What to do in Istanbul? This thousand-year-old city is full of wonderful places to discover alone, in a couple, with friends or family.
Did you know that Istanbul is on two continents at the same time? It is the ideal meeting place between East and West. From its ancient name Constantinople, this city has always been a dream, but was also the object of many desires. Since then it has retained many traces of its past.
But what are the essentials for a visit to Istanbul? This is what we will see in this partner article.
What are the best things to do in Istanbul, Turkey?
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Istanbul: Visit the Bosphorus
If you cannot miss the Egyptian Bazaar, the Sainte-Sophie Church or the riches of the Souk, the Bosphorus might be to put first on your list of maritime excursions to do.
Indeed, it is during cruising that it is necessary Visit the Bosphorus ! It is a strategic border crossing between two seas and two continents. But especially along the banks you will have to cast more than a glance. Many palaces of sultans, hunting lodges, beautiful natural areas await you day and night.
Visit the Hagia Sophia Mosque
The Hagia Sophia Mosque is opposite the blue mosque, so you kill two birds with one stone. Visits are free and freely accessible. But remember one thing: these are active places of worship, so it’s a good idea to respect the places and their rules.
Did you know ? From 537 to 1453, Hagia Sophia was the largest religious monument of the Catholic Church! Subsequently it was transformed into a mosque, more recently into a museum and since 2019 it has become a mosque again.
Souks and bazaars
Shopping? This culture-rich city also offers its markets, souks and bazaars. It is possible to do good business, especially if you are accompanied by a local or a guide who knows the best addresses through and through.
You will certainly be offered to visit the famous Grand Bazaar of Istanbul (Kapali Carsi and turc), the city’s most touristic market. But if you prefer quieter areas, there are local markets that will suit you just as well. You will find jewelry, souvenirs, spices, clothing, pottery, etc.
This is also the time to taste local products, cook with fresh products and recipes full of flavours.
The basilica cistern
Another one of Istanbul’s many must-see places. Located in the historic district, the basilica cistern is a popular museum and highly appreciated by tourists. As it’s always busy, it’s best to come when it opens. It is an underground cistern built in the 5th century. It is a beautiful place that proves Byzantine ingenuity. Drinking water was supplied from aqueducts at the time, from present-day Bulgaria!
Among other things, you will find the famous head of Medusa upside down, carved in stone. It serves as the base for one of the great columns of the basilica cistern.
Topkapi Palace
Admittedly, there are still many things to visit in Istanbul, but I will close this article with the Topkapi Palace. It is the most visited museum in the city.
Steeped in history, this lavish and decadent palace offers visitors the most intimate hideaways steeped in history from the dozens of sultans who lived here.
This palace was the residence of the Ottoman sultan. It takes 2 to 3 hours to visit the place, including the harem, not counting the time in the queue. It is therefore advisable to come very early if you want to stroll through the parks and not forget anything about this visit.
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