The European part of Istanbul is the beating heart of history, culture and urban life. Where every alley and its building tells the story of the glory of the empires. Here you can visit the masterpieces such as the Iasufiyah Mosque, the Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace, have a traditional shopping market, or get to know Istanbul’s modern and modern mood on Esteghlal Street and Taksim Square. In this article we will introduce some of the most famous places of Istanbul’s European part; So join us to the end.
- Address: Baqlu neighborhood, Barakzadeh area
- Operation Hours: 1:37 pm (1 to 2 for Night Museum)
- Ticket fee in year 2: $ 2
The Galata Tower is one of the most famous places in the European part of Istanbul, built in the middle of the fourteenth century. The tower has had land uses such as the Tower of Observation, Prison, Lighthouse and Observatory for various centuries from the Byzantine to the Ottomans and the Republic of Türkiye. Over time and numerous restorations, it is now one of Istanbul’s most important tourist attractions.
Photographer: Hasan Kahraman / Google Map
Cylindrical architecture, about 2 meters high, a 2 -degree viewing platform, and a stunning landscape from Istanbul have made visiting the Galata Tower an unforgettable experience. This 4 -story tower with elevators, spiral stairs, Turkish restaurant, souvenir shop and Wi -Fi internet access provides good amenities for visitors. The replica of the area at the top of the tower and the interior exhibition is also particularly attractive to tourists. Using the elevator makes it easy for you to climb the top of the tower, and to enjoy the bustle of this attraction, it is best to take part in the early hours of the morning and days of the week.
Basilica warehouse water
- Address: Sultan Ahmad neighborhood, Alamdar neighborhood, Yarbatan Street
- Operation Hours: 1:37 am to 6:30 pm (daily visit from 1:37 am to 6:50 pm and night visits from 1:37 am to 6:30 pm
- Instagram: yerebatansarnic@
- Website: yerebatan.com
- Ticket fee in year 2: To visit $ 2 daily and $ 2 for a night visit
Basilica Cistern is one of Istanbul’s most surprising places in the heart of Sultan Ahmad area. This waterfall was built with astonishing architecture, marble pillars and eye -catching lighting during the Eastern Roman Empire, on the orders of “Jostinin I”.

Photographer: Boris B / Google Map
Basilica Cystren, a 5 -year -old, has been a unique example of water engineering in the past, and today, with special decorations such as the Medusa column and the poultry eye column, it is an underground museum accommodating tourists.
Dolma Garden Palace
- Address: Besiktas neighborhood, Vishnahzadeh neighborhood, Dolma Baghcheh Street
- Operation Hours: From Tuesday to Sunday at 6:50 to 6:50 pm Mondays are closed. (It is possible to visit at 4:30 in winter.)
- Instagram: Millisaraylar@
- Website: www.millisailar.gov.tr
- Ticket fee in year 2: $ 2
Dolmabahce Palace, on the European Coast of the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, is one of the most historic and historic places in Istanbul. Its architectural style is a combination of Baroque, Neoclassic, Rocoko and Ottoman, using gold, Bakara crystals and eye -catching decorations. This three -storey palace with 2 rooms, 2 halls and 2 Turkish baths is Türkiye’s largest palace.

Photographer: Kyungsuk Youn / Google Map
The Dolma Baghcheh was not only the center of residence and reign of six Ottoman Sultans, but also spent the last days of Mustafa Kamal Ataturk’s life in one of its shrine rooms. Today, the palace is visited by tourists as a magnificent museum. The most spectacular parts include the Great Chalcheragh Hall, Crystal Stay, Ambassador Hall, Magical Shrine, Blue and Pink Hall, Clock Tower, Dolma Baghcheh Mosque and National Museum of Painting. Its interior is a reflection of the glory of the Ottoman Empire and the nineteenth -century European architecture that fascinates every visitor.
Ayasufiyah Mosque
- Address: Sultan Ahmad neighborhood, Ayasufiyah Square
- Operation Hours: The first 6 months of the year from 1 to 2:30 pm, the second month of the year from 1 to 2:30 pm
- Instagram: Thehagiasophiagrandmosque@
- Site: Muze.gen.tr
- Ticket fee in year 2: $ 2
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is a magnificent building in the heart of Istanbul, one of the most prominent examples of Byzantine and Islamic architecture, which has a sophisticated and proud history. The building, one of the famous European attractions of Istanbul, was built in the year 6 at the behest of the Emperor Josti Niani and was converted to the mosque by Muhammad Fateh after the conquest of Constantinople. In the Ottoman era, Islamic decorations such as minarets, altar, pulpit and holy names were added. During the Ataturk era, Iasufiyah became a museum and has changed to the mosque today.

Photographer: Syed Waqas Haider / Google Map
The Ayasufiyah Mosque has a magnificent dome with a diameter of 2 meters and a height of 2 meters, which is located on four huge columns. Interior decorations with mosaics, colored marbles, ancient paintings, and exquisite stones are a combination of Greek, Roman, Eastern and Islamic art. Visitors must take their shoes when they arrive and observe Islamic cover. (Forbidden shorts and head covering is essential for women). Note that the mosque prayer section is closed to visitors for daily cleanliness.
- Address: Fateh neighborhood, Kapali Chief Street
- Operation Hours: 1:37 pm to 6:50; Sundays closed
- Instagram: stonesofthegrandbazaar@
- Website: kapalicarsi.com.tr
- Ticket fee in year 2: Free
The Grand Bazaar Istanbul is one of the oldest and widest indoor markets in the world and European tourism places in Istanbul. In the big market, any kind of commodity such as carpets, leather, traditional textiles, spices, jewelry, ceramic containers, antiques and local Turkish souvenirs can be found. In recent years, most tourists have been shopping, not for shopping, but to watch the historical architecture and the vibrant atmosphere of the big market; Because the price of many items has risen and their quality has declined dramatically.

Photographer: Raineer Elting / Google Map
The traditional architecture of the market with brick arches, painting ceilings and traditional chamber space brings the visitor to the Ottoman history. There are several cafes and resting places inside the market where you can rest.
- Address: Sultan Ahmad neighborhood, Field Street
- Operation Hours: 1:50 to 6:30
- Instagram: @ blueemosquecenter
- Ticket fee in year 2: Free
The Blue Mosque, or Sultan Ahmad Mosque, is one of the Ottoman architectural masterpieces built in the early seventeenth century by the order of Sultan Ahmad I and is one of the European tourism places in Istanbul. The blue mosque is due to the blue tiles that adorned the interior of the dome and its walls with designs of flowers, plants and Islamic motifs. Colored windows bring natural light into the bed and create a spiritual and artistic manifestation by decorating exquisite calligraphy and arched domes. Long minarets, candlestick chandeliers, marble pulpits and royal booths are other remarkable elements of the building.

Photographer: Jose Omar Macaya / Google Map
The Blue Mosque with 4 long minarets, a huge central dome and a large courtyard, is adjacent to Sultan Ahmad Square. In addition to the monument, the mosque also has religious use; Therefore, during the prayer hours of the prayer, tourists are stopped and the proper coverage and veil of women is required to enter. The lighting of the mosque at night, the beautiful reflection of the minarets on the water and the sound of Azan, is very beautiful, and this has made many tourists choose to visit after the Maghreb.
- Address: Fateh neighborhood, John Kortar neighborhood, adjacent to the greenhouse park
- Operation Hours: 1:37 to 2
- Website: www.millisailar.gov.tr
- Instagram: Topkapi_sarayi@
- Ticket fee in year 2: $ 2
Topkapi Palace is one of the most magnificent symbols of the Ottoman Empire and the famous European attractions of Istanbul, which was originally a simple settlement; But gradually expanded. The architecture of the palace is a combination of Islamic, Ottoman and European styles and was considered the center of the Political, Administrative and Cultural Center of the Ottoman Empire until the late 19th century.

Photographer: Eugeniu CBAN / Google Map
The structure of the Topkapi Palace is designed to make the spaces more private and more confined to the space. Parts such as the shrine, the inner palace, and the royal mansions had the private life of the kings, while the outer courtyard was dedicated to administrative and public affairs. Palace buildings are made with simple domes, stone walls and materials such as wood, sumac and lead. In the interior design and its gardens, there are numerous fountains, fountains and ponds.
Khorram Sultan Bath
- Address: Fateh Neighborhood, Jankortaran neighborhood, Iasofiyeh Square
- Operation Hours: 1:37 am to 6:30 pm
- Instagram: @ ayasofyahurretanhamami@
- Website: www.hurretanhami.com
- Ticket fee in year 2: From $ 1 to $ 2
The Hurret Sultan Hammam Bath is one of the most magnificent Ottoman historical baths and European tourist places built on the orders of Khorram Sultan, the wife of Sultan Solomon. The special architecture of the building, which includes symmetrical parts for women and gentlemen, dome ceilings, marble stones and column corridors, has combined the glory of the Ottoman style with the creations of the Sunni architect.

Photographer: Hürreme Sultan Hamamı / Google Map
This historic bath, which had been abandoned and transformed for many years, was finally opened to the public after complete reconstruction and offers a variety of services such as traditional Turkish bath and medical massages. The bathroom offers various packages including bags, including foam massage and aromatic oils, body and face masks, traditional syrup, and the use of luxurious and historic spaces with luxury equipment.
Istanbul Archaeological Museum
- Address: Fateh neighborhood, John Kortar neighborhood, adjacent to Topkapi Palace
- Operation Hours: 1:37 am to 6:37 (1 to 2 for Museum Experience)
- Instagram: Muzekart@
- Website: Muze.gov.tr
- Ticket fee in year 2: $ 2
The Istanbul Archaeological Museum (Istanbul Archaeological Museums) is one of Türkiye’s most important and oldest museums founded by an archaeologist and famous Ottoman artist Osman HamdiBig. The complex consists of three main parts of the Museum of Archeology, the Museum of Ancient East and the Tile Palace. The main building of the neoclassical style and design of the French architect Alexander Valori, built and houses more than a million monuments of Greek, Rome, Egypt, Mesopotamia and Anatolia.

Photographer: Thanassis Svarnas / Google Map
Among the prominent parts of the Museum of Archeology are the Tile Palace of Iznik from the 15th century, the Istanbul History Gallery, sculptures and ancient coffins. Lebanon’s “Uthman Hamdi Beig” artifacts are among the most valuable objects in the museum.
Romelie Hesar Castle
- Address: Sari Yar neighborhood, Yahya Kamal Street
- Operation Hours: From Tuesday to Sunday at 6:50 am to 6:30 pm Mondays are closed.
- Website: www.rumelihisarimuzesi.com.tr
- Ticket fee in year 2: Per person for $ 1.5
Rumeli Fortress, one of the most important sights of the European part of Istanbul, was built to control and control ships from the Black Sea as well as protect the city of Constantinople. The Romuli Hesar Castle was built in a very short period of time and played an important role in conquering Constantinople. The castle has a powerful structure with three main towers, a small tower, a thirteen -year care tower, three main gates, one side gate and two hidden gates.

Photographer: Bülent Candan / Google Map
The Romuli Hesar Castle was used as a customs checkpoint in the 17th century as a war prison and eventually became a cultural museum; But the castle is currently being restored and tourists can only walk in the garden of this complex or pass through the Bosphorus Strait to see the glory of the castle, especially during the sunset.
Dolphin Water Park
- Address: Baghcheh area of Shahir, Onor Gunner Street
- Operation Hours: 1:37 to 6:30 (late spring and summer)
- Instagram: @ aquadolphinpark
- Website: www.aquaclubdolphin.com
- Ticket fee in year 2: Adults from 1 Dollar, children from $ 5 to $ 5 and children under four years of free (ticket prices vary by age of the week)
Aqua Club Dolphin, as the best water park in Istanbul, has a variety of pools for children and adults, exciting slides such as King Cobra, Anakvanda and Tsunami, Artificial Beach, Volleyball Land, live music performances and celebrations. Visitors can also swim or take a photo with them.

Photographer: Aqua Club Dolphin / Google Map
Food and drinks, glass objects and cash are prohibited from the collection, and payments are made through electronic bracelets. Using park services, observing tips such as wearing swimshes, showering before entering the pool, associating children with adults, and observing safety. The park is active from late spring to the end of the summer and provides amenities such as restaurants, cafes and fast food.
- Address: Snake Youort area, Koza neighborhood
- Operation Hours: 1:37 am to 6:30 pm
- Site: www.pelitcikolaatamuse.com
- Ticket fee in year 2: $ 2 for adults; Tickets for children under three years of age are free.
The Pelit Chocolate Museum is the first and largest chocolate museum in Türkiye, founded in the vicinity of the plate chocolate factory. The museum, one of the tourist places of Istanbul, was formed by Salahuddin Ayan’s initiative and exhibited spectacular works such as statues, monuments, legendary and cultural figures from sweet, bitter and white chocolate. Visitors are welcomed with hot chocolate on arrival and pass through the chocolate waterfalls, the Hansel and Grettel chocolate home, Noah’s ship and chocolate animals, have a different and exciting experience.

Photographer: Annas Abu Crescent / Google Map
The museum consists of a variety of halls such as Istanbul Hall with chocolate monuments such as Galata Tower and Bosphorus Bridge, Hall of Fame with statues of Ataturk and Ottoman leaders, Artists Hall with works by Picasso and Mona Lisa, and the Hall of Civilizations with various historical symbols. There is also a special section for children, including chocolate and space workshops with cartoon characters.
- Address: Besiktas neighborhood, Cheraghan Street
- Operation Hours: 1 hour
Yıldız Park is one of the largest and most beautiful public parks in Istanbul. This historic park, once part of the royal garden of Yildiz Palace and the Ottoman Hunting Area, has now become a popular place for peak and picnics with a beautiful view of the Bosphorus Strait, a variety of vegetation and two artificial lakes. The Malta and Chadir mansions are among the most important attractions inside the park.

Photographer: Yasser Al-Baghdadi / Google Map
At present, Yildiz Park is open to the public and is free to visit, though the parking lot must be paid. The best time to visit the park is the spring season, especially in April, when spring blossoms double its beauty.
- Address: Fateh area, Edirne Kapi neighborhood
- Operation Hours: The first 6 months of the year from 9:50 am to 6:30 pm and the second month of the year from 9:50 am
- Website: www.choramuseum.com
- Ticket fee in year 2: $ 2
The Chora Church Church, now known as the Mosque of Kariyeh, is one of the most prominent examples of Byzantine architecture and art in Istanbul and is one of the most important places in Istanbul’s European side after Ayasufiyah. This valuable monument, with its unique wall paintings and paintings, narrates scenes of the life of Jesus Christ and the Holy Mary. Various parts of the building include internal and external octagonal, small church and main home, decorated domes, and walls covered with Bible stories.

Photographer: Muhammad Altın / Google Map
The best parts of the church include domes decorated with the famous painting “The Resurrection of Christ” and mosaics with stories such as the birth of Christ and the return of the sacred family from Egypt, each worthwhile. With its high history, from church to mosque, then to the museum, and now to the mosque again, one of Istanbul’s precious cultural and artistic legacies remains.
The neighborhood in the European section of Istanbul
Taksim Square: Taksim Square is considered to be the beating heart of Istanbul and one of the most famous places in the city. Esteghlal Street attracts many tourists with its cafes, shops and art galleries. Nostalgic trams and St. Antoine’s church are also spectacular.

Photographer: MP / Google Map
Besiktas: Besiktas is a living neighborhood next to the Bosphorus Strait, which is known for its local markets and restaurants, one of the most spectacular places in Istanbul. The Dolma Baghche Palace, one of the most magnificent Ottoman palaces, is also located in the area.
Sultan Ahmed: Sultan Ahmad is one of the most historic places in Türkiye, which has masterpieces such as the Blue Mosque, Iasufiyah and the Topkapi Palace. This area is known as the heart of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empire and is a unique destination for the lovers of history.
High: Balat is one of the oldest and most colorful neighborhoods of Istanbul, known as colored houses and paved alleys. This area, one of the sights of Istanbul, is once the residence of Jewish, Armenian and Greek societies, with many historical churches and synagogues.
Shishli: Shishley is a commercial and modern region with famous shopping malls such as jewelry shopping center. The neighborhood also hosts the Ataturk Museum and the early Turkish monuments and is suitable for the combination of shopping and dating.

Photographer: mahmood alaradi / Google Map
If you have traveled to Istanbul and have some interesting information about the sights of the European part of Istanbul, we will be happy to share your memories and knowledge with the audience.
Cover Photo Source: ayasofyacamii.gov.tr; Photographer: Unknown (Ayasufiyah Mosque)
Frequently asked questions
What are the attractions of Istanbul’s European sector?
Attractions in the European sector of Istanbul include Ayasufiyah, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Galata Tower and Taksim Square.
What are Istanbul’s free attractions?
Visiting attractions such as the Blue Mosque, the Great Market and the Yildiz Park are free in the European part of Istanbul.
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