Sightseeing Areas That You Should NOT Miss in Istanbul
Where to go in Istanbul?
Istanbul has 8 thousand years of history. Such empires attempted to conquer it.
Ships from 7 seas anchored to Istanbul ports and sold their goods they brought from all over the world.
Many historical buildings all around Istanbul turn it into a gigantic open-air museum today.
So many places, restaurants, cafes or patisseries that keep social memory alive are also among the nostalgic places of Istanbul. In a nutshell, Istanbul tells us, “discover me again and again”.
On the one hand, fully packed, the Metrobüs, on the other hand, are the ferries that we are free from the bustle of life on the deck with a hot tea…
Beyoglu, where the crowds flows like a flood, Burgazada streets, where the waves and seagulls screams tear the city apart...
Istanbul opens the gates of unlimited adventures to locals and tourists.
Istanbul such a city that makes people feel different emotions with every visit even in same spots.
Even it’s hard to choose I’ve compiled the best sightseeing spots of Istanbul.
Old town
Whatever you read about Istanbul will tell you to visit old town first. Roman and Ottoman heritage together can be best observed in the old city. Here you can read everything about old town.
1. Hagia Sophia
It’s the best place to start your trip in Istanbul. One of the most famous temple in the world, Hagia Sophia is 1500 years old. When Justinian saw his masterpiece, biggest cathedral of Christian world, he shouted this famous words “Solomon, I have outdone you !”
Aprox. 6 million people visit the museum every year.
In the old city, the museum is open 6 days of a week between 09.00-17.00 and closed on Mondays.
2. Topkapı palace
Ottoman Empire is one of the biggest empires that reached the largest territory and ruled over 600 years. The palace, where the extensive empire was ruled throughout lengthy history, was home to royal family for 400 years. Today, with all its splendor, Topkapı Palace is waiting for its visitors.In the palace, which witnesses the most sumptuous weddings, ascension ceremonies or intrigues and sad stories of the Ottoman Empire, you can be a partner to a unique history feast by leaving yourself in the arms of history.
Palace is in old city, sharing almost same location with Hagia Sophia. It’s open to visit every day except Tuesdays.
3. Grand Bazaar
Another favorite stop in the old town is the Grand Bazaar, which has been standing in Beyazıt for 550 years. The Grand Bazaar is famous for its streets where you will disappear and its goldsmiths that direct the world gold market.
Besides shopping in Grand Bazaar, you can feel the spirit of the city. Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
4. Bozdoğan Aqueduct
Very few of Roman Aqueducts used for distributing clean water is still standing today.
In the heart of Istanbul, Unkapanı, Bozdoğan or with its Latin name Valens Aqueduct is enthralling people with its length and history for 1500 years. Today local are driving their cars under 15 hundred years of history every day.
5. Basilica Cistern
Musical activities and events held in the Basilica Cistern, which also hosts many art events today, open the doors of a magical world to the attendees.You can visit it every day.
6. Çemberlitaş
For the honor of Constantine the Great, column was erected in 330 on one of the hill of Constantinople and gave its name to the area by time.
although it was badly damaged during the Crusades,
The Çemberlitaş column, which was once the busts of the Byzantine Emperors, is still one of the most remarkable structures in Istanbul.
7. Galata Tower
Tower, which people wait on long ques to reach on top and see the view, is a symbol of the city shaping its beautiful siluette. It’s said that couples climbing up together marry and have a fortunate life...8. Rumelia Fortress
Mehmed II built the fortress in 90 days to stop the ships’ entry from Black Sea to Bosphorus.Rumelia Fortress, a majestic building with its three wide towers and walls, is situated across the Anatolian Fortress, at the point where the two Bosphorus coasts are nearest to each other.
The fortress is a museum today. Inside you can see the pretty view of Bosphorus. piece of chain Romans closed the Golden Horn port, cannons,
cannonballs used during the conquest of Constantinople are also on display.
9. Yoros Castle
Yoros Castle, which has a panorama view of the Black Sea side of the city Beykoz, filled with green trees, is one of Istanbul’s most significant historic heritage from the Eastern Roman Empire.
Although the Genoese captured the castle when Eastern Roman Empire weakened, Ottomans took the control of it in 1391.
Even though it’s prohibited to enter the castle due to ongoing excavations, it’s still one of the best places to watch Bosphorus and you can have an amazing Turkish breakfast or a Turkish coffee in the local cafeteria down there.
11. Anatolian Fortress
Mentioning Turkish breakfast we can’t skip Anatolian Fortress. Built for the purpose of controlling the entrances to the Bosphorus and protecting the Göksu Valley during the period of Yıldırım Beyazıt, Anadolu Fortress has been hosting the most beautiful views of the Anatolian side since 1395. Anatolian fortress with its fishing vessels, cafes and restaurants is one of the quietest locations in Istanbul today.
12. 7 Kule Fortress/ Dungeons
In addition, the fortress which was established in the Byzantine era to host the visiting rulers, was turned into a military garrison by taking its final shape with 3 towers and city walls added during the Mehmed II. reign.
13. Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahce, the largest palace in Turkey, also has a different moral value because it is the place that Ataturk spent his last days.
14. Aya Yorgi Monastery
Biggest of Princes’ Islands, Buyukada is visited by hundreds of thousands of people. There’s one more thing you got to do on island except riding bikes around, enjoying fresh sea food: visiting Aya Yorgi Monastery.
Built in 1751, Aya Yorgi is the oldest church on the island and is on highest point of the island with a fantastic view.
Every year many people from different religions climb the hill to the monastery on 13 April and 24 September to pray, make a wish and light candles. If you don’t like mods, choose other dates to see the monastery.
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