What to see in Istanbul - the most interesting sights, photos

After reading our review, you will receive a lot of valuable information about the key attractions of Istanbul. When compiling the rating, we relied on the advice and opinions of professional guides. With our list, you will have no questions about what is definitely worth seeing in this city.

What to see in Istanbul first?

You can endlessly list all the exciting corners of Istanbul. Therefore, we focused on the most significant and important attractions of this Turkish metropolis. In our opinion, every traveler should pay attention to the following excursions in Istanbul before searching for a tour:

Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace in Istanbul is one of the most famous historical places in the city, a must-see. In the first half of the 18th century, this magnificent palace was home to the sultans of the Ottoman Empire. The entire territory of the palace is divided into separate zones, each of which has its own entrance: the inner chambers and harem, the chancery and treasury, service and office halls. Today it is the largest museum complex in the world, for which it is worth allocating a whole day. In Topkapi, you can enjoy a cup of tea and a snack in a cozy cafe overlooking the Bosphorus.

Sophia Cathedral

Initially, the site of this monument of Byzantine architecture was an ancient acropolis. Construction began in 532 by order of Emperor Justinian. After the fall of Constantinople, the cathedral was converted from an Orthodox church into a mosque, and several minarets were added to it. Over the centuries, the building with a 55-meter-high dome was repeatedly raided and destroyed. However, it has survived to this day, with the tombs of the sultans, calligraphic inscriptions in Arabic and Byzantine mosaic icons inside.

Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque or Sultanahmet Mosque in Istanbul is a building from the early 17th century that is definitely worth a visit. The architecture of the mosque combines Ottoman and Byzantine styles, and rare and valuable types of marble were used for its construction. The facade is decorated with blue Iznik ceramic tiles, which is how the mosque got its second name.

Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern in Istanbul is an underground water reservoir from the 4th century, located below ground level. It was once the main water reservoir in Constantinople, where water came from the nearby forest. The ceiling of the cistern is supported by more than 330 marble columns brought from Byzantine cathedrals. At the end of the 20th century, the cistern was restored and turned into a museum with a lighting system.

Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is a huge covered market of about 3.7 thousand square meters, which began its work in the 15th century. On the territory of the bazaar, consisting of 66 streets, there are about 4 thousand shops and stalls. There is also a school, a bathhouse, a temple, currency exchange offices, warehouses and restaurants. At the Grand Bazaar you can buy everything: from spices and souvenirs to Turkish carpets and jewelry. A visit here will be unforgettable thanks to the unique atmosphere.

Maiden's Tower

Maiden's Tower (Kiz Kulesi) in Istanbul is a historical structure with an observation deck, located on a small island. The tower served as an insulator, a warehouse, a prison and a lighthouse, and is now one of the symbols of the city. According to legend, the sultan imprisoned his daughter in the tower, trying to save her from the predicted death from a snake bite, but the prediction came true on her 18th birthday.

Galata Tower

The Galata Tower in Istanbul is a historical building that has served as a prison, a lighthouse, and a fire tower at various times. Today, the top level of the tower has an observation deck offering stunning views of the city and the sea. At the foot of the tower, there are several restaurants serving national cuisine.

Suleymaniye Mosque

The Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul was built over the course of seven years and is decorated with white marble. This beautiful temple can accommodate about 10,000 parishioners at a time. The mosque with 138 windows is a reminder of the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire. The area includes tall minarets, galleries, prayer halls, libraries, observatories, baths, hospitals and educational institutions.

Yoros Fortress

Yoros Fortress in Anadolu Kavagi in Istanbul is the ruins of an ancient fortress, whose name is translated from Greek as "holy place". If you are looking for what to see in Istanbul in one day, head to this Byzantine monument.

Rumeli Fortress

Rumeli Fortress (Rumelihisar) in Istanbul was built in the 15th century to protect Constantinople. Later, the fortress was used as a customs point. In the 20th century, it was reconstructed, and now it is one of the most interesting places to visit in Istanbul.

Bayezid II Mosque

Bayezid II Mosque in Istanbul is an architectural masterpiece of the early 16th century, which impresses with its luxury and grandeur. With two beautiful minarets, it is one of the largest mosques in the city.

Istanbul attractions: what else to visit in Constantinople?

We have briefly introduced you to the main attractions of Istanbul. If you have already visited all the mentioned sites, we suggest you go to such interesting places as:

Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus

The Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus in Istanbul impresses with its snow-white walls decorated with blue ornaments. Initially, the vaults of the temple were completely covered with unique frescoes and gold mosaics. The interiors feature brown tones and Arabic calligraphy, creating a luxurious atmosphere.

Emirgan Park

Emirgan Park in Istanbul - previously impassable forests, and now a landscaped and green area. Every spring, a tulip festival is held here, where different varieties of flowers form original patterns and paintings. If you are planning a trip to Istanbul in April, you should definitely visit this park.

Istanbul Archaeological Museum

The Istanbul Archaeological Museum includes three large buildings that contain more than a million exhibits that tell the story of human history. In the late 19th century, the Ottoman Empire banned the export of cultural treasures, which allowed it to collect an impressive collection. Among the rarest exhibits is the world's first peace agreement.

New Valide Sultan Mosque

The New Mosque or Valide Sultan Mosque in Istanbul is a historical place that is worth visiting with a guide. The guide will tell you the fascinating story of the mosque's appearance, connected with Safiye Sultan, an influential Albanian, and her husband, the ruler Murad III.

Miniaturk

Miniaturk is a unique park, where models of famous European and Turkish landmarks are presented on a scale of 1:25. Here you can see more than a hundred objects, including the seaport, the railway, the cathedrals of Artemis and Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and many others.

Bosphorus

The Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul is a picturesque place to explore even in winter when the city is free of tourists. A sea cruise along the Bosphorus will allow you to enjoy the views of ancient palaces, bridges, castles, mosques and mansions. Go to the Eminonu pier, board the ferry, have a cup of Turkish tea and enjoy the beauty of Constantinople.

Golden Horn Bay

The Golden Horn Bay in Istanbul is one of the most famous bays in the world, on the southern shore of which Byzantium was founded. In ancient times, merchant ships came here, and today there are parks and walking paths along the coast. The bay, curved and deeply protruding into the land, was called "horn" because of its shape, and "golden" - for its beauty and many attractions. The best way to enjoy the view is on a ferry cruise.

Beylerbeyi Palace

Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus in Istanbul is an example of neo-baroque architecture, once serving as the summer residence of the sultans and a place to receive high-ranking guests. Built in 1829 and restored in 1865 after a fire, the white marble palace has retained its magnificent appearance to this day. The interiors demonstrate traditional Ottoman style with Egyptian carpets, Arabic script on the ceiling, massive chandeliers and porcelain vases. The Ceremonial Hall, also known as the Blue Hall, deserves special attention.

Dolmabahce Palace

Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul is a luxurious palace complex on the shores of the Bosphorus, built in the Baroque style. Inside the palace there are almost three hundred rooms, of which 44 are majestic halls. Today, rare objects, works of art and jewelry are exhibited here. Of particular note is the collection of paintings by famous artists and the watch museum, which contains exclusive pieces.

Taksim Square

Located in the center of Istanbul, Taksim Square is the heart of the city. This area is famous for its shops, restaurants, hotels and entertainment venues. Here begins the lively Istiklal Street, known for its bars, nightclubs and cinemas. The square is also a venue for public events, concerts and parades. In the center of the square stands the 12-meter-tall Republic Monument, dedicated to the liberating heroes. Taksim is an important transportation hub of the city.

Yıldız Saray

Yıldız Saray, or "Star Palace", located on the coast of the Sea of ​​Marmara in Istanbul, was built as an alternative to the Dolmabahçe Palace. For 33 years, it served as the residence of Abdul Hamid II, and was later used by other sultans to receive high-ranking guests. Inside the palace there are many luxurious rooms and halls, among which the ceremonial hall with golden stars on the ceiling and a huge red and white carpet stands out. The interior is complemented by marble staircases, inlaid doors and lush upholstery. One of the rooms houses a museum, which presents the history of the city over the past five centuries, including paintings, household items and items made of silver, porcelain and glass. The court park is decorated with exotic plants and fragrant flowers.

Hippodrome Square

At Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, there is a part of the ancient hippodrome, built in the 3rd century, when the city was still Byzantine. This hippodrome was used for spectacular horse-drawn chariot races. Today, its main values ​​are four historical monuments: the 32-meter obelisk of Constantine Porphyrogenitus, the Serpentine Column from the 5th century BC, an ancient Egyptian obelisk aged 3.5 thousand years, and a 19th-century stone fountain, a gift from the German Emperor Wilhelm to the sultan.

Istiklal Street

Istiklal Street in the Beyoglu district of Istanbul is a popular place for walking. It is a street of contrasts, where chic restaurants and eateries, churches of different faiths and trendy nightclubs stand side by side. The architecture of the street combines Arabic and European motifs. Here you can take a leisurely stroll, breathing in the spirit of history, and admire ancient buildings such as the Church of St. Anthony of Padua, the Galata Tower and the Flower Passage. The only permitted transport here is an old 19th-century tram.

Museum of Modern Art

The Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, opened in 2004, is housed in a two-story building of a former port warehouse. The museum's exposition represents a symbiosis of different eras, from antiquity to the present day. The first floor houses a library and halls with temporary exhibitions, and the second floor is dedicated to contemporary art, illustrating the main stages of the development of national art.

Kariye Museum

The Kariye Museum in Istanbul, housed in the ancient Church of Christ the Savior, is known for its rare collection of Byzantine frescoes. The history of the church dates back to the 4th century, and during its long history it was both a monastery and a mosque. The interior of the museum is stunning with its mosaics depicting scenes from the Bible, including the childhood of Christ and his miracles.

Church of Hagia Irene

The Church of Hagia Irene in Istanbul is one of the oldest churches in the city, located in the Sultanahmet district. Built in the 4th century under Emperor Constantine, it was the main church of Constantinople before the construction of the Hagia Sophia. Important religious gatherings took place here, including the Second Ecumenical Council. The building is a combination of a domed basilica and a cross-shaped church, inside which are ancient mosaics and a sarcophagus with the remains of Emperor Constantine.

City Walls of Constantinople

The walls and towers of Constantinople are reminiscent of the times when the city was Byzantium. In the 4th century, Emperor Constantine ordered the construction of these fortress walls to protect the city from both land and water. Under Emperor Theodosius, the fortifications were significantly expanded, their length was more than 5 kilometers, the thickness was about 5 meters, and the height was about 12 meters. Towers were erected at certain intervals, about a hundred in total. Today, the remains of these fortifications are known as the Walls of Constantinople. Of all the towers with gates, only 12 remain. You can start exploring the walls from the south, moving along the gates to the north. The most famous of these structures are the Golden Gate, through which Byzantine emperors and foreign guests entered the city in triumph.

Whirling Dervishes Museum

The Whirling Dervish Museum in the Galata district of Istanbul presents the unique culture of the Turkish people. Dervishes, who lived an ascetic life and performed special prayer dances, left behind a significant cultural heritage. The museum has an exhibition of dervishes' everyday objects, and in its basement there is a hall for ritual dances, decorated in oriental style.

Pera Museum

The Pera Museum in Istanbul is located in the restored building of the former Bristol Hotel in the Beyoglu district. The museum was opened in 2005 and occupies eight floors. The permanent exhibitions include collections of Anatolian measures and weights, portraits of European orientalists, ceramics and paintings from the 17th to 19th centuries. The museum also organizes temporary exhibitions presenting works by famous artists and collections from other museums around the world.

Aqueduct of Valens

The Aqueduct of Valens in Istanbul is an outstanding structure that became an important part of the water supply system of Constantinople. Built in the 4th century by order of the Roman Emperor Valens, the aqueduct reached a length of 1 kilometer and a height of 26 meters, providing water to the Topkapi Palace and other parts of the city. Today, only a 625-meter-long section remains, and the height has decreased due to rising ground. This ancient aqueduct was part of the city's grand water supply system, 550 kilometers long, which was considered one of the greatest hydraulic systems in the world. Today, the aqueduct is a valuable historical monument and fits harmoniously into the modern urban landscape. A particularly impressive two-story section of the bridge rises above Ataturk Boulevard.

Gülhane Park

Gülhane Park in the Eminonu district of Istanbul is especially beautiful in April, when the Tulip Festival takes place. This festival turns city parks into floral masterpieces, impressive with bright spring colors. Gulhane Park amazes with a riot of tulips, bellflowers, pansies and other flowers. In April, you can also see storks settling in the plane trees. The park has a rich history and a beautifully landscaped landscape. Here you can relax on the grass in the shade of the trees or visit a teahouse with a magnificent view of the Bosphorus.

Haydarpaşa Station

Located on the Asian side of Istanbul in the Kadikoy district, Haydarpaşa Station rises above the other buildings of the old city. This magnificent building resembles a fairytale castle, overlooking the bay. On fine days, the sun shines through the colorful stained-glass windows of the station. Marble steps lead to the central entrance, and neat turrets with conical roofs are located on the sides. The station was opened in 1909 and has witnessed many historical events. An explosion in 1917 during the First World War seriously damaged its architecture. Since 2012, restoration work has been underway, and currently the station functions as a tourist attraction, which is worth visiting during a walk along the station shore.

Egyptian Bazaar

The Egyptian Bazaar in the old part of Istanbul, also known as the Spice Market, amazes with its aromas and color. The air is filled with the smells of various spices, and the counters are full of fresh and dried fruits, Turkish tea and coffee, cheese and dairy products. Eastern sweets - Turkish delight, baklava - deserve special attention. You can also find stalls with silver, jewelry and traditional Turkish shoes in the market. The market building, which was started in the 16th century and took 73 years to build, was repeatedly subjected to fires and restorations, but retained its authenticity.

Cevahir Shopping Center

Cevahir Shopping Mall, located in the fashionable district of Sisli in Istanbul, is the largest shopping and entertainment complex in the city. Opened in 2005, it occupies six floors and more than 600 thousand square meters, where more than 300 boutiques, restaurants, shops and cafes are located. About 200 thousand people visit the center daily. Cevahir was designed in 1987 by an American architect and was initially larger, but was later reduced to six floors. The center's special feature is the world's largest clock, the height of the numbers is 3 meters.

We are sure that the attractions of Istanbul presented by us with their photos, names and descriptions will help you create a wonderful excursion route. We also recommend that you familiarize yourself with the attractions of other cities in Turkey and get inspired for further travel around Turkey. In the travel agency TurPoisk you can always choose a vacation package or an excursion tour to the attractions.