I travel to Istanbul frequently (up to 4 times a year). Many friends, family and fellow travellers ask me “Why Istanbul?”, and “What is there to do?” and even “What is your obsession with this city?” So I decided to write this article and just send the link to whoever asks! My list is not in order of the best but is area by area starting with SultanAhmet (the main touristic place). So, here is my top 33:
- Sultanahmet Camii (The Blue Mosque). This mosque was constructed during the reign of Ahmed I and designed by the great Mimar Sinan. This mosque was completed in 1616 and built right in front of the Hagia Sophia (which was a church at the time)
Typically I would spend 3-4 hours here to admire the beauty of the mosque inside and outside! Don’t miss the courtyard and listen to the beautiful call to prayer from the outside. If you visit after dark you will get to witness the beautiful illuminating effect!
- Hagia Sophia. First a church, and then a mosque and now a museum! This is one of the oldest churches in the world and dates back to the Byzantine era. After the conquest of Constantinople, the Ottomans converted the church into a mosque
I would recommend vsiting Hagia Sophia and Sultanahmet Camii on the same day. Hagia Sophia will take about 3 hours at least with the queue. Get there early to avoid waiting ages!
- Hafiz Mustafa Sirkeci. This ottoman style café will amaze you! With a selection of Turkish desserts including Lokum (Turkish Delight), Baklava and some puddings amongst other items. There is also a great selection of drinks.
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I recommend the freshly squeezed drinks and the Rice Pudding (Firin Sutlac). The cakes are amazing too! SO FRESH!
- Eminonu. Eminonu is at the edge of the Bosphorous. Here, you can catch boats to different places in Istanbul. It is also where you can get a Bosphorous tour from. Most importantly STREET FOOD! There are little boats which make Balik Ekmek (Fish Sandwich) and little stations which make corn, Simit (Turkish bagel with sesame seeds) and some other items.
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The Spice Bazaar. Also known as Misir Bazaar/Egyptian Bazaar, this bazaar has many shops that sell spices and herbs. You can pick up a assortment of spices and oils from here. It is much recommended to haggle here! The famous Mehmet Effendi Coffee is here too!
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The Grand Bazaar. With over 4000 stores, the grand bazaar is full of suprises. You never know what you may find in the Ottoman Bazaar. It is one of the oldest shopping destinations in the world.
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Suleymaniye Mosque. One of my favourite ottoman sultans, Sultan Suleyman ordered the great architect Mimar Sinan to build this mosque in the 16th century! Personally, this is my favourite mosque in Istanbul. Make sure you take a free mosque tour which is full of information on both the mosque and Islam.
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Arasta Bazaar. A small but cute bazaar just outside the Blue Mosque! Careful! The prices are sky high- you should haggle hard
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Topkapi Palace Museum. This is one of the most beautiful palaces in Istanbul. With access to the harem too, you can have a great day out. I recommend spending all day here. Furthermore, you can see relics from the prophets in Islam which are well kept and looked after. To find out more about the Ottoman Empire and how they lived, you must visit!
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Turkish And Islamic Arts Museum. Once the palace of Ibrahim Pasha, the best friend and brother in law of Sultan Suleyman the magnificent, the ex-palace now serves as a museum full of Islamic arts etc.
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Bosphorous Cruise Tour. The best tour in Istanbul in Summer! Some include dinner and entertainment. It depends on the price your willing to pay!
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Taksim Meydan! This famous square has both historical and cultural significance for Turkish people! In the centre of the Meydan (square) is a statue!
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Istiklal Caddesi (Istiklal Street). Full of shopping and places do dine! There are some great coffee shops and shisha bars in the area.
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Besiktas Ground! The ground and the club shop is worth visiting! It’s beautiful inside and out!
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Besiktas Sea. When you cross the road from the ground, there is Dolmahbahce Mosque and the Palace. However next to that are some sea side restaurants and cafes that have an amazing view!
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The Galata Tower. This Medieval stone tower known as The Tower of Christ, was built in 1348 before the conquest of Constantinople. It was the tallest building of Istanbul.
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Whirling Dervishes show. At Hodjapasha Dance Theatre you can witness this amazing breathtaking experience! The amazing ritual of the Mevlevi order is fascinating.
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Taksim Tram. Originally started as horse trams but changed to electric, these trams have a heritage feel to them. Seeing or sitting on one is a great experience.
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Uskudar. The Asian side of Istanbul has its own set of things to do. The Mihrimah Camii which is also built by the great Sinan is beautiful.
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Camlica hill. This hill provides you with a panoramic view of the Bosphorous and Golden Horn. There are some nice tea houses and cafes. There is also a beautiful park and flower gardens. Camlica Mosque is set to open here soon and will be the largest mosque in Asia Minor.
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Kiz Kulesi (Maiden’s Tower). One of the (but in my opinion the top) most romantic places in Istanbul! Many couples visit this place and it is said that unmarried couples who visit here are very likely to marry soon! Check out the interior and go to the top of the tower for a magnificent view! Don’t forget to get a ottoman dress up photo shoot done on your way out!
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Princes Island. A really cute Greek style island on the Asian Side of Istanbul! This is popular with tourists. Buyukada is the larger and popular island. You could get to try some nice sea food restaurants and see the beautiful houses whilst taking a horse ride!
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Rumeli Hisari. A medieval castle built by Mehmed II. It’s absolutely beautiful!
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Rumeli Kavagi. Small fisherman town in Istanbul!
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Kadikoy. A large district on Asian side with easy access to Bagdat Street! The second tramway is here.
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Galata Bridge! A beautiful bridge across the Bosphorous. You will see many fisherman here and you can use this bridge to get from Karakoy to Sirkeci by walking. The bridge provide beautiful scenic views and a great view of the Suleymaniye mosque! You can see ferry boats and just absorb the beauty of Istanbul!
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Pierre Loti Hill. Pierre Loti was a famous French poet who was astonished by the beauty of Istanbul which he witnessed by this very hill which was named after him. You can get a great view of the Golden Horn! There is a cafe where you can sit and enjoy! To get to the hill you can take a cable car from behind Eyup Mosque!
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Miniaturk. This is especially enjoyable for kids. With mini versions of great buildings it can be a great starting for any tourist to decide where they want to go!
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Eyup Camii. This mosque is famous for being the resting place of Muslim prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) close friend Eyup who hosted him during his travels!
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Balisca Cistern. Underwater ancient cistern. You may see Medusa’s head here!
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Dolmahbace Sarayi. A very beautiful palace that has been well kept. It was the main administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire in 19th and 20th century! There’s a lot to discover about this palace and you may do so with a tour!
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Beylerbeyi Palace. Commissioned by Sultan Abdul Aziz, this palace was a summer home that hosted important people!
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Chora church. A 4th century church still standing to date
Glad you like it! This is a very small amount of things. Istanbul is very big and possibilities are endless!