Istanbul is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey. It’s home to a diverse range of cultures, religions, and cuisines. And with its rich history dating back to the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. If you’re planning a trip to Istanbul, be sure to add these 10 top tourist attractions to your itinerary. From iconic mosques and museums to Turkish baths and more, you won’t want to miss out on these must-see sights.
The Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul. The mosque was built in the early 1600s and is known for its beautiful blue tiles. The Blue Mosque is open to visitors and is a great place to learn about Islamic architecture.
Hagia Sophia
1. Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Istanbul. It is a former Christian cathedral that was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. The building is now a museum and is one of the most visited sights in Turkey. The interior of Hagia Sophia is decorated with beautiful Islamic art and architecture.
Topkapi Palace
1. Topkapi Palace – The magnificent Topkapi Palace was the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years. Today, it is a museum that is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul. The palace complex consists of four main courtyards, numerous smaller buildings, and extensive gardens. Highlights include the Harem, the Imperial Treasury, and the Armory Museum.
2. Hagia Sophia – This former Byzantine cathedral-turned-mosque-turned-museum is one of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks. Hagia Sophia is renowned for its massive dome and stunning 6th-century mosaics. It is now one of the world's largest museums.
3. The Blue Mosque – The Blue Mosque is a beautiful mosque with six minarets and an interior covered in blue tiles. It gets its nickname from the 20,000 blue tiles that adorn its interior walls. The mosque was built in the early 1600s under Sultan Ahmed I and remains an active house of worship today.
4. Dolmabahce Palace – Another former imperial residence, Dolmabahce Palace was home to the last six Ottoman sultans. Built in the mid-19th century, this lavish palace features a grand staircase, 285 rooms, 44 halls, and an extensive collection of European art and artifacts.
5. The Grand Bazaar – One of Istanbul's most popular tourist destinations is the sprawling Grand Bazaar. This
The Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul. This massive underground structure was built in the 6th century to provide water for the Great Palace of Constantinople. Today, it is one of the largest and most impressive surviving examples of Byzantine engineering.
The cistern is an enormous space, measuring 140 meters long by 70 meters wide. It is supported by 336 marble columns, each 9 meters tall. The columns are arranged in 12 rows of 28, creating a striking forest-like effect. Visitors can walk through the cistern on a raised wooden platform, getting up close to the columns and admiring the eerie atmospheric effects created by the softly glowing lights.
The Basilica Cistern is a must-see for anyone visiting Istanbul. It is a truly awe-inspiring example of Byzantine architecture and engineering, and its size and scale are simply breathtaking.
The Spice Bazaar
The Spice Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the city's most iconic and popular attractions. Also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, this historic market is located in the Eminönü district of the city and is home to a huge range of spices, herbs, dried fruits, nuts, and more.
Visitors to the Spice Bazaar can expect to find an incredible array of different spices on offer, as well as plenty of other traditional Turkish specialties. The market is also a great place to pick up some souvenirs or gifts for friends and family back home.
With its vibrant atmosphere and fascinating variety of goods on offer, the Spice Bazaar is a must-visit for anyone visiting Istanbul.
Beyoglu
Beyoglu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Istanbul. It is located on the European side of the city and is home to a number of famous landmarks and attractions. The most popular tourist attractions in Beyoglu include:
-The Galata Tower: This iconic tower offers stunning views of the city from its observation deck.
-Istiklal Street: This pedestrian street is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes, and is a great place to people watch.
-Taksim Square: This busy square is the center of modern Istanbul and a great place to start exploring the city.
-Dolmabahce Palace: This opulent palace was once the home of the Ottoman sultans and is now a museum.
-The Bosphorus: A cruise down this strait separating Europe and Asia is a must-do while in Istanbul.
The Princes' Islands
The Princes' Islands are a group of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara, near Istanbul, Turkey. They were formerly used as exile for members of the Ottoman royal family. The largest and best known island is Büyükada (Great Island). The other islands are Burgazada (Fortress Island), Heybeliada (Saddlebag Island), Büyükada, Kınalıada (Henna Island), Sedef Adası (Shell Island), Yassı Ada (Flat Island) and Tavşanadası (Rabbit Island).
Today, the Princes' Islands are a popular summer getaway for Istanbul residents and tourists alike. Visitors can take a ferry from any of the city's ports to reach the islands. Once there, they can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, watch the sunset over the sea or explore the many historical landmarks on the islands.
Anatolian Civilizations Museum
The Anatolian Civilizations Museum is one of the top tourist attractions in Istanbul. The museum is located in the Sultanahmet district and houses an extensive collection of artifacts from the various civilizations that have existed in Anatolia throughout history.
Some of the highlights of the museum include the Hittite Gallery, which features sculptures and reliefs from the ancient Hittite capital of Hattusa; the Phrygian Gallery, which contains statues and tombstones from the Phrygian civilization; and the Assyrian Gallery, which houses a number of artifacts from the Assyrian Empire. In addition to these galleries, the museum also has a number of temporary exhibitions that showcase other aspects of Anatolian history and culture.
Rumeli Fortress
The Rumeli Fortress is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul. The fortress was built by the Ottoman sultan Mehmed II in 1452 and was used to defend the city against invaders. The fortress has a great view of the Bosphorus Strait and is a good place to learn about the history of Istanbul.
Chora Church
Istanbul is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, and for good reason – there's so much to see and do! One of the city's top attractions is the Chora Church, a beautiful Byzantine building that dates back to the 4th century. The church is famous for its stunning mosaics and frescoes, which tell stories from the Bible. Visitors can also explore the nearby museum, which houses artifacts from the church's history.