THE BEST Sights and Attractions in Istanbul

🏛️ Sights and Attractions in Istanbul

• Hagia Sophia — An monument that has served as a church, mosque and museum, famed for its massive dome.
• Blue Mosque — The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, distinguished by six minarets and thousands of blue Iznik tiles.
• Topkapi Palace — The lavish Ottoman sultans’ palace with courtyards, harem quarters and imperial treasures.
• Grand Bazaar — One of the oldest covered markets in the world, with thousands of shops across historic alleys.
• Basilica Cistern — An ancient underground water reservoir with marble columns and atmospheric lighting.
• Dolmabahçe Palace — A 19th-century Ottoman palace on the Bosphorus with grand halls and crystal chandeliers.
• Galata Tower — A medieval stone tower in Galata with panoramic views of the old city and Bosphorus.
• Süleymaniye Mosque — An Ottoman masterpiece designed by Sinan, with hilltop views over the Golden Horn.
• Spice Bazaar — A historic market filled with spices, Turkish delight, dried fruit and nuts.
• Chora Church — A former Byzantine church with stunning mosaics and frescoes of the life of Christ.
• Rüstem Pasha Mosque — A small mosque known for its exquisite blue Iznik tile work.
• Beylerbeyi Palace — A summer palace on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus, built for the sultans.
• Istiklal Street — A busy pedestrian avenue with shops, galleries, restaurants and historic tram.
• Taksim Square — The heart of modern and a major public square and transport hub.
• Maiden’s Tower — A tower on a small islet at the entrance to the Bosphorus, with legends and restaurants.
• Çamlıca Mosque — The largest mosque, on a hill with panoramic city views.
• Archaeological Museum — A museum near Topkapi with ancient Greek, Roman and Ottoman artefacts.
• Little Hagia Sophia — A former Byzantine church and early example of domed architecture.
• Yedikule Fortress — A 15th-century fortress and dungeon built walls.
• Pera Museum — A museum in Beyoğlu with Orientalist paintings, Anatolian weights and tiles.