Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and our guide to the Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Istanbul: Insider Tips & Practical Info.
Istanbul (formerly known as Constantinople) is not only situated on two continents, it also spans the ancient and modern world. The old city is located on the European side of the Bosphorus whereas the more modern areas are located in Asia. It even has an airport in each continent!
The most important sites are located in the city centre, on the European side and they are mostly within walking distance of each other. The architecture is spectacular and several of the key sites you should make sure to visit include the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace, Sultanahmet Square, the Basilica Cistern and the Dolmabahçe Palace.
If you want to visit the Asian side, I recommend booking a hop-on, hop-off Bosphorus cruise. You can hop on and off as many times as you want in the day, and as well as getting a cruise along the Bosphorus, it is the easiest way to get to some of the landmarks on the Asian side.
Insider Tip: Opt for a sunset cruise for breathtaking views of the city’s illuminated skyline.
Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Istanbul: Insider Tips & Practical Info
Istanbul, the vibrant city where East meets West, is rich in history, culture, and breathtaking sights. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or adventure seeker, Istanbul has something for you. Here are the top ten things to do in Istanbul, complete with insider tips to enhance your visit.
1. The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque)
A masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, the Blue Mosque is famous for its blue Iznik tiles and impressive domes.
The Blue Mosque (also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is one of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks, and it’s visible from just about anywhere in the city centre, with its 5 domes and 6 minarets.
A minaret is a tall slender tower of a mosque having one or more balconies from which the summons to prayer is cried by the muezzin (crier) 5 times a day.
It is especially beautiful at night, when it is illuminated and the fountains in front of it dance and sparkle in the moonlight.
The “Blue” refers to the colour of the mosaics that adorn the interior. Entrance is free, but you should be prepared to queue and also bear in mind that it is primarily a place of worship. You will be expected to respect the calm of the mosque and also to wear a skirt or long trousers (no bare legs) and women will be expected to wear a veil or a shawl to cover their heads. You will also have to remove your shoes before entering. Everything you need is provided free of charge at the reception (veils, skirts and plastic bags for your shoes).
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 6:45 PM
Entrance Fee: Free. If you’re a worshipper, you can use the main entrance on the north side facing the Hippodrome. If you’re a non-worshipper, you can use the entrance on the south side of the mosque or the one opposite Hagia Sophia.
Insider Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds, and book a combined tour with Hagia Sophia.
2. One of the Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Istanbul is Hagia Sophia
One of the most iconic landmarks in the world, the Hagia Sophia has transformed from a church to a mosque to a museum and back to a mosque. Its stunning dome and intricate mosaics are a must-see.
Hagia Sophia is just across the square from the Blue Mosque and was originally constructed as a Christian Orthodox church in the 6th century.
However, In 1453 the Ottomans, led by Emperor Fatih Sultan Mehmed—known as Mehmed the Conqueror—captured Constantinople and renamed the city Istanbul, and as the Ottomans’ religion was Islam, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque.
A mihrab (or nave) was installed in the wall to indicate the direction towards Mecca, and four minarets were also added to the original building during this period, partly for religious purposes (for the muezzin call to prayer) and partly to fortify the structure following earthquakes that struck the city around this time.
In 1935, nine years after the Republic of Turkey was established by Ataturk, Hagia Sophia became a museum.
Opening Hours: 9am to 7h30 pm
Entrance Fee: 25€ since January 2024
Insider Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds, and dress modestly as it is an active place of worship.
Just like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia is especially beautiful after dark.
3. Sultanahmet Square
Sultanahmet Square is the ancient hippodrome and it’s located between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. In ancient times, it was the sporting center of Istanbul, but nowadays the main attraction is the Obelisk of Theodosius, imported from Egypt in the 4th century.
The square also offers beautiful views of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
4. The Basilica Cistern is one of the Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Istanbul
The Basilica Cistern is also located in this “golden triangle“, and is well worth a visit. It was built in the 6th century and was used to store water during Roman times.
It was featured in the 2016 film “Inferno”, starring Tom Hanks, based on the novel by Dan Brown.
It’s a beautiful underground chamber, filled with impressive, perfectly preserved columns, two of which feature the face of Medusa – a monster in Greek mythology.
An underground marvel, this ancient cistern is an architectural and atmospheric wonder, perfect for escaping the heat. Don’t miss the Medusa head columns and the eerie, glowing ambiance. You can book a skip the line ticket with guided tour.
Opening Hours: 9 AM–6:30 PM, 7:30–10 PM
Insider Tip: Visit in the evening for a magical atmosphere with dim lighting and eerie reflections.
5. Topkapi Palace
This beautiful 15th century palace is located right to the East of Hagia Sophia, and is without a doubt one of the Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Istanbul.
It was built in 1461 by Mehmet the Conqueror, soon after the Ottoman capture of Constantinople and it remained the seat of the rulers of the Ottoman Empire until Sultan Abdülmecid I moved the imperial home to Dolmabahçe Palace in 1853.
It was converted into a museum after the creation of the Turkish Republic in 1924 and is a must see for any tourist visiting Istanbul, providing a glimpse into the grandeur of the empire. Don’t miss The Harem (which requires an additional ticket), the Imperial Treasury, and the breathtaking views over the Bosphorus.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed Tuesdays)
Insider Tip: Rent an audio guide or join a guided tour to truly appreciate the history of the Ottoman sultans.
The palace is set in a wooded area in the old city and comprises four different courtyards and various exhibitions.
6 Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace replaced Topkapi Palace as the main seat of the Ottoman Empire in 1853, as Sultan Abdülmecid wanted a more European Palace, and also preferred the strategic location of the Palace on the Bosphorus.
The Palace is 600m long and took 13 years to build, and comprises 285 rooms and 43 halls. There is a ballroom and a ceremonial hall at the very center of the palace, and the impressive 4.5 tonne chandelier in the ceremonial hall was a present from Queen Victoria, and is the world’s largest Bohemian crystal chandelier.
Dolmabahçe Palace became Atatürk’s Presidential Palace upon the declaration of the Turkish Republic. Ataturk died in the palace on November 10th 1938, and the clock remains set to the time he died, 9:05 am!
Dolmabahçe Palace became a museum in 1984, and is open to the public every day except Monday and Thursday, but individuals are not allowed to visit without a tour guide. Again, it’s worth booking a guided tour or you will have to wait until a local guide is ready for you.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
Insider Tip: No photography is allowed inside, so soak in the opulence with your eyes.
7. The Grand Bazaar is a must-see on your trip to Istanbul
Don’t miss out on a trip to the Grand Bazaar – one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, offering everything from spices to textiles and jewelry.
Where else can you find 6000 boutiques, with different stalls selling everything from carpets, jewellery, souvenirs, clothing and leather goods?
Shopping at the Grand Bazaar is one of the most fun things to do in Istanbul! Haggling is expected and you can always get a good bargain for your purchases.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM 7:00 PM (Closed Sundays)
Entrance Fee: Free
Insider Tip: Bargaining is expected—start at 50% of the asking price and negotiate!
8. The Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazar) and the Suleymaniye Mosque
The Spice Bazaar is about 15 minutes north from the Topkapi Palace, and it’s the second famous shopping mall in Istanbul, after the Grand Bazaar.
As its name suggests, it’s specifically oriented to those who love food, especially oriental spices!
A feast for the senses, this bazaar is the best place to find Turkish delights, saffron, and aromatic spices.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Entrance Fee: Free
Insider Tip: Sample Turkish delight and saffron before purchasing; vendors often offer free tastings.
It’s very close to the Suleymaniye Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Istanbul. Whilst not as famous as the Blue Mosque, it is equally impressive and worth a visit.
9. Galata Tower
Considered among the oldest towers in the world and one of the symbols of İstanbul, Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List in 2013.
It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Istanbul, offering stunning panoramic views of the city’s historic skyline. Dating back to 1348, this medieval stone tower was originally built by the Genoese as part of their fortifications. Over the centuries, it has served various purposes, from a fire watchtower to a prison.
Today, it stands as a must-visit attraction, providing visitors with an unparalleled view of Istanbul’s bustling streets, the Bosphorus, and the Golden Horn.
The 360-degree view from the top is breathtaking, especially at sunset when the city is bathed in golden light. Inside the tower, there’s a small museum showcasing the history of Galata and Istanbul.
The Galata district is full of charming streets, art galleries, and trendy cafes, making it a great place to explore after your visit.
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Insider Tip: If you want to avoid the entrance fee, you can still enjoy a fantastic view from nearby rooftops and cafes in the Galata district.
10. Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian Side is also one of the Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Istanbul
If you take a hop-on, hop-off Bosphorus cruise, then one of the stops on the Asian side is Beylerbeyi, and I would definitely recommend hopping off to visit the Beylerbeyi Palace.
This palace was the summer residence of the sultans and it was built between 1861-1865 in French neo-baroque style.
The palace has a rectangular plan with the long side facing the Bosphorus. There are 6 large halls and 24 rooms on two floors. You can choose to visit the interior of the Palace or if you are in a rush to hop back on the Bosphorus Cruise it’s possible to buy a ‘gardens only’ ticket.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (closed Mondays)
Insider Tip: Wednesdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays are the quietest days.
INTERESTING QUIRKS ABOUT ISTANBUL
Two surprising things I noticed :
- the high number of bandaged heads, especially men. It seems that Istanbul has a booming business in cosmetic surgery, especially male hair transplants. On a quick stroll through Istanbul and on guided visits, you are likely to come across half a dozen men with the painful raw scalps and bandages that indicate a recent operation!
- the surprising number of stray cats and dogs ( however, it seems that the city has developed a collective responsibility for strays and most hotels/ restaurants and residents don’t mind sharing their leftovers.)
Final Thoughts on Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Istanbul: Insider Tips & Practical Info
From historical landmarks to vibrant bazaars and stunning views, Istanbul is a city that never ceases to amaze. Plan your itinerary wisely, and don’t forget to savor the delicious Turkish cuisine along the way!
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