Top Things to do in Istanbul: Travel Guide to this Wonderful City

Topkapi Palace was main residence of Sultans from 1465 to 1856. Now this Palace is most visited attractions in Istanbul. Topkapi Palace consists of stunning courtyards, weapons, halls and the Harem which takes you back to the Ottoman history. I recommend you to buy a Museum pass which you can get in 85 Turkish Lira. This card has validity of 5 days during which you can visit all the famous museums of Istanbul.

Istanbul is full of beautiful historical mosques. One of the major highlights of Istanbul is its Blue Mosque also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque. The mosque has six magnificent minarets and unique domes which represent the classic Ottoman culture. This mosque should be on your list of things to do in Istanbul. You should also visit this mosque at night for its spectacular view.

Hagia Sophia is now one of the top attractions of Turkey and it’s on everyone’s wish list of things to do in Istanbul. Hagia Sophia served as a Church and a mosque for around 1400 years. If you visit this museum, you can witness the mixture of both Christian and Islamic culture.

Sulemaniye Mosque is considered as Istanbul’s one of the most beautiful Ottoman Mosques. The mosque features a number of gardens and stunning architecture. This mosque should be included in your things to do in Istanbul.

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Miniaturk is a miniature park located in the north eastern side of Golden Horn in Istanbul. This park features mini structures of 57 famous sites of Istanbul including Galata Tower, Hagia Sophia and Mevlana Museum.

Do you witness how it is like to live underground? Visit Basilica Cistern is Istanbul which is a historical underground city people used to store water and for many other things. This cistern is one of hundreds of cisterns located underground in Istanbul but only this one is open for the public.

Dolmabahce is a famous palace where Ataturk spent his last few days and died in his room. The magnificent palace depicts the classic decoration and architecture. Dolmabahce Palace replaced the Topkapi Palace as the residence of Sultans. There is a room inside this palace where Ataturk died and it also has the clock showing the exact time when he breathed his last. It’s a worth visiting place which should be added in your list of things to do in Istanbul.

Galata tower is Istanbul’s one of the most popular iconic landmarks. Built in 14^th century, this tower attracts millions of tourists each year. There is an entrance fee of 35 Turkish Lira in which you can go on the top and witness the stunning views of Istanbul.

Taksim square is the most crowded place you’ll find in Istanbul. This place is full of restaurants, bars, shops and street food entertaining thousands of visitors each day. The Taksim Square also features the famous Taksim Republic Monument. You should definitely visit this place if you are after some shopping, food and nightlife.

The Grand Bazaar is one of the biggest and oldest markets not only in Turkey bus in the world. With its more than 5000 shops, Grand Bazaar attracts thousands of visitors each day. Some of them are after shopping while others visit just to witness the architecture of this unique bazaar. If you want to buy some Turkish Lamps, then Grand Bazaar is the best place for that. Add it in your list of things to do in Istanbul and thank me later.

Spice Bazaar is a place where you can buy all the scrumptious food items including a variety of Turkish delight, nuts, dried fruits, spices, herbs and flavored teas. The bazaar is also known as “Egyptian Market” and is visited by a large number of people coming from all over the world.

Photo source: http://www.scoprireistanbul.com

Turkey features the most relaxing Hamam experience in the world. If you want to relax and have a nice massage, then head of to any Hamam in Istanbul. There are different packages offered by each Hamam which you can choose according to your preferences. There are separate sections in Hamam for males and females.

Balat should be mentioned along with other places on your things to do in Istanbul. Walk around the colorful streets of Balat and sip a coffee in its French cafes. You’ll witness colorful old buildings all around Balat which represents the Jewish culture in Istanbul.

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Your visit to Turkey is incomplete without watching the live Sema Ceremony at Galata Mevlavi museum. It is open every day except Tuesdays from 9.30 am to 5 pm. The famous Sema dances are held every Sunday at 5 pm during summer and every other week during winter. The museum also features the life of Turkey Dervishes.

The famous Galata Bridge is located across the Golden Horn in Istanbul. To experience the sunset and stunning views of Istanbul, you should walk along the Galata Bridge. Make sure to take your camera with you because the views are too beautiful to miss.

Istanbul is famous for its boat rides especially the Bosphorus boat tour. If you want to catch the glimpse of some of the popular attractions of Istanbul that includes Maiden’s Tower, Dolmabahce Palace and many mosques, then you should definitely take Bosphorus boat tour.

Princes Islands is a group of 9 islands spreading across the Asian shores of Istanbul. Add this place in your list of things to do in Istanbul. These islands are popular attraction for tourists who want to have a small picnic day or just walk around the small towns of Islands. There are boat tours which take you to and from these islands everyday on different timings from Eminonu in Istanbul.

This tower is another iconic landmark of Istanbul which you should definitely add in the list of things to do in Istanbul. The Maiden’s tower is located at the southern entrance of Bosphorus River.

Photo source: https://www.thousandwonders.net/Istanbul+Archaeology+Museums

The Archaeological Museums in Istanbul feature three museums; Archaeological Museum, Museum of Islamic Art and Museum of the Ancient Orient all located near the Topkapi Palace. If you enjoy history, then these museums should be on your list of things to do in Istanbul.

If you have enough time, then visit this famous attraction located in Eyup district. Pierre Lotti has a tea house located on the hill from where you can witness the breathtaking view of Golden Horne.

Istanbul is not short of places or things to do for tourists and the list is never ending. If you are planning to visit Istanbul then mention all these points in your list of things to do in Istanbul and have a lifetime experience.

Wish you an awesome and wonderful trip to Istanbul. Happy travels.

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