Places to visit and see in Istanbul are very impressive. Istanbul offers great sights and points of interest for its visitors. Of course it is not possible to mention all the best Istanbul sights, but here you may find the most fascinating, top 10 and the ones that you won’t want to miss on your Istanbul visit. Find things to do in Istanbul, days out, attractions and sightseeing in Istanbul, what’s on, Istanbul festivals and events, tours, restaurants and hotels in Istanbul. Plan your trip to Istanbul with useful traveler information.
1. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Located in the Sultanahmet neighborhood, Hagia Sophia is a former church and museum, now a mosque. It is one of the world’s greatest architectural works and accepted as the 8th wonder of the world, experience the history in the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. As it serves as a mosque now, entrance to Hagia Sophia is FREE of charge.
2. Topkapi Palace Museum
Located in the Sultanahmet neighborhood, Topkapi Palace is a magnificent oriental palace and one of world’s richest museums that is situated on a triangular promontory dominating the Bosphorus & Golden Horn. It was the residence of the Ottoman Sultans from 15th century to mid-19th century. It has four courtyards, terraces with astonishing views, as well as precious collections, one of the top tourist attractions in the city.
3. Basilica Cistern
One of the most impressive and mystical buildings in the city. The two Medusa Heads, which are used as supports under the two columns at the northwest edge of the cistern, take the most interest and attracts the visitors.
4. Istanbul Archaeology Museums
Located in the Sultanahmet neighborhood, Istanbul Archaeology Museums are one of the richest archaeology museums in the world. The museums contains an immense collection of Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine works and items including sculptures and sarcophagi and consist of three separate museums on one site that include the Archaeology Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Orient and the Tiled Pavilion. That’s why it’s called plural.
5. Galata Tower
Located in the Galata neighborhood, Galata Tower, topped with a distinctive witch’s-hat roof, is an old Genoese tower overlooking the city and has a luxurious restaurant at the top. Travelers may enjoy the 360 degrees excellent panoramic views of Istanbul, Golden Horn and Bosphorus.
6. Sultanahmet Square & Blue Mosque
Located in the Sultanahmet neighborhood, the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) is a great sample of the Turkish and Islamic architecture and one of the most visited sights and mosques in Istanbul. It can also be considered as a triumph of harmony, proportion and elegance.
7. Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsi)
Located in the Beyazit neighborhood, the Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsi) is an excellent shopping adventure that you won’t want to miss. A series of covered streets feature over 4,000 merchants all selling their products and wares. You can find anything here from boots and slippers to gold and silver jewelry.
8. Princes’ Islands
The Princes’ Islands is one of the best preserved natural areas and sights in Istanbul. This summer sightseeing islands (Buyukada is the most popular one) was once the pleasure island of the Byzantine Princes, and it boasts a stunning pinewood scenery. You can experience an island tour by horse-drawn carriages, and take a lunch at a local fish restaurant by the sea.
9. Istiklal Street
Located in the Taksim neighborhood, Istiklal Street (Istiklal Avenue) is probably the most famous street and entertainment area in Istanbul. It is a long colorful pedestrian street full of all kind of shops, restaurants, cafes, street shows and more.
10. Sea Life Aquarium
Sea Life Istanbul is an aquarium and entertainment center located in the Forum Shopping Center in Bayrampasa district. It is the 5th largest aquarium in the world having an impressive 47 display tanks and more than 15,000 sea creatures. Visitors may experience and enjoy the lovely sea creatures, the largest collection of sharks in Europe, the Digital Aquarium, the Turtle Hospital where you may see the injured turtles are getting healed, thematic zones, school trips, birthday parties and much more.
