Istanbul Attractions
- heliya erfani
- 12 months ago
In this article on Istanbul Attractions, we intend to invite you to a different world of beauty and excitement.
Istanbul, a city full of mysteries and the former capital of the Ottoman Empire, attracts numerous tourists from around the world every year with its unique blend of history, culture, nature, and modernity. In this historic tourist city, from magnificent mosques and historical buildings to bustling markets and modern shopping centers, everything exists for a memorable trip. In this post from the Sepehran Blog, we will take you on an amazing journey to Istanbul and introduce you to some of the sights of Istanbul.
The Galata Tower, a medieval tower standing 67 meters tall, is one of Istanbul’s most famous tourist attractions. Built-in the 14th century by the Genoese in the Byzantine Empire, this nine-story tower is located along İstiklal Street and is accessible by approximately a 25-minute walk from this street. Throughout its history, Galata has served various purposes, including as a watchtower, lighthouse, and prison.
Panoramic Views: Ascending to the top of Galata Tower offers a 360-degree view of Istanbul. From the summit of this tower, you can see magnificent mosques, palaces, the Bosphorus Strait, and the Sea of Marmara.
Restaurant and Cafe: On the top floor, there is a restaurant and cafe where you can enjoy delicious food while savoring the cityscapes.
Museum: On the ground floor, there is a small museum displaying the history of the tower.
Galata Tower Location on Google Maps: Galata Tower
Address of Galata Tower Istanbul : Bereketzade, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
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Taksim Square, the most famous square in Istanbul, is located in the heart of the Beyoğlu district. This square is known as the center of modern Istanbul and is the meeting point of several important streets, including İstiklal Street, which is always full of excitement and is considered one of the most visited attractions in Istanbul.
Republic Monument: This statue, located in the center of the square, was built to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkey.
İstiklal Street: This pedestrian street, starting from Taksim Square, is filled with shops, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment centers.
Taksim Mosque: Built-in 1925, this is the only mosque in the Taksim area.
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum: Opened in 2016, this museum displays wax figures of famous personalities from around the world.
Taksim Gezi Park: Located adjacent to Taksim Square, this park offers a peaceful place for relaxation and leisure.
Taksim Square Location on Google Maps: Taksim Square
|
Hotel Name |
Distance to Taksim Square |
Price (Rials) |
|
The Marmara Taksim |
2 minutes, 150 meters |
5.705.866 |
|
CVK Hotels Taksim |
3 minutes, 170 meters |
4.503.874 |
|
Taksim Square Hotel |
2 minutes, 140 meters |
5.212.564 |
|
Taxim Hill Hotel |
2 minutes, 110 meters |
2.478.089 |
The Bosphorus Strait is a natural waterway in Istanbul that separates the European and Asian parts and is approximately 30 kilometers long. The Bosphorus Strait is one of the busiest waterways in the world, with millions of ships passing through it annually. You can take a leisure boat tour of this strait for an approximate cost of 12 Lira.
| Maximum depth |
110 meters (360 feet) |
|
Maximum length |
31 Kilometer (19 Miles) |
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Whether you’re looking for shopping or just want to enjoy the bustling and exciting atmosphere of the market, the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul will be a memorable part of your trip. The Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and most visited covered traditional markets in the world, was built in 1461 by order of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. This market has undergone renovation twice to date, once in 1942 and again in 1954.
An interesting aspect of this market is bargaining during purchases, as the best prices are often given when you show intent to leave the shop. The market is divided into different sections, each specializing in a type of good; the antiques are located in the central section, and the western part of the market is reserved for bookbinders, where rare books can be found. This market has stalls and shops offering everything you need, from fabrics, clothes, and jewelry to handicrafts and souvenirs.
It’s interesting to know that the Grand Bazaar was built in the 15th century after the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed conquered Constantinople. Visiting the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is an unforgettable experience, as you will get a close look at the culture and traditions of the Turkish people. Photographing the colorful shops and tasting local foods are other attractions of this market.
Grand Bazaar Location on Google Maps: Grand Bazaar
Address of Grand Bazaar Istanbul: Beyazıt, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
The Hagia Sophia, a magnificent and majestic structure, is among the most famous tourist attractions in Istanbul. Originally built as a Christian cathedral, it was later converted into a mosque and is now used as a symbol of Istanbul and a museum. This site is regarded as the jewel of Istanbul’s architecture and history, and today, it stands at the top of the list of Istanbul’s most famous sights for tourists.
The Amazing Architecture of Hagia Sophia: With its immense dome, beautiful mosaics, and magnificent architecture, Hagia Sophia is considered one of the architectural masterpieces of the world. So, the dome of the mosque, which was the largest in the world at the time, symbolizes the grandeur and glory of the Byzantine Empire.
The Turbulent History of Hagia Sophia: Located in the center of Istanbul, Hagia Sophia has witnessed significant events throughout its history. In 1453, with the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul, it was converted into a mosque and served as one until 1934. In that year, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, transformed Hagia Sophia into a museum.
Attractions of Hagia Sophia: The Great Dome: The dome of Hagia Sophia, standing 55 meters tall, is one of the largest domes in the world.
Beautiful Mosaics: Hagia Sophia is known for its beautiful mosaics and its unique interior and exterior views.
Location of Hagia Sophia Mosque on Google Maps: Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Address of Hagia Sophia Mosque Istanbul: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
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Whether you’re looking to shop, enjoy music, or simply wish to revel in its vibrant and exciting atmosphere, definitely visit İstiklal Street during your experience in Istanbul. İstiklal Street, the most famous street in Istanbul, is located in the heart of the Beyoğlu district. Known as the center of modern Istanbul, it is always full of life and excitement, making it one of the most visited attractions in Istanbul.
The street is full of shops, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment centers, where you can find everything you need, from clothes and jewelry to handicrafts and souvenirs.
Street Music Performances: On every corner, street musicians with various types of music create a unique atmosphere.
Museums and Historical Buildings: Along this street, there are numerous museums like the Pera Museum and the Atatürk Museum, as well as historical buildings including the Galata Tower at the end of the street and Taksim Mosque.
Taksim Square: At the end of İstiklal Street lies Taksim Square, one of the most famous squares in Istanbul.
Diverse Shopping Centers: There are various shopping centers from different brands.
Attractive Restaurants and Coffee Shops: These are found throughout the street.
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The Belgrade Forest is another attraction in Istanbul, less known among tourists for smoother readability. It is an untouched forest located in the European side of Istanbul, covering an area of approximately 5,300 hectares and situated in the northwest of the city center. The Belgrade Forest is the primary source of drinking water for Istanbul and is considered a national protected area.
Alongside its beautiful nature, history has also nestled among the trees of this forest. The forest also played host to Sultan Suleiman in 1521, who, upon returning from Serbia, passed through and captured many of its inhabitants, bringing them back to his city.
With its rich biodiversity, the forest is home to more than 2,000 plant species, including oak, beech, chestnut, pine, and poplar trees. The Belgrade Forest also serves as a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including wild boars, foxes, rabbits, owls, and hawks.
The Belgrade Forest offers a perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. It is a peaceful and serene place for enjoying the outdoors.
Location of Belgrade Forest on Google Maps: Belgrade Forest
Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is one of the largest cisterns in Istanbul, measuring approximately 140 meters in length and 70 meters in width. Also known as Yerebatan Sarnıcı, it is one of the largest and most magnificent underground cisterns in the world. Dating back to the Byzantine Empire, it is located in the heart of Istanbul and is considered one of the oldest attractions in the city.
The Basilica Cistern was constructed in the 6th century by the order of Emperor Justinian I. It was used to supply drinking water to the Great Palace of Byzantium and the city’s inhabitants during droughts and sieges.
With 336 marble columns supporting its ceiling, the Basilica Cistern creates a vast and magnificent space. The capitals of these columns are decorated with beautiful carvings and patterns, adding a special charm to the place. Interestingly, historical records indicate that approximately 7,000 individuals were involved in the construction of this cistern, reflecting the labor practices of the time.
Location of the Basilica Cistern on Google Maps: Basilica Cistern
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The Topkapi Palace in Istanbul features magnificent mansions and palaces, which were once the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans, a vast complex of buildings and courtyards that evolved over the centuries. This palace is one of the oldest and largest palaces in the world, constructed after the conquest of Constantinople by Sultan Mehmed II. It served as the administrative and political center of the Ottoman Empire until the last Ottoman Sultan, Mehmed VI, was deposed.
The palace consists of four main courtyards: the First Courtyard, the Second Courtyard, the Third Courtyard, and the Harem.
Location of Topkapi Palace on Google Maps: Topkapı Palace
For more information, visit the Topkapi website
Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul is one of the historical attractions in the city, located in the Beşiktaş district. The palace was built by order of Sultan Abdülmecid in 1843 and served as the center of government for the Ottoman sultans. Six Ottoman sultans lived in this palace, and Dolmabahçe was the official residence of these sultans until the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire.
Dolmabahçe is a magnificent example of Ottoman architecture, with its exterior design in the Neo-Baroque style, and the beauty of its interior design also attracts many tourists and visitors to the city. The architectural style of this palace is different from Topkapi Palace and other palaces in Istanbul, with the use of colors and equipment transporting you to another world. The palace also houses a collection of paintings and sculptures.
Dolmabahçe is a popular tourist attraction. The palace is open to the public for visits daily. Visitors can tour the palace and learn about the history of the Ottoman Empire.
Location of Dolmabahçe Palace on Google Maps: Dolmabahçe Palace
The Istanbul Archaeological Museum is one of the historical attractions in Istanbul, founded by Osman Hamdi in 1883. This museum consists of three main sections: the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Orient, and the Museum of Islamic Art. Each section is dedicated to different historical periods and holds numerous artifacts from these eras.
Located in the European part of Istanbul, within Gülhane Park, the museum houses over one million valuable historical artifacts. Visitors can see works from various civilizations, including Babylon, Rome, Greece, and the Ottoman Empire.
Notable features of the museum include the Archaeological section that displays artifacts from pre-Islamic and Ottoman times, the Ancient Orient section that bears witness to pre-Islamic history, and the Islamic Art section that houses Islamic era artifacts.
The museum features amenities such as a garden and a gallery and is open every day from 8 AM to 7 PM in the spring and summer, and from 9 AM to 5 PM in the winter.
Location of the Istanbul Archaeological Museums on Google Maps: Istanbul Archaeological Museums
Located to the east of Istanbul, Sapanca is renowned for its scenic springs, mountains, and natural beauty. Although this area has a small population, its appeal to tourists is significant. The best way to reach Sapanca is by car or train from Adapazarı. In Sapanca, you can experience the joy of living in pure nature and enjoy viewing attractions such as lakes, forests, and mountains. Additionally, the local trout is particularly famous and delicious. The organization of various cultural festivals also adds to the attractions of this area, further enhancing its reputation.
Location of Lake Sapanca on Google Maps: Lake Sapanca
The Rahmi M. Koç Museum in Istanbul is one of the prominent tourist destinations in Istanbul, established in 1994 by Rahmi Koç, a wealthy member of the Turkish dynasty. Located in the Golden Horn area, the museum has a collection of cars, motorcycles, boats, airplanes, air and sea vehicles, and scientific instruments. Visitors can see famous automobiles, including the 1940 open-top Mercedes and the Rolls-Royce Ertuğrul, alongside various models of boats and ships.
Location of Rahmi M. Koç Museum on Google Maps: Rahmi M. Koç Museum
Istanbul is a city of endless wonders, where ancient traditional monuments coexist with modernity, creating a unique blend of culture, history, and beauty. Whether you are looking for entertainment and sightseeing, or in search of historical artifacts, the attractions in Istanbul are so numerous that you can spend hours exploring. So pack your bags and start an unforgettable journey.
