Things To Do In Turkey Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the most amazing cities in the world. It has been a melting pot of cultures for thousands of years, and it’s been a major crossroads between East and West since ancient times. Today, Istanbul is an exciting mix of East and West, with a rich cultural history that can be seen in its architecture, its cuisine, and its people. Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend getaway or a weeklong adventure, there’s something for everyone in Istanbul. From bustling bazaars to stunning mosques, from the vibrant nightlife to its incredible historical sites, there’s something for everyone in Istanbul.

History

Istanbul has a long and illustrious history that can be traced back to the 7th century BC. It was founded by the Greeks and was known as Byzantium. It was later conquered by the Romans, who renamed it Constantinople. It was finally conquered by the Ottoman Turks in 1453 and renamed Istanbul. Over the centuries, it has been a major cultural and economic center, with its population growing from 500,000 to over 15 million in modern times. It has been a major hub of trade and commerce, connecting Europe with the Middle East and North Africa. It has also been an important site of religious pilgrimage, especially for Muslims and Christians.

Facts

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and the fifth-largest city in the world. It is situated on the Bosphorus strait between the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea. The city is home to over 15 million people, making it one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world. Istanbul is known for its stunning historical architecture, with numerous mosques, churches, palaces, and bazaars from different eras. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. The city is known for its vibrant culture and bustling nightlife, with numerous restaurants, bars, clubs, and live music venues offering something for everyone.

What To Do

Istanbul is a city of endless possibilities. There are countless things to do and see here, from taking in the stunning sights of its historical monuments to exploring its bustling bazaars. Here are just some of the things you can do in Istanbul:

Explore The Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting Istanbul. The bazaar is home to over 4,000 shops selling everything from jewelry and carpets to spices and souvenirs. You can also find traditional Turkish handicrafts like pottery, copperware, and textiles. The best thing about the Grand Bazaar is that it’s open every day except Sundays, so you can visit anytime!

Take A Cruise On The Bosphorus

The Bosphorus is a strait that runs through Istanbul connecting the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea. Taking a cruise on the Bosphorus is one of the best ways to explore Istanbul’s breathtaking scenery from a different perspective. You can admire the city skyline, spot historical landmarks, and take in the stunning beauty of nature along the way. There are several cruise options including traditional wooden boats as well as luxury yachts.

Visit The Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. This stunning mosque was built in 1609 by Sultan Ahmet I and is renowned for its exquisite interior featuring over 20,000 blue tiles. The Blue Mosque is open to visitors every day except Fridays when it is closed for prayer. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting Istanbul!

Take A Tour Of The Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia is one of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks and has been a major center of culture and religion since its construction in 537 AD. It was originally built as a Byzantine Christian church but was converted into an Ottoman mosque after the Ottoman conquest in 1453. Today it is a museum open to visitors who can explore its stunning architecture and admire its impressive dome.

Explore The Istanbul Archaeological Museum

The Istanbul Archaeological Museum is one of the oldest museums in Turkey and houses an impressive collection of artifacts from ancient civilizations from around the world. It includes artifacts from Ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Anatolia, and more. The museum also houses a library with over 50,000 books on various topics related to archaeology, history, art, and culture.

Visit The Topkapi Palace

The Topkapi Palace is a stunning palace complex located on the European side of Istanbul overlooking the Bosphorus strait. It was built in 1453 by Sultan Mehmet II as his imperial residence and served as the home of Ottoman sultans until 1922. Today it is an impressive museum open to visitors who can explore its stunning grounds and admire its beautiful courtyards and gardens.

Popular Tours

Istanbul Old City Tour

Explore some of Istanbul’s most famous sights on this comprehensive 4-hour tour of Istanbul’s Old City. Your expert guide will take you on a journey through time as you explore some of Istanbul’s most iconic sites such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome Square, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar and more! This tour will give you an insight into Istanbul’s colorful past as your guide reveals stories about each site’s history and significance. This tour also includes skip-the-line tickets so you don’t have to waste time standing in line! Book your Istanbul Old City Tour here for a memorable experience.

Bosphorus Cruise & Asian Shore Tour

Experience Istanbul from a different perspective on this 4-hour cruise along the Bosphorus! Enjoy stunning views of some of Istanbul’s major sites such as Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace and Ortakoy Mosque as your boat sails along one of the world’s busiest waterways. You will also have time to explore some of Istanbul’s Asian shore attractions such as Beylerbeyi Palace and Camlica Hill where you can take breathtaking photos of the city skyline! This tour also includes lunch so you don’t have to worry about finding food while out sightseeing! Book your Bosphorus Cruise & Asian Shore Tour now for an unforgettable experience!

Istanbul Nightlife Tour

Experience Istanbul’s vibrant nightlife on this 5-hour tour! Your expert guide will take you around some of Istanbul’s best nightspots including local bars, pubs, nightclubs and more! You will have time to explore each spot at your own pace as your guide reveals stories about each venue’s history and local culture! This tour includes drinks so you don’t have to worry about finding a bar or spending extra money on drinks! Book your Istanbul Nightlife Tour here for an amazing evening out!

So whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an adventurous experience, Istanbul has something for everyone! Take in its spectacular sights, explore its bustling bazaars or take a cruise along the Bosphorus – whatever you choose to do you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience here in Istanbul!