TOP THINGS TO DO in ISTANBUL, Turkey
Istanbul, the Turkey, is a mix of European and Asian cultures. Visitors will notice the differences at every turn. Istanbul is the city that truly can claim to be the gateway to Asia and Europe.
It would take months to explore the city’s culture and energy fully. We have highlighted our top Istanbul attractions from four visits. Istanbul, a city that spans two continents, is divided by the Bosphorus, a narrow waterway.
Top Things to Do in Istanbul, Turkey
We saw young Istanbulans embrace the modern world while others kept to the Ottoman Empire and Byzantium periods. These are just a few of the many things you can do in Istanbul to ensure you have a great time.
Istanbul Travel Tips
You can walk to many of the most popular attractions in Istanbul. Walking is the best way to explore the Old Town. There is no better way to explore Istanbul than walking.
It’s a great tip to travel with an Istanbul Museum Pass to skip the lines to the most popular museums, such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Harem.
Istanbul is a city that will excite your senses. It is one of Europe’s most fascinating cities, and these are the top things to do in Istanbul.
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia, one of Istanbul’s most famous attractions, is considered one of the most beautiful buildings. Although it was originally a church and a mosque, it is now a museum that is very popular. Although we didn’t visit it on our first trip, we knew we weren’t missing anything, so we decided to make sure we went on our second trip to Istanbul. Hagia Sophia’s interior is a must-see on any Istanbul trip.
Blue Mosque
Istanbul’s most popular mosque, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a must-see. It is a must-see on any visit to Istanbul.
Because of the blue tiles that surround its walls, the Blue Mosque is its common name. Although the Blue Mosque is still operational, visitors are allowed to enter it if they observe its rules. Women should wear long pants and cover their heads and shoulders. It’s located in the heart of the Old City and is a great place to begin your day.
Grand Bazaar
It’s a great place to spend your time in Istanbul, and it’s easy to get lost in the Grand Bazaar. It’s only a short walk from Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque, where you will find the Grand Bazaar. This is one of your most memorable shopping experiences. The Grand Bazaar has more than 5,000 shops and covers 60 streets.
Since the 15th Century, the Grand Bazaar has been a major trading hub. It once bustled with traders from Asia and Africa, bringing exotic goods for European merchants. This is one of Istanbul’s most popular attractions. You can spend a whole day wandering through the labyrinth, which houses Mosques and hammams as well as cafes and jewelry stalls.
It’s a great way to see the most important attractions of the old city. Book this tour which starts in the Sultanahmet area at Hagia Sophia. The Basilica Cistern dates back to the 6th Century. Next, you’ll find the Grand Bazaar with its 4000 shops selling carpets, silks and other items.
Make sure you visit Istanbul’s, Spice Market. This was an important city on the spice route, and the Spice Bazaar can be found not far from Grand Bazaar.
Suleymaniye Mosque
The third of seven hills overlooking the Golden Horn is where the Suleymaniye Mosque stands. The Blue Mosque in Istanbul is the most famous, but the Suleymaniye is one of the most prominent on the city’s skyline. It is the largest mosque in Istanbul. The Sultan of Suleyman built it during the Ottoman Empire in the 16th Century.
This tour takes visitors off the beaten track in Istanbul. You’ll see the Suleymaniye Mosque but also the ancient practice of hookah. After that, you’ll be able to taste the traditional Turkish pastry called borek and then head over to the Spice bazaar. You will also be taken to the Church of St. George.
Beylerbeyi Palace
Beylerbeyi Palace, the summer home of the Ottoman Sultans, is worth visiting in Istanbul to experience these rulers’ extravagant lifestyles. It boasts a white marble exterior, an elegant interior, and a wealth of art, fountains, vases, and crystal chandeliers.
It is possible to get there by ferry, or if you are on a hop-on hop-off boat tour, it can be one of your stops. This tour is great for exploring the historical sites along the Bosphorus. The tour begins in Emirgan, where you will visit Emirgan Park, an 18th-century mosque and the Sabanci museum. After visiting the Asian side of Istanbul, the boat will visit the Beylerbeyi Palace and Beylerbeyi Mosque. Finally, the boat will make its way to Besiktas Square, where you’ll find a local market before returning to Taksim.