If you would like to explore the history of the city:
Having been the capital city of the world's largest ancient civilizations, Istanbul inhabits most precious relics and historic venues. Here are some suggestions for historic buildings, structures and museums as well as other landmarks.
Having been the capital city of the world's largest ancient civilizations, Istanbul inhabits most precious relics and historic venues. Here are some suggestions for historic buildings, structures and museums as well as other landmarks.
- Sultanahmet Square (Sultanahmet Meydanı): The Sultanahmet Square was called “The Hippodrome of Constantinople”, and was used as a circus and a social centre. You can go there by taking the Taksim Kabataş line from the Taksim metro station and then the tram. However, it gets really crowded, especially on the weekends.
- Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya): Considered to “change the history of architecture”, Hagia Sophia is a former Orthodox Patriarchal Basilica, which was then turned into a mosque. It is one of the most famous landmarks in the city.
- Topkapı Palace: Topkapı Palace was used for state occasions and royal entertainments, and nowadays is a museum which contains holy relics of the Muslim world and the world-famous diamond Spoonmaker's Diamond (Kaşıkçı Elması) which is considered the 4th largest diamond in the world.
- The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii): The Blue Mosque is another historical mosque in Istanbul and it is also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque. It is still used as a mosque, while also hosting guests from all around the world.
- The Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı): Located on the southeast of the Hagia Sophia, the cistern is the largest of many ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul. It is truly a remarkable place with the famous Medusa Statue and seasonal exhibits, however, there can be a really long line.
- Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı): The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest bazaars in the world. The bazaar has more than 1,200 shops in over 50 streets. Hundreds of thousands of visitors visit the Grand Bazaar every day. It is usually extremely crowded but the perfect place for buying souvenirs. The bazaar is the best place for shopping for jewellery, carpets and basically all traditional Turkish products.
- Istanbul Archaeology Museums: The Istanbul Archaeology Museums are located near Gülhane Park, and Topkapı Palace, and consist of three museums; The Archaeological Museum, Museum of the Ancient Orient and the Museum of Islamic Art.
- Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı): Spice bazaar, is the centre of the spice trade in Istanbul, and known to be the second largest covered bazaar in Istanbul.
- Taksim Square (Taksim Meydanı): Taksim square is the most famous and crowded square in Istanbul. 3 million people roam up and down Istiklal Avenue every day. It is located in the district of Beyoğlu and is a transportation hub. The main stop of many bus lines, the subway, the funicular line and the historic street tram, Taksim, is a culture, entertainment and shopping centre. The historic tram line goes from Taksim square to Tünel (Tunnel) on Istiklal Avenue. Istiklal Avenue is a pedestrian street ending at Tünel. Shops, theatres, cinemas, galleries, art studios, bars, discos and cafes line on the main street and the side streets. Be sure to enter historical passages such as Atlas Pasajı and Suriye Pasajı. Although the visitors of the street vary with regards to the time of the day, it is 24/7 ever-busy. We advise you to be careful of pickpocket incidents.
- Mevlevi Monastery: The Monastery contains Sufi musical instruments, dervish accessories and manuscripts of Turkish Mevlevi Poetry. Twice every month, there are concerts and/or performances of sema which is a traditional Sufi ceremony.
- St. Anthony of Padua Church: Being the largest Catholic Church in Istanbul, it is located on Istiklal Avenue in Beyoğlu.
- Dolmabahçe Palace: Built in the 19th century it is a glamorous palace which was the administrative centre of the late Ottoman Empire with the last of Ottoman Sultans residing there, and later Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Today all sections and units of Dolmabahce Palace are restored and open to visitors.
- Maiden's/ Leander's Tower (Kız Kulesi): Located at the intersection point of the two continents, the tower used to serve as a lighthouse. You can just visit the tower to experience the amazing view of Bosporus.