Top 10 Places To Visit In Istanbul

Istanbul is a city that has seen thousands of years of history unfold within its city limits. It is a city of great culture and beauty, and as one of the most visited cities in the world, there is no shortage of sights to see and activities to do. From ancient monuments and buildings to modern day attractions, Istanbul has it all! Whether you are looking to explore the historic city center or take in the sights of the Bosphorus, Istanbul has some of the best places to visit in all of Turkey.

History of Istanbul

Istanbul is a city that has been part of many different empires throughout its history. It was first established by Greek settlers in 667 BC and eventually became part of the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, and the Ottoman Empire. It has been known by many different names throughout its long history, including Byzantium, Constantinople, and Istanbul. In 1453, the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople, changed its name to Istanbul, and made it their new capital city.

Throughout its history, Istanbul has been a major hub for trade and commerce. This has led to the city becoming a melting pot of cultures from around the world. It is also home to some of the world’s most iconic monuments, such as the Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, and Blue Mosque. Today, Istanbul is a vibrant and modern city that is home to over 15 million people.

Transportation

Getting around Istanbul is relatively easy thanks to its extensive public transportation system. There are several options available including buses, trams, ferries, and Metro. The Metro is the fastest and most efficient way to get around the city. The tram system is also a great way to explore the city as it covers many of the historic areas.

Taxis are also available in the city and can be hailed from the street or booked in advance through apps such as Uber. Alternatively, there are bicycle rental services available in many areas of the city. This can be a great way to explore some of Istanbul’s hidden gems.

Top 10 Places To Visit In Istanbul

There are so many amazing places to visit in Istanbul that it’s hard to narrow it down to just 10! Here are our top picks:

1. Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia is one of Istanbul’s most iconic monuments and a must-see for anyone visiting the city. This former Byzantine church was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire and is now a museum. The stunning interior is filled with beautiful mosaics and artwork spanning centuries of history.

2. Topkapı Palace

The Topkapı Palace was the home to the Ottoman Sultans for centuries and is now one of Turkey’s most popular tourist attractions. This beautiful palace features stunning architecture, lush gardens, and a fascinating collection of artifacts from its time as a royal residence.

3. Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque is one of Istanbul’s most recognizable landmarks. This beautiful mosque was built in 1609 and features stunning blue tilework and a majestic dome that towers over its surrounding area. Inside the mosque is an impressive interior filled with intricate marble pillars and colorful stained glass windows.

4. Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world! This bustling market is packed with merchants selling everything from handmade jewelry to spices and textiles. It’s a great place to find souvenirs and explore Istanbul’s vibrant culture.

5. Galata Tower

The Galata Tower is a medieval stone tower that stands at the heart of Istanbul’s historic Galata district. This iconic tower offers stunning views over the Bosphorus and Golden Horn from its observation deck. It’s a great spot for photos or just to soak in some of Istanbul’s incredible scenery.

6. Spice Bazaar

The Spice Bazaar is another one of Istanbul’s famous markets. Located in the Eminönü district, this bustling bazaar features merchants selling all sorts of exotic spices, herbs, nuts, and teas from around the world. It’s also a great spot for souvenirs and unique gifts for friends back home.

7. Sultanahmet District

The Sultanahmet district is one of Istanbul’s most historic areas and home to many of the city’s most famous monuments including the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. This area is filled with cobblestone streets and ancient buildings that will transport you back in time!

8. Dolmabahçe Palace

The Dolmabahçe Palace was once home to the Ottoman Sultans and is now one of Turkey’s most popular tourist attractions. This stunning palace features elaborate décor, grand reception halls, and lush gardens that will make you feel like royalty!

9. Bosphorus Cruise

A cruise along the Bosphorus is one of the best ways to experience Istanbul’s stunning waterfront scenery! A Bosphorus cruise will take you past some of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks as well as some hidden gems that can only be seen from the water.

10. İstiklal Street

İstiklal Street is one of the most popular streets in Istanbul and is filled with cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops that will keep you entertained all day long! This pedestrian street is always buzzing with activity and provides great people-watching opportunities as well as plenty of places to eat or shop!

Tours To Explore Istanbul

Exploring Istanbul can be an overwhelming task due to its sheer size and abundance of attractions – so why not let someone else do the work? Here are two tours that allow you to explore some of Istanbul’s must-see sights without any stress or hassle:

Istanbul Grand Tour

The Istanbul Grand Tour offers an immersive experience combining both modern and ancient sights throughout the city. This full-day tour takes you through some of Istanbul’s most popular attractions such as the Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Galata Tower, Spice Bazaar, Sultanahmet District, Dolmabahçe Palace, and more! The tour also includes entrance fees, lunch at a local restaurant, guided commentary from your knowledgeable guide, and transportation between sights via air-conditioned coach Book Istanbul Grand Tour here.

Best Of Istanbul Tour

The Best Of Istanbul Tour takes you through some of the city’s most iconic sights such as Topkapı Palace, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and more! This 4-hour tour also includes a visit to a local carpet factory where you can learn about Turkey’s renowned carpet-making tradition along with a stop at an artisan jewelry shop where you can admire unique pieces from local artisans Book Best Of Istanbul Tour here.

Conclusion

With so many places to visit in Istanbul it can be hard to decide where to go first! We hope this guide has given you some insight into some of our favorite places to explore in this vibrant city! Whether you want to explore historic monuments or take in some stunning waterfront views, Istanbul has something for everyone!