Lighthouse, Fortress

The Maiden Tower (Kız Kulesi) is a small historic building on a small island in the Bosphorus, just a few dozen metres from the Asian shore in Üsküdar. Originally it served as a guard and checkpoint on the water route, later for example as a lighthouse or quarantine station. Today, it functions mainly as a restaurant and a symbol of Istanbul - a place most people know from photos, although in reality they often visit it only from the coast. …

Mosque

The Blue Mosque is one of those places where expectations usually match reality. From the outside it looks monumental, inside it surprises with space. It also has its charm at night, when it is beautifully lit in orange to red (yes, I was expecting more blue too!). [btn "Hotels in the Sultanahmet district" https://www.booking.com/district/tr/istanbul/sultanahmet.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-istanbul-modra-mesita] [imageFill 227694,227693…

Market

A visit to Turkey's largest market is often on the itinerary of tourists heading to Istanbul. I visited the Grand Bazaar, known in Turkish as Kapalı Çarşı, too. In truth, I had very different expectations than what I actually experienced. [btn "Book a hotel in Istanbul in advance" https://www.booking.com/district/tr/istanbul/sultanahmet.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-istanbul-grand-bazaar] Most people imagine "oriental chaos", but I experienced…

Tower, Lookout

The Galata Tower is one of Istanbul's most important landmarks, reflecting the wild history of this metropolis on the border of two continents. From the tower you can enjoy a magnificent view of the whole of Istanbul, see the historic centre and the new buildings. [btn "Book a hotel in central Istanbul" https://www.booking.com/city/tr/istanbul.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-istanbul-galata] I only needed 30-40 minutes to see the Galata Tower…

Mosque

Hagia Sophia is probably the most famous monument in Istanbul. I therefore had high expectations, which were boosted by the very high price of admission. And in the end I left downright disappointed. [btn "Find the cheapest hotels in Istanbul" https://www.booking.com/city/tr/istanbul.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-istanbul-hagia] Hagia Sophia goes by many different names, but in Turkish the most common name is Ayasofya. It is a Christian temple…

Market

Anyone craving exotic food should visit the Egyptian Market in Istanbul. You'll find a plethora of spices in particular, but you can also take home Turkish sweets, dried fruits, herbs and nuts. Even without shopping, however, a visit to the Egyptian Bazaar is absolutely unforgettable thanks to its unique atmosphere. [btn "Find hotels with a view of the Bosphorus" https://www.booking.com/city/tr/istanbul.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-istanbul…

Palace

Topkapi Palace used to be the seat of government and the home of the Ottoman Sultan. Don't expect one big palace, but a vast complex of courtyards, pavilions and gardens where you can easily spend half a day - and the perfect place for lots of photos (exteriors, views, details). Between the palace walls you'll find the bedrooms of the Sultan and his family, extensive kitchens, harem, treasury and much more. During your tour of the palace and…

Historic building

I had absolutely no idea what to expect from the Cisterna Basilica. I had seen only a few pictures, but I had no idea what it was all about and why I wanted to go there. And in the end, it was one of the most interesting and most "wow" places I have ever visited in my travels. [btn "Find hotels in central Istanbul" https://www.booking.com/district/tr/istanbul/sultanahmet.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-istanbul-cistern] What is the Cisterna…

Palace

The huge palace was built as a modern residence for Ottoman sultans in the 19th century. Today, it features some of the grandest interiors in Istanbul ever. The palace is built right on the banks of the Bosphorus, with its magnificent Baroque façade reflected in the water. [btn "View hotels overlooking the Bosphorus" https://www.booking.com/city/tr/istanbul.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-istanbul-dolmabahce] Is Dolmabahçe Palace worth a visit? …

Mosque

One of the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul is the Suleiman Mosque. Every visitor to Istanbul will notice it because of its unique location on one of Istanbul's hills. The whole complex is huge, and besides the mosque, it also includes a madrasa, a canteen, a spa and an armoury. [btn "View the 10 best hotels in Istanbul" https://www.booking.com/city/tr/istanbul.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-istanbul-sulejman-mesita] The average visitor won't…

Square

Taksim is a place you'll almost certainly pass through - and it may not exactly wow you in itself. It's not a pretty square in the classic sense. It's more of a transport hub, a gateway to modern Istanbul and a starting point for an evening out. Being one of the few large empty spaces in central Istanbul, it is also a frequent venue for celebrations or demonstrations. [btn "Book a hotel near Taksim" https://www.booking.com/district/tr…

Bridge, Lookout

The Galata Bridge is one of those places that you will cross automatically in Istanbul. It connects the historic centre to the Karakoy district and is also one of the most authentic places in the city for tourists with local life. The first time I took it, I just thought of it as getting from point A to point B. I ended up coming back several times - for the atmosphere, the fishermen, and the views of the Golden Horn. [btn "Find hotels…

Street

During your visit to Istanbul, you shouldn't miss a stroll along the vibrant Istiklal Cadessi shopping street. Every day, 3 million locals and tourists pass through this boulevard, heading from the large Taksim Square to the much quieter Galata district. [btn "Find a hotel in central Istanbul" https://www.booking.com/city/tr/istanbul.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-istanbul-istiklal] Unfortunately, Istiklal Cadessi Street has also been infamous in…

Archipelago

This pleasant archipelago south of Istanbul, where Ottoman princes spent exile in the past, is a popular place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. There are many natural and historical attractions on the islands, and even just taking the ferry across the sea is a great experience. Search for the best accommodation in Istanbul Cheap flights to Istanbul The Prince's Islands are made up of nine islands. If you decide to visit just…

Natural formation

Istanbul is a city of two continents, and it is here that Europe and Asia are separated by the famous Bosphorus Strait. This strategic location has played an important role in the history of both continents. Today, it is worth taking one of the many ferries to cross the Bosphorus Strait to the other side, or to discover the many attractions on its banks. Search for the best accommodation in Istanbul Istanbul flight tickets on sale There…

Square, Archaeological site

The Hippodrome is a place you will almost certainly pass through - and you may not even realise you are standing on one of the most important sites in ancient Istanbul. Today it looks like an ordinary square, but it was actually the centre of the Byzantine Empire. [btn "View the 10 best hotels in Istanbul" https://www.booking.com/city/tr/istanbul.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-istanbul-hippodrom] The remains of the ancient stadium now lie in…

City Quarter, Promenade, Museum

Galataport is a very different Istanbul than you expect from the historic centre. A modern waterfront, restaurants, shops and a landscaped promenade along the Bosphorus. I went here for the first time more out of curiosity... and ended up spending more time here than I planned - mainly for the views and the atmosphere in the evening. [btn "Find modern hotels in Galataport" https://www.booking.com/searchresults.en.html?ss=Galataport%20Istanbul…

Mosque

The Ortaköy Mosque is much smaller and less impressive than other mosques in Istanbul, but you should still go there. It is right on the Bosphorus and has beautiful views of the sea and the great Bosphorus Bridge. Search for the best accommodation in Istanbul Istanbul flight tickets on sale You'll only need a few minutes to visit the interior of the mosque, but make sure to set aside plenty of time to walk around the area and along the…

Park, Promenade

Sarayburnu Park is a nice promenade by the Bosphorus, followed by the pretty Gülhane Park and a very nice place for a short stop while wandering around the Sultanahmet district. You'll find an "Istanbul" sign here that you can take a picture with, as I did. [btn "Book a hotel with a view of the Bosphorus" https://www.booking.com/city/tr/istanbul.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-istanbul-sarayburnu] I just couldn't miss such a backdrop with the…

Museum

If you are interested in history, visit the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, where you will find an extensive collection of ancient artefacts, mainly from the Middle East. Search for the best accommodation in Istanbul Cheap flights to Istanbul The average visitor should set aside 2 to 3 hours to visit the Istanbul Archaeological Museum. This is the ideal time to see the most important exhibits, but you definitely won't have time to explore…