Istanbul is a city of divergence where East meets West, where ancient history blends seamlessly with modern culture, the only city in the world that spreads on two continents. Istanbul has stolen my heart and left me breathless every time I visit. A place where you can experience the splendor of the Ottoman Empire over a cup of traditional Turkish coffee and explore vibrant street art while strolling through charming neighborhoods. The city is home to some of the world’s most famous attractions such as the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower, but it also has many hidden gems and local secrets waiting to be discovered. Therefore, in this travel guide, I share my personal recommendations on places to visit and Istanbul’s best kept secrets.
Pack your bags and get ready to explore one of the world’s most fascinating cities.
IN THIS BLOG POST YOU WILL FIND:
Hagia Sophia: Mosaics and Minarets
This ancient masterpiece is a true marvel of architecture and engineering. Built in the 6th century, Hagia Sophia was once a church, then a mosque, and now a museum. Intricate mosaics, magnificent domes and breathtaking minarets are sure to leave you amazed. Considered one of the greatest architectural achievements of all time, the dome of Hagia Sophia is 56 meters (183 feet) in diameter and was the largest dome in the world for 1000 years. It is also interesting to know that Hagia Sophia has been used as a church, mosque and museum throughout its history. It is a symbol of Istanbul’s religious tolerance .
You should cover your shoulders and legs when visiting Hagia Sophia. Head scarf is required for both men and women. If you don’t have a scarf or hat, you can borrow one at the entrance for free. Wear comfortable shoes as the museum has a lot of marble floors and a lot of walking. Avoid offensive clothing.. Hagia Sophia is located in Sultanahmet, the old city of Istanbul. Easily accessible by public transport, the nearest tram station is Sultanahmet and the nearest metro station is Aksaray. You can also walk from the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace to Hagia Sophia.
Grab your tickets in advance and skip the waiting line when you get there. Enjoy the guide tour of this amazing place.
The Blue Mosque: Ottoman Elegance
Also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, this impressive building is one of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks. With its six minarets and ornate tiles, the Blue Mosque is a true architectural miracle. Nicknamed the “Blue Mosque” for the blue tiles that decorate its interior, this mosque was built in the early 17th century and is one of the last great mosques of the Classical period.
When visiting the Blue Mosque, please dress appropriately, cover your shoulders and legs, remove your shoes before entering the mosque, and be mindful of prayer times as the mosque is closed during the five daily prayers. It is important to respect the religious significance of the site by not talking loudly, taking pictures, or making unnecessary noise during prayer times. The Blue Mosque is right next to Sultanahmet’s Hagia Sophia. Easily accessible by public transport, the nearest tram station is Sultanahmet and the nearest metro station is Aksaray. You can also walk to the Blue Mosque from Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.
Bargain for souvenirs in the Grand Bazaar
This historic market is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. With over 4,000 shops ranging from spices and textiles to jewelry and souvenirs, the Grand Bazaar is a great place to shop. An otherworldly maze of streets and alleys, it’s also one of the oldest markets in the world, dating back to the 15th century. To get the most out of your visit, arrive early, be prepared to bargain, get lost, and take breaks as needed. Keep your valuables safe and don’t hesitate to walk away if you don’t like the price or quality of an item. Don’t forget to taste the local food and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the market. The Grand Bazaar is located in Beyazit district near Istanbul University. The nearest tram station is Beyazıt-Kapalıçarşı and the nearest metro station is Beyazıt-Kapalıçarşı.
Explore Topkapi Palace’s courtyards
This magnificent palace was the main residence of the Ottoman Sultans for over 400 years. With beautiful courtyards, opulent rooms, and priceless collections of art and artifacts, Topkapi Palace is a must-see for anyone interested in Ottoman history. A true masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, the palace houses some of the world’s most precious treasures, including the legendary Topkapi Dagger and the 86-carat spoonmaker’s diamond.
When visiting Topkapi Palace, wear comfortable shoes, respect the dress code, arrive early and follow the photography rules – inside the palace photography is allowed, but please respect the rules and regulations and do not take pictures during prayer time. The palace is full of history and art and an audio guide will give you more insights and context .The Topkapi Palace is located in Sultanahmet, near the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Easily accessible by public transport, the nearest tram station is Sultanahmet and the nearest metro station is Aksaray. You can also walk to Topkapi Palace from Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.
Climb to the top of Galata Tower
This medieval stone tower offers the best views of Istanbul. Climb to the top for a breathtaking panorama of the city and the Bosphorus. Galata Tower is one of the oldest towers in Istanbul, built by the Genoese in 1348. It’s also interesting to learn that throughout its history the tower has been used as a prison, a fire watchtower and a telecommunications center. Fun Facts– It is believed that Whoever you climb to the top of the tower with – will marry you .
The best time to visit the tower is at sunset. You can see the city during the day and at night. The tower has many stairs. If you have mobility problems, please use the elevator. The tower has a patio where you can enjoy a picnic, bring your own food and just enjoy the view. On your way to the tower you will cross your path with many cute coffee bars and restaurants with a beautiful view of the tower. Make sure you enjoy a cup of turkish coffee with the famous San Sebastian cheesecake. The Galata Tower is located in the Galata district near Taksim Square. The nearest tram station is Karakoy and the metro station is Taksim.
Feel the energy of the city in Taksim Square
This is Istanbul’s ultramodern civic center and a must- see for anyone interested in the megacity’s ultramodern culture. Taksim Square is a symbol of modernistic Istanbul and the center of the city’s nightlife, shopping and entertainment. It’s also the starting point of the well-known Istiklal Street, a pedestrian road lined with shops, cafes and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to witness the city’s vibrant energy and get a peek into the daily lives of the locals.
Here you can see the famous red retro tram, you can take picture with it and you can also ride on it if you want. Taksim Square is located in the Taksim quarter. Easily accessible by public transport, the nearest tram station is Taksim and the nearest metro station is Taksim.
Sample local delicacies and spices at the Spice Bazaar
Also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, it is one of the most colorful and fragrant places in Istanbul. A great place to taste local delicacies and buy spices and traditional Turkish sweets. Built in the 17th century, the Spice Bazaar is one of Istanbul’s oldest markets. It is also interesting that it was originally built as a market for spices, herbs and medicinal plants brought to Istanbul from Egypt. The Spice Bazaar is located in the Fatih district near Istanbul University.
Take a boat tour on the Bosphorus
This narrow strait that separates Europe and Asia is one of Istanbul’s most famous attractions. Take a boat tour and enjoy beautiful views of the city skyline and the Ottoman-era palaces and mansions that line the waterfront. The Bosphorus Strait is a unique place that connects his two continents of Europe and Asia and is one of the busiest waterways in the world. Ships and boats from all over the world pass through the Bosphorus. It’s super cheap, only $2-3 for 2 hour tour with audio guide. There are several places along the Bosphorus where you can take a boat tour. The most popular starting points are Eminonu and Besiktas.
All of these places are also accessible by taxi or on foot if you stay nearby. All of the places listed are on the Europe side of Istanbul . Istanbul is a big city, so it’s a good idea to check distances and plan your itinerary accordingly. Public transport is generally reliable and efficient, but traffic can be very heavy during rush hour, so it is advisable to allow extra time for travel.
These are just a few of the many great places to visit in Istanbul. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with any of these choices. From ancient attractions to vibrant modern culture, Istanbul has something to offer every traveler. And for the end, the question that everybody is asking: Is traveling to Istanbul safe? For me, it was safe destination and I never felt that I’m in danger. The people were friendly and nice and I felt safe. I hope this guide helps you plan your trip and that you enjoy exploring this beautiful city as much as I do.
