ISTANBUL is a city filled with adventure, thrill, fun, and peace. It is not only the capital city but also one of the most splendid cities you can visit in Turkey.
History and modernity have been ruling this city for a long time now. Falling in love with this place is too easy. The question comes to why and how!
Walking by the sides of the splendid, glamourous Bosphorus bridge, over the strait Bosphorus, is tranquility on its own. Spending time on the Bosphorus Cruise is one of the other things you can enjoy in the city.
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Moving towards the historic structures is a journey to another era and universe. The experience is like a daydream coming true.
It’s a magical adventure, walking through the picturesque locations, with surprises at every corner of the city ready to welcome you and ready to get explored by you.
In this article, you will get to know about the following places to visit in Istanbul,
- GALATA TOWER
- BASILICA CISTERN
- TOPKAPI PALACE
- HAGIA SOPHIA
- BLUE MOSQUE
- YILDIZ PARK
- SüLEYMANIYE MOSQUE
- ZEYREK MOSQUE
- MAIDEN’S TOWER
- GRAND BRAZZER
Let’s dive into exploring these places.
Best places to visit in Istanbul
1. GALATA TOWER
| Location | Bereketzade Mahallesi Büyük Hendek Caddesi, Numara: 2, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul |
| Timings | 8:30 AM – 11:30 PM* |
| Entry Fee | 175 Turkish lire (free for children below 7)* |
*Timings and entry fees may vary.
Constructed in the 14th century, Galata Tower is a 220 feet tower with nine stories, standing straight and strong. Some restaurants here serve Turkish delights. The place also features Turkish culture and traditional dance performances.
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This tower is the place for you if you love fun nights and performances, along with great clubs that will not leave you dry!
2. BASILICA CISTERN
| Location | Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul |
| Timings | 9:00 AM – 07:30 PM* |
| Entry Fee | 20 Turkish Lire* |
*Timings and entry fees may vary.
This colossal underground cistern holds the great personalities that existed in the past and are displayed to you with grace.
The great work inside signifies the marvelous Byzantine engineering, and the experience of the work could be felt as you walk through it. The Hens eye holding the teardrop motif on it is another charm.
Walking through the sparkling-lighted pathway feels like moving into a never-ending dream. And, of course, the peace along its stretch is something to experience here.
3. TOPKAPI PALACE
| Location | Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey |
| Timings | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM* |
| Entry Fee | 200 Turkish Lira (free for children below 6)* |
*Timings and entry fees may vary.
Topkapi Palace is a splendid palace that was the administrative quarter of the Ottoman rulers and one of the most attractive palaces in Istanbul.
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The hand-painted tiles line the vast, opulent courtyards, and the magnificently decorated rooms will take your breath away.
It was the Harems, where the Sultans’ concubines spent their time. It also holds an Imperial Council Chamber. Topkapi palace gives the pleasure of being royalty.
4. HAGIA SOPHIA
| Location | Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul |
| Timings | 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM* |
| Entry Fee | Free |
*Timings may vary.
First built as a cathedral, Hagia Sophia was later converted into a museum. The dual effects of Byzantine and Ottoman effects can be witnessed here in this dome. The Islamic-Christianity art is blended amazingly.
The then five sultans were laid to rest in this dome, and you will be able to pay tribute to them when you visit this structure.
5. BLUE MOSQUE
| Location | Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:10, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul |
| Timings | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM* |
| Entry Fee | Free |
*Timings and entry fees may vary.
The mosque is named the Blue Mosque due to the Blue Iznik tiles covering its interior. History lies in every curvature and six slender minarets of this mosque.
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The beauty is adored from each of its angles. The Islamic-Ottoman culture and tradition are held perfectly. This gives a chance to experience the glorious past atmosphere.
6. YILDIZ PARK
| Location | Yıldız, 34349 Beşiktaş/İstanbul |
| Timings | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM* |
| Entry Fee | 20 Turkish Liras* |
*Timings and entry fees may vary.
For a soothing experience, you can surely visit this lovely place bearing so many old Ottoman houses, green-filled hills, and scenic paths.
Spend some quality time with your family and friends, and the panoramas will invite you to take some gorgeous photographs.
7. SULEYMANIYE MOSQUE
| Location | Süleymaniye, Prof. Sıddık Sami Onar Cd. No:1, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul |
| Timings | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM* |
| Entry Fee | Free |
*Timings may vary.
SULEYMANIYE CAMII is a splendid architectural dome, showing its beauty up to 53 meters in the air. Built-in between 1549 and 1575 by a famous Ottoman architect, Mimar Sinan.
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You can see the Ottoman cemetery in the garden (Sultan Suleyman and his family were cremated here).
It is one of the largest mosques in Istanbul, and devotees visit from all corners of the world to worship this colossal mosque.
8. ZEYREK MOSQUE
| Location | Zeyrek, İbadethane Sk. No:2, 34083 Fatih/İstanbul |
| Timings | All Day* |
| Entry Fee | Free |
*Timings may vary.
Zeyrek Mosque can define beauty itself. It’s the finest religious architecture of the Byzantine Era. A superior blend of two Eastern orthodox Churches and a former Chapel will win you over.
Named after the renowned scholar Molla Zeyrek, it’s a religious center and an Islamic teaching hub. Byzantine architecture is reflected distinctively by this one singular structure.
9. MAIDEN’S TOWER
| Location | Salacak, 34668 Üsküdar/İstanbul |
| Timings | 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM* |
| Entry Fee | 30 Turkish Liras* |
*Timings and entry fees may vary.
Maiden’s tower is one of the best places to be if you want a peaceful sunset view, is the one to choose.
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Get lost in the enthralling view of the setting sun while enjoying the food in the restaurants and the cozy cafes.
A boat ride is perfect for reaching this tower as it is on the sea. The fun, the experience, and the ride are worth everything.
10. GRAND BAZAAR
| Location | Beyazıt, Kalpakçılar Cd. No:22, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul |
| Timings | 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM* |
| Entry Fee | Free |
*Timings may vary.
It is the paradise for Turkish Delights. Being the biggest covered market in the world, it provides you with anything and everything you desire.
You could choose from numerous shops selling jewelry, leather, carpet, silk garments, etc.
This is a 554-year-old bazaar, which is still flaunting and holding authentic Turkish treasures and stuff.
It’s a paradise if you are into this beautiful culture and its colors, experiences, and of course, the fun it carries.
These are some of the best and most iconic places in Istanbul.
Exploring Istanbul can be the experience of a lifetime. The city is like a basket full of life and inspiration.
Get all your stuff, and fly to this city to know it all and savor every detail it offers.
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