“I looked at you from a hill yesterday, dear Istanbul …”
Istanbul is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, strategically located between Anatolia and the Balkans, the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, and has hosted many civilizations throughout history. As the capital of three universal empires, such as the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman Empires, which occupy a large place in history, Istanbul, of course, draws attention with its historical structure at first. Its stunning city walls, cathedrals, mosques, palaces, temples and many other architectures make it a place that many people around the world want to see, visit and explore.
Istanbul has the distinction of being the only city in the world with a sea in the middle. This feature further increases the value of the magnificent Bosphorus view. Especially for foreign tourists, the Bosphorus tour is at the top of the list of things to do in Turkey. You can take a boat tour in Istanbul as well as enjoy the sea and city views. Indeed, few things have the pleasure of going to one of the famous hills of Istanbul and watching the harmony of tiny boats!
British writer Lady Dorina Neave, who lived in Istanbul in the last periods of the Ottoman Empire, expressed her appreciation for Istanbul with these words:
“A more magnificent sight does not exist on earth. With its majestic domes and beautiful summer resorts, Istanbul is the queen of world cities.”
Poet Nedim, on the other hand, said the following about Istanbul:
“This city of Sitanbul, which is double ü bahâ.
A single piece of Persian property is sacrificed for one sengin.”
Well; “This city of Istanbul, which is priceless, may all Iranian property be sacrificed for a single stone.”
Inspiring many more poems, books, songs and movies, Istanbul was included in the Cultural Heritage List by UNESCO in 1985. In 2010, it was selected as the European Capital of Culture. As one of the most well-known and tourist-attracting megacities in the world, Istanbul has many places that must be visited, as can be expected. Even so; The list of places to visit may not be endless. However, we would like to list the most important historical places that will appeal to everyone.
Must-See Places in Istanbul
Istanbul has many places to see. However, since it is a very large and complex city, it is useful to separate the places on the European side from the places on the Anatolian side.
Places to Visit on the European Side of Istanbul
Hagia Sophia Museum
Basilica Cistern
Sultan Ahmet Mosque
Topkapi palace
Suleymaniye Mosque
Grand Bazaar
The Egyptian Bazaar
Bulgarian St. Stefan Church
Galata tower
Dolmabahçe Palace
star Palace
Ciragan Palace
Seven Towers Dungeons
Rumeli Fortress
Places to Visit on the Anatolian Side
1.Haydarpasa Train Station
- Maiden’s Tower
3.Mihrimah Sultan Complex
- Beylerbeyi Palace
5.Adile Sultan Pavilion
- Anatolian Fortress
7 Aya Yorgi Monastery
The Most Enjoyable Activities to Do in Istanbul
We talked about the places that should be seen as touristic in Istanbul. Now it’s time for the most enjoyable activities! There are many places to visit in Istanbul as well as many activities to do. But we list the most enjoyable ones for you! ????
Go to Hagia Sophia Museum
Hagia Sophia is an extremely important building for both Islamic and Christian societies. This magnificent structure, which has remained as the largest dome in the world for a long time, is one of the most visited places in Istanbul in terms of tourism. Hagia Sophia is also known as the eighth wonder of the world.
Those who want to be enchanted to the Basilica Cistern!
Another place at the top of Istanbul’s magnificent historical architectures is the Basilica Cistern in its restored state! Located in the southwest of Hagia Sophia, this structure is known as the Basilica Cistern because of its dozens of columns. The cistern, which has a magical atmosphere especially with its illuminations and Medusa reliefs, is one of the must-see places.
Climb the Galata Tower
You would not have visited Istanbul completely without walking up Istiklal Street and visiting the passages along the way, before climbing up to the upper floor of the Galata Tower, which will greet you. Galata Tower is undoubtedly the best address that offers a panoramic view of such a magical city! Don’t forget to get enchanted by the scenery and take photos while you’re gone! ????
Kumpir in Ortaköy, Fish and Bread in Eminönü
İstanbul’un bazı semtleri, o semtlerinde yenen sokak yiyecekleriyle ünlüdür. En ön plana çıkan semtlerde yenen sokak yemekleri ise Eminönünde balık ekmek, Ortaköy’de kumpirdir.
Ortaköy’de sıralı hâlde bulabileceğiniz birçok kumpirci vardır. Birbirine benzer standartlarda olsa da arasından birini seçmek biraz zor olabilir. Ancak malzemeleri seçip avucunuza aldığınız kocaman bir kumpiri Ortaköy Camii’sine karşı yemenin tadı ayrıdır.
Benzer şekilde Eminönü’nde de balıkçılar peş peşe sıralanmıştır. Sokakta tabure benzeri bir oturakta balık ekmek yemenin keyfi ise bambaşka!
Take the Kadıköy-Beşiktaş Ferry
You should definitely take one of the ferries cruising between Kadıköy on the Anatolian side and Beşiktaş on the European side. You can also see Haydarpaşa Train Station while enjoying a very pleasant journey with hot tea in every season.
For Tea Against the Maiden’s Tower
One of the first symbols that comes to mind when Istanbul is mentioned is the Maiden’s Tower. The Maiden’s Tower meets its visitors in the middle of the Bosphorus as both a restaurant and a museum. Aside from the boats going to the Maiden’s Tower, you can enjoy the view with simit and tea at the shabby cafes in Salacak.
