The 8 Best Places to Visit in Istanbul | Hagia Sophia, Galata And More…

Are you tired of traveling through the West? If so, you must not miss out on the opportunity to visit the vibrant city of Istanbul. This city between two continents offers a unique blend of cultures, rich history, and modernity. This article will explore the best places to visit in Istanbul.

Istanbul has a rich Byzantine and Ottoman heritage that has contributed to its magnificent architecture and vivid lifestyle. Moreover, the city has a colorful and exciting atmosphere with picturesque locations, making it one of the must-see places in Istanbul.

The 8 Best Places to Visit in Istanbul:

1. Hagia Sophia

You can start the trip by visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hagia Sophia. Hagia Sophia was built as a Byzantine cathedral in the 6th century, converted to a mosque after Constantinople’s fall in 1453, became a museum in 1935, and was reconverted to a mosque in 2020. You will witness incredible architecture with its massive dome, intricate mosaics, and grand marble columns.

Did You Know? To fortify Hagia Sophia, builders used columns from the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. They also sourced materials like green marble from Thessaly and yellow stone from Syria.

In addition, there is Viking graffiti on the marble railings belonging to the 9th century. It surely is one of the best places to see in Istanbul that you cannot miss.

Places To Visit Near Hagia Sophia:

• Dolmabahce Palace
• Istanbul Archaeology Museums
• Bursa Town

2. Blue Mosque

Another tourist attraction in Istanbul is the Sultan Ahmed Mosque or the Blue Mosque. The mosque is known for its blue Iznik tiles and six minarets. It is located near the Hagia Sophia and was built in the 17th century. The Blue Mosque creates a striking silhouette near the Istanbul skyline. One of the most remarkable aspects is its 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles forming aesthetic floral patterns.

Did You Know? The Blue Mosque was completed in 1619 by Sedefhar Mehmet Ağa, a student of Mimar Sinan, the Ottoman sultans’ favored architect.

Places To Visit Near Blue Mosque:

• Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum
• Arasta Bazaar
• Great Palace Mosaic Museum

3. Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace is another popular historical site in Istanbul. It served as a residence for Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years, making it one of the must-see places in Istanbul for those keen on learning more about Ottoman history. It features several courtyards and gardens with beautiful views. Inside, hundreds of rooms reflect the opulence of that era.

Did You Know? The Spoonmaker’s Diamond, one of the largest and most valuable diamonds in the world, is showcased in the Topkapi Palace.

Places To Visit Near Topkapi Palace:

• Gulhane Park
• Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque)

4. Grand Bazaar

You can’t complete your trip to Istanbul without visiting the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest markets in the world. With nearly 4,000 shops spread over 60 streets, it offers endless shopping opportunities, making it one of the best places to visit in Istanbul for shoppers.

Did You Know? Spanning an impressive 30,700 square meters, the Grand Bazaar attracts an estimated 250,000 to 400,000 visitors daily and has served as a center of trade for centuries.

From Turkish carpets to ceramics and jewelry, you can find everything here. It’s also a great spot to grab souvenirs from your trip.

Places To Visit Near Grand Bazaar:

• Egyptian Bazaar
• Karagöz Museum
• Cumalıkızık Village

Also Checkout – Why Turkey Must Be On Your Travel Bucket List

5. Bosphorus Strait

The Bosphorus Strait separates Europe and Asia and is a unique tourist attraction in Istanbul. You can enjoy a scenic cruise along the strait to witness Istanbul’s stunning skyline and historic waterfront mansions. For a budget-friendly option, take a ferry to get a closer look at daily life in the city.

Did You Know? The Bosphorus Strait has been vital for military and commercial purposes since ancient times. The Byzantine Empire settled in the area, which became Constantinople, now Istanbul. In 1453, Mehmet the Conqueror built fortresses on both sides of the strait to block reinforcements from reaching the city.

Places To Visit Near Bosphorus Strait:

• Garipçe Kalesi Fortress
• Golden Horn (Historic Marvel)

6. Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern, also known as the Sunken Palace, is an extraordinary underground water reservoir. Constructed in the 6th century, this site is supported by 336 marble columns and is an example of the finest Byzantine engineering.

Did You Know? Built in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian I, the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul employed around 7,000 workers and is the city’s largest cistern, spanning nearly 10,000 square meters and holding 80,000 cubic meters of water.

Its mysterious atmosphere and Medusa head columns make it one of the places to see in Istanbul with intriguing legends surrounding it.

Places To Visit Near Basilica Cistern:

• Hippodrome of Constantinople
• Terrace Houses
• Great Theatre of Ephesus

7. Suleymaniye Mosque

Suleymaniye Mosque is another one of Istanbul’s architectural gems. Its simple yet elegant design, built by the famous Ottoman architect Sinan, makes it both a historically and architecturally significant site.

Did You Know? Designed by the renowned architect Mimar Sinan, the Suleymaniye Mosque is part of a larger complex that includes a madrasa, library, hospital, and hamam (traditional Turkish bath).

The mosque complex also includes a kitchen, hospital, library, and bathhouse, giving visitors an insight into the structure of Ottoman mosque complexes.

Places To Visit Near Suleymaniye Mosque:

• Galata Bridge
• Rahmi M. Koc Museum (Automobile, Industries Museuem)
• Rustem Pasha Mosque

8. Galata Tower

Galata Tower is a historic landmark that offers one of the best panoramic views of Istanbul. Built in the 14th century, the tower provides a stunning 360-degree view of the Golden Horn, Bosphorus, and the old city.

You can also enjoy a meal at the café or restaurant located at the top for an ideal travel experience.

Did You Know? In 1492, the Alhambra Decree expelled Jews from Spain and Portugal, and no Christian state in Europe accepted them. However, the Ottomans welcomed Jewish refugees, allowing many to settle in Istanbul’s Galata neighborhood, as well as in Izmir and Safed.

Places To Visit Near Galata Tower:

• Istiklal Street
• Istanbul Museum of Modern Art
• Jewish Museum of Turkey

Final Words

These are some of the best places to visit in Istanbul. From the historic mosques and architectural wonders to bustling bazaars and scenic landscapes, this city offers some of the best things to do in Istanbul. Whether you’re interested in shopping or soaking in history, Istanbul promises one of the most memorable travel experiences.

Also Checkout – The 8 Best Places To Visit in Turkey | Istanbul, Cappadocia And More…

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