Istanbul City Attractions: Best 10 Places to Visit

Istanbul, a vibrant metropolis bridging Europe and Asia, offers a captivating blend of ancient history and modern allure. As the gateway to Turkey, it's the perfect starting point for your trip to Turkey. Here is the top 10 list of Istanbul city attractions to have a deep experience of, each of which has incredible things to offer.

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia is a symbolic Byzantine structure that witnessed the historic power of the Byzantine Empire. It is characterized by a huge 32-meter dome, several archways fringed by chandeliers, and opulent mosaic decorations, each with a distinct Christian and Islamic style.

Hagia Sophia is a remarkable trove of artworks and heritage. It houses a large collection of Christian and Islamic frescoes, stained glass mosaics, sculptures, and carved patterns on marble across the floors, walls, and columns in the cathedral. You can find rare old treasures from Byzantium and other ancient empires, like golden caskets, jewels, and carpets.

Tips for Visitors

• It is recommended to visit Hagia Sophia in the early morning and late afternoon due to fewer crowds for the best photo shooting.
• It is better to wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers when visiting.

Hagia Sophia

Topkapi Palace

With a history of over 500 years, Topkapi Palace is one of the most popular landmarks in Istanbul. It once served as the administrative headquarters and residence of the Ottoman Emperors. The palace features surrounding 5-kilometer-long walls, many luxury courtyards, exhibition halls, gardens, and treasure houses. You can discover an iconic style of traditional Ottoman architecture from Topkapi Palace.

The palace's treasury is a can't-miss highlight to delve into, which boasts staggering pieces of artwork that are made of diamonds, jade, pearls, porcelain, and emeralds from different countries. You can find some representative Ottoman paintings, Islamic calligraphy, and frescoes on the wall and ceiling, as well as exquisite old Chinese porcelain.

Tips for Visitors

• Topkapi Palace opens every day except on Tuesdays.
• For a quick visit, it may take you half a day to soak in the highlights.
• Try to avoid a visit during weekends and public holidays.
• Dress modestly to cover your shoulders and legs.

Topkapi Palace

Blue Mosque

Just standing across from the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, is another brilliant pearl of Ottoman architecture in Istanbul. Blue Mosque holds a main vast dome and four semi-domes, with a distinctive feature of six minarets (the general number is 2 or 4). It includes Sultan Ahmed's tomb, a huge prayer hall with remarkably high ceilings, an infirmary, and also a madrasa.

Inside, the mosque is characterized by over 20,000 handpainted İznik tiles that are ethereal shades of blue. Every day there are lots of Muslim prayers for pilgrimaging in the prayer hall. You can feel an inspiring religious shock among them. It showcases a soft combination of Byzantine and Islamic culture.

Tips for Visitors

• The Blue Mosque is typically open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, except during prayer times.
• It will be closed to non-worshippers and visitors during prayer times. While the exact duration of closures can vary slightly, it's generally around 90 minutes for each of the five daily prayers. It might be a bit complicated to check the prayer times, but if you travel with Odynovo, we will plan your trip accordingly.
• Considering the crowds, especially during the holy day of Islam on Friday, it's advisable to pay a visit after the down for better photography.

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Basilica Cistern

Besides the historical landmarks on the ground, the Basilica Cistern, resting beneath the surface of Istanbul's bustling street, is also a hotspot for fully experiencing an air of deep mystery and quietness in this fascinating subterranean marvel.

It once served as a vital water reservoir for the nobles of Constantinople and various city structures. You can see a mystical discovery of two peculiar columns on the northwest corner that are carved with the large head of Medusa. The underground building also holds light exhibitions and surprise concerts, called Night Shift, in which you can soak in magical Byzantine art with an otherworldly atmosphere of 336 illuminated columns.

Tips for Visitors

• The cistern can be chilly below the ground, so take a long-sleeved T-shirt to keep from catching cold.
• The daily and "Night Shift" tickets are separate. The daily ticket is available from 9:00 to 19:00. If you go for the "Night Shift" session from 19:30 to 22:00, get the additional ticket at the museum's entrance.

Grand Bazaar

Grand Bazaar is the world's largest covered market, with over 4000 shops for extraordinary varieties of handicrafts, souvenirs, and everyday items. It's a nice option to buy some Turkish handicrafts, such as local carpets or kilims in fancy design. Bring home mosaic glass lamps or lanterns, whether in antique or modern style.

You can also take some ceramic works and metalware in traditional Ottoman designs. Besides, other things like jewelry, fashion accessories, and some Turkish edibles (spice and sweets) are worth your visit. The bazaar also comes with many theme restaurants and cafes for eating and resting during the shopping.

Tips for Visitors

• Open from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm from Monday to Saturday, and shops are closed on Sunday and the first day of religious holidays.
• An ideal time to visit the Grand Bazaar is 3 hours, including your lunch and break time. Spend more time and have more fun.
• Try to bargain with local sellers for a reasonable price.

Mosaic Glass Lamps in Grand Bazaar

Galata Tower

Galata Tower must be one of the most popular check-in spots in Istanbul for its old history and unique charm. This stone-made tower has stood for over 700 years from the medieval period. The old structure includes a small museum on the ground floor and a 360-degree viewing deck on the 7th floor.

The museum houses a collection of historic artifacts, documentary photos, and maps for you to get a glimpse into the history. You can climb or take an elevator up to the observation deck, holding the stunning vistas of the city and the Bosphorus Strait. Additionally, the Galata Tower is framed by the bustling streets, which are lined by many shops and restaurants. They offer wonderful resting places for many before or after the tower visit.

Tips for Visitors

• It opens from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. in the summer (April to October) months while closing at 10:00 p.m. in the winter (November to March).
• To capture the particularly breathtaking view of the city, you can come and see in the late afternoon for the unparalleled Galata Tower sunset.

Bosphorus Strait

The Bosphorus Strait captivates different types of visitors for its rich tapestry of natural beauty and cultures from many civilizations like the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. You can travel directly across from one continent to another just a couple of minutes after the Bosphorus Bridge. The Bosphorus Strait brings the allure of magically changing colors when the two seas meet.

The strait also offers spectacular views of Istanbul's skyline. The popular way to experience the Strait is to take a Bosphorus cruise, which includes various types and routes. Down along the strait, you will be rewarded with stunning strait landscapes and a series of historic buildings such as the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Dolmabahce Palace. It's also wonderful to take time for cruise dinner and nightlife aboard the boat.

Tips for Visitors

• The ideal time to visit the Bosphorus Strait is April to June, September to October, to avoid the summer heat and winter rainfall.
• It can get cool on the water in the evening, so pack extra layers of clothes if you're planning an evening cruise.

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Süleymaniye Mosque

Suleymaniye Mosque is one of the most historic mosques in Istanbul and exemplifies Ottoman architecture for its grandeur and exquisite design. It features a main 27-diameter dome at 53 meters high and four symbolic minarets that signify Suleyman the Magnificent's position as the fourth Sultan.

The interior is graced by beautiful tile work in exquisite Ottoman-styled patterns, stained glass windows, and oil lamps, which allow rich shades of sunshine and lamplight to illuminate the main atmospheric structure.

Taking into the mosque's rich history, you can expect many intricate calligraphies and art and Sultan tombs to learn more about how this remarkable jewel was built. Within the mosque, there are also matched complexes such as a library, medical center, and hospital to visit and learn about the Ottoman community.

Tips for Visitors

• The mosque is open to visitors daily from 9 am to 6 pm, but prayer times may restrict access.
• Like other mosques in Istanbul, you should dress respectfully to cover your legs and arms (sometimes covering the head specifically for women).

Suleymaniye Mosque

Istanbul Modern Museum

Istanbul Modern, also known as Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, is a prominent modern and contemporary museum located in the heart of Istanbul. The museum hosts a remarkable array of temporary and permanent exhibitions for works by both Turkish and international artists.

They contain paintings of abstract art, landscapes and watercolor works, sculpture, video art, and photography galleries that showcase the evolution of photography in Turkey. The rich collection of contemporary Turkish and global art is a great feast for modern art enthusiasts.

In addition to these artistic exhibitions, Istanbul Modern includes a cinema, design shop, and library for contemporary films, creative souvenirs, and memorable books.

Tips for Visitors

• The museum is open every day except on Monday, January 1 and on the first day of religious holidays.
• It usually operates from 10 a.m. to 18 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, and from 10 a.m. to 20 p.m. on Friday.

Dolmabahce Palace

Dolmabahce Palace, set on the European banks of the Bosphorus Strait, is one of the most sumptuous Ottoman palaces in Istanbul. Once the residence of the Ottoman royal family, Dolmabahce Palace showcases an impression of luxury and splendor. It is divided into three areas, where you can see luxuriously decorated rooms, a ceremonial hall, and a beautifully landscaped garden with fountains and sculptures.

The palace is a super sample that combines various architectural styles, including Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical. Its crystal chandeliers and gold leaf are impressive sights to photograph. Some parts also house a fine range of art and relics, like furniture, paintings, and ceramics from different ages, providing insights into Ottoman architecture and history.

Tips for Visitors

• Dolmabahce Palace will be closed on Monday and New Year's Day, as well as on the first day of religious holidays.
• It usually takes you 1.5 to 2 hours to look around the main structures.
• The spring and fall seasons are recommended for the pleasant weather and clear views of the Bosphorus Strait.

Custom Trip to See Istanbul City Attractions

Istanbul City will bring you an unbeatable cultural feast to take a rare glimpse into Turkey. It has so many popular attractions that it would be tricky to decide where and how to go, especially for first-time travelers to Turkey. Odynovo is just what you're seeking. We can design a personalized itinerary around Istanbul and more places to see in Turkey according to your preferences and needs. Feel free to contact us to get a worry-free trip.