, as well as traditional markets and bazaars selling everything from handmade crafts to delicious cuisine. The Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque are some of Istanbul’s most iconic sights, while other attractions such as the Galata Tower and Grand Bazaar offer unique experiences that make it a must-see city.

Exploring Istanbul’s Secret Places

The city of Istanbul is full of hidden gems and secret places that are often overlooked by tourists. From underground caves to atmospheric ruins, there is something for everyone to explore. Here are some of Istanbul’s best-kept secrets:

1. Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern is one of Istanbul’s most mysterious places. Built in the 6th century by Roman Emperor Justinian I, this vast underground cistern was built to supply water to the Great Palace during times of drought. The cistern is a cavernous space filled with hundreds of columns that reach up to 30 feet high. Visitors can take a guided tour to explore the cistern, which is lit by electric lights that create an eerie atmosphere beneath the ancient stone walls.

2. Chora Church

The Chora Church is one of Istanbul’s oldest churches, dating back to the 4th century. It was originally built as a Byzantine monastery outside of Constantinople’s walls, but was later converted into a mosque during Ottoman rule. Today, it is considered one of Istanbul’s most beautiful churches, with its stunning interior decorated with stunning mosaics and frescoes depicting biblical scenes. Visitors can explore the church on their own or take a guided tour to learn more about its history and art.

3. Rüstem Paşa Mosque

The Rüstem Paşa Mosque is a 16th-century Ottoman mosque located in the Eminönü district of Istanbul. It is renowned for its stunning interior, which is decorated with intricate tilework and beautiful stained-glass windows. Visitors can explore the mosque on their own or take a guided tour to learn more about its history and art.

4. Çemberlitaş Hamam

The Çemberlitaş Hamam is one of Istanbul’s oldest hamams (Turkish baths), dating back to 1584. It is an atmospheric space filled with marble columns and ornate decorations that create an enchanting atmosphere. Visitors can take a traditional Turkish bath or just relax in the steam room and take in the atmosphere.

5. Fethiye Museum

The Fethiye Museum is an incredible museum located inside an Ottoman-era mosque in Istanbul’s Fatih district. It houses a collection of artifacts from across Turkey’s long history, including coins, jewelry, pottery and sculptures from ancient civilizations such as the Hittites and Byzantines. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn more about Turkey’s fascinating history or explore the museum on their own.

Tours

If you want to explore Istanbul’s hidden gems and secret places, there are plenty of tours available that will help you make the most of your time in this incredible city. Here are two popular tours:

1. Istanbul Underground Tour

This tour takes visitors deep beneath the streets of Istanbul to explore its ancient underground caves. The tour begins with a guided walk through some of Istanbul’s oldest neighborhoods before heading underground to explore a network of ancient caves used for storage by early inhabitants of the city. Along the way, you’ll learn about Istanbul’s fascinating history and see some incredible archaeological sites that have been hidden for centuries. Book an Istanbul Underground Tour here.

2. Byzantine Tour

This tour takes visitors back in time to explore Istanbul’s Byzantine past. You’ll visit some of the city’s most famous Byzantine sites such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Chora Church as well as some lesser known gems like Balat Mosque and Avret Pazari Bazaar. Along the way, you’ll learn about Istanbul’s Byzantine history and culture through stories told by expert guides. Book a Byzantine Tour here.

Conclusion

Istanbul is one of world’s most fascinating cities, with an incredible blend of East and West that makes it a captivating destination for travelers from all over the world. There are plenty of well-known attractions to explore in Istanbul such as Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia, but beyond these famous sights lies a city full of hidden gems and secret places that are often overlooked by tourists. From underground caves to atmospheric ruins, there is something for everyone to explore in this incredible city. With so much to see and do, why not book one of our recommended tours and discover the hidden secrets of Istanbul?