Top places in Istanbul, Turkey

JUGALDAS SOLANKI
May 1
18 min read

Istanbul is a city of notable city; Istanbul's identity and existence are its culture, heritage, and history. The city has a unique fusion of Distinctiveness, which is a different beauty than other European and Asian cities. Turkish food and attire also have a distinct place in their culture. Turkish food is a mixture of glimpses of both European and Asian cuisines.

Geographically and historically, this city has a unique identity. Istanbul is located between Asia and Europe, it is historically known as Constantinople and Byzantium. The Bosporus Strait divides the city into two parts, the Asia side and the European side, The Bosporus connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, furthermore, Istanbul works like a bridge for two continents. The city is not only connecting two large continents, but the city is also under the influence of the neighbouring continents, so we can see this influence in Turkish culture, which has led to fusion and diverse culture, giving Istanbul a unique identity in the world. Most of the time, Istanbul had been ruled by different rulers and empires, which caused lots of transformation into Turkish culture, heritage, and foods. in the present days, lots of heritages stand in good condition, but most of the earlier Christian religious buildings has been converted to mosques. however, you can see the reflections of Greek and Ottoman Islamic architecture in old buildings and streets.

Safety first :

Safety is a significant factor in other countries, most travellers want to go to a place where there is security. Nowadays, governments in many countries have done imperative work for the safety of tourists, and hence, there is a major travel industry developed in those countries.

Istanbul has become a fast-growing city for the traveller, hence Istanbul has become a very prominent place for tourists today, but at the same time, anti-social elements in this city have also increased, so the safety and security is our responsibility, therefore before you go to those places let check safety first, Keep require emergency number with you.

There is complete security on the famous heritage sites in Istanbul, and I have not experienced any insecurities in the spaces shown below. But I felt a little uncomfortable with too many small streets and open space, however, I preferred not to go to those places and streets.

Many people have written about their nightclub experiences on many websites. Going alone in the night at the disco club is almost as unsafe because in many cases girls have approached travellers in the club, the girls sat with the travellers, and they ordered drinks from the same table, but, when you ask for the bill, the club will add everything to your bill, they will loot you and in some cases police were involved. so be aware of this kind of fraud.

“Good Travellers Always Think More Before Entering Unknown Places”

Visa And Immigration:

A visa for Turkey is not a big problem at all. You can apply online e-visa; you just need to give your passport details, your email address, the address of your residence in your home country, and payment by credit card. The process is very easy; once you fill in all the required details online, the automatic email will notify your visa details. take a printout because you have to show the E-visa to the concerned immigration officer on arrival, the soft copy on your mobile or tablet, the immigration officer will not accept a soft copy.

Immigration was smooth; they had just checked my passport and e-visa details. even though they didn't ask any questions, and the purpose of my visit

Best Weather:

Climate is an important factor, a moderate climate is considered to be the best climate for a tourist, but due to the extreme climate of many countries, cold, heat and rains are high, and in these climatic conditions, you will have a high risk of any diseases, So, to travel to any country, it is necessary to know the climate before traveling to any country's journey. Due to the bad weather, sometimes you have to change in the journey of your journey, and sometimes you have to stay in a hotel.

Istanbul and Turkey experience hot summers and cold winters, with snow being a common feature. Spring and autumn, from April to May and from September to mid-November, respectively, are the ideal times to visit Istanbul and the inland regions when temperatures are pleasant and the skies are clear.

Transportation In Istanbul :

Almost all places in Istanbul are connected to public transport. Trams and buses will take you around most of the historic buildings, and their stations are also located around the historic buildings, so your walking distance will also be less.

Tram is the easiest way to travel to different places in Istanbul, which is well connected to the most historic buildings, and also gives you advance information about the upcoming stations in the tram TV display, but you may not find this information in buses.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: April to September

Transportation In Istanbul

Most of the historic buildings are far away from metro train stations, so you have to walk a little distance, but the bus takes you directly to the historic buildings. but travelling in the bus is a bit complicated.

You will get open-roof buses from Sultanahmet for a city tour.

The Airport to City Metro train is connected

Accommodation in Istanbul:

Turkey is a republican country, but most of the people are Muslim, as well as all minority communities are also living in Turkey. Even though most of the provinces in Turkey are liberal about dressing, they are not orthodox like other Muslim Arab countries. Most of the buildings are Islamic heritage, and the churches made by the Romans and the Greek period have also been converted into mosques. The majority of Spectacular old mosques have been declared as national heritage, but even today, Namaz is recited in those national heritage mosques, and people pray. Therefore, before going to the mosque, it is necessary to wear a complete cover. In some mosques, they provide clothes to cover your body.

Dressing is very important for visiting some heritage :

Turkey is a republican country, but most of the people are Muslim, as well as all minority communities are also living in Turkey. Even most of the provinces in Turkey are liberal about dressing, they are not orthodox like other Muslim Arab countries. Most of the buildings are Islamic heritage, and those churches made by the Romans and the Greek period have also been converted into mosques. Most of the spectacular old mosques have been declared as national heritage, but even today, Namaz is recited in those national heritage mosques, and people pray. Therefore, before going to the mosque, it is necessary to wear a complete cover. In some mosques, they provide clothes to cover your body.

How Many Days are required to visit Istanbul?

How many days are required to explore Istanbul? It depends on vacation days, but you can spend 2-3 days in Istanbul easily, and it is actually required. Their lots of things to be done in the city, but if you plan a full tour of Turkey, then two days is enough for a full city tour. Heritage, cruise ride, and nightlife of the city, these things you can cover in just 2-3 days.

2-3 DAYS

Istanbul Tour and Places :

Istanbul had been ruled by Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and Muslim rulers; the city had been explored by Persians, Christians and many others in ancient times. The city had seen lots of wars, victories, defeats, good conditions and worse from time to time. The city's name had been changed by a different ruler in a different era; at that time, the building had been demolished, built and converted by the ruler. so for this reason, we can see different types of architecture and heritage in Istanbul, and so Istanbul is different from other cities in the world.

In your best time, you can explore Istanbul by seeing Mosques, basilicas, markets, museums, Palaces, and gardens. Bosporus Strait walk and the cruise will give you an idea about the city’s skyline and culture.

Sultanahmet District, Galata Tower, Taksim Square, Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortakoy and the Bosporus Strait walk are the main attraction points for a tourist in the city.

DAY 1 – ISTANBUL

SULTANAHMET IN ISTANBUL

1. Nearest Metro train station (Marmaray Sirkeci Metro) to Sultanahmet: 12 Minutes Walk

2. Tram Station (Sultanahmet ) to Blue Mosque: Station located near the Blue mosque

3. Bus Stand Located Near Blue Mosque: No walkable distance

Sultanahmet district is like the fortress of historic buildings and almost most of the historical buildings are located in this area, although most of the buildings are on the walk distance, even if you are unable to walk, you can take the tram which is well connected to many tourist places or you get easily a taxi.

Sultanahmet is most famous for the blue mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Basilica Cistern; these are the famous monuments in Istanbul, and everybody should visit these sites in Istanbul. Furthermore, the market, Museum, Palace, and park are located near Sultanahmet, some are walkable distance and for some, you have to take the bus, tram or taxi.

1. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)

2. Hagia Sophia

3. Basilica Cistern

4. Grand Bazar

5. Spice Market

6. Suleymaniye Mosque

7. Museum of Calligraphy

8. Column of Constantine

9. Gulhane Park

10. Topkapi Palace

1. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)

Pencil-shaped Minarets and mountains of domes make mosques unique in terms of character. the blue mosques are a dominant skyline in Istanbul. The blue mosque was built during the Ottoman Empire, in the 16th century by Sultan Ahmet I. The blue Mosques look similar to Hagia Sophia, because the architect of the blue mosques had transformed some of the elements from the Hagia Sophia and used them in the blue mosque.

The Interior of the Blue mosque is spectacular and Scenic. The Blend of Marble, Mosaic, and ceramic tile creates an internal space very dynamic and brighter. Mosaic and ceramic tiles design on the surface of domes and supporting columns are splendour, and when the sunlight Collisions with the ceramic tile, at that time, the surfaces of the dome and column convert into blue and golden yellow.

Recommendation: You must visit this place

Entry fees: not charging

Dress: short clothes do not allow

More Information: Link

Visiting time:

Normal days: 08:30am to 11:30am (Pray Time) 13:00 pm to 14:30pm (Pray Time) 15:30 pm to 16:45pm

Friday : Opening time 13.00pm then follow the above time for their pray

Time Required: 1-2 hours Minimum

2. Hagia Sophia :

Hagia Sophia demonstrates world-class architecture and unique Characteristic monuments in Istanbul and the World. the marvellous of architecture shows the glory of the past during the Byzantine period in Greek. The beauty and volume of the dome of Hagia Sophia will Hypnosis you, the dome of Hagia Sophia is considered one of the biggest in the world.

Hagia Sophia is recognised as one of the seven wonders and the most visited site in Turkey. Once you enter Hagia Sophia, you will feel that your presence is listening to ancient dignity. in every step when you walk in, you will feel the essence of the magnificent edifice.

Hagia Sophia was built in the 6th century when it was Constantinople(Now Istanbul) under the Byzantine emperor, The structure was the basilica church till mid of 15th century but after the Byzantine emperor fell down the Ottoman Empire took over the city, that time they converted this church into a mosque, later in the 20th century the mosque converted into a museum.

Visiting hours :

Summer Schedule- 15 APRİL -30 OCTOBER Visiting Hours: 09.00 - 19.00

Winter Schedule- 30 OCTOBER- 15 APRİL Visiting Hours: 09:00- 17:00

Visiting days: 7 days a week

Entry Fees: 40 TL (Turkish Currency), Accepting credit card

Dress: People are still praying, so full clothes, not shorts

Recommendation: You must visit this place

More Information: Link

Time Requirement: 1-2 hours Minimum

3. Cistern Basilica :

How crafty were ancient people, that we can judge from the glorious monument, and this Basilica Cistern is a fine example of their Mastery at work. The Basilica Cistern is an underground storage water tank, and that water was mainly used for the palace during the 6th century when the Byzantine Empire was ruling on Constantinople (Istanbul). But after the palace was relocated somewhere else, this Basilica Cistern was forgotten by many rulers for many centuries, but in 1545 it was reinvented.

Basilica Cistern stand on 336 columns and brick vaults. Two Heads of Medusa and the Crying Column are the main attractions in Basilica Cistern, and both columns tell the story of the past.

The Cistern Basilica is just a little away from the Hagia Sophia and is located within walking distance of the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia.

Visiting hours :

The museum is open for visits seven days a week. Exceptionally, it opens at 13:00 on the first day of religious holidays and on January 1.

• The museum is open to visits between 09:00 and 17:30(winter) every day.

• The museum is open to visits between 09:00 and 18:30(summer) every day.

Visiting days: 7 days a week

Entry Fees: 20 TL (Turkish Currency), Accepting credit card

Dress: -

Recommendation: you must visit this place

More Information: For the Official Website, Click on

Time RequYouire: 1-2 hours Minimum

4.Gulhane Parki (Park):

Gulhane Park (House of Roses Park) is located behind Hagia Sophia and next to Topkapi Palace, so if you feel tired or you want to relax for a short time, then you can visit this park. Gulhane Park is the oldest and one of the biggest parks in Istanbul, mainly developed for the royal family of Topkapi Palace, whose main features are colourful tulips, huge trees and Huge old columns. If you travel with children, then this place will little break for you. After a little relaxation, you may feel energetic to visit Topkapi Palace.

5. Topkapi Palace :

One of the biggest palaces built by the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century, the Palace is located on a high hill point of terrain, which overlooks at Bosporus Strait. The Palace is Magnificent in Ottoman and Baroque architectural style, which is very unique in the world. The beautiful Art and the imprinted surface of the wall and ceiling will impress you widely, and the grill and latticework in different parts of the palace demonstrate the highly skilled craftsmanship of Ottoman architecture.

After the Ottoman Empire ended in the year 1923, the Palace was transformed into a museum.

Nightlife in Istanbul

6. TakSim Square

Taksim Means “Division or distribution” of the city, the waterline. The most amazing public gathering and shopping place in Istanbul, the place is very vibrant and joyful at any time of day, and millions of people visit this place each week, including foreigners and locals. The place is vehicle-free and pedestrian-friendly, but police cars and Nostalgic trams are the only vehicles allowed to enter the street of Taksim.

Taksim Square is a modern city Centre of Istanbul and one of the busiest parts of the city. People visit for nightlife and shopping. It's one of the most important tourist points and one of the most famous avenues of the city, distinguished brands of business and the entertainment world serve in this area as well. Lots of shopping centres, Restaurants, and Pubs give pleasure to tourists and local residents every day. If you love Arabic or Turkish music, then you should go to the safe pub. If you are a foodie, then you should go try street foods, sweets, and local drinks (Ayran).

The most important monument in Taksim Square is the Independence Monument standing at the beginning of Istiklal pedestrian street, and another side, you will see the cultural centre.

HOW TO REACH TAKSIM SQUARE?

Metro: If your hotel is located European side of Istanbul, then you have to take the Tram to Kabatas, and from Kabatas you will get the underground Metro to Taksim Square.

Tram: The Tram is not Directly Connected to Taksim Square.

Bus: Local Buses are directly connected to Taksim Square. See the Schedule

Taxi: Available but Expensive

DAY 2 – ISTANBUL

After a long walk to different heritage sites, we were tired and we slept very late after we visited Taksim Square, therefore we woke up late in the next morning, As a result, we had to leave two places, however, those two places were not in our priority list but eventually, we stuck on our plan to visit priority places in Istanbul as per our list.

7. Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı)

The Grand Bazar looks like a Covered street market which is covered by domes, Vaults, and pillars. The Grand in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops. The Market is the most visited place for tourists and locals, and nearly 250,000 to 400,000 visitors visit this market every day. In the tourist season, you will see the most crowded place.

The Grand Market is like a cave, in which you will be surprised by the inside, the inner streets, and the upper semi-round-roofed ceilings, which show this place much longer than its normal appearance. The market gets natural light from ceiling windows; this series of ceiling windows in vaults ceilings and arches on the wall creates a perfect rhythm and blends in with the old architectural monument, and that is the uniqueness of this place.

Concise History:

The Grand Bazaar was built in 1455/56 during the Byzantine time when Istanbul was Constantinople but within a few years the Ottoman Empire took over the city from Byzantine, however, the Ottoman Empire did not change any architectural elements in the market, therefore you will semi-circular arches which were used by Greek and Roman. The market was mainly built to stimulate the economic prosperity of Istanbul during Byzantine times. Later on, the Ottoman Ruler Sultan Mehmet II converted this market into a textile and clothes seller.

What will you do in the Grand Bazaar?

a. Shopping

Once you enter in Grand Bazar, you will be surprised by the scene inside. You will see a variety of items for shopping. the place will mesmerise you very deeply, and the display items will attract you to stop at a different location.

You will see these items on display, which are highly decorative, handmade and artistic.

- Lights, utensils – Crockeries – Sweets – Carpets - Antique things – Clocks – Clothes - Dry fruits, silver items - Gold Plated Items

b. Bargaining:

You can bargain with the shopkeeper, but before you do bargain please make sure about the product’s quality and the defect which you want to buy. Do not bargain for fun or laugh because sometimes the shopkeeper will agree to your price, and if you say no to buy, then sometimes the shopkeeper will get angry, which is a bad thing to do.

c. Scuffle:

The market will be overcrowded always, so walk in the lane and do not be an obstruction for others on the walkway, if you are feeling uncomfortable, in that case, please stop on the side or find an alternative route to the exit, there are many alternative routes for exit please find the nearest one of your, and avoid scuffle in any situation.

d. The argument with the Shopkeeper:

You can bargain if you like anything from the shop, but do not have an argument about anything. If you do not agree with the shopkeeper’s price, then do not try to bargain more with him; just move to another shop in the market, and do not reply to the shopkeeper.

e. Toilets:

The toilet facility available on the market just follows the sign on the market.

f. Drinking Water Facilities

A drinking fountain or tap facility is available in the market; just follow the sign in the market.

g. Restaurant

There are many Turkish restaurants in the Grand Bazaar. Shopping and eating are the best things when you are in Grand Bazar, just like Turkish culture and heritage, the Turkish food, sweets, and coffee or tea, which distinguish the place, so once you are in Istanbul, you should try them.

h. Drinking Water Facilities

A drinking fountain or tap facility is available in the market; just follow the sign in the market.

i Duration:

2-3 hours minimum.

8. Spice Bazaar (Market):

The Spice Bazaar is one of the biggest covered street markets after the Grand Bazaar, however, the scale of the market is smaller than Grand Bazaar, but the architectural style and module of the design are the same for both markets. The identical Vaults and arcade on the floor are the same in both markets.

The Spice Market is also known as an Egyptian market. the market is not far away from the Grand Bazaar, so you can reach this by walking. The Market is located near the New Mosque, and it is a part of the mosque complex. once you finish your shopping or visit to the market then you can exit to the Bosporus Strait.

What is there for shopping?

The spices are the main attraction, and this market sells a variety of spices from around the world. you can buy spices for curry and barbeque, and you can use them for meat, chicken and vegetable food. however, in the market, few shops sell sweets and ready-made Turkish foods. in some cases, if you like some sweet in the shop, then you can ask for a taste. If you don’t like what you select from the shops, then just simply say no and thank you, do not argue with the shopkeeper.

Some shops also sell Turkish tea and Turkish coffee, which are considered to be some of the best tea or coffee in the world, and if you are in Istanbul, then forget about the regular coffee shops, you should try Turkish coffee or tea.

9. GALANTA TOWER :

The Galata Tower, called Christea Turris by the Genoese a medieval stone tower in the Galata/Karaköy quarter of Istanbul, Turkey, The tower is 66.9 meters tall and 16.5 meters wide at the base, the tower located on the high terrain of the north side of the Golden Horn's junction with the Bosphorus.

The Galata Tower was like an observation gallery for the Bosphorus Strait during the Byzantine Empire, but after Constantinople fell, the tower was modified several times by the Ottoman Empire. During the Ottoman Empire, the tower was an observation tower for spotting fires.

The Galata Tower is one of the growing tourist attractions in Istanbul, and the monument of Byzantine architecture is still in good condition. The spiral staircase will take you to the observation gallery at the top. from the top of the tower, you will be surprised and astonished by the view of the city and the Bosphorus Strait.

On top of the Galata Tower, you can enjoy food in the restaurant, and you will see old photographs of the city and the tower.

Opening Hours: 9.00 am to 8.30 pm

Admission Fee: The price of the entrance ticket to the Galata Tower is 25 Turkish Liras

How to reach at Galanta Tower?

Tram : Karaköy Tramvay

Tunel : Kemeraltı Caddesi Karaköy

These are the two nearest stations, take a ticket for this station or use an Istanbul card.

DAY 3 – ISTANBUL

10. Bosphorus Cruise Tour :

Short Circle Bosphorus Cruise (Kısa Boğaz Turu)

The cruise takes you from Eminönü to Istinye (well past the second bridge that is), and back. The ferry leaves the Eminönü docks at 14:30, arrives at Ortaköy around 14:50 to pick up more people, and then continues its two-hour non-stop tour. The price per person is 12 TL, 6 TL for children under 12.

Full Bosphorus Cruise (Uzun Boğaz Turu)

The Full Bosphorus Tour offers a great Bosphorus experience and will take several hours in total. For a mere 25 TL, this cruise will take you from Eminönü all the way to the Black Sea, and back. Each way takes about 90 minutes since the ferry makes 5 short stops to let people on and off. You must get off the ferry in Anadolu Kavağı, the last harbour before the Black Sea. This allows you to grab a (late) lunch in one of the town’s fish restaurants located on the shore and/or visit the fortress.

Full Bosphorus Cruise by Night (Mehtap Gezi)

It offers the same tour as the regular Full Bosphorus Tour, but you get to see Istanbul at night! The ferry leaves before dusk, providing great Istanbul sunset views. It again stops in Anadolu Kavağı for a bit over two hours so people can enjoy dinner in the fish restaurants at the shore. Around 22:30 the ferry departs again for a moonlight cruise on the Bosphorus — a unique experience!

11. Dolmabahce Palace And Ciragan Palace :

How to reach?

Via tram, Kabatas is the nearest stop to Dolmabahce. It takes only 10 minutes to walk from Kabatas to the palace. There is no tram station near the Dolmabahce Palace.

If you don’t want to use the tram and walk for 10 minutes, you can easily catch a taxi to go to Dolmabahce Palace from Sultanahmet.

Opening hours: 9.00am to 4.30pm - Monday and Thursday

Admission Fees: 60 Turkish Lira

The palace is a classic example of the Ottoman Empire’s architecture of the last century. The palace's Turkish architecture blended into the European and Baroque architecture, which created a fusion in characters of architectural. The spectacular view of the Bosporus Strait from the palace was the main reason for the building on the location. Interior lights, Turkish carpets, and other articles in the palace make this place extraordinary and luxurious.

12. Ortakoy Mosque (near Bridge) :

How to reach?

Take the tram from Sultanahmet to Kabataş then take bus 22, 22RE or 25E, 40, 40T or 42T

Bus Stop Name: Kabatas Lisesi.

The dynamic appearance and cable bridge background of the mosque are remarkable and distinguish. The sunset and People catching fish on edge of the Bosphorus Strait will force you to spend a lot of time on the Ortakoy Mosque.

13. Walk on the Bosporus Strait :

One of the best activities if you are in Istanbul, you explore Istanbul very closely, meanwhile, you will enjoy the view of the Bosphorus Strait and you will enjoy roadside shopping as well. In some locations, you will see small tea stalls and coffee shops, and enjoy your Turkish coffee or tea by sitting next to the Bosphorus Strait. If you gourmet or you want to try street food, then you will encounter a lot of food stalls on your walkway.

We have started our walk from the Fisherman Bridge to Ortakoy Mosque (near the Bridge).