You have missed it all if you haven’t been to Istanbul on your Turkey trip. Istanbul stands among the world’s great metropolises, as there are many things to do there.
After being conquered by the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul got its glorious place as the empire’s heart. But Istanbul was officially renamed after Turkey was established, and its history is illustrious. Istanbul, being a tourist attraction, offers awe-struck visitors.
Istanbul offers the big four, the Hagia Sophia Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar, which are must-exploring places. You can visit the famous and most-visited places of or near Sultanahmet’s old city district, as there are so many eye-catching things to do throughout the city.
1. Hagia Sophia Mosque
Hagia Sophia Mosque is the most marvellous and dazzled church because of its eye-catching beauty.
Almost 1000 years ago, Byzantine Emperor Justinian entered the church and yelled, “God bless you for judging me worthy of such a task. I have outdone you, Solomon!”
The Hagia Sophia Church is also known as Aya Sofya in Turkish. The emperor made the bold declaration of the empire with great wealth and technological prowess in the world.
As strongly stated by the king, the church surrounding the throne is considered the world centre.
The Hagia Sophia is the most photogenic and beloved landmark in Turkey. Hagia Sophia was converted back into a working mosque at the end of 2020.
2. Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace is another magnificent palace built in the 15th century by Mehmet the Conqueror, and it is where Ottomans first ruled.
It is an Islamic art offering vast and complex art with affluent enclosures banded by complex hand-painted tilework. And with a maze of lavish rooms with boundaries of walls and towers.
Another popular attraction is the Harem complex, where the sultan lived with their mistresses and children. The second court offers you so many rooms, kitchens, and the lavish interiors of the council chamber. The third court had all the sultans’ private rooms in the palace.
But the exciting thing is the third court has the imperial treasury. It also offers a vast collection of Prophet Muhammad antiques in the safe-kept sacred room.
3. Blue Mosque
Sultan Ahmet, I’s gifted this breathtaking architectural gift to the capital. You know why this magnificent mosque is blue because of its splendid blue colour.
Blue Mosque is a one-of-a-kind mosque that was built between 1609 and 1616, but it caused a lot of disturbance among the Muslims. Because it has six minarets, the same as the Great Mosque of Mecca, later Mecca added a seventh minaret to pacify.
It was initially known as Sultan Ahmed mosque, and the interior is decorated with many Iznik tiles. This colour effect in the overall space of the mosque offers excellent Ottoman architecture.
Visit the beautiful gardens between the two big Blue Mosques and Hagia Sophia for marvellous views. And with the glory of visiting Istanbul. Join the evening prayer to mesmerize with the godly feels around.
You can buy local handicrafts with high-quality designs at a local shop in Arasta Bazaar. If you are not in the mood for shopping, shop in the Great Palace Mosaic Museum between the Arasta bazaar and the mosque.
The tiny museum has it all, which shows a 250-square-meter mosaic pavement made in the 50s. Mosaic tile design was discovered and entailed excellent information panels.
4. Basilica Cistern
Istanbul has Basilica Cistern as the most unexpected and most-visited tourist attraction. Byzantine emperors used the technique to store the water in a palace-like underground place with 336 columns and 12 rows supplying water.
Construction was started by Constantine the Great, but Emperor Justinian took the completion process into his hands and completed it in the sixth century.
For the construction of the Basilica Cistern, many columns were used and repurposed from classic structures and had decorative carvings. Medusa stones are used to build columns with Medusa head carvings. The northwest corners are incredibly lit, with steady waves around you. It is the best place to visit.
5. Hippodrome
Septimius Severus built the Hippodrome in CE 203. Then, it was completed by Constantine the Great in CE 330. It hosted many chariot races, marvellous games, fictional conflicts, and dramas and was considered the epicentre of Byzantine public life.
It is counted as the best thing to do in Istanbul because of the stones and gallery walls. At Meydan, you can catch many glimpses of several monuments. You will find a fountain on the northwest side built in 1898 by the Ottoman Sultan with German Emperor William II.
If you head toward the southwest, you will notice three ancient antiques: A 20-meter-high Egyptian obelisk, Constantine’s Serpent Column and a Stone obelisk.
6. Istanbul Archaeology Museum
Istanbul Archaeology Museum is just a walk away from Topkapi Palace. It offers a plethora of artifacts describing Turkey and the Middle East, showing the region’s rich history.
You should visit all three sections of the museum. This museum of ancient Orient houses offers a collection of pre-Islamic art and antiques to insight into the heritage.
The archaeology museum has a variety of sculptures and tombs. It is also well-known for the sarcophaguses founded during the Ottoman Empire and architect Osman Hamdi Bey in Sidon, Lebanon. Istanbul is shown through the exhibit rooms, which helps to get a vast history of Istanbul.
It was built by Mehmet the Conqueror. The tiled pavilion has housed varied ceramic art and pavilion and is considered the museum’s third structure.
7. Grand Bazaar
After enjoying some fun things to do, it’s time to go shopping at Grand Bazaar! It is just as exciting as other museums and historic sites.
Grand Bazaar is a massive market and exactly the world’s first shopping mall. Because it occupies an entire city covered with thick walls between the Nuruosmanye and Beyazt Mosques, this Bezayt mosque covers the site of Theodosius I’s Forum.
It is similar to Hagia Sophia’s architecture.
You have a variety of 11 gates to enter the Grand Bazaar. The Burned Column is located near the bazaar’s Divanyolu Caddesi entrance. It has a labyrinth of vaulted ceiling lanes studded with stalls.
It has every Turkish souvenir and handicrafts to get as a memory of a visit. The best thing is that the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, and Topkapi Palace are all within walking distance of the Grand Bazaar.
You would see different trades spread out at the stalls with specific sections. Constantine the Great built this porphyry column of a 40-metre-high stump in his forum. Because of his continued participation in so many monument constructions, he housed a bronze statue of Constantine until 1105.
8. Suleyman Mosque
Süleymaniye Mosque is now where you should visit Istanbul’s well-known landmarks. It is situated on the hill above Sultanahmet district and has honed the badge of the beautiful mosque.
It was honoured for Tukey’s famous Ottoman-era monuments. And was gifted by the famed Ottoman architect to Sultan Süleyman I. And if you look at the interiors of the Süleymaniye Mosque, the 53-meter-high dome has so many proportions and designs to notice.
The garden area is the most serene place of the Ottoman-era cemetery, with the tombs of Sultan Süleyman and his wife, Haseki Hürrem Sultan. Visit süleymaniye mosque when you visit Istanbul, turkey.
9. Spice Bazaar
To all the foodies and spice fanatics, the Spice Bazaar is where you can taste the famous lokum( the particular Turkish delight) and some dried fruits, nuts, herbs, and spices. The exciting fact you get now is it is made by taxes lifted by the Ottoman rule of Egyptian goods and named (Msr arşs), which means “Egyptian Market.”
Spice Bazaar is the best thing to do in Istanbul and the most popular tourist attraction. But find yourself lucky if you don’t get to a crowded place or the large hoards of people would be stepping on you. It is among the most popular spice markets worldwide, so enjoy the intense fragrances of spices.
You can visit the spice market from the main entrance of Yeni Cami ( New Mosque), which was inaugurated in 1663.
10. Dolmabahçe Palace
Next, we move on to the lavish and larger-than-life Dolmabahçe palace built by the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century, and a lot of European influence can be seen through the architecture. Sultan Abdülmecid I replace Topkapi Palace with it for the Sultan’s primary residence.
Dolmabahçe palace was used as a residence for officials during the establishment of the Turkish Republic, and later, Atatürk died in 1938.
Flower beds emanate beauty, and fountains and ornamental basins create a scenic view.
Masterclass architectural rococo, baroque, neoclassical, gigantic crystal chandeliers, and the Turkish empire had great use of gold, French style furnishings, and frescoed ceilings, creating resonant style to sheer magnificently built Dolmabahçe palace.
11. Chora Church
Chora means “country” in Greek, and it is the adorable Church of St. Saviour of Chora. It is located on the outskirts of the city walls of old Constantinople. It is among the best museums and is one of the must-do things in Istanbul, Turkey.
The brilliant Church underwent many refurbishments from the 11th to 14th Centuries. Chora Church was originally built in the fifth century, but the current structure is the result of several reconstructions, with the most recent one taking place from the 11th to 14th centuries.
The Church was transfigured into a mosque before becoming a lovely museum in 1945, followed by the Turkish Empire’s conquest of Constantinople. The Church was re-opened and again to a mosque in 2020.
It is well-known for its vibrant mosaics used in the 14th century, but it turned into a museum in 1945, along with narthexes and frescoes with walls and domes.
12. Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
Coming down to another museum – the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts. It will take you to Ottoman and Islamic art. You will cherish the carpet collection presented and be honoured with the best in the world of textiles.
It is an elucidating place for carpet lovers and a must-visit thing to do in Istanbul. Embark on the journey to explore the world of carpets.
You will look up to ceramics, calligraphy, and wood carving dating from the 9th century CE to the 19th century.
13. Little Aya Sofya
So, a little story here is when Justinian wanted to build Hagia Sophia, but he first made a miniature and named it Little Aya Sofya.
It was initially known as the Church of Sergius and Bacchus, but the similarities with the Aya Sofya led to its nickname becoming its official name.
It was also among the conversions but continued to be the mosque. You shouldn’t miss its interior glimpses at Istanbul’s lavish setups and beautiful buildings.
Get a walk to narrow alleyways along the Ottoman monuments and some dilapidated central Sultanahmet.
Relaxing here with a cup of tea in the gardens of Little Aya Sofya helps to recharge batteries for adventures.
14. Rustem Pasa Mosque
Counting onto the beautiful Rüstem Paşa Mosque, which has its beauty collection of Iznik tiles.
The blue mosque has already grabbed the eyeballs, but the gorgeously hand-painted intricate designs in blue, red, and green hues cover the interiors and exteriors.
Because it is less populated, you can admire it from close up without any stampede! It’s a picture-perfect mosque with lined-up stalls and all the hustle and bustle near the spice bazaar.
15. Yedikule Fortress
Yedikule because it is a castle with seven towers. The fortress was built in the 5th century under Emperor Theodosius II and formed the southern section of Constantinople’s defensive walls.
The blocked era is Porta Aurea, which has gold-plated doors. The conquests by the Ottomans used it as a defensive structure for prison and executions. It has been restored to the top of the battlements for spectacular views of the Marmara Sea.
16. Galata Tower
It is situated on the Galata Bridge and Istanbul’s attraction centre. In the 14th century, the Genoese built this tower, similar to the Golden Horn.
It has the best panoramic views of the whole city and is considered a vantage point from which to view Old Istanbul.
It stood 52 m high long ago and was Istanbul’s tallest building. It can be damaged due to extreme weather and restored multiplayer. In the bustling markets, walk around the neighbours like Taksim Square, Galata Tower, Tunnel Square, and Dervish Lodge.
The observation deck and the top restaurant offer the best skyline of old Istanbul. However, be aware that it is a prevalent sight, so arrive early or prepare to queue. However, remember it is a prevalent sight, so come early or prepare to queue.
17. Bosphorus Strait
Your Istanbul trip is incomplete without a trip on the Bosphorus cruise, the famous waterway that connects the Black Sea to the Marmara Sea.
You will get the best views of Istanbul from the water in the Bosphorus excursion ferries and relax with your family. The ferry starts from Eminönü ferry dock and travels through the village and fortress of Anadolu Kava into the Black Sea.
It includes all the inclusive places of defensive fortresses, Ottoman palaces, and the Bosphorus bridges. The long Bosphorus is a total of 2 hours, stops in Anadolu Kavağı for three hours, and the entire day to explore the city.
From spring to fall, the Short Bosphorus Tour offers daily afternoon sailings. And this return ferry cruise heads up the Bosphorus before turning around.
18. Turkish Delights
Around the Galata tower tour, you will find many Turkish delights and their very own Turkish tea and Turkish coffee while people gaze. However, Turkish Delight can be purchased anywhere in Istanbul.
You can have more things to do there because Istanbul is famous for its delicious Turkish food and sweets.
19. Whirling Dervish
As discussed earlier, in the Galata Tower, you will get it all: cafes, nightclubs, and restaurants, and enjoy special Turkish shows like belly dancing and whirling dervishes. Nothing is more exciting than watching talented belly dancers and whirling dervish performances in Istanbul.
And the 1001 Turkish Nights Performance will amaze you. You will enjoy the music, a Fasil orchestra with a glass of wine, gin, vodka, and Raki.
The Istanbul City Pass lets you visit 30 attractions, including a whirling dervish show in Hodjapasha Hamam.
20. Istanbul Modern Gallery
This Istanbul Modern Gallery has a collection of Turkish classic art with a seasonal calendar of exhibitions. It hosts local artists from different countries annually, hence making the Istanbul site just not only for historical sightseeing.
It is one of the best places to glimpse Turkey’s contemporary art scene. In addition to the famous galleries, Istanbul Modern has a theatre and a library.
The solid foundation for the art museum is being built in Karaköy. Gallery spaces are non-permanently housed in historic buildings.
21. Istiklal Street
Istiklal Street is a heated-up street with many hustle-bustle in the city. It’s a 1.4-kilometre stretch crossing cinemas, boutiques, cafes, and clubs.
Try Turkish delight treats or medications. If you don’t want to walk, you can take the historic tram to Taksim Square.
22. Fatih Mosque
The original Fatih Mosque was built in the 15th century, but the current building of the Fatih Mosque was constructed in the 18th century. Don’t you think it is a must-visit historical thing to do in Istanbul?
It is also a popular pilgrimage site because it is the first of Istanbul’s grand mosques to be built.
Key Takeaways
Istanbul is a well-known cultural capital of monotheistic religious communities with different histories, architectural domes, and minarets. You will find a lot of legendary buildings by ancient rulers along with warm places and a lively atmosphere.
Istanbul, Turkey, is a unique city with it all for its visitors. Along with simple, modern living is also supported by many things to do in Istanbul. You can also stay in the many accommodations without creating holes in your pocket.
Last Updated on May 10, 2024 by Arnab Nandi
