Top 10 places that are worth visiting in Istanbul based on popular tourist destinations and reviews. Here are some of them:
Hagia Sophia: A former church, then a mosque, and now a museum. The architecture and history of this place are awe-inspiring.
Blue Mosque: One of the most famous landmarks of Istanbul, the Blue Mosque is known for its stunning blue tiles and six towering minarets.
Topkapi Palace: The palace served as the home of Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years. Visitors can explore its various courtyards, gardens, and historical collections.
Grand Bazaar: The ultimate shopping destination in Istanbul, Grand Bazaar features more than 4,000 shops selling everything from jewelry to textiles and spices.
Bosphorus Strait: The strait that separates Europe and Asia, Bosphorus offers stunning views of the city and is best explored by boat.
Galata Tower: A medieval stone tower that offers panoramic views of Istanbul’s skyline.
Spice Bazaar: Also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, this colorful marketplace is famous for its exotic spices, herbs, and traditional Turkish sweets.
Dolmabahce Palace: A stunning palace overlooking the Bosphorus, Dolmabahce served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century.
Suleymaniye Mosque: The largest mosque in Istanbul, Suleymaniye was built by the famous architect Sinan during the Ottoman Empire.
Chora Church: A medieval Byzantine church famous for its beautiful frescoes and mosaics. The church is now a museum and a must-visit for art lovers.
Here are some ways to reach the popular tourist attractions in Istanbul:
Hagia Sophia: Hagia Sophia is located in the Sultanahmet area of Istanbul. You can reach it by tram, taking the T1 line to Sultanahmet station. From there, it’s a short walk to the entrance of the museum.
Topkapi Palace: Topkapi Palace is also located in the Sultanahmet area. You can reach it by taking the tram to Gülhane station, which is located right next to the palace entrance.
Blue Mosque: The Blue Mosque is located next to the Hagia Sophia in Sultanahmet. You can also reach it by taking the tram to Sultanahmet station and walking a short distance.
Grand Bazaar: The Grand Bazaar is located in the Eminönü district of Istanbul. You can take the tram to Beyazit-Kapalicarsi station, which is located right outside the bazaar entrance.
Taksim Square: Taksim Square is located in the Beyoglu district of Istanbul. You can take the metro to Taksim station, which is located right in the heart of the square.
Bosphorus Cruise: A Bosphorus Cruise is a popular tourist activity in Istanbul. You can take a ferry from Eminönü or Kabatas to cruise along the Bosphorus and enjoy the beautiful views.
Overall, Istanbul has a great public transportation system, with trams, buses, metros, and ferries that can take you to most tourist attractions. Plan ahead and check transportation options before heading out to make your visit to Istanbul’s tourist attractions smoother and more enjoyable.
Photo by : szeke