Don't Leave Istanbul Without Seeing It
28.08.2024 07:34
There are symbolic points that come to mind when Istanbul is mentioned. Places where you can feel the history, texture, daily life, in short, the spirit of Istanbul. It's time to get lost in the city.
Don't Leave Istanbul Without Seeing It See On Map
1. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Built as a church in 360, Hagia Sophia became a mosque in 1453. The building, which became a museum in 1935, became a mosque again in 2020. This structure, which fascinates with its dome, size and art, is a masterpiece of world architecture.
2. Sultanahmet Mosque
Built between 1606 and 1616, the Sultanahmet Mosque is known as the "Blue Mosque" for its blue Iznik tiles. With its 6 minarets and striking domes, it is one of the most important religious and touristic sites in Istanbul.
3. Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace, opened in 1478, was the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. The palace offers a historical treasure with its courtyards, harem and treasuries. The palace, which was turned into a museum in 1924, is one of the most visited places in Istanbul.
4. Basilica Cistern
Built in 532, the Basilica Cistern was commissioned by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian to meet the water needs. With its 336 columns and fascinating atmosphere, it is one of the mysterious structures of Istanbul.
5. Galata Tower
Built in 528, the Galata Tower is one of the symbols of Istanbul. The tower, which was first used as a lighthouse, continues to fascinate visitors with its magnificent view today.
6. Istiklal Street
Istiklal Street is the most famous and lively street in Beyoğlu. It reflects the cosmopolitan structure of Istanbul with its historical buildings, shopping opportunities and cultural riches.
7. Pera Palace
Pera Palace, opened in 1805, is the first luxury hotel in Istanbul. Room 101, where Atatürk frequently stayed, is open to visitors as a museum. The hotel is a famous cultural heritage where Agatha Christie also stayed.
8. Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace, built between 1843 and 1856, hosted the last sultans of the Ottoman Empire. With its 285 rooms and 43 halls, the palace reflects the magnificence of the Bosphorus.
9. Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar was founded by Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1461. It is one of the largest and oldest covered bazaars in the world, with more than 4,000 shops and labyrinthine streets.
10. Pierre Loti Hill
Pierre Loti Hill in Eyüp is famous for its Golden Horn view. You can spend time in a peaceful atmosphere with Turkish coffee in the Ottoman-style coffeehouse on the hill.
11. Galataport
Galataport is a modern port and living space located on the Bosphorus coast in Karaköy. Opened in 2021, this area attracts attention with its restaurants, shops and cultural events.
12. Fatih Mosque and Complex
Completed in 1470, the Fatih Mosque and Social Complex is one of the important religious and cultural centers of Istanbul. The structure serves as a complex with its mosque, madrasahs and soup kitchens.
13. Florya Ataturk Marine Mansion
Built in 1935, Florya Atatürk Marine Mansion was used as Atatürk's summer residence in Istanbul. Today, it serves as a museum and restaurant.
14. Maiden's Tower
The Maiden's Tower is a historical structure located off the coast of Üsküdar. Famous for its legends, the tower now opens its doors to visitors as a restaurant and museum.
15. Haydarpasa Train Station
Haydarpaşa Train Station, which opened in 1908, is one of the symbols of Istanbul. The station, which is the starting point of the railway line from Germany to Istanbul, still preserves its historical texture.
16. Beyazit Mosque
Built between 1501 and 1506, the Beyazıt Mosque is one of the finest examples of early Ottoman architecture. It is known as the oldest imperial mosque in Istanbul.
17. Eyup Sultan Mosque
Built in 1458, the Eyüp Sultan Mosque is located on the shores of the Golden Horn and houses the tomb of Eyüp Sultan. It is one of the most important spiritual centers of Istanbul.
18. Balat Bazaar
Balat Bazaar is known for its historical texture and colorful shops. It was shaped by the settlement of Jews in Balat in 1492. It reflects the cultural and historical atmosphere of the district.
19. Great Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque)
Built by Sultan Abdülmecid in 1853, the Büyük Mecidiye Mosque is famous for its neo-baroque architecture and views of the Bosphorus. It is one of the most visited mosques in Istanbul.
20. Rumeli Hisari
Rumeli Hisarı, built in 1452, was built to control the Bosphorus. The structure, built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet, has military and strategic importance.
21. Egyptian Bazaar
Built in 1664, the Spice Bazaar is famous for its products such as spices, herbs and Turkish delight. Located in Eminönü, this historical bazaar is a popular spot for local and foreign tourists.
22. Suleymaniye Mosque
Built by Mimar Sinan between 1550 and 1557, the Süleymaniye Mosque is one of the most important religious buildings of the Ottoman Empire. It attracts attention with its architecture and historical value.
23. Star Malta Pavilion
Built by Sultan Abdulaziz in 1871, the Yıldız Malta Mansion is known for its Bosphorus view and its structure intertwined with nature. Located in Yıldız Park, the mansion offers peaceful moments to its visitors.
24. Gulhane Park
Gülhane Park was opened to the public in 1912 as the outer garden of Topkapı Palace. Famous for its rose gardens during the Ottoman period, the park is a peaceful escape today.
25. Beyazit Square
Built in 393, Beyazıt Square is one of the most historically and culturally important squares in Istanbul. The square is home to the Beyazıt Social Complex and the Grand Bazaar.
26. Ataturk Arboretum
Located in Sarıyer, Atatürk Arboretum was founded in 1949. The arboretum, which hosts different plant species on an area of 296 hectares, is an ideal destination for nature and plant lovers.