City: Beyoglu
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Things to do in Istanbul, Turkey: The Best Historic Sites
The mosques, bazaars, and Turkish baths of Istanbul could keep you happily occupied for your entire trip: an eyeful of breathtaking architecture here, a good-natured haggle over a carpet there. Kick your trip off at the awe-inspiring Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), which is visible from many points of the city. Stroll the Galata Bridge and stop by the Miniaturk Park to see its tiny artifacts. The Grand Bazaar has thousands of shops to browse, while the Egyptian Bazaar is a fragrant trove of spices and fruits.
Restaurants in Istanbul
1. Galata Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,629 reviews
Built in 500 A.D., Galata Tower is one of the dominating landmarks of Istanbul. It was used as a watchtower to help defend the city.
Reviewed By 951luisy - Ashland, United States
The Galata Tower can be seen from almost every corner of Istanbul; particularly, from the Golden Horn. The security guards and the ticket seller were smiling all the time and showed a very compassionate effort to welcome visitors of different abilities. The elevator was fast and modern and at the very top you can even buy a meal or a refreshment to enjoy the 360 degree view at 260 feet high or just walk outside imagining Ahmet Celebi jumping from the tower and crossing the Bosphorus river with his mechanical wings. A tip for photographers: tripods and monopods are not permitted.
2. Galatasaray High School (Galatasaray Lisesi)
3. The Virgin Mary Assyrian Church
4. Küçüksu KasrI
5. Union Church of Istanbul
6. Neve Shalom Synagogue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By aliceann1
After having toured the Hagia Sofia museum and several Mosques in Istanbul (and loving every minute of it), we thought it was appropriate to recognize and appreciate another major religion which had its' presence in Turkey for centuries. So, we decided to go to the Jewish Museum/Neve Shalom Synagogue. We were certainly glad that we did. Located just a short walk from the Galata Tower on a main pedestrian street, one could easily walk right by this attraction. Like several synagogues in Europe, it is necessary to present ID when you enter (through steel protected doors) and there is a small admission fee which we were glad to pay to ensure the upkeep. It is a lovely, albeit small, museum which depicts the history of Judaism in Turkey and the contributions made by Turkish Jews to society. Also, the inter-religious relationships which were cultivated over the years. You will learn a lot and be glad that you went.
7. Dolmabahce Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
Reviewed By SierraAlphaFoxtrot - Leicester, United Kingdom
The Dolmabahce Palace Mosque is a beautiful mosque, and a shining example of late Ottoman architecture. Being the mosque of the Dolmabahce Palace, and the mosque of the latter Sultans, it is an intimate and rather small mosque. It is a beautiful fusion of traditional ottoman architecture, combined with the style of western cathedrals or royal chapels. I highly recommend visiting here to say a prayer. Please be mindful that modest dress is required, and the mosque is a functioning place of worship for the local community.
8. Narmanli Han
9. Saint Pierre Church
10. Askenazi Synagogue
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