As one of the world’s cultural hotspots, Istanbul is simply impressive. Magnificent mosques adorned with gigantic ornaments stand prominently in the city. Moreover, ornate Byzantine palaces and glorious churches complement the beauty of Istanbul. Besides that, luscious dishes and the intriguing aroma of spices are ready to take you through an enchanting sensory experience. Thus, it might be challenging to choose a few places to visit in Istanbul. In this blog, we will show you the 15 best places to visit in Istanbul. Buckle up and get ready for an adventure!
Hagia Sophia
Standing in the middle of Istanbul, Hagia Sophia catches everyone’s attention with its majestic architecture. However, the historical site is more than a jaw-dropping structure. Hagia Sophia tells a long history of empires and religions in Turkey. It was originally built as a church by a Byzantine emperor in the 5th century. A few centuries later, the Ottoman kingdom converted Hagia Sophia into a mosque. Today, Hagia Sophia serves as a mosque and museum.
Hagia Sophia looks glorious from the outside. However, its interior will leave you breathless. The giant mosque is adorned with beautiful pillars, ornaments, and mosaics. Massive chandeliers hang from the ceiling, creating a lavish scene. Moreover, you can also see the ornaments and symbols of the two religions, Islam and Christianity. Therefore, Hagia Sophia is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul for its beauty and authenticity.
Blue Mosque
Travelers will not miss this glorious historical building when visiting Istanbul. Standing across from Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque shines its own light. The mosque features giant domes, intricate towers, and beautiful ornaments. Dating back to the 17th century, Blue Mosque is a remarkable architectural piece from the Ottoman period. Thus, it is also listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Blue Mosque also offers something unique besides its beautiful architecture. The interior of the mosque is adorned with 20,000 blue Iznik tiles. Yes, they are the reason Blue Mosque got its name! Furthermore, Blue Mosque is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Istanbul.
Basilica Cistern
Mysterious and intriguing – those are the two words that describe Basilica Cistern. Hidden under the sprawling city, it has become one of the most unique places to visit in Istanbul. Dates back to the 6th century, Basilica Cistern was once used to store water supply for the Byzantine emperors. It features hundreds of pillars, carved walls, and arches.
Exploring the cistern feels like no other place. The dimly lit scene adds a mysterious atmosphere. You can find towering pillars carved with Medusa head carvings, offering a unique scene. Besides that, you can hear a soft trickle of water all around you.
Topkapi Palace
This historical site might remind you of a castle in Bavaria. It displays a charming blend of European, Islamic, and Ottoman architectural styles. Moreover, the interior of the palace is adorned with opulent tiles, intricate mosaics, and magnificent carvings. Not to mention Topkapi Palace also has a well-manicured garden with colorful flowers. It is an amazing place to visit in Istanbul.
Topkapi Palace also serves as a museum. You can find a great collection of books, artifacts, and manuscripts from the Ottoman Empire. Moreover, you can see the chambers where the sultans of the Ottoman Empire and their families once stayed. Whether you are a photography fan or a history buff, visiting Topkapi Palace will make you happy.
Istanbul Archaeological Museum
History buffs and archaeology fans will love this place! Established in 1891, Istanbul Archaeological Museum has become one of the most important museums in the city. It houses thousands of historical artifacts. Not only from Turkey Istanbul Archaeological Museum also displays collections from around the world. Thus, you can find artifacts from the Mesopotamian, Sumerian, Egyptian, Greek, Byzantine, to early Islamic periods.
The museum is an unmissable place to go in Istanbul. It has a myriad of unique and fascinating collections. Find bizarre artifacts such as sarcophagus from ancient Greece, marble sculptures from Rome, and prehistoric tools. Guaranteed, you won’t dose off in the museum.
Rustem Pasha Mosque
Everyone has heard about Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, but there is another magnificent mosque to see. Rutem Pasha Mosque stands in the middle of the Tahtakale neighborhood of the Fatih district. Thus, it looks eye-catching with its intricate Ottoman-style architecture and gigantic dome. Dating back to the 16th century, Rustem Pasha Mosque is one of the best historical places to visit in Istanbul.
Rustem Pasha Mosque is a masterpiece of the Ottoman Empire. Although the facade of the mosque looks wonderful, its interior also looks breathtaking. You can see colorful Iznik tiles in beautiful geometrical and floral patterns on the walls. Thus, the ceilings of the mosque are adorned with chandeliers, swirling lights, and carvings. However, be mindful not to take a flash photography in the mosque as it is strictly prohibited.
Hippodrome
Every corner of Istanbul looks like an open-air museum, but the Hippodrome is a level-up. The ancient square dates back to the 4th century and was built during the reign of the Byzantine Empire. It was the center of Byzantine everyday life, where they held games and chariot races. Statues, sculptures, fountains, and monuments are scattered throughout the square. With all it has to offer, both locals and travelers crowd the Hippodrome.
Some of the highlights of the Hippodrome are Egyptian obelisks and the Greek Serpent Column. The 20-meters obelisks stand tall in the middle and corners of the Hippodrome, reflecting the sunlight. Meanwhile, the Serpent Column is special as it was brought from the famous Delphi in Greece. Besides that, the Hippodrome is a place in Istanbul that you can visit for free. Sounds like an awesome place to go to, right?
Chora Church
Istanbul never ceases to amaze travelers with its myriad of historical buildings. Chora Church is one of them, and it stands out as a unique one. Situated outside Constantinople’s walls, Chora Church displays impressive medieval architecture. It offers something different yet beautiful between Istanbul’s magnificent Ottoman architecture. Therefore, Chora Church is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul.
Chora Church was originally built in the 5th century as an Orthodox church. Thus, it was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman period. Now, the church is a public museum. You can find fascinating religious murals on the domes and walls of Chora Church. It is a great place to witness the heritage of the Byzantine Empire in Turkey.
Hagia Triada
Another alluring church you can visit in Istanbul is Hagia Triada. It is a Greek Orthodox Church that was built in the 19th century. Nowadays, the church is used by the Orthodox community for their religious activities and Sunday services. However, the church welcomes the public to visit and admire its amazing facade.
Hagia Triada is one of the most beautiful churches in Istanbul. It has neo-Baroque architecture with large domes, intricate towers, and magnificent decorations. Thus, the interior of the church is even more breathtaking. It features a huge hall with ornate arches and pillars, beautiful murals, and mesmerizing sculptures. Therefore, Hagia Triada is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul.
Yedikule Fortress
We know that the mosques and churches in Istanbul are splendid, but is there any other historical site? Then, head to Yedikule Fortress in the neighborhood of Fatih. Built in the 5th century, the fortress kept a long history of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. The fortress is made out of bricks and rocks, displaying a sturdy facade. Thus, it once served as a dungeon, treasury, place of execution, and stronghold.
One of the most iconic things about Yedikule Fortress is its magnificent entrance. Porta Aurea, or the Golden Gate, becomes the door to the fortress complex. It is adorned with gold plates, just as its name suggests. Moreover, Yedikule Fortress overlooks the Marmara Sea, offering a mesmerizing scene. Therefore, it is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul.
Grand Bazaar
Immerse yourself in the fascinating Turkish everyday life in Grand Bazaar. Complemented by 4,000 vendors, Grand Bazaar is the largest and most famous market in Istanbul. You can find incredible Turkish crafts, like lamps, textiles, and jewelry, all over the market. Moreover, get ready to be captivated by the scent of spices and sweets, which are a huge part of Grand Bazaar.
Grand Bazaar is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul for tourists. The bustling crowds, a wide variety of goods, and intriguing atmosphere can be found nowhere else. Moreover, you can practice your haggling skills with sellers and mingle with locals in the market. Furthermore, you can also enjoy some delicious Turkish street food or grab a cup of Turkish coffee to wrap up your authentic travel experience.
Princes’ Islands
Located off the coast of Istanbul, Princes’ Islands is a popular day-trip destination. The island is nestled on the Marmara Sea and can be reached within a short ferry ride from the city. Nine islands compliment the archipelago, and all of them are interesting to visit. Moreover, Princes’ Island has an interesting history of being the punishment place of the Byzantine princes and Ottoman sultan. Back then, they didn’t know that the islands were such paradise!
Princes’ Island offers a beautiful scene of elegant ancient buildings and fairytale houses with the backdrop of the brilliant blue Marmara Sea. Cars and motorcycles are not allowed on the islands, making them very quaint and pollution-free. The relaxing atmosphere is perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of Istanbul. Therefore, Princes’ Island is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul.
Camlica Hill
Get a breathtaking scene of the Bosphorus Sea and the city of Istanbul from a towering hill. Çamlica Hill is a popular sightseeing spot situated 288 meters above sea level. Thus, it is a part of the Asian side of Istanbul. The spot is still untouched by tourists, so it is quite a hidden gem in Istanbul. The hill is mostly crowded with locals who are seeking a short escape and relaxing time.
Besides offering an exquisite landscape of Istanbul, Çamlica Hill also features a well-manicured park. Flowers, fountains, and small cafes adorn the park and make it a lovely place to visit. If you are looking for a tranquil place to escape the crowds, this is your place. Furthermore, Çamlica Hill is one of the interesting places to visit in Istanbul.
Emirgan Park
At first glance, Emirgan Park will remind you of Keukenhof Garden in Amsterdam. During spring, the park turns into a magical land of colorful, blooming tulips. Millions of beautiful tulips cover the park, offering an exquisite scene in the floral season. Therefore, Emirgan Park is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul.
On usual days, you can go to the park and enjoy its collection of floras. Besides flowers, the park also has trees like pine, cedar, ash, and beech. Moreover, it has wide ponds covered in water lilies and willows, displaying a lovely scene. Stroll around the park, grab some snacks, and have a picnic – it is the best way to enjoy Emirgan Park.
Istanbul is undeniably charming! It is a city that should be on your bucket list. Moreover, exploring Istanbul and other cities in Turkey will lead you to a forever-lasting memory! Then, are you planning to travel to Istanbul?
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