Looking for best things to do in Istanbul? We found 7 most beautiful places to visit in Istanbul. Discover main tourist attractions.
At the crossroads of two worlds, both geographically and culturally, half cosmopolitan, half traditional, the “capital of capitals” as it is called around the world, Istanbul is one of the most fascinating tourist attractions for people everywhere.
A place where contrasts attract, where the new and the old intertwine as harmoniously as the complementary flavors of spices, a place of stories of princes and sultans, but also of cruel history, a symbol for the world’s most important religions – it is difficult to describe in words only the complexity of this world cultural center.
The secret of Istanbul is that it can never be fully described by those who have been there. That is probably why it retains its mysterious aura and always attracts more and more tourists, eager to see the wonders with their own eyes.
And to make it easier for you, we have compiled a top seven of the most fascinating places to visit, which you must not miss.
Best Things to Do in Istanbul
Saint Sophia (Hagia Sophia)
The Church of St. Sophia is one of the tourist attractions that you may not have heard of before, if not from travel enthusiasts, then certainly from history classes. Places to stay in the area
Perhaps the best example of cultural and religious interference, the church was at one time the center of the Christian world and a mosque, to be transformed into a museum today.
Like most tourist attractions it cannot be visited on Monday, so be careful how you plan your tour.
Istanbul Hippodrome
Very close to Saint Sophia you will find the Hippodrome, a symbol of the Byzantine Empire, the place of fun and amusement for millions of people. Places to stay in the area
Transformed today into Sultan Ahmet Square, a few old pillars have survived from the hippodrome and can be visited outdoors.
The Blue Mosque
One of the most important mosques in Turkey, the Blue Mosque got its name from the blue lznik tiles used to decorate it in the 17th century. Places to stay in the area
To admire the magnificent construction, you can visit the mosque during the day, with the exception of prayer times.
The mosque is in the vicinity of Hagia Sophia and close to the next tourist attraction in Istanbul that we have included in our list.
Topkapi Palace
A symbol of the Muslim world and the center of the Ottoman Empire, Topkapi Palace is located next to the Sea of Marmara, overlooking the Bosphorus. Places to stay in the area
Built immediately after the conquest of Constantinople, the palace impresses with its size and architectural details.
Inside, you can visit: the Archaeological Museum, the Imperial Harem or the Pavilion of the Holy Mantle, where the remains of the Prophet Muhammad are kept.
The Grand Bazaar
You can’t go to Turkey without visiting one of the famous bazaars, and you can’t visit Istanbul without getting lost in the Grand Bazaar for a few hours. Be careful though, shopping fans can spend even a day without getting bored! Places to stay in the area
The largest covered bazaar in the world, the Grand Bazaar has over 60 streets and 5,000 shops where you can find everything from jewelry and embroidery to hand-painted ceramics, carpets or other handicrafts.
If you want to shop, don’t forget that negotiation is not only accepted, but mandatory.
The Spice Market
The oriental experience is complete only after passing through an authentic spice market. Places to stay in the area
A smaller bazaar, the Spice Market, called in Turkish also “Misir Bazaar” is the place you should not miss if you are one of those who appreciate or practice the culinary art.
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Keep readingBosphorus cruise
The Bosphorus cruise is, in reality, a boat ride through the strait that allows you to admire some of the most important sights in Istanbul, such as: Galata Tower, Bosphorus Bridge, Ortakoy Mosque, etc. Places to stay in the area
Our recommendation is to try on a weekday and not on a Sunday to avoid the crowds.
These are just seven of the reasons you should include Istanbul on your bucket list. What’s more, even put him on the first place or as close as possible to the leading position. Don’t forget, when you return, to share with us the stories of Scheherazade.