Best of Istanbul

  • Galata Tower

    The Galata Tower is a top local and tourist attraction for a wide range of people in Istanbul, and it’s open from 8:30 am to 12 am. The Galata Tower largely represents the long and strong history of Istanbul and Turkey, dating back to the 14th century.

    Although first constructed as a watchtower against invaders, the Galata Tower now serves a s museum and main attraction. It also offers tourists a precious opportunity to see a 360-degree view of Istanbul.

  • Topkapi Palace

    Located in Fatih (the European side), Istanbul, and initially built in 1460, The Topkapi Palace is marvelous to visit. This museum is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site which ensures a strong historical presence. As a result, the Topkapi Palace is both educational to see and dazzles you with its mystique atmosphere.

    This Cultural sanctuary has crucial collections to explore from the Imperial Treasury to portraits of Sultans and other paintings.

  • Maiden's Tower

    The Üsküdar Coast is dreamy anytime of the day or year. In the morning, it’s majestic to see the sun shining and hear the beautiful birds chirping. Then at night, the setting sun is a must-see here with the city’s lights shining in the background.

    This coastline is an important attraction for many locals and tourists. You can enjoy Turkish tea, talking with locals, and eating at a café. However, one of the most striking and fascinating features of this coast is definitely the view of the Maiden’s tower.

  • Beylerbeyi Palace

    Commissioned by the 32nd Ottoman Sultan Abdulaziz, the palace holds a special place in Ottoman and Turkish history. Its historical importance lies in the fact that it was summer residence for the Ottoman Dynasty. It also combines both western design and classical Ottoman structures.

    Additionally, you should wander in the magnificent gardens that house the Beylerbeyi Palace, which overlook the Bosphorus strait too.

  • Hagia Sophia

    The Hagia Sophia is certainly an important wonder and historical gems of Istanbul and the world. First built as a church during the Roman Empire then rebuilt and converted to a mosque during the Ottoman Empire, this amazing structure has withstood it all.

    This place is worth exploring as a major historical and cultural symbol of Turkey. There are indeed many beautiful features here within its exterior, interior, and surroundings. The dome and minarets provide one of the recognizable features in Istanbul’s skyline.

  • Dolmabahce Palace

    Istanbul’s first European-style palace was built with gold, which makes this palace stunning to look at. Its design intertwines neoclassical features, western-inspired structure, and nuances of Ottoman architecture, so the palace feels like an art canvas.

    There are many things to explore and uncover, for instance, you can ponder the gardens, walk the Medhal Hall, and pay respect to Atatürk’s room. We also recommend seeing the magnificent stained-glass windows, which you’ll fall in love with and want to take many photos of. You’ll also be intrigued by how many unique gates there are, such as, the gate of the treasury and the gate of the Sultan.

  • The Spice Bazaar

    Firstly, you should have at least two hours to spend in the Spice Bazaar. One reason is that the Spice Bazaar is huge, and the second is because you will get lost looking and exploring the various spices. There are not only spices available, but also tea, coffee, sweets, dried fruits, nuts, and on and on.

    The Spice Bazaar’s colorful existence has been present since 1664, continually sharing the historical heritage of Turkey. As a result, It is one of the oldest bazaars in Istanbul.

  • Pera Museum

    The Pera Museum is a cultural and historical gem of Istanbul. Pera is perfect to explore whether with family, friends, or by yourself. There are a wide range of treasures to uncover here, but, the top can be listed as the Orientalist paintings, Antolian weights and treasures, and Kutahya tiles and ceramics.

    This incredible museum also cooperates with national and international artists to display an exhibition which shows the diversity of Istanbul. Pera Museum, recognized globally, gives the opportunity for locals and tourists to unite under one bridge to enjoy art.

  • Blue Mosque

    Get lost in this marvelous mosque and in its grandeur both literally and figuratively. The general color theme of the mosque is unique blue tiles- hence its nickname. It is official name is Sultan Ahmed Mosque. Treasured by both locals and tourists, this mosque is open to visitors and functions as a mosque with scheduled prayers, too.

    Above all this, this mosque symbolizes Turkey’s Ottoman heritage and wealth. This symbolic essence is evident in the design and structure. The Blue Mosque has six minarets, which makes it distinct skyline in Istanbul as well. The whole mosque is mysteriously magical and worth visiting, especially to embrace the true Istanbul culture.