Istanbul tourist attractions There are magnificent works left from different historical periods. This city has been the historical capital of Turkey for many years, and part of it is located in the European continent and part of it is located in the Asian continent. The special geographical location and the neighborhood with two seas of Marmara and the Red Sea give this city a favorable climate. Istanbul is known as the city of a thousand mosques, but the tourist attractions of this city are not only limited to religious places. If you plan your trip in advance, you can list the sightseeing areas of Istanbul and see only the most important attractions of the city. In the continuation of this article from Flytoday tourism magazine A list of the best Sightseeing places in Istanbul We have brought you the historical capital of Turkey.
Sightseeing places in Istanbul for history lovers
If you are interested in history, be sure to include the historical sights of Istanbul in your list.
mosque Aya Sofia, Istanbul Hagia Sophia Mosque
Many people know Istanbul by the name of Hagia Sophia Mosque. It is not an exaggeration to say that the Hagia Sophia Mosque is one of the most important and famous tourist places in Istanbul and is introduced as a symbol of this city. This religious building was originally a church and is one of the relics of the Byzantine Empire in this city.
This church was built in 532 AD, but after the Ottoman Empire came to power, it was converted into a mosque and used for a new purpose. Hagia Sophia Mosque attracts many tourists due to its magnificent and amazing architecture, historical and ancient importance and its grandeur. The tall minarets on the outside and the interior facade and extraordinary decorations have made Hagia Sophia almost the most famous sightseeing place in Istanbul and Turkey.
Istanbul Blue Mosque Blue Mosque
The blue sky of Istanbul and the blue memory of Sultan Ahmed for his capital is a beautiful mosque called the Blue Mosque; A mosque whose name was chosen because of its decorations and the color of its blue tiles. It is said that 20,000 blue tiles decorated with Quranic verses were used in the decoration of this mosque, and ceramics with tulip flower design in the mosque also add to its beauty.
The Blue Mosque or Sultan Ahmed Mosque was built in the 17th century and has 6 minarets around it like the Haram Mosque. The windows of this mosque are decorated with beautiful colored glass, which are unique in their kind. The Blue Mosque is one of the must-see places in Istanbul, which is free to visit. This mosque is located in Sultan Ahmed area and is close to most of the attractions Istanbul sightseeing map are located, has access.
Remember that 5 congregational prayers are held daily in this mosque. Therefore, when visiting this attraction, you should respect the Muslims who are praying in the mosque. We suggest that if you have traveled to Istanbul, consider the early hours of the morning to visit this attraction, because the mosque will be closed for 90 minutes during each prayer time.
Rostam Pasha Mosque Rustem Pasha Mosque
Rostam Pasha was the prime minister of the Ottoman government, and the Rostam Pasha Mosque, which is one of the must-see places in Istanbul, was built by his order. This mosque can be introduced as one of the masterpieces of Ottoman architecture. The interior decorations and patterned tiles on the walls of the mosque are spectacular. Among the patterns of the tiles, in addition to blue and turquoise, green and red are also visible, which were not used in tile painting before. This mosque has been a victim of fire and earthquake throughout history, but after three years of reconstruction, it is still standing magnificently today.
Sulaymaniyah Mosque Suleymaniye Mosque
This mosque is known not only as one of the sights of Istanbul, but also as one of the symbols of this city. Sulaymaniyah Mosque was built by order of Sultan Suleiman I, who was known as Suleiman the Great. The construction of this mosque was completed by 3500 artisans in seven years. The minarets of Sulaymaniyah Mosque are long and narrow and built in Byzantine style, and therefore, they resemble Hagia Sophia.
It is good to know that this mosque was not built only for worship. In addition to the main part of the mosque and the courtyard and the building where four Quranic schools were located, a hospital, a caravanserai and a kitchen for feeding the poor were built in this mosque. This mosque is one of the free sightseeing places in Istanbul.
Fatih Mosque, Istanbul Fatih Mosque
This mosque was built by the famous Turkish architect, Senan, in the style of Ottoman architecture. Fatih Mosque is one of the must-see places in Istanbul, which was built by order of Sultan Mohammad Fatih and is also known as Sultan Mohammad Mosque.
Aziz Muhammad Mosque | Aziz Mahmud Mosque
Aziz Mohammad Mosque is one of the must-see places in Asian Istanbul. This mosque is known as the mosque of cats, because the imam of this mosque shelters cats. Maybe you have seen the published pictures of cats in this mosque. Aziz Mohammad Mosque is located in Skodar neighborhood.
Ortakoy Mosque Ortaköy Mosque
In the Besiktas neighborhood of Istanbul, there is a mosque called Ortakoy or Sultan Abdul Majid Mosque, which is known as one of the must-see places in Istanbul. This mosque is located in the west of the Bosphorus Strait, and the color change of its exterior during different hours of the day and night with a view of the Bosphorus Strait gives this mosque a spectacular effect.
Chura Church | The Chora Church
One of the must-see places in Istanbul, which is a relic of the Byzantine period, is Chora Church, known as Kariye Museum. Although many parts of the interior of the church were destroyed in the earthquake of 1894, rare paintings can still be seen inside the church. This church was changed to a mosque in the 16th century. To visit Chora Church, you can get to Edirankapur metro station and then enter this church by walking for a few minutes.
Topkapi Palace Topkapı Palace
Are you interested in seeing grand palaces? Don't miss Istanbul's Topkapi Palace. This magnificent palace was built during the reign of Sultan Mehmed Fatih in Istanbul and is a prominent example of Islamic art in this city. Topkapi Palace, which is one of the sights of Istanbul, is also known as the Sultan's Shrine.
The courtyard of the complex is decorated with beautiful and handmade tiles that show off the splendor of Sultan Muhammad's reign. Although tourists do not have access to all parts of the palace and are not allowed to visit, one of the most beautiful parts of the palace called the harem and its beautiful decorations will fascinate you. This part was the residence of Sultan Muhammad's wives and princes.
The second court of the palace includes the royal kitchen and the third court was the king's private seat. Topkapi Palace is one of the registered works of Türkiye in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In 1924, Atatürk ordered Topkapi Palace to be opened to the public. Since then, this palace has played an important role in attracting tourists to this city.
Ihlamor Palace | Ihlamur Palace
One of the must-see places in Istanbul near Sisli is Ihlamor Palace. This palace has two buildings of Kolah Farangi and western architecture, and the architecture of the exterior and interior of the palace will fascinate you. The green space of Ihlamour Palace is also very suitable for walking and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
Tower of girls Maiden's Tower
Dokhtar Tower is one of the other tourist attractions in Istanbul, which is more famous for the legends that are told about it. Kulace Keys was built at the entrance of Istanbul Bay in the 12th century. This tower was built in the middle of the water and near the sunrise and sunset, you can take pictures of its beautiful view and become one of them. From the sights of Istanbul at night is considered.
In one of the interesting legends about this building, it is said that an astrologer told the king that his daughter would die from a snake bite. To keep his daughter safe, the king builds a castle for her in the middle of the water. But in the end, a snake found its way to the island through a fruit box, and finally the king's daughter died due to a snake bite.
Rumli Hesar | Rumeli Fortress
Rumli Hesar Castle, located on the Rumli coast of the Bosphorus, is one of the sights of Istanbul, which was built by the order of Sultan Mehmed Fatih to protect the city against the attacks of the Eastern Roman Empire. The strong and magnificent Ottoman architecture, high towers for observation and the green space around this castle have made it known as one of the must-see places in Istanbul today. Baltalimani Japanese Garden, Bilerbi Palace, Bebek Park, Anatolian Castle Sultan Mosque and Fateh Krusso Park are some of the must-see places in Istanbul near Rumli Hesar.
Yidikole Castle, Istanbul | Yedikule Dungeons Museum
Yidikole Castle or Seven Towers Castle is another must-see in Istanbul. “Yidi” in Turkish means seven and “kule” means tower. The construction of this castle began during the Eastern Roman Empire. Later, defensive walls and ditches were added to it. The infamous dungeon tower as well as the bloody well, which was used to torture and execute prisoners, are located in this fort.
Basilica Cistern reservoir Basilica Cistern
Constantinople was the former name of the city of Istanbul during the Eastern Roman Empire. During the Byzantine period, this city was considered an important city and a political capital, for this reason, it has many relics of Roman architecture. One of the most important works left from that era is the Basilica Cistern.
The Basilica Cistern was the royal reservoir and supplied the water needed by the palace. This large underground hall is a space containing 12 rows that are supported by 336 columns and each one has beautiful decorations and carvings. One of the most famous columns of the Basilica Cistern is a column with the head of Medusa. Medusa is one of the ancient Greek myths that is immortal and if she stares into someone's eyes, she turns him into a stone!
The order to build this reservoir is attributed to Constantine the Great, but its construction was completed during Justinian's time. The Basilica Cistern reservoir is one of the sightseeing areas of Istanbul, which annually hosts many tourists who are overwhelmed by the splendor of this building and the beautiful reflection of its columns in the water. If you travel to Istanbul, don't forget to visit this attraction.
Museums in Istanbul Watch the turbulent history of the city
Apart from the historical mosques and palaces of Istanbul, you can visit the museums to see the history of this city and its past. Istanbul museums are very diverse and each one has a story to tell.
Istanbul Archaeological Museum | Istanbul Archaeological Museums
The Archaeological Museum is another tourist attraction in Istanbul. This museum has an attractive and spectacular view from the outside and exquisite and valuable works of Ottoman history are placed in its heart. This museum has three sections, including the Archaeological Museum, the Ancient East Museum, and the Islamic Arts Museum.
Istanbul Pera Museum | Pera Museum
Another museum in Istanbul, which is considered one of the must-see places in Istanbul, is Pera Museum. This museum is located in the old building of the Bristol Hotel and cultural and artistic events and exhibitions are also held there. The permanent part of this museum includes Oriental Studies Collection, Osman Hamdi Bey Collection, Emperor Portraits, Parallel Worlds, Ambassadors and Painters and Istanbul Collection, City of Dreams.
Istanbul Museum of Modern Art | Istanbul Museum of Modern Art
In Istanbul, in addition to historical and natural attractions, you can also visit cultural and artistic attractions. The Museum of Modern Art is one of the must-see places in Istanbul that we recommend you visit. The works of local and international artists are exhibited in this museum. There is also a cinema and a library in the Museum of Modern Art complex. In the theater, the movie is screened on special days where you can book tickets in advance to watch. The museum library also has more than 11,000 books in Turkish, Istanbul and other languages that you can benefit from.
The closest metro station to the Museum of Modern Art is Shiskhaneh metro station. From there, you can easily reach the museum by walking for a few minutes.
The address of the best places to visit in Istanbul for shopping
Shopping in Istanbul is one of the best pastimes of this city. Various shopping centers in Istanbul with reasonable prices have caused many tourists to travel to this city for the purpose of shopping.
Istanbul Grand Bazaar Istanbul Grand Bazaar
Buying souvenirs is one of the most attractive parts of traveling; When you can comfortably walk in the world's famous markets and arcades and buy from the world's famous brands. Fortunately, Turkey has many arcades and malls that you can choose from for personal or souvenir shopping, but Istanbul's Grand Bazaar is definitely a different choice.
91 million visitors per year is the record that Istanbul Grand Bazaar achieved in 2014, making this building the most visited tourist attraction in the world. This market is one of the oldest and largest indoor markets in the world, with 26 thousand people working in it. If you want to visit one of Istanbul's tourist attractions while shopping, start from Istanbul's Grand Indoor Market. This market has 61 passages and 3000 cells and you will find everything you need in it.
It is interesting to know that despite hundreds of luxury and modern shopping malls in Istanbul, the Grand Bazaar is still one of the first choices of people for shopping and is one of the sightseeing places in European Istanbul. About 25,000 to 400,000 tourists visit the Grand Bazaar every day. From rugs and carpets to clothes and handicrafts, jewelry, as well as local foods, spices, pickles and anything you need, you will find in this market. It is interesting to know that the weekly markets of Istanbul also attract many tourists every year.
Istanbul Mall | Mall of Istanbul
Shopping is one of the attractions of travel for many people, and Istanbul is one of the cities where many people go to shop. Istanbul Mall is a modern shopping center with various stores that offer different brands. The closest metro station to Istanbul Mall is Moscow station.
Spice market | Egyptian Bazaar
This market, which is known as the Egyptian market, is one of the must-see places in Istanbul. This market was built in 1669. At that time, the Cairo caravan sold the spices it brought with it in this market. Therefore, over time, this market became known as the spice market or the Egyptian market. Istanbul's spice market, with its spectacular architecture and aroma, attracts many tourists. This busy market has more than 80 shops and is a good place to buy souvenirs.
Sightseeing centers in Istanbul for a tour of the city
If you are looking for photography and sightseeing in the city of Istanbul, you can go to the options presented below.
Bosphorus Strait | Bosphorus
The narrowest strait in the world, which connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and Europe to Asia, is called the Bosphorus Strait. This strait is a very important international waterway in northwestern Turkey. A number of bridges have been built on this route. In addition, several luxury hotels, restaurants and cafes are located in this area. One of the sights of Istanbul at night are these bridges. You can walk and take photos on the nearby sidewalks. You can also treat yourself to a Turkish meal at one of the restaurants around the Bosphorus Strait. In addition, there are many cruise ships in this area, some of them organize happy and fun programs while sightseeing. One of the sights of Istanbul in autumn is walking and boating in the Bosphorus Strait.
Escodar Üsküdar
Another tourist attraction in Istanbul is the Skodar neighborhood, which is located in the Asian area of Istanbul, on the east coast of the Bosphorus and near the pier. Skoudar was one of the first settlements of the Greeks in the Bosphorus Strait, and for this reason, it has many historical monuments.
The location of Skodar in an important economic route had made this city always a terminal for trade and commercial caravans. There are no shortage of sightseeing places in the Asian part of Istanbul, for example, this area has many attractions, one of the most important of which is Mehr Mah Sultan Mosque, which was built by order of Sultan Suleiman and for his daughter.
Bebak neighborhood | Bebek
One of the must-see places in the European part of Istanbul is Bebek neighborhood. This neighborhood is located in the Besiktas area and has a good view of the Bosphorus Bridge. During the conquest of Istanbul, the Greeks were fishing in this village; Therefore, this village has a long history. Turkan Sabanji Babak Park, Ashian Museum and Egyptian Consulate are some of the places to visit in Babak. In Bebek neighborhood, you can walk on the pier, ride a bike or visit shopping centers. Etiler metro station is the closest station to Bebek neighborhood.
The best places in Istanbul for fun
Istanbul's entertainment is diverse, from aquariums to beautiful parks that can keep you entertained for hours, especially if you're traveling with your family.
Sea Life Aquarium | Sealife
Sea Life Aquarium is one of the entertainment places in Istanbul, Turkey, which is located in the European part of this city. Sea Life Aquarium Tunnel is one of the longest aquarium tunnels in the world, which is 83 meters long and is located in this complex. You can watch the underwater world at Sea Life. It is interesting to know that Istanbul Aquarium is one of the tourist attractions of this city that you should not miss easily.
Snow Park or Snow Park | Snowpark
Istanbul has cold and snowy winters, but this cold weather may not be suitable for travel and sightseeing. If you travel to Istanbul in the summer and feel like skiing in the snow, the best place in Istanbul to have fun is here! This park is one of the must-see places in Torium shopping center in Istanbul. You do not need equipment to use the snow park facilities.
Amirgan Park | The Emirgan Park
Another entertainment place in Istanbul is Amirgan Park. This park is located in the European part of Istanbul and is famous for its colorful flowers and beautiful greenery. Amirgan Park has an area of 470,000 square meters and two wetlands and three historical mansions are located in it. Visiting this park is free.
Yildiz Park | Yıldız Park
This park, which is one of the old parks in Istanbul, is known as one of the must-see places in Istanbul. Yildiz Park was once part of the royal garden of Yildiz Palace and only palace residents had the right to use its environment. Today, it hosts the public with two entrance doors. This park is one of the must-see places in Istanbul in autumn and is very beautiful in this season.
Miniature park Miniaturk Park
This park is one of the attractions of Istanbul, which is considered an attractive miniature city, where you can see all the sights and historical places of this city on a small scale. All these attractions are 25 times smaller than their actual size. This park was opened in 2003 with an area of 60 square meters. About 122 works from Galata Tower to Hagia Sophia were displayed in this park. In this park, you can visit all of Istanbul on a small scale in a few hours!
Sights of Istanbul in different seasons
Istanbul is a city of four seasons and each season has its own charms. If you travel to Istanbul, do not miss these attractions.
Esteghlal Street and Taksim Square Istiklal Street and Taksim Square
Many tourists and travelers prefer to stay in hotels in Taksim area when traveling to Istanbul. Esteghlal Street and Taksim Square are the most famous areas of Istanbul. You cannot claim to visit Istanbul without seeing Esteghlal Street.
Many attractions, shopping centers, cafes, famous restaurants and street foods are located along this street. Esteghlal is one of the modern streets and one of the scenic areas of Istanbul, which is known for its lively and lively nights and is considered one of the sightseeing places of Istanbul at night. This area is one of the must-see places in Istanbul by metro, and you can easily reach this area by public transportation.
There are no shortage of sightseeing places in Istanbul near Taksim, and by going to this square and Esteghlal Street, you can make a fun plan for yourself and visit the sightseeing places of Istanbul. One of the sights of Taksim, Istanbul is the Republic statue or the Republic of Turkey monument, which is located in the middle of the square and is considered one of the symbols of the city of Istanbul. We can safely say that this place is the best place in Istanbul where you can go and enjoy sightseeing and shopping in all seasons of the year.
Galata Tower | Galata Tower
This tower, originally named Christea Turris, was built in 1348 with European Romanesque architecture. Galata Tower is also known as the symbol of Istanbul. You can see the Galata Tower in many parts of the city. You can also go to the top of this tower in the evening and watch the surrounding scenery. In addition, you can enjoy watching the Bosphorus strait in the evening, order food from the Turkish restaurant of Borj and enjoy its taste. The alley after alley of this neighborhood is very spectacular and in different seasons of the year you can go to see this tower and its surroundings and enjoy sightseeing and shopping in this area.
Galata Tower is located at the end of Esteghlal Street; Therefore, you can reach this tower with one of the Istanbul metro lines or the tram. You can also walk on Esteghlal Street, visit shops, go shopping and finally go to Galata Tower for dinner and rest.
Delma Baghche Palace | Dolmabahçe Palace
One of the must-see places in Istanbul near Taksim is Delma Baghche Palace. It is good to know that many of Istanbul's tourist attractions and sights were built during the Ottoman Empire. The magnificent Delma Baghche Palace is one of them and is considered one of the must-see places in the European part of Istanbul. This palace was built by the order of Sultan Abdul Majid on the edge of the Bosphorus Strait and the seat of government was moved from Top Kapi Palace to this palace.
The beautiful gardens around Delma Baghche Palace are decorated with fountains, ponds and beautiful flower gardens. The interior of the palace is a combination of Ottoman art with Rococo, Baroque and Neoclassical styles. Decorated with grand chandeliers, magnificent candelabras, expensive French-style furnishings, and stunning murals, this beautiful palace has its own beauty in every season.
If you travel to Turkey, don't miss seeing Delma Baghche Palace, this palace was very important after Sultan Abdul Majid and even after the fall of the Ottoman Empire. Atatürk, the popular president of Turkey, also stayed in this palace in the early years of the establishment of the Republic of Turkey and died in this palace as well.
Sights of Istanbul at night
The nights of Istanbul are lively and lively. This city is awake until late and delights tourists with various attractions and fun activities.
Musical fountain Musical Fountain
There are fountains near the Blue Mosque and Sultan Ahmed Park, which are activated in the evenings and have a special beauty at night. Also, during special times such as Ramadan, these areas are beautifully decorated, which makes going to these places spectacular in the dark hours of the night.
Ortakai region Ortaköy
This area is considered to be one of the sightseeing places of Istanbul at night. By going to this area at night, you can see the beautiful lights of the Bosphorus bridge reflected by the sea, enjoy the peace and buy Turkish baked potatoes from vendors, and also taste Ortakay's special potatoes.
Arnautkoy region Arnavutköy
This area is famous for its seafood restaurants and traditional Ottoman houses, and it has a special beauty on the slope. In addition to walking on the street and enjoying walking and seeing the old buildings, you can also enjoy eating at the cafes and restaurants in this area.
Pir Loti hill Pierre Loti Hill
This hill is named after the famous French novelist Pierre Loti. From this place you can watch a beautiful view at night. Capture beautiful photos of Istanbul nights, drink tea at Tepe Pir Loti Cafe and enjoy the peace of the night to the fullest.
Sightseeing places around Istanbul
There are many tourist attractions around Istanbul, some of which are very popular among tourists. If you have enough time on your trip to Istanbul, be sure to visit these attractions.
Prince Islands princess island istanbul
Along with the tourist attractions of Istanbul and its historical places, it is also worth seeing one of the most beautiful natural attractions. Prince is a collection of 9 small and big islands located near Istanbul. Of course, currently it is only possible to visit the 4 islands of Buyuk Ada, Burgaz Ada, Hibley Ada and Kinali Ada. Istanbul is only one hour away from Princes Islands.
Belgrade forest | Belgrade Forest
15 kilometers northwest of Istanbul, the Belgrade Forest is located, which is one of the must-see places in Istanbul. This forest is one of the sights of Istanbul in spring and summer. The pleasant coolness of the air and the spectacular natural scenery of this forest will be very attractive for nature lovers and nature lovers.
It is good to know that the forest of Belgrade is the main source of water supply to Istanbul and the water has been directed to the surface of the city by making canals from the many rivers that flow in this forest.
Istanbul is an attractive and permanent destination for Iranians
Relatively reasonable prices (compared to other European countries) followed by inexpensive sightseeing spots in Istanbul, cultural similarities between Iran and Turkey, and of course proximity, are among the most important reasons that make this city an attractive destination for Iranians. If you want to visit the best sights of Istanbul and have a memorable trip to this city, book the best hotels in Istanbul and spend a good time in this city.
Which of the tourist attractions in Istanbul have you visited? Write us your opinion in the comments section.
Frequently asked questions about sightseeing in Istanbul
Where are the must-see places in Istanbul?
Among the most famous places in Istanbul, we can mention Hagia Sophia Mosque, Galata Tower, Blue Mosque, Delma Baghche Palace, Esteghlal Street and Taksim Square.
What are Istanbul souvenirs?
Turkish comfort food, baklava, Turkish coffee and various handicrafts are considered Turkish souvenirs.
What is the price of sightseeing places in Istanbul to visit?
Visiting some of the sights of this city, such as Istanbul mosques, markets, etc., are free. For some other attractions, such as Delma Baghche Palace, it is about 120 liras and Istanbul Modern Art Museum is about 70 liras.
Are the sights of Istanbul more European or Asian?
Most of the attractions and sightseeing areas of Istanbul are located in the Asian part, but in general, traveling to the European part of Turkey is more popular.
What are the must-see places in Istanbul in winter?
In general, winter is the best season for a cheap trip to Istanbul. In this season, you can easily visit the sights of Istanbul, especially indoor places, and go to Istanbul Snow Park.
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