Travel to Istanbul: Must-see attractions
Days or even weeks are not enough to explore Istanbul. Whatever you are looking for - historical sites, natural beauty or cultural events - you will find it here. The only drawback of Istanbul is the density and traffic. One side is located on the European continent, and the other side is located on the Asian continent. Transport between the two continents is carried out via bridges, ferries and the Bosphorus tunnel._Italic_There are many historical monuments from the Byzantine and Ottoman periods in Istanbul. There are countless churches and mosques here. In addition to the places of worship of the three heavenly religions, palaces and museums also attract attention. The most famous place is undoubtedly the Bosphorus, which gives the city a different atmosphere and is beautiful at any time and in every season. In this article, you can read about the places to see in Istanbul and the main things you need to know about the city.
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Historical monuments and ancient sites
The historical richness of Istanbul can be felt in every street. Once the capital of the Byzantine Empire and later the Ottoman Empire, the city is full of monuments, palaces and mosques from different periods of history. Combining both Muslim and Christian heritage, Istanbul offers the best examples of both cultures.
Sultanahmet, which bears the traces of history
Sultanahmet Square is known as the historical center of Istanbul and is home to the most magnificent monuments of the city. The Hagia Sophia, located here, once functioned as a Christian church and later as a mosque, and today it serves as a museum. Architecturally magnificent, Hagia Sophia fascinates visitors with its large dome and elegant mosaics. The Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque) located near the Hagia Sophia is one of the most beautiful examples of the Ottoman period. The mosque is called the "Blue Mosque" because of the blue tile patterns inside, and it still functions as a place of worship. While walking around Sultanahmet Square, you can also get to know the Topkapı Palace, which was the residence of the Ottoman sultans for centuries and today is one of the most important museums in the city.
Museums of Istanbul
Istanbul is one of the most interesting cities in the world with its rich history and culture. Numerous museums located in the city present visitors with traces and works of art of different eras. Covering a variety of topics, from historical sites such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Istanbul Archeology Museum, to modern art and technology centers such as Istanbul Museum of Modern Art and Rahmi M. Koç Museum, these museums showcase a wide cultural treasure from the city's past to the present day. Every visitor has the opportunity to understand the historical and cultural heritage of Istanbul in these museums.
Modern Istanbul, shopping and entertainment centers
Istanbul is known not only for its historical heritage, but also for its modern shopping and entertainment centers. The city is full of large shopping malls, colorful markets and stores of international brands. Istanbul also has a lively nightlife and a wide variety of restaurants, where you can find something to suit all tastes.
Istiklal Avenue
Istiklal Avenue, one of the most famous streets of Istanbul, is a place where thousands of people choose to walk every day. The boutique shops, cafes and art galleries located here provide the most lively places in the city. At night, Istiklal brings together entertainment lovers with nightclubs and bars.
Ancient bazaar culture Grand Bazaar
Istanbul's largest bazaar, the Grand Bazaar, has historically been the center of commerce and is still one of the city's most popular shopping centers today. There are hundreds of shops here where you can find traditional Turkish jewelry, carpets, spices and other souvenirs. The Grand Bazaar is an unforgettable experience for those who love shopping, and after shopping here you can feel the atmosphere of one of the oldest markets in the city.
Essential things to do when visiting Istanbul
If you are visiting Istanbul, definitely join the Bosphorus tour. Bosphorus tours are carried out by ships or small boats from coasts such as Sirkeci, Ortaköy, Kabataş and Üsküdar. Sultanahmet Square, Taksim, Beyoğlu, Grand Bazaar are symbolic places of Istanbul and you must visit these places. You can visit the islands in spring and summer. One of the must-see places during your visit to Istanbul is the Galata Tower, which offers a magnificent view of the city. Be sure to try baklava and doner to discover the rich taste of Turkish cuisine. These experiences will make your trip to Istanbul even more unforgettable!
Plan to get around the city
It would be better to separate regions for travel. Sultanahmet region, Bosphorus line, Taksim-Beyoğlu tunnel, Grand Bazaar area, Nişantaşı, Bagdat street, Yeşilköy can be visited separately. There is also a minibus service from Taksim to Nisantashi, Bagdat Prospekt and Yeşilköy. Since there are many museums in Istanbul, it is a good solution to buy a museum card when visiting. There is a 80 TL Museum Pass card for foreign citizens. You can buy your museum cards at tourist attractions such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace or online. If you are planning a trip to Istanbul, you can travel comfortably with our regular flights. Use our website or mobile app to purchase tickets.
Taste the main flavors of Turkish cuisine
Istanbul is an ideal city to taste the most magnificent flavors of Turkish cuisine. Every visitor to the city must first try the famous kebabs. In addition, lahmacun is one of the most popular dishes. Pide is distinguished by its types, especially Kasharli Pide or Karışık Pide, and gives pizza lovers the opportunity to taste the Turkish version. For seafood lovers, balık ekmek is indispensable. This sandwich made with fresh fish on the shore of the Bosphorus is one of Istanbul's typical street foods. As for sweets, delicacies such as baklava and kunefa showcase the rich sweet traditions of Turkish cuisine. These famous dishes in Istanbul allow you to discover the taste of not only the city, but also the whole Turkish cuisine.