Whether you live in Istanbul or just came on a short trip. When you come to here, there are dozens of historical places that you must see places in Istanbul, which has been home to great civilizations for centuries. We have listed the most visited and must-see historical places in Istanbul. We have prepared a small Istanbul guide for 10 historical places that you must experience in Istanbul during your trip. Of course, there are many more places to see in Istanbul, but it is not possible to fit them all in one article. In this article, we talked about a few historical places that you can add to your list of things to do in Istanbul and give you a unique experience. So, let’s get started right away.
Defying the Years: Galata Tower
Galata Tower, one of the oldest towers in the world, is one of the most visited places in Istanbul. The view of the Historic Peninsula on its terrace is definitely worth seeing. Galata Tower, which was first built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in 507-508, has become one of the iconic symbols of Istanbul today.
The tower, which was used as a watchtower in the past, has become a visited historical monument today and is one of the most spectacular places to watch the sunset in Istanbul. There is a restaurant and souvenir shops inside the Galata Tower. The terrace, which offers a 360° panoramic view, is accessed by an elevator, and stairs are used to descend. Galata Tower, which has been standing for centuries and defying the years, is definitely one of the places worth visiting. After and before the visit, you can visit the amazing streets around it and enjoy Istanbul to the fullest.
Pearl of the Bosphorus: The Maiden’s Tower
The first place that comes to mind when Istanbul is mentioned, the most iconic symbol of Istanbul, the Maiden’s Tower is one of the most fantastic and impressive places to visit in Istanbul. Besides its magnificent scenery, its incredible architecture arouses great admiration.
It is a different pleasure to watch the Maiden’s Tower from afar, it is a different pleasure to watch Istanbul from the Maiden’s Tower. Either way, it is a place that should definitely take its place on the list of places to see. It offers a unique experience in every sense with its unique location in the Bosphorus, its transportation by ferry, and its restaurant inside.
Impressive Architecture: Hagia Sofia
Extremely impressive with its fascinating architectural design and details, Hagia Sophia is one of the must-see places in Istanbul. The size and decorations inside are breathtakingly beautiful.
Hagia Sophia, which previously served as a museum, has been opened to worship as a mosque since 2020 and can be visited free of charge. We recommend that you take a tour with a professional guide during your visit. It is among the details that will allow you to catch the details and enjoy while walking slowly, without rushing to enjoy every moment. It is a place you should definitely visit during your trip in Istanbul. It is important to allocate at least 4-5 hours for the tour so that you can realize every detail.
Fascinating Atmosphere: Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is the largest and most fascinating of the dozens of ancient cisterns in Istanbul. The Basilica Cistern, whose ceiling is supported by 336 marble columns and used as an underground water tank in the Byzantine period, has managed to survive in all its glory. Each column of the Basilica Cistern is unique, and two of them have the head of Medusa. Absolutely breathtaking, unique place worth visiting.
The Basilica Cistern, which was the subject of Dan Brown’s book Hell and once again attracted all the attention, is one of the must-see places before you die. The Basilica Cistern, which was recently renovated, awaits its visitors in all its glory.
The Pupilar of Istanbul: The Blue Mosque
A unique mosque with stunning views and mind-blowing architecture. It is one of the most photographed structures in Istanbul. Located on the Historic Peninsula, the mosque is one of the places you should definitely visit during your visit to Istanbul. It is one of the greatest works of Istanbul, built by the Ottoman Sultan Ahmed I between 1603 and 1617.
This complex consists of a mosque, madrasahs, sultan’s pavilion, arasta, shops, Turkish bath, fountain, public fountains, tomb, hospital, primary school, alms-house and rental rooms. The Blue Mosque, decorated with more than 20,000 Iznik tiles, is definitely one of the must-see places.
Journey to the Past: Topkapı Palace
The huge palace, which has been home to the Ottoman Empire for 400 years, today welcomes thousands of visitors a day in all its glory. Especially the Harem section tours attract the attention of the visitors. It is a place that should be included in the list of places that must be seen during a visit to Istanbul.
This palace, which is among the most important palaces in the world, guarantees a journey into the past. During a visit to the palace, you can examine incredibly interesting swords and cultural artifacts.
Mesmerising Experience: Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahce Palace, built between 1843 and 1856, is one of the fascinating places that must be visited in Istanbul. You should allocate at least 5-6 hours for this trip to fully tour and enjoy every detail.
With its magnificent architecture, Dolmabahce Palace promises its visitors a fascinating experience. This palace has the largest ballroom among all palaces in the world and is also the largest palace in Turkey. It is definitely a place worth visiting for those who want to take a breathtaking historical journey with its rooms adorned with magnificent details and magnificent Bosphorus view.
Tour with Bosphorus View: Rumeli Fortress
The three-towered castle, built on the Bosphorus in 1452 to protect it from ships, is definitely worth a visit. It is really enjoyable to walk around the castle, which offers a magnificent view of the Bosphorus. Especially in the sunny days of the autumn months, walking around is priceless. You need to spare at least 3-4 hours to walk around the castle, which has a long walking track.
After completing your tour inside the castle, you can walk by the seaside and enjoy the wonderful restaurants in the surrounding area.
Historical Shopping Center: The Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest bazaars in the world, with its stunning showcases, colorful streets and thousands of shops. One of the unique places to see in Istanbul, the Grand Bazaar is like a giant labyrinth in the center of the city. Founded in 1461, the bazaar has 64 streets and streets, two covered bazaars, 16 inns, 22 gates and approximately 4000 shops.
The Grand Bazaar is one of the most visited places in Istanbul today. All domestic and foreign tourists do not leave Istanbul without visiting the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. There are numerous shops in the Grand Bazaar selling jewellery, traditional tea and spices, souvenirs or clothes and bags. The Grand Bazaar is one of the most amazing places to shop in Istanbul.
Colorful and Spices Scents: The Egyptian Bazaar
It can be one of the best places in the world to buy spices, tea, coffee and Turkish delight. The moment you enter the Egyptian Bazaar, the smell of spices that surrounds you takes over you. In this historical bazaar, you can buy all the spices and teas you want at an affordable price. It is very fun and satisfying to walk around the bazaar where there are quite colorful stalls. It’s also a great place to try and discover new flavors from vendors.
After leaving the Egyptian Bazaar, we recommend you not to return to Galata Bridge without eating fish, bread and pickle juice, which is the most famous street delicacy of Istanbul. Here, fresh fish caught by fishermen are cooked and served, and this delicious sandwich is prepared on the boat.
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