Things to do in Istanbul
Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)
Sultan Ahmed I was determined to build a mosque that rivaled the nearby Hagia Sophia, and most would agree that he accomplished this task – or, at least, came close. Since the early 1600s, the Blue Mosque has been quite the sight to behold, with an array of domes, semidomes and minarets (or narrow towers). It’s also one of the biggest tourist draws in Istanbul..
Hagia Sophia Museum (Ayasofya Müzesi)
Tourists flock en masse to the Hagia Sophia Museum for its stunning architecture, glorious interior views and historical significance. Built between 532 and 537, the building was a church for nearly a thousand years. It then served as a mosque from 1453 until 1935, before becoming the secular museum that it is today.
Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii)
Nestled within Istanbul’s historic Fatih district by the Golden Horn, Istanbul University and the Grand Bazaar, Süleymaniye Mosque is considered one of the city’s most impressive Ottoman mosques. Built between 1550 and 1557 after being commissioned by its namesake, Süleyman I, this grand structure features multiple gardens and a large dome, plus high-end finishes like mother-of-pearl window shutters, painted corbels, traditional ceramic tiles and stained-glass windows..
Topkapi Palace Museum (Topkapi Sarayi Müzesi)
Topkapi Palace served as the home of the Ottoman Sultans from 1478 to 1856 and is one of Istanbul’s most popular attractions. It officially became a museum in 1924, shortly after the end of the Ottoman era, and features brilliant architecture, manicured courtyards and extensive weaponry, porcelain, cutlery, art and fabric collections..
Grand Bazaar (Kapaliçarsi)
Located within walking distance of must-visit sights like the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern and Süleymaniye Mosque, the Grand Bazaar is one of the biggest and oldest covered shopping markets in the world. It regularly overwhelms visitors with its 60 streets of 5,000-plus shops, each accompanied by an overzealous vendor. Products range from carpets and clothing to art and chessboards, and restaurants, cafes and even two hammams (or Turkish baths) can be found here..
Taksim Square
Taksim Square is a vibrant, modern area located in Istanbul’s Beyoglu district. Scores of shops, restaurants and bars fill the surrounding streets, as well as popular hotels like the InterContinental Istanbul and the Grand Hyatt Istanbul. The square also features notable landmarks like the Taksim Republic Monument (Taksim Cumhuriyet Aniti), which commemorates the creation of the Turkish Republic in 1923. … more
Ortaköy
While the area surrounding Taksim Square draws the vast majority of partygoers, the small neighborhood of Ortaköy happily enjoys its less popular status. You won’t simply stumble onto this cool enclave; located north of Beyoglu along the Bosphorus, you’ll need to take a ferry or a bus from the Kabatas tram stop to reach it. Hopping a taxi will be a necessity in the nighttime, but the journey will be well worth it..
Istanbul Archaeological Museums (Istanbul Arkeoloji Müzeleri)
At the Istanbul Archaeological Museums, which opened by Topkapi Palace Museum in 1869, you’ll find more than one million antiquities displayed throughout three buildings – the Archaeological Museum, the Ancient Orient Museum and the Tiled Kiosk Museum. Artifacts housed inside include Islamic coins, three sarcophagi and a tomb monument that dates to the first century..
Istanbul Archaeological Museums (Istanbul Arkeoloji Müzeleri)
Istanbul Modern
A private museum aimed at collecting and exhibiting artwork of contemporary significance, Istanbul Modern appeals to locals and international visitors. Artists represented inside include Sarkis Zabunyan, Richard Wentworth and Yoko Ono..
Chora Museum (Kariye Müzesi)
Originally built as a Byzantine church, later converted to a mosque and now serving as a secular museum, the Chora Museum is definitely deserving of a visit. There, you’ll find a series of beautiful mosaics and frescoes that many consider some of the best surviving examples of Byzantine art in the world..
Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici)
The Basilica Cistern is Istanbul’s largest surviving Byzantine cistern and one of its most unique historic sites. Constructed in 532 for Justinianus I, this sprawling underground water reservoir – which is roughly the size of two football fields – once supplied water to the Great Palace of Constantinople, a large palace that served as the main residence for local emperors for centuries. Though the palace no longer exists, the cistern was rediscovered in 1545 and renovated in 1985 to welcome visitors. It’s most noteworthy feature is a pair of Medusa heads that sit upside down at the base of two columns..
Dolmabahçe Palace
Sitting along the Bosphorus near the Kabatas tram stop and the Besiktas ferry port, Dolmabahçe Palace’s jaw-dropping beauty and historical importance impresses visitors. Built in the 19th century, the palace was used by the final Ottoman sultans as their primary residence and administrative seat. The interior and exterior architecture showcase a mix of European and Arab designs that can only be found at this global crossroad…
Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi)
For perhaps the best view of Istanbul from Beyoglu, head up the Galata Tower. This landmark crowns the hill opposite the Golden Horn and was once used as a jail. After a copula was added during a 1960’s restoration, this historic structure’s observation deck opened to visitors. A restaurant and nightclub are also available at the top…
Eyüp
Balat Streets
Join to Salt Exhibitions
Princess Island
Galata Bridge
Beyoğlu
OR
1, Go early in the morning to Belgrade is to be enchanted forest and the smell of the forest you walk 6 km.
2. In Polonezkoy Belgrade to complete the 5 km of hiking trails through the forest proportion
3. Walk around the Sultanahmet.
4. To find peace in the Basilica Cistern.
5. The Topkapi Palace , watch the breathtaking view of Istanbul from Konya restaurants.
6. Go to Grand Bazaar.
7. Drink coffee at Istanbul Modern.
8. Eat dry beans in the shadow of Sulaymaniyah. Kuru Fasulyeci
9. Do not miss the redbud time Rumelian Castle.
10. Spend a day in Kadikoy.
11. Go to film festivals. FilmEkimi is one of them..
12. Istanbul, which is one of the oldest passages in Hazzapulo Café for tea.
13. Spend an unplanned day in Beyoglu.
14. Take a stroll in Fener and Balat.
15. Watch the stunning views of Istanbul from the Galata Tower.
16. Caddebostan coast bike ride or walk .
17. Beyoglu nostalgic tram Taksim – Tunnel line to catch the tram.
18. Bosphorus Tour
19. Make a bicycle tour on the Big Island(Princess Islands)
20. Make love to Istanbul.