Things to do in Istanbul

This marvelous city is full of attractions. Here are some of them:

 

Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya): The largest Byzantium cathedral which was built in the 4th century by Constantine the Great and reconstructed in 537 AD by Justinian. It was converted to a mosque by the Ottoman Empire after the conquest. Today it’s a museum and one of the most fascinating structures of all time.

Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque): One of the most famous mosques in the world. Also known as the Blue Mosque because of the magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles.

Hippodrome: Center of the sports games and horse chariot races with three Obelisks of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine.



Basilica Cistern: The underground water reservoir from the 6th century built by Justinian.

Spice Market: Also known as the Egyptian Bazaar is filled with mystical smells of various spices and herbs as well as shops selling Turkish Delights, dried fruits, nuts, caviar...

The Grand Bazaar: Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. It covers an area of approximately 31 thousand square meters with its over 4000 shops.

Suleymaniye Mosque (Mosque of Sultan Suleyman): It is Istanbul's largest mosque. This outstanding piece of architecture was built in the 16th century by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan for Sultan Suleyman the magnificent.

Topkapi Palace: The great palace of the Ottoman Sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries where the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures and the holy relics can be seen.

Bosphorus Cruise: One of the world’s most strategic waterways, Bosphorus is the strait between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. A cruise on the Bosphorus is probably the best way to take your time and relax in Istanbul while you cruise between Asia & Europe and enjoy the beautiful Ottoman wooden houses (Yali) and Ottoman Palaces.



Dolmabahce Palace: Dolmabahce Palace was built in between 1843-1856 by the Bosphorus. It has 3 floors including the basement with a symmetric design, with 285 rooms, 43 halls, 6 Turkish baths. The palace has two beautifully decorated monumental gates giving access to its courtyard. The huge ballroom has a 4,5 tons crystal chandelier hanging from its 36 meters high ceiling. Dolmabahce housed Sultans and their families before the Republic, and it was then used by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk during his visits to Istanbul. Atatürk died here on the 10th of November, 1938. The palace now serves as a museum and a guest-house used for receptions for important foreign statesmen during their official visits. During our visit, we will be able to see the Selamlik (administrative) and Harem sections.

Beyoglu and Istiklal Street: Beyoglu near Taksim Square is a part of the heart of Istanbul, it's a great way to get away from the old city and enjoy modern Istanbul as the locals do. The famous Pera Palas Hotel is also located in this neighborhood. The hotel was built for the passengers of The Orient Express and there you can see the first elevator of Turkey, the second one in Europe (from 1892 AD).

Shopping while you are in Istanbul: Istanbul has always been a fascinating city for shopping since the Roman period. Today, the best examples of fine Turkish art and hand made products can be found in Istanbul. Some of the world famous jewelry masters are from Istanbul as well.

One of the best rug stores in Turkey, which is also one of the biggest manufacturers in the whole country, is located in Istanbul. They are specialized in trophy room rugs, hunting designs, etc. Besides handmade rugs, Turkey is also famous for unique jewelry, pottery, ceramic tiles and fine leather products. Bazaars and local markets are always available for small gifts, souvenirs as well as spices, herbal teas and caviar.

There are also some local hunting stores that offer some interesting Turkish hunting knives.

Eating in Istanbul: Turkish cuisine is a heritage of Ottoman cuisine, which can be described as a fusion and refinement of Central Asian, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. Besides the traditional kabob and grill restaurants, there are a lot of good sea food restaurants, especially by the Bosphorus, where you can enjoy some good Turkish wine or Turkish Raki. A piece of Baklava with a glass of hot tea or Turkish coffee is usually preferred after the delicious meals.