Tip: Take the free walking tour on your first morning in Istanbul. Free Istanbul Tours offers daily tours of Old Istanbul beginning at a. As an alternative, they also offer a Parts Unknown tour for those who have already seen the popular sights such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern or just want to get off the beaten path which is on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at p. Important: Booking a reservation in advance is necessary to take the walking tour.
You can make your reservation on their website. Tours are based on tips, and entrance fees to the sites are not included in the price. The minimum suggested contribution is 10 Euros, or Turkish Lira per person. Note: Attendees are asked to dress appropriately for entering mosques, which means women need to have their heads, shoulders and knees covered.
This one may not be in your guidebook, but our picnic at Gulhane Park was once of our favorite afternoons in Istanbul. Pick up some fruit, wine and cheese from a local market, then buy a Turkish towel great souvenir alert! The mix of people lazily milling about in green landscaping creates an idyllic backdrop to an afternoon picnic. Find a grassy spot, spread out your blanket and watch the world pass by.
Istanbul is a sprawling city and it can seem overwhelming at times, but think of it as a compilation of many smaller cities. Each neighborhood in this metropolis has a distinctly different feel, and attracts people for different reasons. Spend an afternoon getting lost in narrow cobbled streets of Galata, or window-shopping and people watching in Taksim.
Beyoglu: This up-and-coming neighborhood has a bohemian feel and boasts many small shops and cute restaurants. Sultanahmet: This is where many of the main tourist attractions are, so as you may expect, it is very touristy. Balat : Get off the beaten path in this colorful neighborhood that makes for some pretty epic Instagram backdrops with brightly painted houses and kids playing in the streets. Check out this website for more information on these neighborhoods as well as the rest of Istanbul.
How to do it yourself: The metro is very convenient and is the cheapest way to get around. The taxi drivers are in short supply in Istanbul at the moment, so this was our preferred mode of transportation. Buy this from one of the machines at the metro station for 10 TL and it will come preloaded with 4 TL on it. Even if you are traveling with multiple people, you only need one card.
Simply pass it back once the first person has gone through the turnstile. Looking to get out of the city for a bit? Istiklal Avenue is both the local and tourist center of Istanbul in the heart of the city. Would you believe this single avenue is visited by nearly 3 million people every single day? The nearly mile-long stretch of pedestrian walkway is home to restaurants, boutiques and even nightclubs. However, even with the chain restaurants creeping in, there is still a feel of old Istanbul here.
Istanbul has some killer sunsets, so be sure to catch at least one. Our favorite sunset-viewing spot was on the Galata bridge where we could watch the fishermen pack up for the day and see spectacular views of at least three mosques. Look up the time of sunset, and make it to the Galata bridge or whatever spot you wish to watch the sky fade to orange and purple a bit ahead of time.
Find a comfortable spot to relax and get ready to be wowed. Since Istanbul is the only city in the world that is split between two continents, it is pretty cool to cruise between the two, seeing Asia on one side and Europe on the other. Tip: While there are several tour companies who operate boat trips along this river, we did this this little cruise the cheapest way possible by taking the government ferry on the short trip, which took 2 hours in total.
How to do it yourself: If you want to cruise on the government ferry, go to the office right next to the bridge No need to buy a ticket online or at a tour agency. There are a bunch of scams out there so be careful. It leaves at p. Take in the beautiful tile work of the Blue Mosque, see images of Christianity and Islam side by side in the unparalleled Hagia Sophia and walk underground in the eerily captivating Basilica Cistern. How to do it yourself: All located in the Sultanahmet neighborhood, you can visit these attractions in the same morning.
The Blue Mosque is free to enter, but you must cover shoulders and legs and wear a head covering. There are coverings available to borrow free of charge. Hagia Sophia underwent a change in and is no longer a museum but a working mosque once again. You will also need to follow the same dress code as with the Blue Mosque. The Blue Mosque is also undergoing renovations and is only partially open for visitors. This meant that the lines to enter were extremely long.
Feel like royalty as you walk the halls of a palace where generations of sultans at the head of Ottoman Empire kept their primary residence during the 15th century. Be sure to check out the official website for visiting hours as they change by the season and the ticket booth closes as early as p.
Erected in the Galata neighborhood of Istanbul, this medieval stone tower was built in and stood as the tallest building in the city at the time. How to do it yourself: Head to the Galata neighborhood and follow the tower on the horizon until your at the base. Get in line and get comfortable as it might be awhile before you get your chance to enter.
The last story will be climbing stairs until you reach the rooftop. The tower is open 7 days a week from 9 a. Each with its own unique collection, they are great places to learn a bit more about the history of the region.
How to do it yourself: The museums are open to visitors everyday of the week except Mondays, so be sure to plan your schedule accordingly. Istanbul Bed and Breakfast. Istanbul Shopping. Things to Do in Istanbul. Popular things to do. Architectural Buildings. Day Trips. Walking Tours. Historic Sites. Outdoor Activities. Theme Parks. Shore Excursions. Spa Tours. Air Tours. Specialty Museums. Day Cruises. Cultural Tours. Private Sightseeing Tours.
Bus Tours. Full-day Tours. Dinner Cruises. Half-day Tours. Hop on Hop Off. Shopping Malls. Multi-day Tours. Of the many highlights here, the most popular are the Harem complex where the sultan's many concubines and children would spend their days ; the Second Court , where you can walk through the vast palace kitchens and stand in awe at the dazzling interior of the Imperial Council Chamber; and the Third Court, which contained the sultan's private rooms.
The Third Court also displays an impressive collection of relics of the Prophet Muhammad in the Sacred Safekeeping Room and is home to the Imperial Treasury, where you're greeted with a cache of glittering gold objects and precious gems that will make your eyes water. Blue Mosque Sultan Ahmet Camii. Sultan Ahmet I's grand architectural gift to his capital was this beautiful mosque, commonly known as the Blue Mosque today.
Built between and , the mosque caused a furore throughout the Muslim world when it was finished, as it had six minarets the same number as the Great Mosque of Mecca. A seventh minaret was eventually gifted to Mecca to stem the dissent. The entire spatial and color effect of the interior makes the mosque one of the finest achievements of Ottoman architecture.
A great sightseeing joy of a trip to Istanbul is wandering amid the gardens sandwiched between the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia to experience their dueling domes in twin glory. Directly behind the Blue Mosque is the Arasta Bazaar; a great place for a shopping stop as the handicraft shops here sell high-quality souvenirs. Even if you're not interested in a browse, head here to see the Great Palace Mosaic Museum, which is tucked between the Arasta Bazaar and the mosque.
This small museum displays the square-meter fragment of mosaic pavement that was unearthed in the s here. Excellent information panels explain the mosaic floor's recovery and subsequent rescue. Istanbul - Blue Mosque Map Historical. This huge, palace-like underground hall, supported by columns in 12 rows, once stored the imperial water supply for the Byzantine emperors. The project was begun by Constantine the Great but finished by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century.
Many of the columns used in construction were recycled from earlier classical structures and feature decorative carvings. The most famous of these are the column bases known as the Medusa stones in the northwest corner with their Medusa head carvings. A visit here is very atmospheric with the columns beautifully lit and the soft, steady trickle of water all around you.
This was the center of Byzantine public life and the scene of splendid games and chariot races but also factional conflicts. Then, heading southwest are three ancient monuments: a meter high Egyptian obelisk from Heliopolis ; the Serpent Column brought here from Delphi by Constantine; and a stone obelisk that originally was clad in gold-covered bronze plating until they were stolen by the soldiers of the 4th Crusade in Istanbul Archaeology Museum.
The main Archaeology Museum houses statuary and tombs, including the famed sarcophaguses from Sidon, Lebanon that were unearthed by Ottoman architect Osman Hamdi Bey. Also here, you'll find the Istanbul through the Ages exhibit room, which helps you visualize the city's vast and epic history.
The museum's third building is the Tiled Pavilion, built by Mehmet the Conqueror, which houses a wide range of ceramic art. For many visitors, sightseeing in Istanbul is as much about shopping as museums and monumental attractions, and the Grand Bazaar is where everyone comes. Entrance to the bazaar is through one of 11 gates from where a maze of vaulted-ceiling laneways, lined by shops and stalls selling every Turkish souvenir and handicraft you could imagine, cover the area.
The various trades are still mostly segregated into particular sections, which makes browsing easier. Near the bazaar's Divanyolu Caddesi entrance is the Burned Column. This stump still 40 meters high of a porphyry column was set up by Constantine the Great in his forum.
Until , it bore a bronze statue of Constantine. The Spice Bazaar is the place to get your foodie fix of lokum Turkish delight , dried fruit, nuts, herbs, and, of course, spices. The Spice Bazaar is one of Istanbul's most popular tourist attractions and at certain times of the day gets ridiculously crowded with huge tour groups from the docked cruise ships. Just next door to the Spice Bazaar's main entrance is the stately Yeni Cami New Mosque , which was begun in and finished in — that's "new" for Istanbul.
It is worthwhile taking a peek inside while you're sightseeing in the area, as the interior is richly decorated with tilework and liberal use of gold leaf. Inside, the interiors blend Rococo, Baroque, Neoclassical and Ottoman elements with mammoth crystal chandeliers, liberal use of gold, French-style furnishings, and frescoed ceilings to create a dazzling Turkish Renaissance style of sheer splendor and pomp.
Chora means "country" in Greek, and this beautiful Church originally called the Church of St. Saviour of Chora lay just outside old Constantinople's city walls. Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.
After traveling to countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A very unique post I must say. I like your Image and your presentation.
Thank you for sharing this with us. I just want to say thanks for your wonderful post, it images a lot of knowledge and information that I needed right now. Thank you for sharing this great post. The sea view is really great all over Istanbul. Historical buildings, mosques and streets are really beautiful.
I would recommend anyone to see it. Sounds interesting! Did you get massages there? Where would you recommend if so? I love to travel and experience different massages! What a great piece of research, there is one issue that you have not addressed the internet issue. Am considering to renting a Pocket WiFi from rent n Connect. Though I have never been to Istanbul, it is one of my top favorite destinations to explore, your post introduces some of the best things, and it is really interesting to learn more about the city through your post.
The Ayasofia offers beautiful views of the city. Thanks for share. The Galata Tower offers beautiful views of the city. Wooow just woow!!!!!
What a beautiful city is turkey! I am feeling like I really want to be there once. Wish to have so much funs, to explore new things and new place, but also I just want to feel Euro-asian culture over there. May God help me to make my dreams real one day, hope that it will be the most wonderful time in my entire life. Istanbul is so interesting!
Would love to sip the Turkish tea. There is so much to absorb. Great post. There is so much history in Istanbul. Ankur does not like history and hence, we figured out stuff that non-history loving people can do in Istanbul.
The list is great. I recommend dry bean foods here. Istanbul is really the most wonderful place to visit, I heard lot about Turkish baths, and it clears out many ailments, though we have many Hamam centers in our country that do not reproduce same benefits as the real ones. The city really wonderful with a blend of European and Asian culture, I appreciate your efforts for putting many things in the post.
Pictures are really inspiring, the city is the must visit destination in I have not visited Istanbul. But recently, I have done an article on top tourist attractions in Istanbul based on online research. I just feel like it has a wonderful combination of everything a tourist can ask for.
I think it is well prepared to give every of its visitor the best experience…. Your photos of the Blue Mosque are spectacular. Love this post and love Istanbul!!
The East and West blend truly makes the city so special. Miss the yummy Turkish delights. And yes, the Hamam was definitely a memorable experience. Nice list but you left off the favorite place we visited in Istanbul- Basilica Cistern. Great timing on this post. Your photos are so vivid and vibrant! Beautiful photos!
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