The Top Notch Places to Visit in Istanbul
In the city of Istanbul, there are plenty of top notch places to visit and things to do, making it an ideal destination for both leisure and business travelers alike. So whether you’re looking to explore local culture or make some business connections, check out these top notch places to visit in Istanbul!
Galata Tower
The Galata Tower is one of the most well-known landmarks in Istanbul. It’s a beautiful piece of architecture that’s worth a visit. You can take in the views of the city from the top, or enjoy a meal at the tower’s restaurant. The tower is also a great place for shopping, as there are many shops selling souvenirs and other items.
If you’re looking for an enjoyable place to visit in Istanbul, the Galata Tower is definitely one of the top notch places to check out. The beauty of the architecture combined with the amazing views make it a worthwhile destination. Even if you don’t want to climb up the stairs all the way to the top, you can still enjoy some stunning views while staying on ground levelIf you want to save money by finding local deals, stop by Port Sunlight Shopping Centre.
It features both new and used clothing and jewelry that was made in Turkey. You’ll also find kitchenware, home décor, carvings and paintings. The hours here are from 10 am until 9 pm, which makes this a great spot to visit even after dark.
Blue Mosque Section: St Sophia Church
This is one of the most stunning place in Istanbul. It was once a Greek Orthodox cathedral and is now a mosque. The inside is covered in stunning blue tiles and the architecture is incredible. If you’re interested in history or religion, this is a must-see. You can also climb up to the roof where there are spectacular views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus strait. The church has been converted into a museum as well, so you can learn about its rich history. There’s an Armenian Church next door, which is free to visit and open all day long. Be sure to go on Thursday mornings for Armenian Mass! I love how diverse it is here.
I have never seen so many different cultures coming together like this before. And don’t forget to try out some Turkish coffee while you’re at it! They sell really tasty cups around the Blue Mosque. Once you’ve seen everything that you want to see, head over to Sultanahmet Park and enjoy your time with nature. They offer tons of activities like walking trails, paddle boats on the water, cafes and restaurants with great food and drinks (I recommend trying out some delicious Baklava). You’ll also find little pockets of trees here too if you need some shade or just want to relax after a day exploring everything Istanbul has to offer.
Bosphorus Cruise
A Bosphorus Cruise is one of the best ways to see Istanbul. You’ll get amazing views of the city’s skyline, and you can even see some of the city’s landmarks up close. The cruise will also take you past some of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, such as the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a dolphin swimming by! Another option for taking in the city’s sights from water level is to book a boat tour.
These tours are perfect for those who want to enjoy Istanbul while feeling like they’re traveling back in time. One possible route for your boat tour could be along the Golden Horn, which offers impressive views of old neighborhoods such as Galata and Beyoglu. For an even more immersive experience, consider spending your afternoon fishing off the shores of Asia. Fishing off this part of the coast usually yields a wide variety of fish including mackerel, anchovies, herring and sea bass.
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar comes under the largest largest and oldest markets in the world, it covers around 61 streets and around 3K shops. The bazaar is famous for jewellery, leather products, pottery things, spices, and beautiful carpets. If you’re looking to bargain for some souvenirs, this is the place to go! Vendors will haggle over prices which can be both fun and frustrating at times.
One tip I would give is not to spend too much time browsing, as prices can vary from stall to stall. Instead, head straight to the nearest vendor who has a price that meets your budget and then work your way outwards from there. And don’t forget to keep an eye on your belongings while inside as it’s not uncommon for people who have stalls or shops there to take advantage of visitors’ lack of awareness. Make sure to make use of their lockers if they offer them (usually around 50 Turkish Lira) as many locals do.
When you leave the bazaar, make sure to stop by the Spice Market located right next door. It’s basically like an alleyway full of spice stands; I recommend buying a sample of whatever smells good to see what type of food you like best because most stores sell spices by weight instead of by quantity.
Dolmabahçe Palace
The Dolmabahçe Palace is one of the most impressive places to visit in Istanbul. The imperial Ottoman residence, now a museum, it was their primary home for more than 400 years. The palace includes 285 huge rooms and 44 halls and 6 Turkish baths. The Dolmabahçe Palace is a must-see for anyone visiting Istanbul.
There are lots of treasures on display including incredible carpets from Persia that were given as gifts by dignitaries from across Europe as well as diamonds from India that were obtained by conquest. If you love history then this place will be just perfect for you! It has been ranked as the third most visited museum in Turkey. So if you’re wondering where to go while in Istanbul don’t forget about this great destination! It’s not only rich in culture but also features beautiful architecture, giving visitors the opportunity to explore many different architectural styles. You can also see some beautiful examples of art which range from oriental to European as well as furniture made out of ebony wood and silver!
Hagia Sophia Museum
The Hagia Sophia Museum is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Istanbul. This former church was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople and is now a museum.
The Hagia Sophia is famous for its massive size and beautiful architecture. The interior is decorated with mosaics and Islamic calligraphy, and the exterior features intricate stone carvings. Visitors can also climb to the top of the Hagia Sophia for views of the city. While visiting the Hagia Sophia, don’t forget to visit these other must-see attractions: the Blue Mosque (formerly known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque), Basilica Cistern (an ancient underground water reservoir), Suleymaniye Mosque (built by Mimar Sinan between 1550 and 1557), Dolmabahce Palace, and Taksim Square.
These sites are among some of Istanbul’s best, but you’ll want to see even more during your trip. Other places to explore include Byzantine Hippodrome, Goztepe Park, Galata Tower, Beyazit Square Museum and Land Walls, Altunizade Cemetery National Monument and Mehmet Ali Pasha Burial Pavilion. Take a cruise on Bosphorus or Golden Horn Waterways or sample some Turkish coffee at one of many cafes lining Divanyolu Street.
Suleymaniye Mosque
The Suleymaniye Mosque is among the best structures in Istanbul. It was built by the great Ottoman architect Sinan and is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. The mosque is surrounded by a beautiful garden and has an incredibly peaceful atmosphere. inside, the mosque is decorated with intricate patterns and stunning stained glass windows. Make sure to take your time exploring this incredible place!
It’s worth noting that visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering mosques, so don’t forget your socks! The mosque is a beautiful structure, but make sure you take some time outside it exploring its garden and surroundings. It’s also worth popping into other historical buildings within the same complex, including a bathhouse and tombs of important Ottoman figures. You’ll find these in an inner courtyard off of Sultanahmet square. This area is also full of interesting sights including ancient Roman columns, cisterns built by Byzantine emperors and even an Egyptian obelisk from around 19 BC!
