The city of Istanbul is famous all over the world, this extraordinary metropolis attracts tourists from all over the world places on our planet. The city is the largest in the country and the most populated, dripping with splendor, which is impossible not to notice, especially in the center of Istanbul. Here you will find beautiful gardens and wonderfully decorated restaurants where you can relax with strong coffee served in pots or aromatic tea served in tulip-shaped glasses.
Istanbul is the largest and most populous city in Turkey. It stretches on both sides of the Bosphorus Strait, from the northern coast of the Sea of Marmara to the southern coast of the Black Sea. The western part of the city is located in Europe, while the eastern part is in Asia.
Sightseeing
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia, or the Church of the Wisdom of God, is a magnificent building from the 6th century. It was built as a basilica and then transformed into a mosque. Now it functions as a museum. It is located in the Sarayburnu district. Near Hagia Sophia there is the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace and the Yerabatan Cisterns.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace is a historic palace located in Istanbul, built in the 15th century by Sultan Mehmed II. The palace was the main residence of the Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years. The palace is spacious and includes many buildings and courtyards, with highlights including the Imperial Treasury, the Harem and the Pavilion of the Holy Mantle. The architecture of the palace is extremely beautiful.
Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque is the most important in Istanbul. Its name in Turkish is Sultanahmed Camii, Sultan Ahmed Mosque. It was built by the above-mentioned sultan in the years 1609–1616, and commissioned in 1617. To enter the Blue Mosque, as well as other mosques in the city, you must wear appropriate clothing and remove your shoes before entering. Women should cover their shoulders and hair.
Suleymaniye Mosque
The Soleimani Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Istanbul and is considered the most important. Construction work began in 1550 and was completed in 1558 AD. Like other imperial mosques in the city, the Suleimaniye Mosque was not only a place of worship but also a charitable foundation, or kulliye. The mosque is surrounded by a former hospital, a diner, schools, a caravanserai (a resting place for travelers) and a bathhouse. This complex provided a social welfare system that fed over 1,000 of the city’s poor inhabitants every day – Muslims, Christians and Jews alike.
Galata Tower
The Galata Tower is a characteristic medieval tower located in the Galata district. It is an excellent landmark in Istanbul. The tower was built in the 14th century as part of the city’s fortifications. The tower is 67 meters high and offers a wonderful view of the city skyline, including the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. There is a cafe on the tower from which you can admire these wonderful views.
Galata Bridge
At the mouth of the Golden Horn, there is a drawbridge – the Galata Bridge, which connects old Istanbul with its more modern district. Its length is 490 meters. The bridge symbolizes the connection of cultures. The Galata Bridge is an important part of Istanbul’s urban landscape, and plays an important role in the city’s myths and legends. There are restaurants and fishing boats around.
Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is the largest underground cistern of Byzantine Constantinople. It was built under the Basilica located west of Hagia Sophia. The Basilica Cistern is the only remaining structure of an important complex of buildings in the vicinity during Late Antique Constantinople.
Also known by its Turkish name Yerebatan Sarayı it is one of the major tourist attractions of modern Istanbul.
Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahce Palace is a beautiful palace located on the European side of the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul. The palace was built by Sultan Abdulmecid in the 19th century and is considered one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture. A wonderful palace with beautiful crystal chandeliers, marble floors and gold-covered ceilings and many rooms. The facility is open to tourists after purchasing tickets.
Cruise on the Bosphorus
One of the most popular attractions is crossing the strait by city ferry, which has fixed routes, although there are also typical tourist cruises. Everyone will find a cruise that suits their budget! After leaving the port, you will see the landscape of old Istanbul: the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, seaside residences and bridges, which are also worth seeing from a different perspective. Short cruises run every day from April 1 to October 31. The route begins in the port of Eminonu, where participants are taken aboard the tourist ferries.
The ferry sails towards Ortakoy, where it picks up more passengers, then the ferry sails to Istinye and returns to Eminonu port. Tourist cruises on the Bosphorus also include 6-hour ferry cruises, the route of which also starts in the port of Eminonu. Of course, the route is much longer, and the ferries will head towards the ports: Besiktas, Uskudar, Kanlica, Sariyer, R.Kavagi and A.Kavagi before the strait enters the Black Sea, where there is time for lunch in one of the fishermen’s restaurants. You can choose a private or group tourist cruise on the Bosphorus.
Beaches
Kireçburnu Beach
Caddebostan Plajı
Florya Güneş Plajı
Blue Beach Büyükada
Among the city’s numerous attractions are its beautiful beaches. Kireçburnu Beach is a quiet and picturesque beach with beautiful beaches views of the Sea of Marmara and the Dardanelles Canal. It is clean, quiet and popular with tourists, there are restaurants offering fish dishes here. Caddebostan Plajı is a public beach known for its sandy shore and peaceful atmosphere. It consists of three beach sections, each offering different amenities and experiences. Florya Güneş Plajı is a picturesque beach popular with locals and tourists, offering a range of amenities. Blue Beach Büyükada is known for its stunning views and tranquil atmosphere. Nizam Plajı, on the other hand, is a quiet beach characterized by clear water and a small private sandy area, offering a peaceful atmosphere.
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Istanbul and is certainly worth a visit. It is one of the largest bazaars in the world, consisting of over 4,000 shops and stands offering a variety of products. Including famous fakes of clothes and accessories from famous designers such as Gucci, Prada and Dior.
