Must-Do Things in Istanbul

more than a year ago

Istanbul is a city that offers history, adventure, and relaxation in equal measure. It has a modern, cosmopolitan feel and a rich history, which makes it one of the most popular destinations in the world. If you're looking for a place where you can experience history and culture while enjoying modern amenities, Istanbul is the place to go. You'll find yourself surrounded by ancient mosques and churches, as well as modern shopping centers. If you’re from the US, you can easily get a Türkiye visa for US citizens online before your trip. Then you’re all set for your Turkish escape!

Sultanahmet neighborhood

Sultanahmet is a neighbourhood in Istanbul that has become known for its history and architecture. It’s one of the most visited places in the city, and it is easy to see why. The neighbourhood has a rich history that dates back thousands of years ago, and it’s also home to many beautiful sights and sounds that make it an ideal destination for tourists. It's also just a great place to hang out. You can find traditional Turkish restaurants serving up local cuisine, shops selling everything from Turkish tea sets to carpets and rugs, and some pretty cool bars.

Dolmabahce Palace

Dolmabahce Palace is a monumental structure in Istanbul. It was built by the Ottoman sultan Abdül Mecid I and is situated on the European shore of the Bosphorus strait, at the north end of Beşiktaş district. The palace served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire from 1856 until 1922. Nowadays, Dolmabahçe Palace is one of the most important historical museums in Istanbul. The palace is decorated with marble, crystal chandeliers, bronze fountains and murals that depict scenes from Turkish folklore. It’s also home to the largest Bohemian crystal chandelier in the world.

Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace is located in the Fatih district of the city. It served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire from the 1460s to 1856, when it was then moved to Dolmabahce Palace. After being used as the Ottoman sultan's main residence for 400 years, Topkapi Palace was abandoned by Ottoman rulers following the end of World War I and was converted into a museum in 1924 by the Republic of Turkey. The palace is notable for its architecture, which combines Turkish, Islamic and Byzantine elements; it has been described as “a jumble of almost every style of architecture known to mankind”.

Hagia Sophia Mosque

Hagia Sophia Mosque is a landmark building in Istanbul. It was originally built as an Eastern Orthodox basilica in the 6th century, then converted into a mosque by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453. It has since been secularized and opened as a museum. The mosque is famous for being one of the largest and most beautiful buildings ever built, and it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For decades, the Hagia Sophia was run by the Turkish government as an Islamic museum, attracting millions of visitors each year who come to see its beautiful mosaics and artworks. However, in 2022, it was controversially once again converted into an active mosque.

Suleymaniye Mosque

Suleymaniye Mosque is one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in Istanbul. It was built to honor Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, who ruled the Ottoman Empire from 1520 to 1566. The mosque was designed by Mimar Sinan, a famous architect who also designed many other buildings in the city. Suleymaniye has a large courtyard with two minarets that can be seen from all over Istanbul. The interior of the mosque is decorated with carved marble and tiles, which were imported from Iznik.

Bosphorus Strait

The Bosphorus Strait is a natural waterway connecting the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, located between the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. The strait has been an important trade route since ancient times, and today is one of the busiest waterways in the world. The strait has been an important part of history for thousands of years—and it still is. If you're visiting Istanbul, take some time to visit this beautiful spot and watch ships go by. It's extremely popular with tourists, who come from around the world to see its beauty and experience its unique culture. The Bosphorus Strait is home to many monuments and museums, including the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Dolmabahce Palace.

Istanbul