Oh really! You have planned a trip to Turkey.
Let us tell you that the trip to Turkey is incomplete without exploring its beautiful cosmopolitan capital city – Istanbul. Turkey’s capital is one of the world’s great cities, an absolutely massive, chaotic, and amazing metropolis. With its ancient and modern culture, stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and vibrant markets, Istanbul has something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, a shopaholic, a foodie, or just looking for a relaxing vacation with your family or loved ones, Istanbul won’t disappoint you. In today’s blog, we will walk you through some of the amazing places to visit in Istanbul and the best things to do in Istanbul, Turkey. Without much ado, let’s get started.
Istanbul’s Tourist Attractions And Activities To Make Memories
Istanbul is the most attractive and beautiful city in the world, and if you’re planning a trip to Turkey, you just can’t miss out on exploring some of Istanbul’s tourist places. Check out the list given below.
Hagia Sophia
No trip to Istanbul is complete without exploring the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia. It is an architectural wonder that has stood the test of time for nearly 1500 years. Originally built as a Byzantine cathedral in 537 AD, tourists visit this place to witness the historical richness of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. Once a church, later a mosque, then a museum, today this is a prominent monument in the country.
Entry fee – Free
Best hours to visit – Early hours of weekdays and weekend mornings
Read also: Best Time To Visit Vietnam: Ideal Time & Season For Tourists
Blue Mosque
Also known as Sultanahmet Mosque, the Blue Mosque is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul. This famous building showcases the architectural beauty of Turkey. The building has exquisite curvaceous exteriors featuring domes and minarets and remarkable interiors that look like a cultural feast. Blue Iznik tiles in the interior of the building give it a popular name – Blue Mosque.
Entry fee – Free
Best hours to visit – Mid Morning between 8:30 AM and 11:30 AM
Bosphorus Strait
Apart from visiting mosques and monuments, the Bosphorus Strait is Istanbul, one of the best tourist places. If you like doing something adventurous and thrilling, this is the best place for you to explore. You can go with your family and friends on a vacation to enjoy an excursion here. It is an innate waterway that runs via Istanbul and connects the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea. You can book a ferry and take a relaxing ride to enjoy the sea view. This is one of the best things to do in Istanbul, Turkey.
Ferry ride fare – Prices vary
Best time to visit – From March to May and September to November
Grand Bazaar
Do you like shopping? If yes, you will surely not miss checking out some of the most amazing bazaars and buying great souvenirs. If you are looking for the best places to go shopping in Istanbul, Grand Bazaar is the top choice for shoppers as it gives plenty of options – from typical Turkish keepsakes to beautiful handicrafts. The Grand Bazaar is one of the best markets in Istanbul, located between Nuruosmaniye Mosque and Beyazit mosque. Shopping is among the best things to do in Istanbul, Turkey, for your family and loved ones.
Address – Divanyolu Caddesi, District of Faith
Timings – 8:30 AM to 7 PM
İstiklal Caddesi
If you really want to experience the true vibes of Turkey, Istiklal Caddesi is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul. Popularly known as Independence Street, Istiklal Caddesi is well-known for its opulent shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, and lounges. You can also find the best hotels in Istanbul around this street as a traveller. Visitors can also explore the famous churches, mosques, and nearby buildings.
Famous sports to explore around Istiklal Caddesi include:
- St. Anthony Of Padua Church
- Pera Museum
Final Note
Here, we end our list of the best places to visit in Istanbul. From monuments to mosques, crunch, sea excursions, cafes, and famous shopping places, we have covered every significant place for you to explore in Istanbul, Turkey. We hope that this guide is helpful to you. Forget not to share your experience with us in the comment section below.