Attractions
Istanbul's most prominent attractions are of the architectural
variety, a selection of formidable and historical structures that
make sightseeing in Istanbul educational as well as visually
rewarding.
Sightseeing in Istanbul offers attractions such as the Hagia
Sophia, a huge museum and former cathedral, that is adorned with
stunning mosaics. Another iconic Istanbul attraction is the Blue
Mosque, with its graceful minarets and tiered domes. The 1st
century Sunken Palace is supported by hundreds of underground
columns, an essential Istanbul landmark.
While sightseeing in Istanbul, Galata Tower offers visitors a
360º panoramic view of the old town. Nearby, the 5th century
Land Walls stand testament to the city's resistance of its 1453
conquest by the Ottoman Empire. The Covered Bazaar, or Kapali
Çarsi, is the oldest and biggest enclosed bazaar in the
world, a must-see while in Istanbul.
Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya)
Famous for its impressive size, remarkable architecture and
beautiful mosaics and frescoes, the massive ochre-coloured domed
structure known as Hagia Sophia is one of Istanbul’s most
popular attractions. It was commissioned as a cathedral in the 6th
century and remained the most important church...
see full detailsBlue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii)
The Sultan Ahmet Camii, commonly known as the Blue Mosque, with
its tiers of magnificent domes and six graceful minarets is one of
the most striking and immediately distinguishable structures on the
Istanbul’s skyline. Constructed as an Islamic rival to the
Hagia Sophia in...
see full detailsTopkapi Palace Museum
The Topkapi Sarayi, built by Mehmet the Conqueror as a Sultan's
Palace, consists of a sprawling collection of buildings arranged
around several interconnecting courtyards. Magnificently situated
on one of the seven hills of Istanbul with uninterrupted views over
the Bosphorus River and the Golden...
see full detailsTurkish and Islamic Art Museum
The grand 16th century palace of the sultan’s Grand
Vizier, Ibrahim Pasa, today houses the Turkish and Islamic Art
Museum, containing what many consider to be the finest collection
of Islamic artefacts in the world. The palace itself was the finest
private residence ever...
see full detailsCovered Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi)
The oldest and biggest enclosed bazaar in the world, also known
as the Grand Bazaar, is one of the most enticing and mesmerizing
attractions in Istanbul. Consisting of a vast labyrinth of 65
twisting streets crammed with more than 4,000 shops, teahouses,
hamams (Turkish...
see full detailsSunken Palace
Also known as the Underground Cistern or Yerebatan Saray, this
eerie cavern was built by Constantinople the Great around 532 AD
and is held up below ground by 336 columns. Once a set for the
James Bond film,
From Russia with Love,...
see full detailsGalata Tower
Erected as a bastion for the walls of the 14th century colony of
Galata, the tower offers a 360º panoramic view of the old
town. Today it is a sought-after conference venue, offering fine
dining at the resident restaurant and belly dancing displays...
see full detailsDolmache Palace
This second palace of the Ottoman Sultans was once the Sultan's
harem and is an ostentatious interior of crystal chandeliers, the
one adorning the grand hall weighing in at four tons (4,000 kg). On
the exterior, the palace has an extensive and beautiful...
see full detailsHippodrome
The ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople was built between 200
and 300 as a stadium for horse racing, chariot racing, and other
amusements. Seating up to 100,000 people, there isn't much
remaining of the structure today. Now the site of the Hippodrome in
Istanbul is...
see full detailsWhirling Dervishes
Dervishes - Sufi ascetics who follow a religious path of extreme
austerity - form an interesting and inspiring part of Turkey's
cultural make-up. Taking solemn vows of poverty, Dervishes are
required to beg in order to learn the value of humility, yet are
not...
see full detailsCemberlitas Hamami
For those who wish to experience the 'real Turkey' while on
holiday in Istanbul, a trip to the Cemberlitas Hamami is a highly,
highly recommended activity. Built in 1584 by legendary architect
Mimar Sinan, the Cemberlitas Hamami is one of the oldest, biggest
and...
see full detailsNargile Bars
Nargile pipes, also known around the world as
hookah,
hubble-bubble or
shisha pipes, are a cultural institution
in Turkey, with their origins dating back to the Ottoman Empire in
the 17th century. These glass-bodied pipes work by drawing the
smoke from flavoured tobacco through...
see full details