![\"places](\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/istanbul-gezilecek-yerler.jpg\")
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- That \u0130stanbul served as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires is certainly one of the most striking aspects of its history. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Archaeological excavations in Yenikap\u0131 reveal that the city’s history dates back 8,500 years.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Set along the Bosphorus, \u0130stanbul is a bridge between Asia and Europe. This feature makes the city unique on a global scale \u2013 today, \u0130stanbul is a vast metropolis that connects continents, cultures and civilizations. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Throughout the year, \u0130stanbul hosts colorful and entertaining events, along with numerous summer and winter festivals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Book your flight to \u0130stanbul<\/a> now and start planning your trip!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nPlaces to Visit in \u0130stanbul: A Guide to History and Culture<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"historical](\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/istanbul-gezilecek-tarihi-yerler.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\u0130stanbul, with its glorious history and beautiful natural surroundings, has always piqued the interest of visitors. interest. During your stay in the city, you can explore historical sites and museums, and experience the area\u2019s natural beauty. Let’s get started if you’re ready! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The heart of \u0130stanbul: Sultanahmet Square<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
One of \u0130stanbul\u2019s most important places and the city\u2019s leading tourist destination, Sultanahmet Square was the site of the Hippodrome (At Meydan\u0131), where chariot races, horse races and javelin games were held during the Byzantine era and after the conquest of the city. Today, the Square houses the Hagia Sophia, the Sultan Ahmed (Blue) Mosque (which gave the square its name), the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum, the Arasta Bazaar and the Basilica Cistern. These places can be visited in a single day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sultanahmet Square is also home to the Serpent Column (Y\u0131lanl\u0131 S\u00fctun), an ancient Greek monument, as well as the German Fountain and an Obelisk of Theodosius brought from Egypt. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hagia Sophia: A thousand years of history<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Hagia Sophia is an architectural wonder that has survived to this day. Set on Sultanahmet Square, on the Historical Peninsula in the heart of old \u0130stanbul, the Hagia Sophia was originally built as a Byzantine cathedral, but converted into a mosque by Mehmed the Conqueror in 1453. With the 1934 Decree of the Council Ministers, the building, which was previously connected to the General Directorate of Museums, was transferred to the Presidency of Religious Affairs in 2020, and it was decided to open it for worship. The Hagia Sophia continues to welcome visitors today as a significant religious and historical site. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A masterpiece of Mimar Sinan: The S\u00fcleymaniye Mosque<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Mimar Sinan described S\u00fcleymaniye Mosque as his \u201capprenticeship work\u201d in the 16th century. Commissioned by S\u00fcleyman the Magnificent, the mosque is a prime example of classical Ottoman architecture. The structure consists of four minarets and is distinguished by a number of outstanding architectural features: It features a main dome, two half domes, two quarter domes, and ten smaller domes. Inside the dome, sixty-four cubes 50-cm-high produced superb acoustics. The S\u00fcleymaniye Mosque is open seven days a week and is conveniently located near Emin\u00f6n\u00fc Square.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Topkap\u0131 Palace: Heart of the Ottoman Empire<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Topkap\u0131 Palace, built by Fatih Sultan Mehmed between 1460-1478 after the conquest of the city, is the most prominent palace in \u0130stanbul<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the Ottoman era, Topkap\u0131 Palace served as the state’s administrative and educational center. Its current structure was added by subsequent sultans over time. The palace began to fail to meet state protocol requirements in the nineteenth century, and it has served as a museum since April 3, 1924, when the Republic of T\u00fcrkiye was established.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Topkap\u0131 Palace, the first museum of the Republic, is now one of the world’s largest museum-palaces, with buildings, collections, and around 300,000 archival documents. Do check the museum\u2019s schedule and visitor information before going to the palace, which attracts considerable numbers of local and foreign visitors.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Place of authority: Dolmabah\u00e7e Palace<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Overlooking the Bosphorus, Dolmabah\u00e7e Palace was set in a natural harbor where ships once sought refuge. From the 17th century, the area began to be filled in and was transformed into the sultans’ private garden; it was called \u201cDolmabah\u00e7e\u201d \u2013 \u201cfilled-in garden\u201d. Until the nineteenth century, the site housed the Be\u015fikta\u015f Coastal Palace (Be\u015fikta\u015f Sahil Saray\u0131), a collection of wooden mansions and pavilions, which were demolished during the reign of Sultan Abd\u00fclmecid (1839-1861) and replaced by Dolmabah\u00e7e Palace. It contains 285 rooms, 44 halls, 68 toilets, and six hamams, and served as a residence for sultans, as well as for Mustafa Kemal Atat\u00fcrk following the Republic’s proclamation. Many people visit Dolmabah\u00e7e Palace, particularly its main structure, which runs parallel to the sea along the coast.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Summer palace: Beylerbeyi<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Beylerbeyi Palace was erected between 1863 and 1865 during the reign of Sultan Abd\u00fclaziz as a summer palace. Historically used primarily to host foreign state guests, the palace combines Western and Eastern styles, featuring details such as Egyptian mat-covered floor coverings, Turkish-Hereke carpets, French Baccarat crystal chandeliers, and porcelain vases from China, Japan, France, Germany and Turkey. The palace’s annexes and gardens are also notable. To find out more about other places to visit in \u00dcsk\u00fcdar, check out our list of \u00dcsk\u00fcdar attractions<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Church of St. Anthony of Padua<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Saint Antoine (Sent Antuan) is \u0130stanbul\u2019s largest Catholic Church in size and congregation. It is on \u0130stiklal Street in Beyo\u011flu, on the left side of the street if traveling from Galatasaray (on the Galatasaray High School side) towards T\u00fcnel. Built in the 20th century and featuring an interior height of 23 meters, the neo-Gothic style structure has been visited by countless local and foreign tourists. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maiden’s Tower: The pearl of the Bosphorus<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u0130stanbul’s towers<\/a> are tourist attractions in their own right, and the Maiden\u2019s Tower is among the most famous of these structures. Now a monument, the Maiden\u2019s Tower dates to the fifth century BC and has inspired numerous legends, her love affair with the Galata Tower, which she encountered while spending her days alone on the Bosphorus. To see the Maiden\u2019s Tower up close, you can take a boat departing from the pier in front of Karak\u00f6y Ziraat Bank. Wander through the depths of history in the museum section \u2013 and conclude your visit with a Turkish coffee in the cafeteria overlooking the Bosphorus. It’s time to check the current boat schedules and visitor information and begin planning!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A majestic view: The Galata Tower <\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Galata Tower offers one of the most impressive views of the city from its top floor observation deck. Built by the Genoese during the Byzantine era, the tower has been one of the city’s most recognizable structures for centuries. The Galata Tower was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2013. Visit the tower in Beyo\u011flu, \u0130stanbul’s historic district<\/a>, for unique landscape photos, exhibitions and cultural activities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grand Bazaar: Local, authentic and always current<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
We strongly recommend a visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the world\u2019s oldest and most renowned shopping complexes. Dating from the 15th century, this historical shopping and trading center covers an area of 45,000 square meters and houses nearly 4,000 shops selling everything from jewelry, gold and antiques to rugs and embroidered fabrics. While the bazaar can seem overwhelming at first, we recommend that you enjoy this as a historical and cultural experience. As you breathe in the air of past market traditions, you will notice how trade and shopping are linked to culture and history.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Spice Bazaar: The heart of the spice trade<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to \u0130stanbul’s bazaars, the Historical Spice Bazaar deserves special recognition. The Spice Bazaar, which began construction in 1660, has been known as such since the mid-18th century, due to the sale of Egyptian goods and spices. It is a popular shopping destination for both tourists and locals looking to buy delicious products and souvenirs. Spices are the most popular items, but there is also a wide variety of products available, including coffee, Turkish delight, tea, nuts, jewelry and handmade crafts. Of course, shopping isn’t just about shopping. While you’re here, check out the architecture of this six-entrance bazaar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhere to stay in \u0130stanbul?<\/h4>
For a historical experience, Sultanahmet is the best choice. Beyo\u011flu and Taksim are ideal for city life and shopping, while Karak\u00f6y offers a trendy atmosphere. Be\u015fikta\u015f and Ortak\u00f6y are great for Bosphorus views.<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhat to eat in \u0130stanbul?<\/h4>
Famous D\u00f6ner, fresh fish at seafront restaurants, and delicious Turkish delight, nuts, and tea from the Spice Bazaar.<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhat to see in \u0130stanbul?<\/h4>
Hagia Sophia, Topkap\u0131 Palace, Blue Mosque, and Basilica Cistern in Sultanahmet; Galata Tower, Dolmabah\u00e7e Palace, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Bosphorus cruise, Maiden’s Tower, Ortak\u00f6y, and Princes’ Islands.<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nBosphorus and surroundings<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Bosphorus](\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/istanbul-bogazi-ve-cevresi.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Bosphorus Strait connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara, separating Asia and Europe. Traditionally regarded as the border between Asia and Europe, the 30-kilometer Bosphorus not only provides distinctive views of various historical districts, it is also the only waterway for boats from Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Russia, and Ukraine to access other seas. The Bosphorus is at the heart of \u0130stanbul’s history and is also home to many of the city’s mansions<\/a>, palaces, and estates. When planning your \u0130stanbul sightseeing itinerary, make sure to prioritize the Bosphorus and its surroundings. Let’s discuss an unforgettable Bosphorus tour, Ortak\u00f6y and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bosphorus cruise: A unique journey through the Bosphorus<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What could be nicer than a leisurely Bosphorus tour combining the city’s history and natural beauty? Currently there are two main options for Bosphorus Tours: the \u015eehir Hatlar\u0131 (City Lines) tour or a private boat rental. \u015eehir Hatlar\u0131 Bosphorus tours are categorized according to length and concept. The two-hour Bosphorus tour encompasses Emin\u00f6n\u00fc, Be\u015fikta\u015f, \u00dcsk\u00fcdar, Kanl\u0131ca, Sar\u0131yer, Rumeli Kava\u011f\u0131 and Anadolu Kava\u011f\u0131; the shorter Bosphorus tour runs between Emin\u00f6n\u00fc, \u00dcsk\u00fcdar and Ortak\u00f6y. The third category is the moonlight cruise tour, allowing you to “go out on the moon” as if you were in the \u0130stanbul of the past. These evening tours cover Bostanc\u0131, Kad\u0131k\u00f6y, Emin\u00f6n\u00fc, \u00dcsk\u00fcdar, Be\u015fikta\u015f, Rumeli Kava\u011f\u0131 and Anadolu Kava\u011f\u0131. Check the official website<\/a> of \u015eehir Hatlar\u0131 for updated stop and timetable information. You can also tour the Bosphorus on a private vessel, with numerous tour companies offering private boat tours to help you discover \u0130stanbul’s historical and natural beauty. In addition, weddings, marriage proposals, and other events can be organized on the boat upon request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ortak\u00f6y: A blend of the past and the present<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ortak\u00f6y, a lively neighborhood and a popular tourist destination set along the Bosphorus, is in the Be\u015fikta\u015f district. Walking is the best way to explore the area: We recommend taking the tram to Kabata\u015f and then walking to Ortak\u00f6y via the tree-lined road parallel to the Bosphorus. You\u2019ll pass a number of interesting sites, including Dolmabah\u00e7e Palace, the Painting Museum, the \u0130stanbul Naval Museum, Barbaros Square, and the Ortak\u00f6y Mosque (Grand Mecidiye Mosque), while enjoying glimpses of the water. The walk takes around one hour. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arriving in Ortak\u00f6y, you\u2019ll see the seafront square, where you can shop for souvenirs or antiques, relax in a cafe or fish restaurant, or simply take in the stunning Bosphorus views. The B\u00fcy\u00fck Mecidiye Mosque (Ortak\u00f6y Mosque), a religious and historical site located on the waterfront, is one of \u0130stanbul’s most visible landmarks. Other notable sites in the area are the Esma Sultan Manor, the Historical Ortak\u00f6y Bath, Ayios Fokas Greek Orthodox Church, the Surp Krikor Lusavori\u00e7 Armenian Catholic Church, and Etz Ahayim Synagogue. In addition, Ortak\u00f6y is famous for its kumpir shops, where you can sample this hearty baked potato dish. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nExploring the natural beauties of \u0130stanbul: Must-visit places<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"natural](\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/istanbul-gezilecek-dogal-yerler.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhile exploring the city’s history and culture, don’t forget about its nature. Yes, \u0130stanbul is a bustling metropolis, but the city offers islands of calm and tranquility as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Emirgan Grove: A natural paradise by the Bosphorus<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In the Sar\u0131yer district, the lush Emirgan Grove has scenic views of the Bosphorus along with gorgeous gardens and three beautiful preserved mansions: the Yellow Pavilion, the White Pavilion and the Pink Pavilion, the latter of which features a lovely caf\u00e9. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
B\u00fcy\u00fckada: The largest of the Princes\u2019 Islands<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Istanbul](\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/istanbul-muzeleri.jpg\")
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