Previously known as Constantinople, the city of Istanbul in Turkey once sat at the center of some of the world’s largest and most powerful empires. From the Byzantines to the mighty Ottomans, powerful leaders have long coveted this metropolis, which sits ideally on the bridge between Europe and Asia.
Today, tourists can visit the glorious remnants of Istanbul’s long and illustrious history. Here are some of the top places to visit in the beautiful city of Istanbul!
10. Visit a Turkish Bath
Known as a hammam, a Turkish bath is a public bathing house. It was a prominent feature of the Ottoman empire and is still a cultural phenomenon in the Islamic world. Guests can enjoy hot steam baths and then have their entire bodies scrubbed and bathed. It is a unique experience, and one that simply cannot be missed while in Istanbul!
9. Take a Bosphorus Cruise
Every visitor to Istanbul must take a Bosphorus cruise on the 20-mile-long strait which joins the Sea of Marmara to the south with the Black Sea to the north of Istanbul. Because of its role as a major shipping and trade route, the Bosphorus Strait has attracted empires for centuries, and the remains of those empires are spectacularly visible along the coastline. The Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya), as well as historical imperial gardens, Ottoman summer houses, and much more, are visible from the water. There are many small-group and private tours of Istanbul include Bosphorus cruises. It is the perfect way to get a full glimpse of Istanbul from a new perspective!
8. Visit the Dolmabahçe Palace
Built by Sultan Abdülmecid I in 1854, the ornate Dolmabahçe Palace served as the primary residence of the sultans in the 19th century. Visitors can now explore the palace’s formal gardens and fountains and the sheer magnificence of the Renaissance style architecture and decor. Prepare to be dazzled by the beauty and majesty of this historic landmark!
7. Visit Spice Bazaar (Misir Çarsisi)
Misir Çarsisi, or “Egyptian Market,” is Istanbul’s famous spice bazaar, where customers can get their fix of lokum (Turkish delight), dried fruit, nuts, herbs, and, of course, spices. Built in 1664, the spice bazaar is one of the most colorful and largest bazaars in all of Istanbul, and visitors can not only observe the locals purchasing the various exotic spices for their week’s meals, but also try a variety of local flavors themselves! The vastness and color of this bazaar makes it it a must-visit, especially for foodies!
6. Visit the Istanbul Archaeology Museum
This spectacular museum is a must-see for visitors to Istanbul. The museum displays an amazing array of artifacts from Turkey and from other countries from around the Middle East, which takes guests on a journey through the colorful history of this region. There are three separate sections in the museum complex, each of which are worthy of a visit: the Museum of the Ancient Orient; the main Archaeology Museum; and the Tiled Pavilion of Mehmet the Conqueror, which holds a beautiful collection of ceramic art. Also, don't miss the Istanbul Through the Ages exhibit room in the main Archaeology Museum!
5. Istiklal Caddesi and Taksim
Istiklal Caddesi, or Independence Street, and Taksim Square are bustling modernized areas full of restaurants, shops, cafes, and churches. Spend an afternoon wandering the streets, sipping Turkish coffee, exploring quaint shops, observing people on the street, and admiring the ornate facades of the many churches and old consulate buildings in the area.
4. Explore the Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi)
Built by the Ottoman leader Mehmet the Conqueror in the 15th century, this majestic palace served as the main palace of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire until the 19th century. The vast complex is a magnificent display of Islamic art and architecture. Guests can explore the brilliant courtyards lined with intricate hand-painted tile-work, the ostentatiously decorated rooms, and the surrounding battlemented walls and towers.
Some of the highlights of the palace include the Harem (where the sultan's concubines and children spent their days); the Second Court, where guests can walk through the vast Palace Kitchens and the dazzling interior of the Imperial Council Chamber; and the Third Court, which contained the sultan's private rooms.
3. Walk through the Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi)
The Grand Bazaar is Istanbul’s largest covered market. The bazaar takes up an entire city quarter, and it consists of a maze of vaulted-ceiling aisles fulled by shops and stalls selling every Turkish souvenir you could imagine. Tourists should set aside a decent amount of time to walk through the entire bazaar and get a glimpse of local culture and handicrafts.
2. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii)
Constructed between 1609 and 1616, Istanbul’s Blue Mosque was built by Sultan Ahmet, who was determined to build a mosque that rivaled the city’s most famous church, the Hagia Sofia. With its array of domes, narrow towers, and semidomes, the Blue Mosque is certainly a staggering sight to behold. The structure gets its nickname “blue mosque” from its interior decoration, which consists tens of thousands of Iznik tiles.
1. Hagia Sofia (Aya Sofya)
The Aya Sofya, or Hagia Sofia, is perhaps the most famous structure in all of Turkey. Originally constructed in 537 AD during the reign of Justinian, Hagia Sophia is a former Greek Orthodox Church, which was later converted to an Ottoman imperial mosque, and is now a museum. Famous for its large dome, the Hagia Sofia was the world's largest building when it was constructed, and it was considered an engineering marvel of its time. Today, it remains one of Istanbul’s most cherished landmarks, and is an absolute must-see for all visitors of the city.
With its colorful culture, rich history, and amazing architecture and structures, Istanbul has endless things to offer its residents and tourists, alike. With all of these incredible options, which are you most excited to see first?