Covering the entire country is nearly impossible unless you have plenty of time and resources. For most travelers, it’s about selecting the best cities to visit and zeroing in on the top sights. Istanbul is undoubtedly at the top of that list.
Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city located in the northwest, is a must-visit destination with some of the country’s most famous attractions. What makes Istanbul truly unique is that it spans two continents, Europe and Asia, separated by the Bosphorus Strait (connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara). Historically, it was known as Byzantium and later Constantinople, serving as the capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. This history adds a special appeal that draws visitors from all over (BEST THINGS TO DO IN BERGEN, NORWAY).
There are many tourist spots in Istanbul, but the most popular sights tend to be clustered together. Experiencing them is about walking between locations or trips around the city.
The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a must-visit in Istanbul. Large crowds, including locals, are common. From a distance, it stands majestically with a beautiful blue glow that captures attention. Its legendary architecture is difficult to describe. Before entering, shoes must be removed and placed in provided plastic bags. Modest attire is required out of respect.
Inside, approximately 20,000 blue tiles
decorate the high ceiling. Cascading domes flow gracefully from the central
dome, creating a breathtaking effect. Originally featuring 17th-century stained
glass, the interior is now illuminated by 260 windows.
Visiting the mosque often leaves a lasting impression, as if witnessing a true world wonder, inspiring a quiet sense of achievement.
Right across from the Blue Mosque stands the impressive Hagia Sophia. Its grand exterior draws attention even from a distance. This building beautifully combines Byzantine and Ottoman history under one roof. It was first a church, then a mosque, and now serves as a museum, known as one of the world’s greatest landmarks (CHIANG MAI THAILAND THINGS TO DO).
Inside, the walls are decorated with
colorful mosaics and strong marble pillars. Both Christian and Islamic
influences can be seen throughout. The galleries around the main hall display
some of the finest Byzantine artwork. Hagia Sophia is truly a place that leaves
a strong impression.
Hippodrome
Just a two-minute walk from both the Blue
Mosque and Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome is an open public garden with rich
history. It features the Egyptian Obelisk, set on a marble base carved with
scenes of Emperor Theodosius and his family. In the center stands a spiral
column that celebrates the Greek victory over the Persians in 480 BC.
Originally, the Hippodrome was a horse racing track surrounded by a road. Without knowing its history, the tall stone monuments might seem like simple structures, but they hold stories from Istanbul’s ancient past.
A short walk northeast from Hagia Sophia leads to Topkapi Palace. There’s plenty to see, and a visit can easily take half a day or more, if you include stops at the cafés or shops near the entrance.
Topkapi Palace is the largest and one of
the most iconic sites in Istanbul. Built between 1466 and 1478 by Sultan Mehmet
II, it sits atop a hill overlooking the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus
Strait, offering great views of the Asian side. For nearly 400 years, it was
home to the Ottoman sultans until 1924, when it was turned into a museum by
Atatürk’s order.
The palace consists of four courtyards with various buildings and rooms. Displays include porcelain, robes, weapons, Islamic art, and murals. A key highlight is the Imperial Harem, with over 400 rooms where the sultan’s family lived. Visitors should be aware of photo rules; signs indicate where photography is not allowed, and gentle reminders are common.
Named the Spice Market because spices are one of the highlights of Turkish products, this market offers much more. Along with world-famous Turkish sweets, teas, leather goods, and local foods found throughout Istanbul, the Spice Market brings these together in one place. It’s a market where locals and tourists shop together, making it a key part of the Turkey travel experience.
Walking through the entrance, visitors can
browse a wide variety of products, stopping at shops to see or buy. Bargaining
is part of the tradition, and vendors are known for their friendly service. Be
sure to try some finger food, like different types of Turkish kebab or dürüm
kebab, a rolled thin flatbread filled with meat, fresh vegetables, herbs, and
sauces, as you walk through the market.
The Spice Market has an open-air style with narrow lanes, stone walls, and a series of domed roofs and small arches, creating a traditional Turkish atmosphere.
The Grand Bazaar is another famous marketplace in Istanbul, similar to the Spice Market. While both offer spices, Turkish teas, sweets, and leather products, the Grand Bazaar has a much larger selection and a wider variety of goods, including jewelry, textiles, ceramics, carpets, and more. Feel free to step inside, browse the products, and bargain as part of the shopping experience.
Usually starting near the Spice Bazaar or Eminönü ferry docks, the Bosphorus Cruise is one of Istanbul’s top attractions. Morning cruises are more comfortable, especially in cooler weather or winter, thanks to the fresh, crisp air. Though it can be pricey, this cruise offers one of the rare experiences in the world: seeing two continents, Europe and Asia, side by side from a boat.
The cruise also passes under the iconic
Bosphorus Bridge, which connects the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.
Along the way, there are views of landmarks such as the New Mosque, Galata
Tower, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, historic Ottoman houses, and
modern mansions of the city’s wealthy.
The experience is relaxing and comfortable, and while cruising, you can order a hot drink like the famous Turkish apple tea.
