City: Istanbul
Top Things to do in Istanbul
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Top 10 Architectural Buildings in Istanbul, Turkey
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. Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Turbesi
2. Historic District Tours by Omer Cakirca
3. Serefiye Sarnici
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 272 reviews
Reviewed By luke265
Super nice and well maintained, Most importantly its free and way fewer visitors compared to the famous Basilica Cistern,
4. Hagia Sophia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43,620 reviews
This architectural marvel displays 30 million gold tiles throughout its interior, and a wide, flat dome which was a bold engineering feat at the time it was constructed in the 6th century.
Reviewed By AnLily
The Hagia Sophia Church-turned Mosque deserves a second look. Often, you need to look up & behind (at the exit and corner of upstairs former chapel) to spot the beauty that Islamic conquerors forgot or ignored in stripping its decor. Sadly, they plastered over the pure gold & silver Byzantine mosaics, which are only palely visible now. (The glowing ceiling and radiant upper walls of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem shows what the Hagia Sophia once would have looked like by brilliant candlelight inside.) The Byzantine influence of the Hagia Sophia is great; its architecture was copied by Ottomans and can be seen at the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet) in Istanbul and in Cairo (“Blue Mosque” as well) at the Fortress governed by Mohamed Ali. Aside from the similarities, including windows and dome at the succeeding blue mosques, differences to the mosque-cathedrals revised by North African Caliphates in Cordoba also astound visitors. Whereas the archways and simplicity of Spanish architecture on the conquered Iberian peninsula resemble ancient Egyptian Coptic churches, the Hagia Sophia has an intricacy that dimly appears after centuries of contest. You miss the most impressive views by not taking the ancient Roman uneven ramp to the upper gallery (with jewellery stand!); it closes early and is only accessible until approximately 6 p.m. Beyond the Empress Lodge upstairs is the 6th century marble door, behind which is a handrail with 9th c. Viking graffiti. On the arches above are mosaic stars of David flanking emblems of crosses. If you proceed to the far wall and look back there’s an impressive Byzantine image of Jesus retained in gold. However, the marble was largely damaged by Ottomans and the statuary looted by Crusaders and Venetians. A portion of the mosaics (6-13 c) are being uncovered from behind imposing scaffolding. This Hagia Sophia beside Sultanahmet in Iznik (Nicaea) was built during the reign of Emperor Theodosius and burned in the fire of Nika Revolt (532 AD) before being rebuilt. It was the site of the 7th ecumenical Church council in 787 CE (the first was also held there in 325 CE). It became strictly used as a mosque from 1331 under order of Orhan Gazi and modified with medallions or script of Koran inspiration by the architect Mimar Sinan. The remains of a 1,600-year old Byzantine basilica, St. Neophytos, is nearby--preserved as a museum under Iznik Lake as an inspiration of the original Hagia Sophia cathedral. In 1453 Mahmud II made severe changes to Hagia Sophia, the ancient base of the Orthodox Church, when he forced out the local Ecumenical faithful and hung the Greek patriarch George V—as well as executing the leading Orthodox bishops. Subsequent Muslim renovations continued 1847-49 during Abdulmecit’s reign. The Hagia Sophia was reconstituted as Museum under secularized state control after Ataturk ascended to power in postwar Turkey. General admission to the museum costs 60 TL/person. The ticket office accepts visa, as does the gift- and coffee shop. You can purchase a 5-day pass for 185 TL to save 169 TL on other attractions as well. Headsets are limited and available only for large groups. The last daily entry time is 6 p.m, and snack counters sell expensive refreshments outside the public washrooms (wood huts) on the museum grounds. If you have time and cash-only, the Basilica cistern is kitty corner to the Hagia Sophia entrance across the street /tram tracks. Combining these venues and/or the Blue Mosque nearby can be simply enjoyed with or without a guide. Tourist pamphlets in multiple languages are oddly placed beside the exit gates, not at the front of the former church and basilica.
5. Eyup Sultan Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,832 reviews
This mosque stands outside the city walls at the location where Hz Eyyubu El-Ensari, a noted Islamic individual, died in the assault on Constantinople in 670 AD.
Reviewed By istanbul455 - Ettalong Beach, Australia
A truly Tranquil garden, I actually visit this garden on all my visits, it’s on the route to the Bazzar up from all the local attractions, like blue mosque and Aya Sophia .
6. Mihrimah Sultan Camii
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 380 reviews
Noted for its interesting construction and exceptionally high dome, this mosque was built in 1557 for the daughter of a Sultan.
Reviewed By Ivankuntara - Jakarta, Indonesia
Must visited mosque in Istanbul, to see the architect of Islam and the beautiful of Bosphorus Straits. You may see "beautiful" of the acoustic and air circulation technology here
7. Rustem Pasha Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,215 reviews
One of the smaller mosques in the city, it was built by Rustem Pasa in 1561 and is noted for the very fine tiles covering the interior and exterior walls.
Reviewed By ferdab_11 - Nanaimo, Canada
A bit tricky to find but worth it! From Yenikapi tram station, head towards the front entrance Egyptian bazar or Spice Market. Don't enter. Stay outside and follow the right hand side (if you are facing the entrance) of the market OUTSIDE past cheese vendors and etc. Continue on until you see (and smell the coffee) Mehmet Efendi Kurukahveci. Pass the coffee shop and turn right down the street before Mehmet Efendi's. Walk straight down for 5 minutes and the mosque will be on the right. You'll turn right to find the entrance I think. It is another masterpiece from Mimar Sinan, the celebrated Turkish architect. The combination of red carpets and the turquoise tiles is breathtakingly beautiful and because it is in a smaller scale than his other mosques, the impact is intensified. Remember women to dress modestly and bring a scarf to cover your head. There's no shortage of beautiful scarves around to buy if need be. This whole area is full of treasures if you are willing to look. I recommend having lunch at Saray Muhallebicisi back towards Yeni Cami. They are very good.
8. Basilica Cistern
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31,242 reviews
The Basilica Cistern is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns beneath the city that provided a water filtration system for the buildings nearby. This underground chamber measures approximately 138 meters (453 ft) by 64.6 meters (212 ft) and is capable of holding 80,000 cubic meters (2,800,000 cu ft) of water. The ceiling is supported by 336 marble columns.
Reviewed By IvanaM2363
Truly interesting place and if you're there during a hot summer, this is a great place to visit, because it's cool and you get break from the heat :) I loved the dark atmosphere. It was magical. The head of Medusa was also lovely. There are still fish swimming around and that makes it even more interesting. If you have great guides like I had my Turkish friends, who told me so much about the history, etc., you will love every little place in Turkey :) When in Basilica Cistern, please be careful, it is slippery, but on the other hand, you're sightseeing so you most probably will not be running around :)
9. Dolmabahce Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,833 reviews
This palace was built in the mid 1800s to replace an earlier structure that was made of wood. The new palace incorporated sixteen separate buildings with stables, a flour mill and a clock tower among them.
Reviewed By muratm660 - Fethiye, Turkey
In order to visit Dolmabahçe Palace (Dolmabahçe Sarayı) you must take one or both of the guided tours. The Selamlık tour takes you through the quarters reserved for men, while the Harem tour shows you the apartments of the sultan’s family. Only a limited amount of people are allowed into each section per day, so make sure to check out the opening hours. If you only want to go on one tour, visit the Selamlık. I have used Fizytur Ultra vip minibus to void İstanbul's traffic trouble and enjoyed with my netflix, minibar and silence.
10. Beylerbeyi Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 477 reviews
This summer residence of the Sultans was also used to house foreign heads of state visiting the Ottoman capital. Several palaces had been built and demolished at this site over the years. The present structure was built between 1861-1865 and has six staterooms and 26 smaller rooms.
Reviewed By hrs314 - Houston, United States
Beautiful Baroque style summer palace built in 1861 for Sultan Abdul Aziz. The reception hall has a pool and a fountain. Running water in Ottoman houses help cool the homes during the summer heat. Egyptian straw mats also helped to insulate the palace. The chandeliers throughout the palace are stunning. The red color in the crystals was achieved by adding gold into the crystal. Note the Baccarat and Murano masterpieces. Look up and the ceilings are also exquisite and hand painted. Many have a nautical theme. Note: no photography is allowed inside.
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