Istanbul, formerly Constantinople as the song says, is one of Turkey’s largest cities. It lies across both Europe and Asia, covering the Bosphorus Strait.
Known for its historical significance and multicultural architectural influences, Istanbul is a treasure trove of ancient and modern monuments and accomplishments.
It’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for somewhere lively and colourful with excellent cuisine, a fascinating past and endless options of things to do on a Friday night.
This bustling metropolis has a lot to offer, here are some of the top attractions to add to your itinerary…
Bosphorus Strait
The Bosphorus Strait is an internationally significant waterway that acts as a boundary between Europe and Asia. It is also one of the world’s most important maritime transport routes and is used mainly for the transportation of oil.
Commercial significance aside, the Bosphorus Strait is a beautiful part of Istanbul, especially at night when the city lights shine on the water. Visitors can also enjoy mini sightseeing cruises up and down the Bosphorus Strait.
Sultanahmet District
The Sultanahmet District is an iconic neighbourhood in Istanbul. It is home to several of the city’s most famous Mosques, including the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia Mosque, as well as the Egyptian Obelisk of Theodosius and the Stone of Million.
Tourists will also find plenty of shops and boutiques to explore as well as traditional restaurants that serve delicious local cuisine. Simply sit back and soak in the relaxing atmosphere with your drink of choice in hand.
Dolmabahce Palace
The Dolmabahce Palace served as the centre of administration for the Ottoman Empire in the 1800s and up until 1922. This grand building has stood for centuries and has a fascinating political and diplomatic history.
Today, visitors can look around the Dolmabahce Palace and learn more about the rise, reign, and fall of the Ottoman Empire. If you have an interest in history or architecture then this is a must-see landmark.
Topkapi Palace
Another famous palace in Istanbul is Topkapi Palace, also known as the Seraglio, which now serves as a museum. Like the Dolmabahce Palace, Topkapi Palace also served as an administrative centre for the Ottoman Empire, throughout the 15th and 16th centuries.
The palace was converted into a museum in April 1924, and is now home to a wonderful collection of ancient books and manuscripts, along with other artefacts from the Ottoman era.
Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is one of Istanbul’s most famous religious sites.
This beautiful structure was built between 1609 and 1616, during the reign of Ahmed I. Today, it draws many visitors from all over the world and is one of Istanbul’s most iconic buildings. It’s open to the public, except for when the five daily prayers take place.
Hagia Sophia Mosque
The Hagia Sophia Mosque is officially known as the Holy Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, and before that, it was called the Church of Hagia Sophia. It was designed by the famous Greek geometries Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles and opened around 537 AD.
With an interior just as impressive as the exterior, this beautiful structure is a must-see for tourists. Like most mosques, it’s located in the city centre so you don’t have to travel.
Suleymaniye Mosque
The Suleymaniye Mosque can be found on Istanbul’s Third Hill, in the Faith District, and is another of the city’s historically significant structures.
Construction began on the mosque in 1550 and it was officially inaugurated in 1557. Today, it is right in the centre of things, since the fabulously Spice Bazaar and Grand Bazaar are both conveniently located right next to it.
Eyup Sultan Mosque
The Eyup Sultan Mosque is located just outside of the city’s walls, next to the Golden Horn estuary. The mosque was first built around 1458, at the specific request of Mehmet the Conqueror.
Inside the mosque is a mausoleum where Abu Ayyaub al-Ansari, a great friend of the Islamic prophet Mohammed, is believed to be buried. The building itself is a beautiful example of Ottoman architecture and has a gorgeous low hanging chandelier decorating the interior.
Galata Tower
The Galata Tower, also known as the Galata Kulesi Museum, is another of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks. The tower takes its namesake from the popular Galata quarter where it is situated.
Originally constructed to serve as a watchtower, and at one point even used as a prison, it is now being used as a local museum to house a variety of displays and exhibitions. There is a small entrance fee, but it is covered in the Museum Pass Istanbul ticket scheme.
Maiden’s Tower
Maiden’s Tower, or Kiz Kulesi in Turkish, can be found on an islet (a very, very small island) on the Bosphorus Strait, just off the coast of Istanbul. Construction started on the tower around 1110.
The tower takes its name from an ancient Turkish legend, which says that the Byzantine Emperor heard a prophecy that his daughter would die by being attacked by a snake, so he built this tower out at sea to keep her safe if imprisoned.
Ortakoy
Ortakoy is a colourful and charming neighbourhood, set on the waterfront, with wonderful views of the Bosphorus Strait and the famous Bosphorus Bridge which connects two continents.
The waterfront square is a lovely place to spend an evening. You’ll find cafes and restaurants serving delicious local delicacies, with soft music playing in the background where you can just relax, or you can enjoy some local street food such as waffles or kumpir (stuffed baked potatoes) which you’ll find served at stalls throughout the square.
Gulhane Park
Gulhane Park is the oldest park in Istanbul, and it is set on the grounds of Topkapi Palace. This historic park is famous for being the largest park in Istanbul, and one of the most beautiful. The name ‘Gulhane’ actually means ‘house of roses’ which is a very fitting name for this lovely place.
Up until recent times, the park was actually part of Topkapi Palace, meaning it was the private garden of the royal family. Today though, visitors are welcome and many enjoy spending time here surrounded by nature.
Emirgan Park
Another impressively large park in Istanbul is Emirgan Park, which is located in the Emergen neighbourhood. There’s no entrance fee, although you do have to pay for parking if you bring a car.
The park itself is absolutely stunning, you’ll see every colour of flower imaginable, all carefully set out in rows and intricate patterns, as well as water features and ponds with miniature waterfalls. This amazing outdoor oasis is every bit as vibrant and colourful as the city itself!
Istanbul Miniaturk Park
Astonishing detail meets beautiful artistry in this miniature park which is shaped into a scaled-down city with over 100 Turkish landmarks proudly displayed.
The park is one of the world’s largest miniature parks, spanning a total area of 60,000 square metres. The attention to detail here is amazing, and walking through the park is a unique and surreal experience that is best compared to the fictional Lilliput from Gulliver’s Travels.
Zorlu Centre Shopping Complex
Last but by no means least, one of Istanbul’s best shopping complexes. No trip would be complete without buying a bunch of souvenirs and then having to squeeze them into a suitcase that you soon realise really is too small.
Fortunately, in the Zorlu centre you can even find just about anything, even an extra suitcase. The centre is known for having over 200 shops, mostly upmarket, luxury boutiques and brand names as well as a Cinema megaplex and the famous 5 star Raffles hotel where you can enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner.
