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…

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…

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…

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…

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

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…

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? …

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…

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…

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. …