13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Istanbul

Istanbul

Istanbul

1. Admire the Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) Mosque

Admire the Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) Mosque

Admire the Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) Mosque

Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and one of the most famous buildings in the world.

The Hagia Sophia is a museum that was converted from a church into a mosque in 1453 when the Ottoman Turks conquered Istanbul. It’s said that when the Byzantine Emperor Justinian entered his finished church for the first time in CE 536, he cried out “God be praised! I have surpassed thee, Solomon!” and then knelt down to pray.

The building has been modified by its various occupants over its history, but it still retains its original ground plan and many of its features. The Hagia Sophia was originally constructed as an Orthodox Christian cathedral and later became an imperial mosque following Ottoman conquest in 1453.

The Hagia Sophia Mosque is one of the most famous and important buildings in Istanbul. It is a former Christian church that was converted into a mosque by Mehmet the Conqueror after he conquered Istanbul in 1453. The building has an interesting history, which you can read about on Wikipedia or other sources.

The Hagia Sophia Mosque is located in the center of Istanbul, near the Sultanahmet Square. It is open for public viewing from 9AM to 6PM every day except Fridays and Saturdays. There are many other places to visit in Istanbul, but this one should be your first stop!

2.Explore Topkapı Palace (Topkapı Sarayı)

Explore Topkapı Palace (Topkapı Sarayı)

Explore Topkapı Palace (Topkapı Sarayı)

Topkapı Palace is a major tourist attraction in Istanbul. It is one of the largest and most important Ottoman palaces. It was built by Sultan Mehmed II in 1478, after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople (now Istanbul).

The palace complex consists of four main courtyards and many smaller buildings. The four primary courtyards are named after the ruling dynasty: Selim, Ahmed, Mahmut and Murad.

Topkapı Palace is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Istanbul. It was built by Mehmet II, who conquered Istanbul from Byzantine Empire in 1453. The palace is located on the European side of the city, near the Golden Horn.

The Topkapı Palace was used as a residence for Ottoman Sultans, their families and courtiers. It was also used as a treasury and military headquarters. Today it is a museum that displays collections about Ottoman history and culture, including weapons, costumes, jewelry and other items from different periods of time.

A person can explore Topkapı Palace with its famous Harem section which has been turned into an exhibition hall for Ottoman arts and crafts such as calligraphy, ceramics or textiles which were collected by.

3.Visit the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Cami)

Visit the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Cami)

Visit the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Cami)

The Blue Mosque is a popular tourist destination in Istanbul. It is a mosque that was built for the Ottoman Sultans and their families. It has six minarets and many domes. The interior of the mosque has blue tiles on the walls, hence its name.

The Blue Mosque is not only popular because of its architecture, but also because it houses some of the most beautiful examples of Islamic art in Istanbul. The mosque also has a lot of history behind it- it was built by Sultan Ahmet I in 1616 and was completed after his death by his son Sultan Murat IV in 1640.

The Sultan Ahmet Mosque is one of the most important architectural monuments in the world, and it’s also one of the most beautiful.

The Sultan Ahmet I’s grand architectural gift to his capital was this beautiful mosque, commonly known as the Blue Mosque today. The mosque was commissioned by Ahmet I in 1609 and designed by architect Sedefkar Mehmed Agha. It took six years to complete.

The Sultan Ahmet Cami is one of the most important architectural monuments in the world, and it’s also one of the most beautiful. The mosque was commissioned by Ahmet I in 1609 and designed by architect Sedefkar Mehmed Agha. It took six years to complete.

The Blue Mosque is the most popular tourist attraction in Istanbul. It is also known as the Sultan Ahmet Cami. The Blue Mosque was built in 1616 and it has six minarets. The mosque is also known for its beautiful blue tiles that decorate the walls of the mosque.

The Blue Mosque is located at Sultanahmet Square, which is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Istanbul. It is located right next to Hagia Sophia, which was built around 537 AD and served as a church for almost 1,000 years before it became a mosque in 1453.

4.Head Underground at the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıçı)

Head Underground at the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıçı)

Head Underground at the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıçı)

The Basilica Cistern is one of Istanbul’s most surprising tourist attractions. It’s a vast underground cistern that was built in the 6th century and was used for centuries to store water.

A visit to the Basilica Cistern is a must-do in Istanbul. The cistern is located in the heart of the city, it’s easy to find and it offers an amazing experience. It’s one of the best places to visit in Istanbul and many tourists say that it’s one of their favorite things about visiting Turkey.

The Basilica Cistern is not only a historical landmark but also an important tourist attraction. There are many reasons why this place should be on your list when you visit Istanbul: It’s beautiful, historic,

The Basilica Cistern was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in 532 AD. It was used as a water supply for the Hagia Sophia and other buildings in the area.

The cistern has 336 marble columns, each 21 feet high, with a diameter of 2.5 feet, supporting huge stone slabs. There are also 40 marble and stone statues lining the walls and ceilings of the cistern.

The Basilica Cistern is one of Istanbul’s best places to visit because it offers a glimpse into history and it is quite simply breathtaking!

5. Stroll the Hippodrome

Stroll the Hippodrome

Stroll the Hippodrome

This is one of the most popular places to visit in Istanbul. It was once the centre of Byzantine life and many festivals were held here. The Hippodrome was also used for chariot racing and it is still possible to see some of the ancient columns that supported the stands.

The ancient Hippodrome was begun by Septimius Severus in CE 203 and completed by Constantine the Great in CE 330. It was once the centre of Byzantine life and many festivals were held here. The Hippodrome was also used for chariot racing and it is still possible to see some of the ancient columns that supported the stands.

Istanbul is a city of many cultures and histories. It has been an important crossroads for centuries, and the result is that the city has some of the most interesting, diverse and beautiful places to visit in the world.

This article will introduce you to some of the best places to visit in Istanbul. They are not all touristy but they are all worth a visit if you have time.

6. Check Out the Collection in Istanbul Archaeology Museum

Check Out the Collection in Istanbul Archaeology Museum

Check Out the Collection in Istanbul Archaeology Museum

The Istanbul Archaeology Museum is the largest museum in Turkey. It is home to more than 100,000 archaeological pieces that are displayed in 34 galleries.

The Istanbul Archaeology Museum was opened to the public on April 3, 1881. The building was designed by architect Alexandre Vallaury and built by the Swiss construction company J. Ditermbergh & Cie.

This museum has a wide variety of artifacts from different eras of history including pre-Hittite, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods of history.

The Istanbul Archaeology Museum is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul. It is located on the grounds of Topkapi Palace, which was once the residence of Ottoman sultans. The museum houses over 1 million artifacts, dating from prehistory to the present day.

The museum was founded in 1884 by Sultan Abdul Hamid II and it has been open to visitors ever since. It has a collection that includes Roman-era sarcophagi, sculptures from the Ottoman Empire, and relics from early Christianity in Anatolia.

7. Shop in the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı)

Shop in the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı)

Shop in the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı)

The Grand Bazaar is a large, covered market in Istanbul, Turkey. It was originally built to help the Ottoman Empire grow its wealth and power by providing a place for merchants from around the world to come and sell their goods.

Today, it is a tourist attraction and shopping center that offers more than 3,000 shops where you can find anything from traditional Turkish handicrafts to modern day electronics.

The Grand Bazaar is the oldest and largest covered shopping complex in the world. It is located in Istanbul, Turkey. It is called Kapalı Çarşı (meaning “closed market” in Turkish) because it has more than 60 entrances and exits, but there are no shops on its exterior.

The Grand Bazaar was first established as an open-air marketplace by Sultan Mehmet II Fatih on March 15, 1455, with the aim of bringing together under one roof all the traders of Istanbul under one roof.

The Grand Bazaar has a total length of 8 kilometers (5 miles) and a total width of 200 meters (650 feet). Its approximate weight is around 10 million kilograms (22 million pounds). The bazaar consists of over 4 thousand shops that are located

The Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı) in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. It consists of more than 60 streets and over 3,000 shops which sell a wide range of goods.

The Grand Bazaar is also an architectural masterpiece with its domes, columns, and arches. The most famous section of the bazaar is called “Passage” (Çarşı Kapısı). This passage was built by Sultan Ahmet for his wife Roxelana in 1560.

8. Admire the Architecture of the Süleymaniye Mosque

Admire the Architecture of the Süleymaniye Mosque

Admire the Architecture of the Süleymaniye Mosque

The Süleymaniye Mosque is one of the most recognized landmarks of Istanbul. It was built by Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent in 1557-1558 and designed by Mimar Sinan.

The mosque was built on a hill overlooking the old city of Istanbul, with a commanding view of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. The dome is supported by four massive pillars that are decorated with Iznik tiles. The interior of this mosque is very spacious and open, with a large central area for prayer flanked by two smaller spaces reserved for female worshipers on either side.

The Süleymaniye Mosque is a mosque complex in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built by the Ottoman sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and designed by his imperial architect Mimar Sinan.

The mosque complex is located near the Golden Horn, on a hilltop overlooking the Bosphorus and has a commanding view of the city. The building’s original purpose was to serve as a serene place of prayer for Suleiman’s mother Nurbanu Sultan who lived nearby, but it became an important center of Ottoman religious life during Suleiman’s reign.

This mosque is one of the most important examples of Ottoman architecture. It has been described as “the finest example of Islamic architecture in Istanbul.”

9. Sample Turkish Produce in the Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı)

Sample Turkish Produce in the Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı)

Sample Turkish Produce in the Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı)

The Spice Bazaar is one of the most popular attractions in Istanbul. The bazaar is located in Eminönü, which is a district on the European side of Istanbul.

The Spice Bazaar was originally built in 1591 by Sultan Murat III to establish a new commercial center for Ottoman trade. The bazaar has been rebuilt many times over the centuries, with its current form dating back to 1940 when it was burned down in a fire.

The Spice Bazaar still offers an authentic experience of Turkish culture and cuisine, with vendors selling everything from spices and dried fruits to nuts and sweets.

The best time to visit the Spice Bazaar is during lunchtime, when vendors are cooking traditional Turkish dishes such as İskender kebab or lamb shish keb

10. Soak Up the Splendor of Dolmabahçe Palace

Soak Up the Splendor of Dolmabahçe Palace

Soak Up the Splendor of Dolmabahçe Palace

The Dolmabahçe Palace is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Istanbul. It’s located on the European side of the Bosphorus Strait, and it was completed in 1856.

The palace was designed by architect Sarkis Balyan and built for Sultan Abdül Mecid I. The palace is an excellent example of Ottoman architecture, with its exterior walls covered with elaborate marble carvings.

Built by Sultan Abdülmecid I in 1854, it replaced Topkapı Palace as the main residence of the sultans.

Dolmabahçe Palace is a palace in Istanbul, Turkey, that was the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for more than a century. It is located on the European shore of the Bosphorus strait in the Beşiktaş district on the European side of Istanbul.

The palace has 650 rooms and 200 bathrooms, and when it was originally built it had hot and cold running water. The Dolmabahçe Palace is one of the last great palaces to be built in Europe.

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11.See the Frescoes of the Chora Church (Kariye Cami)

Chora Church (Kariye Cami)

Chora Church (Kariye Cami)

The frescoes of the Chora Church (Kariye Cami) are considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of Byzantine painting. The church was built in the 12th century and is one of the best preserved monuments from that period.

The frescoes were created by a series of artists and they depict scenes from the life and death of Jesus Christ. The paintings can be found on all four walls and on three levels, which is why it is also called “the heavenly Jerusalem”.

The best time to visit this church is during weekdays as it gets very crowded on weekends, especially during high season or when there are concerts or other events taking place in Kariye Cami.

The frescoes of the Chora church are one of the best places to visit in Istanbul. This church is a Byzantine church that was built in AD1347 by Emperor John VI Cantacuzenus. It was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul.

The frescoes were painted by artists from Constantinople and depict scenes from the Bible. The Chora Church is located near the Grand Bazaar and Hagia Sophia, which are other popular tourist attractions in Istanbul.

12. Visit the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts (Türk ve Islam Eserleri Müzesi)

Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts (Türk ve Islam Eserleri Müzesi)

Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts (Türk ve Islam Eserleri Müzesi)

The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul. It has a vast collection of artifacts which are worth seeing. The museum was opened in 1924 and it is located at the Sultanahmet area of Istanbul.

This article presents some details about this museum, its location, opening hours, entrance fee and other important information.

The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, also known as Türk ve Islam Eserleri Müzesi, is the only museum in Istanbul that provides a comprehensive overview of Islamic arts. The museum is located in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul.

The Museum was established in 1924 by Gazi Ahmet Muhtar Pasha, the Ottoman Minister of Education. It was originally called “Museum of Turkish Arts”. In 1935, it was renamed to “Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts” to reflect its scope.

A visit to the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts is a must-see attraction in Istanbul. It offers a rich historical experience of the Ottoman Empire, through its collection of artworks, furniture, ceramics, calligraphy and manuscripts.

The museum was founded by Sultan Abdülmecid I in 1856 as part of his effort to create an imperial museum for the Ottoman Empire. The museum’s collections were originally composed of items from the Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia Museum which had been damaged during the Crimean War.

The Museum has undergone several expansions since its founding with major projects in 1892, 1935-1937, 1964-1968 and 1989-1990.

13. View the Little Aya Sofya (Küçük Aya Sofya)

 Little Aya Sofya (Küçük Aya Sofya)

Little Aya Sofya (Küçük Aya Sofya)

The church is a good example of the Byzantine architecture and was built in the 6th century. It is one of the most important Byzantine churches in Istanbul.

The Hagia Sophia, also known as Aya Sofya, is a former Orthodox Christian patriarchal basilica and imperial mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. The Hagia Sophia was built by Emperor Justinian I in 532 AD and was the largest cathedral building in the world for almost 1,000 years.

The Little Aya Sofya is a small Byzantine church that was built next to the Hagia Sofia by Emperor Justinian I during his reign from 527-565 AD to test its structural stability before he builds it bigger.

The Küçük Aya Sofya is a small church in Istanbul. It was originally built by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I in 527 AD with the help of his wife, Empress Theodora. The church is known for its mosaics and frescoes that date back to the 6th century.

The Küçük Aya Sofya is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul because it has beautiful mosaics and frescoes that date back to the 6th century.

Küçük Aya Sofya is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul. Especially if you are looking for a place with a scenic view and an interesting history.

This church was originally built in the sixth century and was converted into a mosque in 1453 when the Ottomans conquered Istanbul. The building is well worth visiting for its architectural beauty and impressive history.