The Top 10 Things To Do In Istanbul
Introduction
Are you prepared to embark on a journey through one of the world's oldest cities? You have a wide range of choices, from starter apartments to palaces. Let's move on to the best stanbul tourist locations if you're ready to dive into your dreams while admiring the city skyline. Istanbul attractions don't stop with counting, so heed the warning immediately!
Discover The Ottoman Empire Along with İstanbul: Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolamabahçe Palace is where the Ottoman Empire signed off on Istanbul. You will fall in love with this location's interior as well as its outlook as it rises on the Bosphorus with elements of western design. During the Ottoman era, this gorgeous region functioned as a port where navy ships were docked and carried out maritime rites. Following that, it served as a sultan and dynasty-owned royal garden. As a result, there are a lot of amazing remnants and images from the Ottoman Period.
There are further aspects of the palace that offer information about Mustafa Kemal Atatürk:
Additionally, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk gave his first speech to Istanbul in the palace. And in this palace, he breathed his final breath. So for the villagers, Dolmabahçe Palace also has a dramatic connotation.
Take a Stroll Through History: The Hagia Sophia
One of the most stunning tourist attractions in Istanbul, Ayasofya-i Kebîr Cami-i erîfi (Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque), is waiting to enchant you. Here is a historical structure that dates all the way back to 537! Yes, it is enormous and beautiful from the outside, but the enchantment begins when you enter. Among the many attractions to see in Istanbul, this is the one where you will spend hours in awe as you peer into its miraculous interior.
This should be your first destination if you want to experience Byzantine culture and be in a location where history will never fade. By its never-ending grace, Hagia Sophia will consume the majority of your journey time in Istanbul.
The importance of visiting this majestic structure, one of the must-see attractions in Istanbul, will become clear as soon as you step inside.
Take A Tour Throughout The Bosphorus and Simit To The Seagulls!
When you mention traveling in Istanbul, what first springs to mind? The Bosphorus is that item that connects the two sides where blue and green converge. Spending some time in this beautiful strait that connects the Anatolian and European sides would be beneficial for everyone. Whether you would like to take a ferry ride or a boat excursion with the locals. It makes no difference because each one's experience and thrill is entirely unique.
I'll reveal a secret to you. The first thing to do in Istanbul is unquestionably eating simit and feeding the birds, so buy a bagel before you board the ship!
Enjoy The Spices, Carpets, and Gold: The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul
For a quick excursion back in time to the Ottoman era, change your route to a bazaar in Istanbul! The Grand Bazaar, the first market that comes to mind when discussing Istanbul, extends an invitation to a feast for the eyes.
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey, is the best area to interact with locals. Grand Bazaar is a great option for shopaholics as well because it has more than 4000 stores. Although it seems weird, it's spot on! You can either choose gold jewelry for yourself or purchase a carpet for the area of your home where you spend the most time. You might be able to discover all you need right here!
Only Way To Fly: Galata Tower
Have you ever heard the tale of Hezrfen Ahmed Elebi? Hezârfen Elebi, who ascended the Galata Tower to fulfill all of our aspirations, reportedly lowered himself from the tower with his large wings in 1632, according to the great work Seyâhatnâme (Travelogue) by the Ottoman explorer Evliya Elebi. and flew across the Bosphorus before landing 3558 meters away at Doanclar in Üsküdar! Even though this tale is based on a legend, it is nevertheless priceless to leave destinations knowing their histories. Therefore, ascend the tower to experience the beautiful view of Istanbul from the very location where this tale originated!
Like all famous cities throughout the world, Istanbul also has a love tale, and this one takes place between two skyscrapers. Maiden's Tower and Galata Tower. Here is another emotionally charged feature of Istanbul for visitors. Despite how endearing this tale may be, visiting them is still necessary to experience the romance of traveling to Istanbul.
Experience Istanbul Türkiye: Karaköy Restaurants
Are you seeking a restful stop? The solution is Karaköy Restaurants! Istanbul sightseeing will undoubtedly be very busy. You will look for a place to sit after exploring Istanbul's bustling streets for a while and enjoying a lovely evening with delectable treats. At some point, you'll start looking for a spot to relax and take in the lovely scenery and delectable treats. With its vast variety of meals, including both traditional Turkish cuisine and contemporary foreign cuisines, Karaköy invites food connoisseurs. Depending on your preference, you can go to a hipster pub with music, a bohemian fish restaurant, a top-notch fine-dining establishment, or an elegant roof bar with a spectacular view of the Bosphorus. You are completely in control!
Visit The Heart Of The Ottoman: Topkapı Palace
You are on the location where the sultans ruled the Ottoman Empire for precisely 400 years from Topkap Palace! This is unquestionably a stop you must make while sightseeing in old Istanbul. Topkap Palace served as the residence of every Ottoman monarch since Mehmet the Conqueror throughout its history. It served as the empire's administrative, academic, and cultural hub as well. The must-see legacies are the Baghdad and Revan Pavilions, with their remarkable interior architecture made of znik tiles! Although it presently features an exhibition with Ottoman antiques, jewels, and weapons, its real fame comes from its legends. Topkap Palace used to be home to numerous sultans, notable courtiers, and well-known concubines. Therefore, Topkap Palace is unquestionably the best location in Istanbul for travelers to hear amazing tales.
Go Back To Ancient Times: Archaeology Museum
It would be a great idea to visit the ancient era after visiting the Topkapi Palace and Dolmabahçe Palace in the Ottoman era. Approximately one million items from various civilizations that were imported from the imperial realms are kept in the Istanbul Archaeological Museum. Joining this little history tour is undoubtedly one of the things to do in Istanbul. Given that visiting this location would need a whole day of your vacation to Istanbul, we strongly suggest that you do so as soon as it opens.
Take Breathe in The City: Princes’ Islands
Princes Islands is yet another destination in Istanbul! The four that are the most well-known are Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, and Knalada. Your trip to Istanbul will be completely consumed by these adorable islands that are dotted throughout the Marmara Sea. The Islands are surrounded by quiet serenity, in contrast to locations like Topkap Palace and the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul (where local artisans will shout as loudly as they can to get you notice them). You may be sure that after a happy ferry ride, you will feel nature more intensely than before. Right, it sounds good. Don't forget to include the Prince's Islands on your list of "Istanbul visiting places" if you want to take a short bike ride, enjoy the sea, and enjoy a picnic.
Take A Mysterious Trip: Basilica Cistern
We warned that it wouldn't be simple to see all the sights in Istanbul. Another important piece of architecture in Istanbul is the "Basilica Cistern," also known as "Yerebatan Sarnc." Because of the interesting appearance of endless columns, the edifice was given this name by the locals.
Do you think this location could supply all of Istanbul's water needs? But the fact remains that Istanbul has received water from this cistern for many years! As you move between the pillars, you will also see a statue of Medusa that is upside down. Sounds a bit eerie and ethereal! You can also escape the sweltering Istanbul summer heat here thanks to the ambience of darkness underneath.