Whether you are planning to go to Istanbul on your next trip or thinking about which places to visit during your stopover, there are few things in the list without which your experience in Istanbul would be incomplete. Don’t worry much about that for in this article we have taken good care to bring you a complete list of things that will guide you on your tour.
If you are worried about whether these places would be too far from the hotel that you would stay, then there is another article that can help you with which hotel near Istanbul airport to book for yourself that would be convenient. Now that your problem seems solved, let us get ahead with the list of things that you should be doing shall we?
1. Visit the Blue Mosque
You should visit the magnificent Blue Mosque if you want to know more about the history of the place, especially during the reign of the Ottoman Empire. The Blue Mosque is situated in Sultanamet, which is also called the city’s district. The architecture serves as a distinct symbol of the Islamic past. The architecture is covered with white and blue tiles and maybe that’s how it got its name. It also has floral patterns on it. The place is frequented by worshippers every day.
2. Do Not Miss Out Hagia Sophia
Also called the Aya Sophia in Turkish language, it is one of Istanbul’s renowned attractions. This domed monument is characterized by its ochre color. There is a little bit of history attached to the way it was constructed. You see, the architecture was first designed as a church during the Byzantine empire. However, it was transformed into a mosque during the Ottoman empire. One of the unique features that you would find fascinating is the ornate interior, embellished with Christians mosaics and Islamic calligraphic roundels.
3. Enjoy a Boat Ride on River Bosphorus
A boat ride will give you an amazing experience. Also, you can check out some of Istanbul’s fine attractions such as wooden homes during Ottoman empire, historic forts, and suspension bridges such as Bosphorus and Faith bridges. The bridges serve as main links between Asia and Europe.
4. Walk Into the Grand Bazaar
This is one of the most liveliest places that you must visit or will miss out. The place features mazes of narrow alleys and full of different stalls selling the finest carpets, bed spreads, hookahs, souvenirs, leather goods, clothing. Customers also have the liberty to bargain for best values. Another famous attraction that one would find in the bazaar is the Egyptian Market. Here, you can find anything of your choice be it dried fruits, rich nuts, spices, lokum and tea, etc.
5. Get a Birds Eye View from Galata Tower
To reach the Galata Tower, you can take a taxi to visit Bebek. Visiting the spot takes a little bit of athletic effort as you would also have to hike going up the hill. But reaching the spot is worth it for the spectacular view that will blow one’s mind. You can also head towards Bebek and walk towards another bridge for a spectacular Bosphorus brunch.
We do hope your stay in Istanbul will be a memorable one. Hopefully, this article and the one on finding a good Instanbul airport hotel will make your visit comfortable and worth to remember.
