What to Do in Istanbul? Must-See Attractions in the City

Istanbul, a former Ottoman and Byzantine capital, is a city worth visiting for its historical and cultural attractions that draw millions of tourists from around the globe. Whether you’re a classic sightseer, looking to explore ancient ruins and towering mosques, or an art lover seeking new perspectives, Istanbul offers something for everyone. Here are just some of the must-see attractions that you should make a priority when visiting Istanbul.

The Blue Mosque

No visit to Istanbul would be complete without an exploration of the exquisite Blue Mosque. Also known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, it was built in the early 17th century by Sultan Ahmed I as a replication of the Hagia Sophia, an impressive nearby structure. This grand mosque is one of the most iconic sights in Istanbul and is admired by visitors for its stunning blue-tiled interior walls and beautiful Islamic calligraphic artwork. Moreover, it is one of the few mosques still used for daily prayer services, which makes it both inside and outside unique. Additionally, it remains free to enter for tourists, with the stunning sight it houses being one of the highlights for any visitor to Istanbul.

The Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is another world-famous attraction in Istanbul. Also known as the Kapalıçarşı or “covered market”, it is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. It consists of more than 60 streets lined with 4,000 shops and 5,000 independent stalls selling all sorts of goods, such as jewelry, carpets and handicrafts, while some shops even offer antiques. The bazaar attracts around 400,000 people daily, making it one of the most visited sights in all of Istanbul. Visitors can explore the complex maze of shops, while bargaining with sellers over attractive wares. Bargaining skills are a must-have in this department store wonderland where visitors can enjoy a unique experience of bargaining and shopping at competitive prices.

Istanbul Archaeology Museums

If you’re an art and culture lover looking to explore Istanbul’s big museum scene, then you can’t miss out on the Istanbul Archaeology Museums. This world-class museum complex houses over 1 million artifacts from throughout Turkey’s past, from Greek artifacts from nearby Troy to Ottoman artifacts from the grand Topkapi Palace. Additionally, this complex is home to several smaller museums dedicated to topics such as Islamic calligraphy and numismatics. With so much to explore just in this single complex, it’s no surprise that the Istanbul Archaeology Museums rank among the tourist attractions worth seeing in Istanbul.

Galata Tower

The Galata Tower is one of Istanbul’s oldest structures and is an iconic 9th-century tower standing tall over the skyline of modern-day Istanbul. The tower looks especially impressive at dusk and offers visitors sweeping views of the city’s skyline, including landmarks such as the Bosphorus bridge that crosses the Bosporus strait between Istanbul’s Asian and European sides. With its 69 meters high, it is a popular place for visitors and locals alike who come to admire the magnificent views it offers of the city. On a clear day, you can see all the way over to Dolmabahçe Palace on the shore of the Sea of Marmara.

Basilica Cistern

The underground Basilica Cistern was featured in early James Bond movie From Russia with Love and is a unique engineering feat with incredible significance for Istanbul’s history. Built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in 537 AD, this cistern was once used to provide an overflow supply of water to Constantinople (now known as Istanbul). It remains mostly intact today with around 336 marble columns providing support to the interlocking brick ceilings. It also showcases several intriguing artworks that give it an even greater appeal as a tourist destination. Experiencing the magnitude and scale of this engineering marvel should not be missed when visiting Istanbul.

Conclusion

Istanbul has something on offer for everyone who visits its exciting city full of history and culture. Each of these attractions offers something unique to visitors who will be sure to be impressed by all that they have to offer. Whether you’re into monuments, ruins or modern art galleries, there are plenty of things to do in Istanbul that should not be missed when visiting this amazing city. For more ideas on where to go and what to see in Istanbul why not read this World Travel Guide where you can find detailed guide on the best spots to visit when you make your way to this Turkish city.

Insider’s Guide to Istanbul: Unveiling the Hidden Gems

As the gateway to Asia from Europe, Istanbul is a melting pot of cultures, where East meets West. Every nook and corner of the city flaunts an exciting history. Beyond the typical tourist attractions, Istanbul offers various hidden gems. This insider’s guide will take you off the beaten path where you can experience the real Istanbul.

Discover Local Attractions

While the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are the most famous landmarks of Istanbul, there’s a lot more the city has to offer. Head to the colorful streets of Balat, where you can find charming Ottoman houses, street art, and savor authentic street food. Another hidden spot, Suleymaniye Mosque, takes precedence over the Blue Mosque in terms of beauty and grandeur. Located on top of one of Istanbul’s seven hills, Pierre Loti Hill offers stunning views of the Golden Horn, while Fenerbahce Park offers a serene atmosphere and a panoramic view of the Bosphorus.

Savor Local Cuisine

Istanbul’s food scene is a combination of Ottoman and modern cuisine, with flavors and tastes that will impress you. Experience the flavors of traditional Ottoman cuisine and enjoy the excellent Turkish meze by heading to Asitane, one of Istanbul’s best fine-dining restaurants. For something more casual, try the favorite street food “balik ekmek” (grilled fish served in a bread roll) at the Karakoy Fish Market. Sip a cup of traditional Turkish tea whilst smoking a water-pipe at a meyhane in the atmospheric Karakoy neighborhood.

Immerse Yourself in Local Culture

Istanbul has a rich and vibrant cultural scene, with festivals, music, and art throughout the year. Catch up on Turkish classical music performances at the Hagia Irene Museum, home to the famous Ottoman band. Head to the Istanbul Modern Museum to explore Turkish and modern art exhibitions, and to the Istanbul Music Festival to enjoy classical music from Turkey’s leading performers.

Uncover Local History

The history of Istanbul goes back thousands of years, and exploring its past is an adventure in itself. Take a journey to the Bosphorus, and visit the Rumeli Fortress, the stone fortress that was instrumental in capturing Constantinople from the Byzantine Empire in the 1453 Ottoman Conquest. Explore the Church of St. Savior in Chora, to witness world-renowned Byzantine mosaics and frescos. Another must-see landmark is the Maiden’s Tower, erected on an islet, where the Byzantine Emperor used to imprison his unruly daughters.

Unique Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Explore the dark underworld of Istanbul by taking a tour of the Basilica Cisterns, a subterranean catacomb of a Byzantine water reservoir that once supplied the Great Palace of Constantinople. Unwind at one of the traditional Turkish baths, which are popular and is an age-old tradition of the Ottoman era. Stroll through the vibrant neighborhoods of Kadikoy and Moda on the Asian side of Istanbul, which are full of bohemian cafes, shops, and street art.

In Conclusion

From exploring the secrets of Istanbul’s past, discovering the hidden gems and devouring delicious Turkish cuisine, you will experience a side of Istanbul that only locals can offer. It is a city that will stay with you forever, and you’ll keep finding reasons to come back and explore its charm again.