TOP HOTELS IN Istanbul

The 5 Most Popular Places in Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the most popular cities and tourist activity in Turkey and one of the most popular tourist destinations due to the interesting contrast between Western and Eastern culture that can be seen just by walking through its streets. Formerly, it was a city that played a very important role both politically and economically during the Roman Empire as well as during the time of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empire. For this reason in the city you can find ancient monuments such as the Hagia Sophia Basilica, the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace and other interesting places such as the Archaeological Museum where you can admire the Sarcophagus of Alexander or the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art, with a large collection of artistic objects of Arab origin.

The city of Istanbul also has interesting attractions such as the famous Turkish baths that differ from the traditional ones because they are built with marble and other materials that conserve heat very well. Among the most recommended ones to visit is the Çemberlitaş Hamam one of the most popular and the Suleymaniye Hamam which is one of the few mixed baths in the city.

If you are a fan of shopping, you will find many interesting places to visit such as the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest markets in the world or the Spice Bazaar, where you will find everything from clothes and crafts to typical products such as local food and sweets in the region.

Hagia Sophia: Museum and City Icon

It is an ancient basilica that was later converted into a mosque during the invasion of the Ottoman Turks in 1453. Due to its beautiful architecture, its four minarets and impressive dome, it has become an icon of the city of Istanbul. Currently it functions as a museum and inside it are preserved colorful mosaics where various religious and historical scenes are represented.

Admire the Blue Mosque

It is a building that is located next to Hagia Sophia. It is the most important mosque in Istanbul and as its name implies it stands out for the color of the tiles located inside it and which also cover much of the dome and other parts of the mosque. Something that sets the Blue Mosque apart from the other mosques in the city is that it has six minarets. If you are going to visit this place you should know that admission is free but it is advisable to wear proper clothing and women should cover their heads as a sign of respect for the religious customs of this place.

Topkapi Palace, Residence of Sultans

It is a construction dating from the time of the Ottoman Empire and was built by order of Sultan Mehmed II in 1459 until its completion in 1465. This palace was used as the residence of the different sultans who ruled the city in subsequent centuries. The palace has several places of tourist interest such as the Gate of the Reception, the Courtyard of Ceremonies, the Royal Stables and the Treasure Room where part of the jewels of the sultans are exhibited and where the “topkapi dagger” made with precious stones can be found. Another place of great interest is El Harem where the wives and concubines of the Sultan lived.

The Basilica Cistern: Acuiferous Reserve for the City

It is famous for being the largest reservoir of water in the city and it was built to prevent the lack of this liquid element in the event of a siege or invasion of the city. The inside of the cistern is huge and you can find countless columns supporting the structure. Among these columns stand out pillars that at their base have sculpted the head of a Medusa, an ancient mythological monster that turned into stone those who dared to look at it.

From Galata Tower, Stunning Panoramic Views of Istanbul

It is one of the best places to have the stunning panoramic views of Istanbul. This tower was built in the year 528 and over the centuries underwent various modifications in its structure until 1960. Today it is a place very visited by tourists not only for the views of Istanbul but also over the Bosphorus Strait.