Best Things To Do In Istanbul

The modern Istanbul has a unique history. Greek Settlers founded it in the seventh century. It is an important city for both Muslims and Christians. For many centuries, the city was the capital of several empires, including the Roman, Latin, late Byzantine, and Ottoman.

It was considered an unbeatable city cause of its protective walls until Muslim Sultan Muhammad Faithe conquered it. People used to call the city by name of Constantinople until in 1930 it was changed to Istanbul.

Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul, is the center of the nation’s economy, culture, and history. Istanbul is a mind-blowingly vibrant city, full of colors, history, people, and tasty food. There is also a fact that makes it unique which is that, it is the only city found on both continents. The city of Istanbul is located on both the European and Asian Continent. It is dived by the Bosphorus Strait. The city witnessed the rise and fall of empires. The architecture of the city is a fusion of Ottoman and Byzantine architecture. This city is never a boring travel destination, it is home to imperial mosques with elaborate interior tilework, bazaars offering everything from spices to antiquities, and opulent mansions.

There is an infinite list of things to do in Istanbul, ranging from the breathtaking vistas at Galata Tower to the enigmatic underground passageways of the Basilica Cistern. In Sultanahmet Square, see the renowned Blue Mosque tiles and the imposing Hagia Sophia, and immerse yourself in almost two millennia of history. See Topkapi Palace and Dolmahbace Palace to get a flavor of Ottoman imperial life. At the Grand Bazaar, discover live history and pick the ideal souvenir. Istanbul is heaven for food lovers, from kababs to shawarma, pickles to ice cream, there are a lot of things to do and great places to visit. The more you explore Istanbul, the more you fall in love with this city.

Here is the list of things to do and famous places to visit in Istanbul

Hagia Sofia Mosque

The Hagia Sophia is a popular tourist destination because of its magnificent interior vistas, remarkable architecture, and historical significance. This architectural wonder has a broad, flat dome that was a daring technical achievement and 30 million gold tiles throughout the building. The building was constructed between 532 and 537 to serve as a church but after the victory of Sultan Mehmet, the building was changed to Mosque.

The building also served as a museum for many decades after 1935. But now, it is an active Mosque. To go inside the Mosque, remove your shoes dress appropriately, and cover your hair also. Sit in the mosque and feel the peace, watch the beautiful interior and read the Quran, learn about the golden era of Islam, there are a lot of things to do here. We highly recommend visiting this Hagia Sofia Mosque.

Blue Mosque

This beautiful Mosque was constructed between 1609 and 1616, this striking mosque features six minarets. Why is it referred to as the “Blue Mosque?” There are two tales: the first, and more popular, is the Blue tiles that fill the inside of the Mosque. The second is that the Mosque’s blue exterior was once observed by ancient mariners passing past the mosque on the Marmara Sea. The Blue Mosque offers stunning architecture inside and out. To watch the Mosque, follow the rules of covering the hairs dress appropriately, and maintain the silence. All Mosques are open places for all religions. This Mosque is also one of the most visited places in Istanbul by tourists.

Grand Bazaar

 

The shopping market is also called Bazaar. To explore the local culture, food, and people, these are the places to visit. The Grand Bazaar is located in Beyazit Mahallesi, a nearby place to the Blue Mosque. It is one of the biggest shopping markets in the world consisting of 60 streets with more than 3,000 shops of clothes, desserts, kababs, jewelry, traditional carpets, and much more. This is a full adventurous place to see the local Istanbul and don’t forget to bargain as the shopkeepers are super friendly. Visiting the Bazaar at night has special vibes. We highly recommend visiting the Grand Bazaar cause of its beautiful shops and environment.

Beyoglu

After visiting the Grand Bazaar, you should also wander in the local neighborhood to eat local food and visit the local cafes or watch the clean streets of Istanbul. There is no better place than Beyoglu to explore the locals of Istanbul. Make sure to pause and take in the numerous old restaurants, art galleries, and shopping arcades tucked away in the side streets along Istiklal. The famous Istanbul Cinema Museum is also there in Beyoglu. Beyoglu is considered the heart of Istanbul’s local life. Imagine the nighttime and you are there eating the traditional food and drinking local Turkish coffee outside a fine restaurant, isn’t it a wonderful thought? Make sure to add Beyoglu to the list of places to visit in Istanbul.

Balat

Balat is also one of Istanbul’s trendiest neighborhoods like Beyoglu, with stunning architecture and a lively local culture. The famous neighborhood, which was once the city’s Jewish neighborhood, is still home to several ancient mosques and churches in addition to hundreds-year-old synagogues. Here you may go down to the shore for views of the Golden Horn, peruse charming antique stores, comfortable tea houses, and brand-new eateries.

Bosphorus Strait

Experience the Bosphorus Strait that divides Europe and Asia. To enjoy your Bosphorus Strait trip take a ride on one of the passenger ferries. There are routes that wind their way between the two ends of the strait, taking only a few hours and costing a few liras. The passenger ferries are cheap and allow you to interact with other tourists. The Bosphorus Strait also offers stunning views of the city.

We hope you will love this blog on the beautiful city of Istanbul, also read our blog on attractions in Dubai. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments section.

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