A City Guide to The Best Places In Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. It has a rich history that dates back thousands of years and its unique blend of East and West make it a city like no other. From the ancient ruins of the Roman and Byzantine empires to the vibrant culture of modern-day Istanbul, this city has something for everyone. This comprehensive guide will take you through the best places to visit in Istanbul and provide helpful information on what to do, where to go and what to see.

History of Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a history that stretches back more than 2,500 years. It was founded in the 7th century BC by the Greeks on the site of an ancient fishing village. The city was known as Byzantium until it was conquered by the Roman Empire in AD 324 and renamed Constantinople. It was the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire and became a major cultural, political and economic hub. The city flourished during the Byzantine period and was home to some of the world’s most magnificent architecture.

In 1453, Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Empire and renamed Istanbul. Under the Ottomans, the city became a centre of Islamic culture and was renowned for its mosques and grand bazaars. During the 19th century, Istanbul underwent a period of modernization and saw a huge influx of European influence, which had a lasting impact on its architecture and culture.

Today, Istanbul is Turkey’s largest city with a population of more than 15 million people. It is one of the world’s most vibrant cities and is renowned for its delicious cuisine, lively nightlife and stunning architecture. It is also home to some of the world’s most famous sights such as the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.

Things To Do In Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the world’s most exciting cities, with something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of the top things to do in Istanbul:

Explore the Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. It is located in the heart of Istanbul and is home to more than 4,000 shops selling everything from spices and jewelry to carpets and antiques. It is a great place to experience Turkish culture and to pick up some unique souvenirs.

Visit Historic Mosques

Istanbul is home to some of the world’s most beautiful mosques. The Blue Mosque is one of the most iconic sights in Istanbul, with its six minarets and stunning blue tiles. The Suleymaniye Mosque is another popular mosque, built by the Ottoman Sultan Suleyman from 1550–1557. The Rustem Pasa Mosque is another must-see, with its beautiful Iznik tiles and Ottoman architecture.

Explore Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace was once home to the Ottoman sultans and is now one of Istanbul’s most popular tourist attractions. The palace complex comprises four courtyards, several museums, gardens and an impressive collection of Islamic artifacts. The palace is an amazing example of Ottoman architecture and gives visitors an insight into life during the Ottoman era.

Discover Beyoglu

Beyoglu is one of Istanbul’s trendiest districts, known for its bustling nightlife, art galleries and lively cafes. The district is home to Istanbul’s biggest shopping street called Istiklal Caddesi, where you can find some of the city’s best boutiques and restaurants. Beyoglu is also home to some of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks such as Galata Tower and Taksim Square.

Experience Turkish Cuisine

No trip to Istanbul would be complete without trying some of the city’s delicious cuisine. From traditional mezze platters to kebabs and baklava, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Istanbul also has some great seafood restaurants, where you can try dishes such as hamsi (anchovies) and lakerda (salted bonito).

Popular Tours In Istanbul

Istanbul has some great tours that allow you to explore all the city has to offer. Here are two popular tours that you should consider when visiting:

Old City Tour

This tour takes you on an exploration of Istanbul’s historic sites such as Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia. You will have the opportunity to discover the city’s rich history and culture through visits to mosques, bazaars, churches and other prominent landmarks. You will also get to visit some of Istanbul’s oldest neighbourhoods and learn about their fascinating stories. The tour usually lasts around five hours so you can take in all that Istanbul has to offer. Book an Old City Tour here.

Bosphorus Cruise

A Bosphorus Cruise is one of the best ways to experience Istanbul’s maritime beauty. Cruises typically last around two hours as they make their way along the coast, passing by historical sites such as Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace and Ortakoy Mosque. You will also get spectacular views of both European and Asian shores as you travel on this stunning waterway. Many cruises also include traditional Turkish entertainment such as belly dancing and folk music to give you an authentic experience. Book a Bosphorus Cruise here.

Conclusion

Istanbul is an incredibly captivating city with something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are looking for culture, history or entertainment, you will find it all in this vibrant metropolis. This guide has given you an overview of some of the top places to visit in Istanbul as well as two popular tours that you can take when visiting this amazing city.