Istanbul
Istanbul, Turkey, is one of the most well-known cities in the world, so it makes sense that tourists would want to go there. The city is dotted with old mosques and palaces that are encircled by posh hotels, boutiques, and coffee shops. Istanbul’s laid-back atmosphere draws a lot of people who prefer spending afternoons relaxing while sipping tea or discovering a vintage discovery at a nearby thrift store.
Discovering the neighborhood’s blend of modern and old architecture is fun for tourists. Two examples are the popular tourist neighborhood of Istiklal Caddesi and the ancient Sultanahmet District. Istanbul’s opulent surroundings contribute to its popularity as well. One of Turkey’s most beautiful sights is the unique architecture of the homes that line the Bosphorus Strait.
Here are some best things to do in Istanbul
Hagia Sophia
One of the most well-known sights to view in Istanbul is Hagia Sophia, which is regarded as one of the world’s most stunning structures. The building that is today one of the most popular museums in the world was originally a church and a mosque. On our first trip to Istanbul, we didn’t go inside, but after realizing what we were missing, we made sure to do so on our second trip. In Istanbul, the interior of Hagia Sophia is a must-see.
Blue Mosque
Without visiting the Blue Mosque, a journey to Istanbul would be lacking. The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a special location and one of the most well-known mosques in the entire world. It was completed over the course of seven years under the reign of Ottoman Sultan Ahmet.
You will be wowed by the Blue Mosque’s beautiful tiles and interior design as soon as you step inside, but if you want to make the most of your visit, I suggest taking a guided tour that includes both the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
Grand Bazaar
Getting lost in the vast Grand Bazaar is one of the nicest things to do in Istanbul. You can get to the Grand Bazaar by taking a short stroll down the street from the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, and Topkapi Palace. You won’t find a more thrilling shopping experience than this one. The Grand Bazaar spans 60 streets and has more than 5,000 businesses. This is the perfect place to grab some souvenirs from your trip!
Süleymaniye Mosque
On the third of the seven hills that overlook the Golden Horn, the Süleymaniye mosque is located. The Süleymaniye mosque is one of the most remarkable structures in the city skyline, despite the Blue Mosque being the mosque in Istanbul that is most well-known. The Sultan of Suleyman oversaw construction of Istanbul’s biggest mosque during the 16th century Ottoman Empire.
Dolmabahce Palace
Dolbahçe Palace in Beşiktas, Turkey, is a huge palace with 285 rooms and 43 salons that was constructed in the 19th century during the Ottoman Empire. It not only has a stunning interior, but it also has breathtaking views of the Bosphorus. I advise taking a guided tour to discover more about the Ottoman Empire and see the palace’s magnificent halls.
Topkaki Palace
The most well-known palace in Istanbul is without a doubt Topkapi Palace, which you really must see. You will learn about the residences of the Ottoman Sultans, their personal effects, and the renowned 86-carat Spoonmaker’s Diamond in Topkapi Palace!
Walls Of Constantinople
The Constantinople Walls were mostly undisturbed until the 19th century, when they were destroyed. But unexpectedly, a lot of them are still whole. The old city walls may be seen in a variety of locations because they have been undergoing renovation since the 1980s. One of the greatest places to see its remnants is the tower inside the Wall of Constantinople. Discover Constantinople before the Ottoman conquest on this Byzantine trip along the Golden Horn. You can explore so much more of Istanbul outside the Medieval City by strolling along the old city walls and gates.
Galata
Galata, one of the most picturesque and historic areas of Istanbul, is situated in the Beyğolu neighborhood and to the north of the Old Town. It is one of my favorite neighborhoods since it allows you to explore a variety of things while getting a sense of the city’s character.
Archaeological Museum
In the Eminönü neighborhood of Istanbul, Turkey, next to Gülhane Park and Topkap Palace, are three archaeological museums collectively known as the Istanbul Archaeology Museums. The three museums that make up the Istanbul Archaeology Museums are the Archaeological Museum, Museum of the Ancient Orient, and Museum of Islamic Art.
Cruise The Bosphorus
You can explore entire stretches of the Bosphorus from the Marmara Sea to the Black Sea on one of the many cruise tours available to learn about the Bosphorus river. You can board a cruise at ticket booths for the various firms in Eminönü, Beşiktaş, and Kabataş on the European side or Kadköy and Üsküdar on the Asian side.
You can get off at one of the stations for many of them, eat some food from the area, and then continue the journey by boarding the next ship. In contrast, I believe the themed cruises that provide you a little something extra are the greatest.