Turkey Things To Do Istanbul

Are you planning a trip to Istanbul, Turkey and you don’t know what to do and where to go? Worry not, because you’ve come to the right place! Istanbul is a city with a rich cultural history, and it is filled with a plethora of activities and sights to explore. From its historical mosques to its vibrant nightlife, Istanbul is a city you must visit at least once in your life. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the best things to do and sights to see in Istanbul.

General Introduction

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, and it is home to more than 15 million people. It is located in the northwest of the country, on the banks of the Bosporus strait. The city spans across both Europe and Asia, making it one of the few cities in the world to have a unique setting. It has a vibrant and diverse culture, as it has been home to people of many different nationalities for centuries. It is an economic powerhouse in the region and has a rich cultural and historical heritage.

The best way to explore Istanbul is to take a tour. There are a variety of tours available, from historical tours to cultural tours. Most of the tours will include a visit to some of the famous sights of Istanbul, such as the Sultanahmet Mosque, the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. All of these sights are must-visits when in Istanbul.

The city also has a vibrant nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from. There are many areas to explore, such as Taksim Square, Beyoglu, and Kadiköy. You can also find plenty of traditional Turkish restaurants, as well as some international ones.

Activities

When in Istanbul, there are plenty of activities to do and sights to see. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular activities and sights in Istanbul.

Sightseeing

The best way to explore Istanbul is to take a sightseeing tour. There are plenty of tours to choose from, such as the Historical Istanbul Tour, which takes you on a journey through the city’s ancient past, or the Cultural Istanbul Tour, which takes you to some of the city’s most vibrant cultural centres. There are also boat tours, which take you on a cruise down the Bosporus, and helicopter tours, which give you a bird’s eye view of the city.

Museums

Istanbul has a rich cultural heritage, and there are plenty of museums to explore. The most famous of these is the Topkapı Palace Museum, which was once the home of the Ottoman sultans. It is filled with beautiful works of art and artefacts from the Ottoman period. Other museums to visit include the Pera Museum, the Istanbul Modern, and the Rahmi M. Koc Museum.

Shopping

The city is filled with markets and bazaars, where you can find anything from traditional Turkish souvenirs to designer clothes. The most famous of these is the Grand Bazaar, which is one of the largest and oldest bazaars in the world. It is filled with hundreds of shops and stalls selling everything from antiques to jewellery. There are also plenty of shopping malls, such as the Istanbul Sapphire, where you can find international brands.

Nightlife

Istanbul has a vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from. The most popular areas are Beyoğlu and Taksim, where you can find some of the city’s best bars and clubs. You can also find some traditional Turkish restaurants, as well as some international ones.

Conclusion

Istanbul is a city with a rich history and vibrant culture. It is home to some of the most famous sights in the world, such as the Sultanahmet Mosque, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. There are also plenty of activities to do, such as sightseeing tours, museums, shopping, and nightlife. If you’re planning a trip to Istanbul, then this blog post should help you decide what to do and where to go. Have a great trip!

An Insider’s Guide to Istanbul: Unveiling the City’s Hidden Gems

Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city, is one that’s buzzing with vibrant neighborhoods, glorious architecture, and delicious flavors. While the city has numerous popular attractions, there are some hidden gems that offer an intimate and unique experience to the visitors. As an insider, here are my recommendations for making the most of Istanbul and discovering its diverse offerings.

Local attractions:

Apart from the iconic historical landmarks, Istanbul has some offbeat places that not many tourists know about. For example, take a stroll in Balat neighborhood, a quiet enclave known for its colorful houses, narrow streets, and street art. You can also visit the historic Pammakaristos Church, located in the Fatih district, to admire its intricate Byzantine art. Another hidden gem is the Fener and Balat districts, renowned for their Greek and Jewish relics, beautiful courtyards, and vibrant street food.

Dining spots:

Istanbul’s food culture is a melting pot of flavors, influenced by Ottoman, Turkish, and Mediterranean cuisine. There are numerous best eateries serving traditional as well as fusion dishes that one must not miss. For a hearty breakfast, head to the rustic Van Kahvaltı Evi café and feast on simit (sesame bread), menemen (scrambled eggs with tomato and peppers), and kaymak (thick cream). Try out the Ottoman-era recipe of lamb dish called Sultanahmet Kofteci, served with piyaz (bean salad). Don’t forget to indulge in pide (Turkish pizza) at Karadeniz Pidecisi, seafood at Balıkçı Sabahattin, and street food at Eminönü Balık Ekmek.

Cultural experiences:

Istanbul has a rich cultural heritage that continues to thrive today. To understand the city’s diverse culture, visit the stunning Blue Mosque, which has a vast dome and intricate blue tiling. Attend a Sufi performance, where you can witness the whirling dervishes performing the traditional dance called sema. Marvel at Istanbul’s contemporary art scene at Istanbul Modern, a contemporary art museum, or visit the Aya Sofia Museum to learn about the city’s religious history. Celebrate the colorful Hıdırellez Festival held in early May, when people gather to toss flowers into water and jump through the flames for good luck.

Local history:

Istanbul has a rich, deep, and storied past that’s worth exploring. For example, visit the Chora Church, an 11th-century basilica adorned with detailed Byzantine mosaics. Go back in time and explore the Leander’s Tower, the small tower sitting on the Bosporus Strait offering striking views of the city’s skyline, which once served as a lighthouse and a defensive fort to the Ottoman Empire. Explore the Suleymaniye Mosque, Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent’s masterpiece, which was once a school, bakery, and hospital under Ottoman rule. Don’t miss a chance to traverse the vast Grand Bazaar, which dates back to the 15th century, a sprawling marketplace selling everything from souvenirs to Turkish delights.

Off-the-beaten-path suggestions:

While Istanbul has many tourist spots, some places are poorly known but offer unique adventures. For instance, take a boat ride to the Princes’ Islands on the Marmara Sea, a group of nine car-free islands offering serene beaches, lush forests, and Greek-style mansions. Visit the Camlica hill, located on the Asian side of the city, to enjoy some breathtaking panoramic views, sunset, and a cup of Turkish tea. For adventure seekers, head to the Düden Waterfalls, situated west of the city, to explore the mesmerizing series of waterfalls collapsing into the Mediterranean Sea.

In conclusion, Istanbul is a city with countless hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From vibrant neighborhoods to delicious cuisine, rich culture to intriguing history, and much more, exploring them could make anyone fall in love with the city.