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Istanbul, Turkey
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When to visit
Attractions in Istanbul, Turkey
1. Hagia Sophia
Quick facts: An immense dome floats like a giant halo above the vast interior, captivating visitors with its sheer scale and the intricate mosaics that narrate centuries of layered history. Whispering echoes tell stories of emperors and sultans, blending architectural brilliance with religious transformation across ages.
Highlights: A fascinating fact is that the massive dome, measuring approximately 31 meters in diameter, floats above the structure thanks to a ring of 40 windows that flood the interior with ethereal light, creating the illusion of the dome hovering in mid-air. The walls are a breathtaking mosaic mix of Christian iconography and Islamic calligraphy, reflecting its unique history as a cathedral turned mosque, making every corner a blend of two rich cultures.
2. Topkapi Palace
Quick facts: Wandering through the palace, you can almost hear the whispers of sultans and their courtiers echoing in the intricately decorated rooms and beautiful gardens. The palace houses a dazzling collection of jewels, including the infamous Topkapi Dagger and the Spoonmaker's Diamond, which sparkle with stories of opulence and intrigue.
Highlights: Over 4,000 exquisite pieces of Chinese porcelain line the walls, shimmering under the natural light in the delicate chambers reserved for the sultans' private gatherings. In addition to art, the palace holds a collection of 86,000 imperial jewels, including a massive 88-carat diamond that once graced the sultan's dagger, sparkling with unmatched brilliance.
3. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)
Quick facts: Stepping inside, your eyes are greeted by over 20,000 handmade Iznik tiles glowing in shades of blue that give the mosque its popular nickname. The sound of water trickling from its fountains blends with prayers, creating a peaceful ambiance amid its six slender minarets reaching skyward.
Highlights: The mosque boasts over 20,000 handmade İznik tiles, each featuring intricate floral designs that create a mesmerizing blue glow when sunlight filters through the stained glass windows; an incredibly rare feature that gives the interior a surreal blue ambiance. A quirky tradition involves the six slender minarets, which caused a stir when they were first built, as minarets of that number were traditionally reserved only for the sacred mosque in Mecca; to solve this, a seventh minaret was added to the mosque in Mecca.
4. Basilica Cistern
Quick facts: Stepping into the underground chamber feels like entering a mysterious water palace, with hundreds of ancient columns rising from the dark, reflective waters. Two iconic Medusa heads, positioned sideways and upside down, serve as eerie yet captivating support bases for the columns, sparking endless curiosity among visitors.
Highlights: Beneath the bustling city lies an ancient underground forest of 336 marble columns, each 9 meters tall, dimly lit to cast eerie shadows on the water-covered floor. Two massive Medusa heads, turned sideways and upside down, serve as mysterious architectural supports, sparking endless theories about their origin and purpose.
5. Grand Bazaar
Quick facts: Step inside and you're immediately enveloped by a dazzling maze of shops offering everything from intricate jewelry to fragrant spices. The marketplace buzzes with over 4,000 stalls and tens of thousands of daily visitors, creating a vibrant sensory overload that's hard to forget.
Highlights: Imagine wandering through over 4,000 shops packed side by side under a labyrinthine network of domed ceilings stretching 30,000 square meters; you can hear the melodic clash of metal as craftsmen demonstrate centuries-old silversmithing techniques right before your eyes. A quirky tradition here involves the "wish tree," where visitors tie small copper locks as symbols of their dreams, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of glinting metal that reflects the warm Istanbul sunlight filtering in.
6. Galata Tower
Quick facts: Offering one of the most breathtaking panoramic views, the tower's observation deck lets you see over the bustling city and the shimmering Bosphorus Strait. Local legends tell of ancient fires once lit at the top, serving as signals to distant watchtowers across the region.
Highlights: The tower has a unique medieval stone structure with a conical roof that rises about 67 meters, offering a breathtaking 360-degree view of the cityscape and the Bosphorus Strait. An old legend tells that a 17th-century Ottoman aviator named Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi jumped off the tower and successfully flew across the Bosphorus using homemade wings, marking one of the first recorded instances of sustained flight.
7. Dolmabahçe Palace
Quick facts: Walking through the grand halls reveals an opulent blend of European styles accented with a majestic crystal chandelier that holds the Guinness World Record for the largest Bohemian crystal chandelier in the world. Visitors often find themselves mesmerized by the exquisite gardens that spill down toward the Bosphorus, creating a stunning contrast between lush greenery and the shimmering water beyond.
Highlights: An astonishing 14 tons of Baccarat crystal were used to create the palace's grand chandelier, which holds the record for the largest Bohemian crystal chandelier in the world. Visitors often get blown away by the intricate blend of Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles decorating the halls, where even the walls and ceilings sparkle with 24-carat gold leaf.
8. Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar)
Quick facts: A bustling maze of vibrant stalls floods the air with intoxicating scents of saffron, cinnamon, and every spice imaginable, making the experience a feast for the senses. Shoppers often discover rare herbs, exotic teas, and traditional Turkish delights tucked among colorful spices and handmade crafts.
Highlights: Walking through the bazaar, you'll notice over 85 shops bursting with spices like sumac, saffron, and a rare pink pepper that locals swear by for its unique aroma; the air is a heady mix of sweet and savory scents. Vendors here still practice an old tradition of weighing goods with vintage brass scales and offering a cup of thick, sweet apple tea to buyers, making each purchase feel like a warm, aromatic exchange rather than a quick transaction.
9. Süleymaniye Mosque
Quick facts: The mosque's massive dome stands at 53 meters high, giving an incredible sense of spaciousness inside, as sunlight filters through stained glass windows painting colorful patterns on the marble floors. Visitors often notice the intricate calligraphy and soft echoes of prayers that create a serene and majestic atmosphere unlike anywhere else.
Highlights: An incredible aspect is that the mosque was designed by the legendary architect Mimar Sinan who called it his masterpiece and even requested to be buried there; the central dome reaches a breathtaking 53 meters high creating a feeling of soaring space. A quirky tradition involves the whispering gallery effect in the main prayer hall where you can hear whispers from across the room thanks to its perfect acoustics and dome design.
10. İstiklal Avenue and Taksim Square
Quick facts: A bustling pedestrian street pulses with vibrant energy from its historic tram weaving through crowds, lined with diverse shops, cafes, and art galleries that celebrate both tradition and modernity. Nearby, a lively square captivates with its iconic Republic Monument, serving as a dynamic hub for social gatherings, cultural events, and spirited demonstrations.
Highlights: Every evening, just as the sun sets, the nostalgic red trams clatter down the street carrying locals and visitors through a corridor lined with over 400 shops, cafes, and historic consulates, creating a lively human mosaic. At the heart of the area, a massive Republic Monument stands surrounded by pigeons, where people have a quirky tradition: tossing a piece of bread for the birds and watching them soar in incredible synchronized patterns against the fading light.
Day trips
Bursa
Historic city known for its Ottoman architecture and thermal baths.
Princes' Islands
Group of nine islands popular for their beaches and tranquil atmosphere.
Şile
Coastal town famed for its beaches and lighthouse.
Edirne
City known for its magnificent mosques and Ottoman heritage.
Sapanca
Lakeside town popular for outdoor activities and nature walks.
Comments (7)
Loved the street food and the mix of old and new in Istanbul. The city feels alive but expect crowds everywhere, especially near Sultanahmet.
If you want to save on transport, grab an Istanbulkart metro card - it works on buses and ferries and gives you a discount on every ride.
I found the weather a bit hotter than expected in July, but the Bosphorus breeze helps. Plan at least 4 days to really get a feel of the city.
The local markets were amazing for souvenirs but can be pricey if you don’t haggle. Istanbul has so much more to offer than just the tourist spots.
Skip eating near Sultanahmet plaza, walk 10 minutes towards the neighborhoods. Better prices and much tastier local food away from the crowds.
Getting there
Airports
Train stations
Istanbul to Edirne and European destinations
Istanbul to Anatolian destinations
Use the Havaist shuttle buses from airports to city center for convenient and affordable transfer.
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