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İstanbul

Don't Leave Istanbul Without Seeing It

26 hand-picked places in İstanbul, with photos, notes and a map.

GeziBilen

GeziBilen · Digital Guide

  • 26 places
Don't Leave Istanbul Without Seeing It

There are symbolic points that come to mind when Istanbul is mentioned. Places where you can feel the history, texture, daily life, in short, the spirit of Istanbul. It's time to get lost in the city.

26 places
  1. 1. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

    • Fatih
    Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque – photo 1
    Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque – photo 2
    Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque – photo 3

    Built as a church in 360, Hagia Sophia became a mosque in 1453. The building, which became a museum in 1935, became a mosque again in 2020. This structure, which fascinates with its dome, size and art, is a masterpiece of world architecture.

  2. 2. Sultanahmet Mosque

    • Fatih
    Sultanahmet Mosque – photo 1
    Sultanahmet Mosque – photo 2
    Sultanahmet Mosque – photo 3

    Built between 1606 and 1616, the Sultanahmet Mosque is known as the "Blue Mosque" for its blue Iznik tiles. With its 6 minarets and striking domes, it is one of the most important religious and touristic sites in Istanbul.

  3. 3. Topkapi Palace

    • Fatih
    Topkapi Palace – photo 1
    Topkapi Palace – photo 2
    Topkapi Palace – photo 3

    Topkapi Palace, opened in 1478, was the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. The palace offers a historical treasure with its courtyards, harem and treasuries. The palace, which was turned into a museum in 1924, is one of the most visited places in Istanbul.

  4. 4. Basilica Cistern

    • Fatih
    Basilica Cistern – photo 1
    Basilica Cistern – photo 2
    Basilica Cistern – photo 3

    Built in 532, the Basilica Cistern was commissioned by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian to meet the water needs. With its 336 columns and fascinating atmosphere, it is one of the mysterious structures of Istanbul.

  5. 5. Galata Tower

    • Fatih
    Galata Tower – photo 1
    Galata Tower – photo 2
    Galata Tower – photo 3

    Built in 528, the Galata Tower is one of the symbols of Istanbul. The tower, which was first used as a lighthouse, continues to fascinate visitors with its magnificent view today.

  6. 6. Istiklal Street

    • Beyoğlu
    Istiklal Street – photo 1
    Istiklal Street – photo 2
    Istiklal Street – photo 3

    Istiklal Street is the most famous and lively street in Beyoğlu. It reflects the cosmopolitan structure of Istanbul with its historical buildings, shopping opportunities and cultural riches.

  7. 7. Pera Palace

    • Beyoğlu
    Pera Palace – photo 1
    Pera Palace – photo 2
    Pera Palace – photo 3

    Pera Palace, opened in 1805, is the first luxury hotel in Istanbul. Room 101, where Atatürk frequently stayed, is open to visitors as a museum. The hotel is a famous cultural heritage where Agatha Christie also stayed.

  8. 8. Dolmabahce Palace

    • Beşiktaş
    Dolmabahce Palace – photo 1
    Dolmabahce Palace – photo 2
    Dolmabahce Palace – photo 3

    Dolmabahçe Palace, built between 1843 and 1856, hosted the last sultans of the Ottoman Empire. With its 285 rooms and 43 halls, the palace reflects the magnificence of the Bosphorus.

  9. 9. Grand Bazaar

    • Fatih
    Grand Bazaar – photo 1
    Grand Bazaar – photo 2
    Grand Bazaar – photo 3

    The Grand Bazaar was founded by Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1461. It is one of the largest and oldest covered bazaars in the world, with more than 4,000 shops and labyrinthine streets.

  10. 10. Pierre Loti Hill

    • Eyüpsultan
    Pierre Loti Hill – photo 1
    Pierre Loti Hill – photo 2
    Pierre Loti Hill – photo 3

    Pierre Loti Hill in Eyüp is famous for its Golden Horn view. You can spend time in a peaceful atmosphere with Turkish coffee in the Ottoman-style coffeehouse on the hill.

  11. 11. Galataport

    • Beyoğlu
    Galataport – photo 1
    Galataport – photo 2
    Galataport – photo 3

    Galataport is a modern port and living space located on the Bosphorus coast in Karaköy. Opened in 2021, this area attracts attention with its restaurants, shops and cultural events.

  12. 12. Fatih Mosque and Complex

    • Fatih
    Fatih Mosque and Complex – photo 1
    Fatih Mosque and Complex – photo 2
    Fatih Mosque and Complex – photo 3

    Completed in 1470, the Fatih Mosque and Social Complex is one of the important religious and cultural centers of Istanbul. The structure serves as a complex with its mosque, madrasahs and soup kitchens.

  13. 13. Florya Ataturk Marine Mansion

    • Bakırköy
    Florya Ataturk Marine Mansion – photo 1
    Florya Ataturk Marine Mansion – photo 2
    Florya Ataturk Marine Mansion – photo 3

    Built in 1935, Florya Atatürk Marine Mansion was used as Atatürk's summer residence in Istanbul. Today, it serves as a museum and restaurant.

  14. 14. Maiden's Tower

    • Üsküdar
    Maiden's Tower – photo 1
    Maiden's Tower – photo 2
    Maiden's Tower – photo 3

    The Maiden's Tower is a historical structure located off the coast of Üsküdar. Famous for its legends, the tower now opens its doors to visitors as a restaurant and museum.

  15. 15. Haydarpasa Train Station

    • Kadıköy
    Haydarpasa Train Station – photo 1
    Haydarpasa Train Station – photo 2
    Haydarpasa Train Station – photo 3

    Haydarpaşa Train Station, which opened in 1908, is one of the symbols of Istanbul. The station, which is the starting point of the railway line from Germany to Istanbul, still preserves its historical texture.

  16. 16. Beyazit Mosque

    • Fatih
    Beyazit Mosque – photo 1
    Beyazit Mosque – photo 2
    Beyazit Mosque – photo 3

    Built between 1501 and 1506, the Beyazıt Mosque is one of the finest examples of early Ottoman architecture. It is known as the oldest imperial mosque in Istanbul.

  17. 17. Eyup Sultan Mosque

    • Eyüpsultan
    Eyup Sultan Mosque – photo 1
    Eyup Sultan Mosque – photo 2
    Eyup Sultan Mosque – photo 3

    Built in 1458, the Eyüp Sultan Mosque is located on the shores of the Golden Horn and houses the tomb of Eyüp Sultan. It is one of the most important spiritual centers of Istanbul.

  18. 18. Balat Bazaar

    • Fatih
    Balat Bazaar – photo 1
    Balat Bazaar – photo 2
    Balat Bazaar – photo 3

    Balat Bazaar is known for its historical texture and colorful shops. It was shaped by the settlement of Jews in Balat in 1492. It reflects the cultural and historical atmosphere of the district.

  19. 19. Great Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque)

    • Beşiktaş
    Great Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque) – photo 1
    Great Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque) – photo 2
    Great Mecidiye Mosque (Ortaköy Mosque) – photo 3

    Built by Sultan Abdülmecid in 1853, the Büyük Mecidiye Mosque is famous for its neo-baroque architecture and views of the Bosphorus. It is one of the most visited mosques in Istanbul.

  20. 20. Rumeli Hisari

    • Sarıyer
    Rumeli Hisari – photo 1
    Rumeli Hisari – photo 2
    Rumeli Hisari – photo 3

    Rumeli Hisarı, built in 1452, was built to control the Bosphorus. The structure, built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet, has military and strategic importance.

  21. 21. Egyptian Bazaar

    • Fatih
    Egyptian Bazaar – photo 1
    Egyptian Bazaar – photo 2
    Egyptian Bazaar – photo 3

    Built in 1664, the Spice Bazaar is famous for its products such as spices, herbs and Turkish delight. Located in Eminönü, this historical bazaar is a popular spot for local and foreign tourists.

  22. 22. Suleymaniye Mosque

    • Fatih
    Suleymaniye Mosque – photo 1
    Suleymaniye Mosque – photo 2
    Suleymaniye Mosque – photo 3

    Built by Mimar Sinan between 1550 and 1557, the Süleymaniye Mosque is one of the most important religious buildings of the Ottoman Empire. It attracts attention with its architecture and historical value.

  23. 23. Star Malta Pavilion

    • Beşiktaş
    Star Malta Pavilion – photo 1
    Star Malta Pavilion – photo 2
    Star Malta Pavilion – photo 3

    Built by Sultan Abdulaziz in 1871, the Yıldız Malta Mansion is known for its Bosphorus view and its structure intertwined with nature. Located in Yıldız Park, the mansion offers peaceful moments to its visitors.

  24. 24. Gulhane Park

    • Fatih
    Gulhane Park – photo 1
    Gulhane Park – photo 2
    Gulhane Park – photo 3

    Gülhane Park was opened to the public in 1912 as the outer garden of Topkapı Palace. Famous for its rose gardens during the Ottoman period, the park is a peaceful escape today.

  25. 25. Beyazit Square

    • Fatih
    Beyazit Square – photo 1
    Beyazit Square – photo 2
    Beyazit Square – photo 3

    Built in 393, Beyazıt Square is one of the most historically and culturally important squares in Istanbul. The square is home to the Beyazıt Social Complex and the Grand Bazaar.

  26. 26. Ataturk Arboretum

    • Sarıyer
    Ataturk Arboretum – photo 1
    Ataturk Arboretum – photo 2
    Ataturk Arboretum – photo 3

    Located in Sarıyer, Atatürk Arboretum was founded in 1949. The arboretum, which hosts different plant species on an area of ​​296 hectares, is an ideal destination for nature and plant lovers.

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