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Straddling two continents, Istanbul is likely one of the most various and vibrant cities on Earth.
It’s the place minarets and terracotta rooftops pierce the skyline, the place the air is crammed with the sounds of calls to prayer, the chatter of bazaars, and the scorching of chestnuts in road carts.
The one solution to describe it’s East meets West, and also you’ll discover there are such a lot of issues to do in Istanbul, you may battle to suit all of it in inside per week lengthy keep.
Whether or not you’re seeking to step again in time to the Byzantine empire, cruise down the Golden Horn between continents, or just get misplaced in a facet road café and stroke some pleasant metropolis road cats, listed below are among the most iconic sights in Istanbul that shouldn’t be skipped.
1. Go to the Hagia Sophia
Probably the most unmissable sights in Istanbul is the historic Hagia Sophia. The Hagia Sophia is likely one of the oldest buildings in Istanbul. It was a former Byzantine church, however later grew to become a mosque after the Ottomans took over Constantinople (the identify given to town by the Romans).
It was accomplished in 537 AD by Emperor Justinian I and is likely one of the largest surviving church buildings from the Center Ages. It was designed by the Greek architects Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles who embellished the constructing with mosaics and marble reliefs.
Nonetheless, probably the most well-known function of the church needs to be the dome, which was the second largest on the planet on the time it was constructed, simply after the Pantheon in Rome.
Once we visited, a information informed us an Ostrich egg was included into the dome to maintain spiders out, however we couldn’t see it with our personal eyes.
The church was transformed right into a mosque after the Ottomans seized Istanbul in 1453. It remained a mosque till 1935 when it was transformed right into a museum and finally returned to an energetic mosque in 2020.
High tip: Ensure you verify the prayer occasions earlier than visiting, so that you don’t go to throughout occasions of worship. These occasions change each day.
2. Marvel on the mosaics of The Blue Mosque
One other unmissable attraction, and proper throughout the park from Hagia Sofia, is the Blue Mosque.
The Blue Mosque, often known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is likely one of the most well-known mosques on the planet due to the beautiful blue tiles that adorn its inside partitions and arches (therefore the identify, Blue Mosque).
It was inbuilt 1616 by Sultan Ahmed I and has been a middle of Islamic worship for hundreds of years. It will probably accommodate as much as 10,000 worshippers at a time and is thought for its spectacular assortment of stained glass home windows and 20,000 hand-carved Iznik tiles.
The Blue Mosque’s most iconic function is its six 210-feet tall minarets. It was alleged to have 4 minarets, however there was apparently a misunderstanding between the sultan and the architect and it ended up with six. There are solely three mosques in Turkey with six minarets.
Regardless of its recognition with vacationers, the Blue Mosque stays an essential spiritual website for Muslims and a working mosque, which suggests it’s closed for vacationers throughout prayer occasions.
High tip: It’s open to guests from all faiths, however guests should costume conservatively and comply with the suitable costume code. This implies shoulders and knees should be lined, and girls should put on a head scarf. Listed below are suggestions for ladies dressing modestly in conservative international locations.
3. Climb the Galata Tower
The Galata Tower is an iconic constructing in Istanbul and it may be seen from most components of town.
It’s a 63 meter (205-ft) medieval stone tower positioned within the Galata neighborhood of Istanbul. Constructed by the Genoese in 1348 as a part of their walled fortress on the northern shore of the Golden Horn, the Galata Tower was the tallest tower in Constantinople when it was accomplished.
When it was first constructed, the Galata Tower was used as a watchtower to assist defend town in opposition to invaders. It was additionally used as a lighthouse, marking the doorway to the Golden Horn for ships coming into the harbor.
These days, the Galata Tower is thought for its commentary deck that gives sweeping panoramic views of Istanbul. From the deck, guests can see town’s skyline, the Bosphorus Strait, and the Golden Horn. On a very good day, you may even see the Asian facet of Istanbul.
4. Gorge on Istanbul’s Avenue Meals
Avenue meals is an enormous a part of Turkish tradition, and for those who’re foodies like us, you’ll be happy to know there are many scrumptious choices to select from.
Among the finest road meals dishes in Istanbul is the grilled fish sandwich, or balik ekmek in Turkish. It’s made with recent native fish that’s grilled and topped with a bit little bit of lettuce and onions, simply sufficient to carry out the freshness of the fish.
We advocate getting it from one of many stands close to the harbor, as a result of these are often made with recent fish. You might even see many fishermen catching this fish from Galata Bridge, which attracts flocks of seagulls (an iconic setting in Istanbul).
One other road meals you could strive is stuffed mussels, or midye dolma in Turkish. These are mussels full of seasoned rice and sprinkled with some lemon juice. These are usually tougher to search out, however for those who discover somebody promoting them, be sure to cease and take a look at them!
Lastly, don’t go away Istanbul with out attempting dondurma, or Turkish ice cream. Any such ice cream is thought to be very thick and even a bit chewy, which could not sound precisely probably the most appetizing. Nonetheless, the flavour is kind of good and it makes the ice cream last more so you may’t actually complain!
The flavour shouldn’t be the one motive why you must strive Turkish ice cream…shopping for Turkish ice cream is extra concerning the present than the ice cream. Be ready to be tricked by the seller a number of occasions!
5. Chill out in a Turkish Hamam
The Turkish Hamam, or Turkish Bathtub, is a must-do in Istanbul for any customer to town. It’s an extremely distinctive expertise, combining features of each a spa and historic Turkish custom. Sightseeing in Istanbul will be exhausting, so don’t overlook to chill out in a Turkish Hamam throughout your go to!
You possibly can spend anyplace from half-hour to a number of hours right here, having fun with the assorted steam and sauna rooms, in addition to the therapeutic massage providers.
Sometimes embellished with ornate tiles and mosaics, the structure of a Turkish Hamam is attractive. Don’t overlook to check out the ceiling, which is commonly intricately designed.
Probably the most iconic Turkish baths within the metropolis is the Hurrem Sultan Hammam, which was constructed within the sixteenth century by the Sultan. If you happen to’re going to do it, it’s possible you’ll as properly go to one of many oldest and most conventional ones!
6. Admire the great thing about the Topkapi Palace
The Topkapi Palace is the house of the Ottoman sultans, lots of whom used it as their main residence for his or her households for practically 400 years.
Although now not utilized by the sultans, this Istanbul landmark nonetheless homes a formidable assortment of artifacts from the Ottoman Empire.
The palace advanced is huge and contains 4 important courtyards and quite a few smaller buildings. Probably the most notable options are the Harem, the place the feminine members of the family of the sultan lived, and the Imperial Council Chamber, the place the Grand Vizier held conferences.
The Harem in Topkapi Palace is likely one of the most stunning palaces in Istanbul. It has a sequence of ornate rooms with partitions and ceilings lined in intricate patterns of tiles and mosaics. The furnishings is upholstered in wealthy materials, additional exuding an unworldly opulence. There may be an additional entrance payment to the Harem, however we predict it’s value each penny!
7. Get misplaced within the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar
If there’s a place to do purchasing in Istanbul, it’s the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar.
Generally known as one of many largest and oldest lined markets on the planet, the Grand Bazaar has 61 lined streets and over 4,000 retailers. It’s a maze of slim alleys and corridors, the place yow will discover something from souvenirs to spices to rugs to jewellery.
The Spice Market is positioned a couple of minutes stroll from the Grand Bazaar, and it’s a lot smaller in dimension. Nonetheless, because the identify suggests, it’s residence to distributors promoting a whole lot of various spices, herbs, and teas, in addition to an ideal place to search out Turkish delight.
High tip: Be ready to get misplaced! The Grand Bazaar is big and it seems like a maze wandering round it.
8. Take a Bosphorus Cruise
If you happen to’re on the lookout for enjoyable issues to do, you may’t go improper with a Bosphorus cruise. It’s maybe one of the best ways to absorb the wonder and magnificence of Istanbul. These excursions take you on a scenic journey alongside the Bosphorus Strait, which connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara.
Alongside the journey, you’ll get to see among the metropolis’s most iconic landmarks, similar to Dolmabahçe Palace, Bosphorus Bridge, Maiden’s Tower, and extra. You’ll additionally get to get pleasure from beautiful views of town skyline from the water.
There are a variety of various firms providing Bosphorus Cruises, so make sure you do your analysis earlier than reserving one. We advocate an expensive one that features refreshments onboard.
You possibly can even go for a sundown cruise which is a good factor to do in Istanbul at evening. These cruises are inclined to have drinks, and a few even have leisure similar to dancing performances and reside music.
9. Watch a Whirling Dervishes dance
The whirling dervish ceremony is an attractive and distinctive expertise that the entire household will get pleasure from. In the course of the ceremony, dancers whirl round in a circle whereas chanting spiritual prayers.
This ritual shouldn’t be solely sleek and chic however it’s stated to assist the dancers obtain a way of religious unity and oneness. The dervishes who carry out the ceremony are clothed in lengthy white robes and hats to represent the shrouding of their egos.
The whirling dervish ceremony originates from Jalaluddin Rumi within the thirteenth century, a well-known Sufi Muslim mystic and poet that believed you attain God by means of dance and music.
There aren’t many teams that also carry out the dance in the present day, so it truly is a singular factor to do in Istanbul. If you happen to can, attempt to see one of many performances by the Mevlevi Sufi Order. They’re the unique performers of the Whirling Dervishes.
10. Take a day journey to Princes Island
The Princes’ Islands, often known as the Adalar, are an archipelago of 9 small islands within the Sea of Marmara, about 20 miles (32 km) southeast of Istanbul.
The Princes’ Islands are a lesser-known vacationer vacation spot, apart from the biggest island Buyukada (“Huge Island”). Guests can take ferries from Istanbul, and the journey takes about 1.5 hours.
Traditionally, the islands had been used as a spot of exile for princes and princesses through the Byzantine Period, which is the way it earned its identify. However underneath the Ottoman Empire, the wealthy constructed stunning mansions right here and used the Prince’s Islands as a spot to have their summer season residence.
These days, it’s the excellent place for a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul since all fuel-driven autos are banned on the islands.
There may be loads to discover on the Princes’ Islands – from crystal-clear water to sandy seashores and pine-forested mountaineering trails to extravagant mansions! If you’re questioning what to do in Istanbul for per week, then you possibly can simply spend a soothing couple of days right here.
11. Journey the tram on Istiklal Avenue
Istiklal Avenue is probably the most well-known road in Istanbul. It’s a pedestrian road that runs for about two kilometers by means of Beyoglu, from Taksim Sq. to the long-lasting Galata Tower.
The road is lined with eating places, cafes, boutique shops, artwork galleries, church buildings, and extra. And naturally, the well-known purple Istanbul Nostalgic Trams! Using the tram is a must-do when visiting Istiklal Avenue.
Although you may get caught in pedestrian site visitors for a substantial period of time, it’s fairly the expertise in itself. The trams are over 100 years outdated and was an important a part of the general public transportation of Istanbul. Now, they’re extra of a vacationer attraction than anything.
The Istiklal Tram is crowded, and if you wish to really experience it comfortably, we advocate going early within the morning.
12. Discover the Jewish Neighborhood of Balat
Balat is a historic neighborhood positioned on the European facet of Istanbul. It’s one of many metropolis’s oldest Jewish neighborhoods and has been residence to a big Jewish inhabitants for hundreds of years. Balat is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Website that makes up the Historic Areas of Istanbul.
These days, there are solely a handful of Jews remaining in Balat, however the neighborhood nonetheless retains its attribute allure with stunning synagogues, kosher bakeries, and Jewish faculties.
However maybe what Balat is most recognized for these days is the attractive and colourful buildings and quaint cobblestone streets which are a photographer’s dream. There may be additionally quite a lot of native eating places and charming cafes the place vacationers can chill out after exploring this hilly neighborhood on foot.
If you’re seeking to discover a extra relaxed facet of Istanbul, be sure you take a look at Balat.
13. Watch the sundown over Maiden’s Tower
It may be straightforward to overlook that town can also be residence to among the most stunning sunsets. Among the finest locations to observe the sundown is from the waterfront in Uskudar on the Asian facet of town.
From right here, you may see the place the solar dips behind the Maiden’s Tower, a historic website that sits 200 meters from the coast of Uskudar.
The tower is believed to this point again to the Hellenistic interval and has been used for an enormous number of functions, similar to a lighthouse, a protection tower, a spot of exile, and way more.
Whereas guests can go to the Maiden’s Tower by taking a brief boat experience from Istanbul, watching the solar dip behind the constructing is equally rewarding.
From Uskudar, there are many cafes and eating places with out of doors seating that provide views of the tower. You can too watch it from the promenade, which many individuals resolve to do, particularly because the cafes and eating places will be fairly expensive.
This can be a good place to search for the road meals we talked about earlier.
14. Go to the biggest mosque in Istanbul; Camlica Mosque
Whereas mosques just like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque is likely to be extra well-known, they actually pale in dimension when in comparison with the Camlica Mosque.
Perched on prime of Camlica Hill on the Asian facet of Istanbul, the Camlica Mosque shouldn’t be solely the biggest mosque in Istanbul however the largest mosque in Turkey!
This is likely one of the best-hidden gems in Istanbul as a result of it was solely accomplished in 2019. Most of the guidebooks you discover on Istanbul had been written earlier than this Istanbul mosque was even constructed!
Camlica Mosque has the capability to carry as much as 63,000 worshippers at a time. Along with being a mosque, guests will discover an artwork gallery, convention room, and library right here.
The Camlica Mosque is kind of distinctive when it comes to its structure, and it seems prefer it was constructed yesterday with clear white marble all over the place. It combines fashionable structure with conventional spiritual significance, and the result’s a really distinctive mosque.
We advocate visiting Camlica mosque even if you’re not spiritual. The sheer magnificence and dimension of this landmark are completely mesmerizing. It’s also located on Camlica Hill, which has a lush inexperienced park with beautiful views of Istanbul.
From there, you may have a very good view of the Bosphorus Bridge, one of many longest suspension bridges on the planet.
15. Have breakfast with unbelievable views
You might need seen photos on social media of individuals sitting on Turkish mats and cushions with views of the Bosphorus within the background, and swooping seagulls within the air.
There are many eating places with rooftop terraces that provide this view, however they are often extremely crowded through the day, particularly at sundown. You’ll not solely need to queue for a desk however queue for a photograph spot, which isn’t a worthwhile use of your time.
That is why we advocate going for breakfast at one among these rooftop eating places. You possibly can benefit from the views and fewer crowds, in addition to strive a scrumptious Turkish breakfast.
One restaurant that serves scrumptious breakfast choices and has an unbelievable view is Nova Santiye Cafe in Eminou. You can too order extra worldwide dishes for these fussy eaters.
16. Admire the courtyards of Suleymaniye Mosque
If you happen to’re not uninterested in seeing mosques by now, you must be sure so as to add the Süleymaniye Mosque to your itinerary. It was commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent in 1550 and the constructing is beautiful.
The mosque was the biggest within the metropolis till the Camlica Mosque overtook it in 2019. It has improbable views of town and the Golden Horn from the backyard behind it, which is a good place to sit down and have a picnic.
What brings most individuals to this mosque although is its courtyard and mausoleums, the place Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and his spouse are buried.
17. Try The Basilica Cistern
We talked about there was lots of historical past in Istanbul, and we’ll end this checklist with one of the vital magnificent historic landmarks within the metropolis.
Town is constructed over a number of cisterns which had been constructed by the Romans and used to retailer town’s freshwater provide. There are a number of cisterns open to the general public, however the greatest and most spectacular is the Basilica Cistern.
The cistern was made well-known after it appeared within the film Inferno starring Tom Hanks.
The place to remain in Istanbul
In a metropolis that spans two continents, selecting the place to remain is usually a daunting activity. Every district has its personal distinctive vibe – some with historic alleyways and others backing onto boulevards buzzing with fashionable aptitude.
For historical past and the highest sights at the doorstep, Sultanahmet is the place to remain. You’ll get up to minarets, mosaics, and the domes of Hagia Sophia shimmering at dawn. Simply throughout the Golden Horn, the Beyoğlu district is one other widespread neighborhood for vacationers, because it’s near Istiklal Avenue, rooftop bars, and artwork galleries tucked into slim streets.
And for many who need to dip a toe on the Asian facet, which is extra laid-back, bohemian and native, with road artwork painted on staircases and boutiques as a substitute of purchasing malls, Kadıköy is all allure and authenticity.
We now have hand-selected a number of prime rated lodges in Istanbul, which have been picked for his or her nice evaluations, good location, and clear rooms and services:
- CVK Park Bosphorus Resort Istanbul: Positioned within the coronary heart of town, simply 500 toes from Taksim Sq.. That includes stylish interiors, the lodge gives 1 swimming pool and an in depth Safira Spa& Health Heart. See costs and availability right here..
- Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul: that is one among Istanbul’s many five-star luxurious lodges with its unique rooftop pool and award-winning spa. See costs and availability right here.
If you happen to’re on the lookout for different lodging in Istanbul, you need to use the map under to match lodges and short-term rental choices.
Ultimate ideas
Istanbul is likely one of the most fascinating cities on the planet. Not simply due to its lengthy and fascinating historical past, however as a result of it connects a number of cultures and appeals to everybody of all ages and backgrounds.
It’s residence to beautiful palaces, unbelievable mosques, and heat, hospitable individuals. With so many historic landmarks to discover, you’ll by no means run out of issues to do in Istanbul, Turkey.
If you happen to’re planning a visit to the previous historic capital of the Ottoman Empire, and also you’re questioning what sights so as to add to your itinerary, then I hope you may have some concepts now.
All pictures, besides no 2, sourced from Deposit Images.
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