Istanbul is the shining jewel metropolis of modern-day Turkey, with gorgeous buildings and a deep heritage dating back to the 7th century BCE, once the Greeks invaded the colony and named it Byzantium.
The metropolis had been the target of many wars for centuries given its vital site right between the enormous civilizations of Asia and Europe, with the Bosphorus Strait splitting it into two parts.
As it passed from one ruler to the next, the city went through several periods and incarnations, renaming from Byzantium to Constantinople during the Ottoman Empire, and finally Istanbul.
With such a comprehensive and complex past, you can expect to witness a variety of gorgeous vestiges of its history, from the magnificent church converted mosque Hagia Sophia to the old cistern beneath Istanbul.
Below are the major sites to explore in Istanbul, Turkey. So, let's continue with a list of the best attractions to visit.
Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia is likely the most significant historic site and is one of the ultimate showcases in Istanbul. It used to be the world's largest church, then a mosque, and presently a museum. A vacation to Istanbul is not complete without a trip to the world-famous landmark.
Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque, located near the old Hagia Sophia, is Istanbul's oldest and unquestionably most magnificent mosque. Its six minarets set it apart from other mosques.
Aristocratic Topkapi Palace
The Aristocratic Topkapi Palace is Sultanahmet's third attraction. It can be found to the north of Hagia Sophia. The Sultans' home and ruling headquarters, the Topkapi Palace, is now one of Istanbul's most famous attractions and a museum displaying the Ottoman Empire's historic reign.
The palace is made up of multiple structures with numerous chambers for the aristocracy and a vast outdoor area. Be sure not to overlook the Topkapi Palace's main attraction: the Harem. You will charge an additional 35 Lira for this.
Labyrinth and Grand Bazaar
You'll discover a fantastic indoor labyrinth close to the Sultanahmet's palace including all sorts of objects throughout each lane. Every day, up to 500,000 people are said to visit the Grand Bazaar.
The Grand Bazaar fulfills up to its name. All major products are available here, from textiles to jewelry, souvenirs, and sweets. Like other markets Bargaining is also needed in this market. It's not normal for the stated rates to be reduced by up to 50%.
Where to eat in Istanbul?
After finishing the tour when you need a short break, you can simply head over to Kzlkayalar, a fast-food eatery near Taksim Square. They offer delicious Turkey street food at a fair value. Whenever you have a stopover in Istanbul, make sure to visit this eatery once.
When to visit Istanbul?
The busiest season is deemed June-August, however, I do not suppose it is a great time to schedule a visit to Istanbul. Because you will encounter a massive crowd as well as inflated hotel fees during these months.
Alternatively, I would propose visiting throughout May and September, because during these months visitor throngs are beginning to thin out and hotel rates are beginning to resume normal. However, you could encounter a bit of rain during these months, yet I feel it's wise for exploring this stunning city during these months.
How to explore Istanbul?
By Metro: From the airport, you may board the metro to any area of Istanbul. Istanbul's metro network is enormous, with multiple lines running from one end of the city to the next.
By Cab: You can also hire a cab for roughly $50 per day directly outside the airport, which is best suited when you're traveling in a large group and want to see more of Turkey.
By Walk: Istanbul is a walker's paradise. Almost all of the stuff you desire to explore is clustered within the Old Town area. One can comfortably stroll from one site to another without taking too much time.
How to reach Istanbul?
By Air: Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul is the city's biggest airport. It serves flights to key cities across the world. Turkish Airlines, as well as a number of other foreign carriers, serve Istanbul to the majority of cities.
By Train: Istanbul has a good rail network across the nation. Istanbul and Ankara, Turkey's capital, are also linked by a high-speed rail route. Trains to Istanbul are offered from a number of European cities as well. These, unfortunately, take a long time and are no longer a favored means of transportation.
By Sea: One can also reach Istanbul by ferry as Istanbul has good sea access to neighboring European nations. Cruise ships and ferries are commonly stopped at Karakoy seaport or the city center.
Where to stay in Istanbul?
The old city's historic Byzantine imperial walls may be found on the western edge. This is the greatest spot to spend in Istanbul for everyone traveling for the first time. Visitors will find the largest and finest of the city's diverse cultural, architectural, and holy places amid the city's meandering alleys and picturesque alleyways. Plenty of, if not all, of the city's most famous sites, are within walking distance of each other.
While inexpensive rooms are hard to get in this beautiful historic city, there are plenty of mid-range alternatives.
Erboy Hotel
The Erboy Hotel Istanbul Sirkeci offers a terrace with incredible views and breakfast served with delicious, local dishes. Within easy reach are the Hagia Sofia Museum, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cisterns, Spice Bazaar, Hippodrome, and Topkapi Palace.
The rooms at Erboy are non-smoking and boast huge windows. Satellite TV, free WiFi, and a private bathroom with all facilities are included in air-conditioned bedrooms.
Start your day with a complimentary breakfast in the hotel, and then dine on a variety of traditional foods and beverages at Pasazade Restaurant, the ground-floor restaurant with 19th-century Ottoman architecture.
The hotel's front desk is open 24 hours a day, and its personnel can offer you currency conversion and vehicle bookings. Tours to surrounding sights can be arranged through the hotel.
Orientbank Hotel
Orientbank Hotel Istanbul is housed in Istanbul and is only 200 meters from Spice Bazaar. It supports express check-in and check-out, allergy-free rooms, an eatery, free WiFi, and a tavern. A concierge service and a tour desk are available at this 5-star hotel. The hotel features guests with a 24-hour front desk, room service, and currency conversion.
Air-conditioned rooms with a closet, a coffeemaker, a minibar, a secure storage box, a flat-screen television, and a private bathroom with a toilet will be available to guests. Each room at the Orientbank Hotel consists of bed sheets and bathrobes.
Every day, the hotel serves a complimentary breakfast to its customers.
Cycling is prominent in the neighborhood, and Orientbank Hotel also offers automobile rental.
The Grand Bazaar, Suleymaniye Mosque, and the Column of Constantine are all major tourist attractions located nearby. Istanbul Ataturk Airport is 13 miles away Orientbank Hotel and the hotel possesses a chargeable airport shuttle service.
Mercure Istanbul Sirkeci
The Mercure Istanbul Sirkeci boasts a bar and is located in Istanbul's Marmara Region, below 1 kilometer from Basilica Cistern and an 11-minute stroll from the Column of Constantine. The accommodation comprises a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, and room service, as well as free WiFi within the property.
Air-conditioned rooms with a wardrobe, a kettle, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with a shower will be offered to the guests.
