Istanbul Travel

Istanbul Travel

Istanbul Tourist Attractions

Have you ever been to Istanbul? If you answer like “No” it means you missed really important things for your travel because it is the only city in the world that combines two continents and geography that hosts the world's largest empires. It is possible to find various marks of past civilizations. Also, there are not only historical signs and buildings, but also İstanbul still has many different people, lives, and cultures today. So, if you have not added İstanbul to your travel route yet, still not late! Come and feel the diversity.

The best tourist activities in Istanbul

Istanbul Bosphorus boat tours are one of the most popular activities for tourists in Istanbul. The main reason why Istanbul Bosphorus boat tours are so popular is that it is a natural waterway that separates the European and Asian continents, its magnificent view and many historical buildings are lined like pearls in the European and Asian continents of the Bosphorus.

Istanbul Bosphorus Boat Tours:

Let's list the most popular Istanbul Bosphorus boat tours for you;

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show

This Bosphorus Dinner Cruise is quite unique in the world with its content, location, and satisfaction degree of previous attendants. Advantageous of Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise is too numerous to be counted. To illustrate, belly dance is one of the most popular fun of Turkish Night Show. It is a kinda visual feast. You will relieve your stress while you watch these amazing figures of belly dancers. In addition to the belly dance show, there will be other traditional Turkish shows such as the whirling dervish show and classic Turkish folk dance shows. Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show will be an amusing memory for you!

Free Services in this Activity

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Bosphorus Dinner Cruise

Lunch cruise on the Bosphorus

Bosphorus Lunch Cruise is a half-day afternoon cruise, you will have the opportunity to see the most important historical places from the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires on the Asian and European sides of Bosphorus, accompanied by a live guide. Also along the way stop for a visit to the fishing village of Anadolu Kavagi and discover the old fortress remnants on a hill with breath-taking views of the Bosphorus and the Black Sea.

Free Services in this Activity

Bosphorus Lunch Cruise Bosphorus Lunch Cruise

Bosphorus sunset yacht cruise

Bosphorus sunset yacht cruise is a 2.5-hour fairy tale in sunset yacht cruise where you can enjoy your traditional drinks and canapés meanwhile you can witness the most popular charms of Istanbul such as Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortakoy Mosque, Maiden’s Tower, Bosphorus Bridge, Rumelia Fortress, and many more.

Free Services in this Activity

Bosphorus sunset yacht cruise Bosphorus sunset yacht cruise

Bosphorus and the Black Sea Cruise with Lunch

Within Bosphorus and Black Sea Cruise you have a great chance as watching and admiring to spectacular structures of European and Asian Sides of Istanbul, from the seaward. Of course, their city facades are great to, but watching them from seaward makes you feel different. To illustrate, Maiden Tower, Ortakoy, Kucuksu Palace, Rumelia Fortress, Anadolu Kavagı District, and Poyrazkoy are some of the landmarks of Istanbul that you will meet during the Istanbul Black Sea Cruise tour.

Free Services in this Activity

Bosphorus and Black Sea Cruise Bosphorus and Black Sea Cruise

Istanbul Tours with Local Guide:

Another popular activity is a guided Istanbul Sultanahmet tour. Sultanahmet square has a very important place in history. Emperors' coronation ceremonies, demonstrations, and celebrations were held in Sultanahmet square. For this reason, many important historical buildings from the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires are located in this region. This region, which smells of history in every corner, is a region visited by every tourist who visits Istanbul.

Private Istanbul Guided Tour: Ottoman and Byzantine Heritage in Istanbul

A journey to the history of Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Discover the most important architectural masterpieces of Roman Emperors and Ottoman Sultans.

You will follow the traces of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires in Istanbul. Have the opportunity to visit all the historic sites of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empire.

Highlights of this tour

guided Istanbul Sultanahmet tour guided Istanbul Sultanahmet tour

Places to Visit in Istanbul

Istanbul, home to countless cultures of hundreds of thousands of years, is a huge city of 15 million today. Istanbul, with its historical structures dominated by Byzantine and Ottoman monuments, breathtaking views of the Bosphorus, entertainment streets that never go out of light, and seagulls that are always hungry, is a must-see, discover, and live route for every traveler.

Dolmabahçe Palace

This imposing structure in baroque style, which was started to be built in 1843, was the campus used by the sultans, especially in the summer. There are baths, gardens with Asian-origin plants, 141 carpets and a clock tower visible at the entrance. During the Republican era, the most important event in the palace that Atatürk used as a residence during his visits to Istanbul was the death of Atatürk on 10 November 1938. It is open to visitors between 09.00-16.00 except Mondays and Thursdays.

Topkapi palace

The building, which was started to be built in 1465, was used as the administrative center of the state during 400 years of the 600-year history of the Ottoman Empire. Topkapi Palace opened as a museum on October 9, 1924, Kubbealtı, Supply Room, Mecidiye Mansion, Hekimbaşı Room, Mustafa Pasha Mansion and Baghdad Mansion can be visited. Open every day from 09.00 to 17.00 except Tuesdays.

Hagia Sophia Museum

A.D. It is a basilica planned patriarchal cathedral built in the old city center of Istanbul's historical peninsula between the years 532 - 537, and after Istanbul was taken by the Turks in 1453, it was converted into a mosque by Fatih Sultan Mehmet. During the Latin Empire, it was briefly used as a Catholic Church. This cosmopolitan building, which is used as a museum today, bears the traces of every period in which it lives. Excludes Mondays between 09.00-19.00.

Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern is the largest covered cistern in Istanbul. The concerts and dance shows in this fantastic building are quite impressive. Open daily from 09.00 to 17.30.

Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Mosque)

It was built by Sultan Ahmet I between 1609-1616 by architect Sedefkar Mehmet Aga. The interior of the mosque is illuminated with more than 200 colored glass and adorned with more than 20.000 İznik tiles.

Galata tower

Galata Tower, one of the oldest towers in the world, was built in 528 by the Byzantine Emperor Anastasius as the Lighthouse Tower. IV. During the reign of Murat Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi watched the winds at Okmeydanı and made flight drills. The tower is 69.90 meters and weighs 10,000 tons.

Chora Church

Chora mosaics and frescoes are the most beautiful examples of the last period of Byzantine painting, the 14th century. In the outer narthex, there are scenes about the life of Jesus and in the inner narthex, there are scenes about the life of Mary. After you leave Kariye, which is charming, you have to taste Ottoman food in Asithane garden.

Maiden's Tower

According to legend, the king built this tower on the coast of Salacak to protect his daughter, yet he could not prevent his death. Nowadays, the venue has a bar and a restaurant and is also home to fashion shows.

Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar was accepted as the first shopping center in the Ottoman Empire for many years. There are many shops selling traditional products such as leather, carpet, silver, kerchief, and copper. From the Grand Bazaar, you will reach the Spice and Nuts Spice Bazaar, where it will continue down the Mahmutbey road.

3 Days in Istanbul: An Ideal Itinerary

Day 1:

The best activity to do on the 1st day of your trip is Istanbul Sultanahmet historical tour with a local guide.

  1. Hagia Sophia (Istanbul's most famous attraction)
  2. Sultanahmet Hippodrome Square (Amazing view on Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque)
  3. Blue Mosque (World-known landmark)
  4. Grand Bazaar (The world's oldest covered market)
  5. Eminönü Neighborhood (The oldest region of Istanbul)

Day 2:

On the 2nd day, firstly, visit Topkapi Palace, the palace of the Ottoman Empire, then the Basilica Cistern in Sultanahmet, then visit Galata Tower which is located in Galata, with a bird's eye view of the Istanbul. Last visit Dolmabahçe Palace, magnificent interior and exterior architecture.

  1. Topkapi Palace (World heritage site)
  2. Basilica Cistern (Istanbul's most unusual tourist attraction)
  3. Galata Tower (The best 360° views of Istanbul)
  4. Dolmabahçe Palace (One of the most glamorous palaces in the world)

Day 3:

On the 3rd day, let's talk about the activity options that every tourist visiting Istanbul should definitely attend. Istanbul Bosphorus boat tours.

  1. Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show (Luxury Boat Cruise on Bosphorus with Dinner, Belly dance shows, Anatolian traditional folk dance and more.)
  2. Bosphorus Lunch cruise (Half-Day Luxury Boat Cruise on Bosphorus and the Black Sea with Lunch.)
  3. Bosphorus sunset yacht cruise (Luxury Yacht Cruise on Bosphorus with Snacks and Complimentary drinks)
  4. Bosphorus and the Black Sea Cruise with Lunch (Full-Day Boat Cruise on Bosphorus and the Black Sea with Lunch on board)

Best Time to Visit Istanbul

4 seasons are experienced in Istanbul; winter, autumn, spring, and summer. Offering a different beauty in every season, Istanbul can be visited in every season of the year.

Winter: In winter, Istanbul is rarely snowy. The weather is around 6-10 degrees. The most important advantages of winter months: Since it is low season, the prices of accommodation and tourist activities are lower. Since the city is not very crowded, it is easier to visit historical buildings.

Autumn: With a riot of colors in autumn, the average temperature in Istanbul is between 20-24 degrees. Visiting Istanbul towards the end of autumn will be one of the best options. Since it is low season, accommodation and tourist activity fees will be low.

Spring: Spring is the season when tourism activities and tourists are getting more intense in Istanbul. The weather starts to warm up and the prices of accommodation and tourist activities begin to adjust according to the high season. However, the taste of visiting Istanbul in the spring is different.

Summer: In summer, the weather is between 35-40 degrees. Every part of the city starts to fill with tourists and prices are high since it is high season. However, if you like boat tours, the ideal season is summer.

Where to stay in Istanbul

Istanbul is a very rich city about accommodation.

The most important accommodation area is Sultanahmet. In this area, you can find a pension, boutique hotel and luxury hotel. This region, which is the center of the city, is the most preferred region. Because Istanbul's most important historical structures are located in this region. If you choose a hotel in the Sultanahmet area you can walk to important historical sites on foot without paying a taxi or transfer fee. Accommodation prices are higher than in other regions.

The other area is Aksaray and Laleli, which are approximately 15-20 minutes away from Sultanahmet. Hotel prices in this area are cheaper. You can easily reach Sultanahmet square by using a tram. Be careful while you are choosing a hotel in these areas some hotels may not be suitable for families. Before choosing your hotel please read the comments about the hotel from the internet carefully.

Another area is Taksim. Hotel prices in this area are cheaper than Sultanahmet hotels, it is more expensive than Aksaray and Laleli hotels. It is a 30-minute drive from Sultanahmet Square. You can get there by metro. You can choose this area suitable for family.

The last recommended area is Karaköy and Galat. Hotel prices are also suitable in these areas. It is located in the middle of Taksim and Sultanahmet area. You can get there by tram or metro.

Foods must try in Istanbul

Top Things to Eat in Istanbul

Breakfast: the delicacies you must try in Turkish cuisine, which has a very rich breakfast menu: Menemen, Turkish appetizers, bagels, eggs with sausage, pastries, honey-cream, Muhlama, and a must-have Turkish tea.

Lunch-Dinner: Turkish cuisine; In terms of both its taste and nutrition, it has gained appreciation in other geographies as well as Anatolia, and has become one of the leading culinary cultures of the world. Doner Kebab, Lamb Shish Kebab, Lahmacun, Iskender Kebab, Adana Kebab, Turkish Ravioli, Dry Beans and Tantuni.

Desserts: Baklava, Kunefe, Kadayif with Pistachio and Turkish Delight

Beverages: Turkish Coffee, Black Tea, Apple Tea, Ayran, Turnip Juice, Pickle Juice, and Turkish Raki

We strongly recommend you to participate in our Private Istanbul Food Tour ​If you think you are a gourmet and enjoy tasting different cuisines in the world

Istanbul Food Tour Istanbul Food Tour Istanbul Food Tour Istanbul Food Tour

Things To Buy In Istanbul

Istanbul Shopping Guide

In Istanbul, you can find many handmade souvenirs that you can buy in the centuries-old historical bazaars, as well as many brand products from the modern fashion world.

You can find many souvenirs such as handmade woven carpets, ceramics, sculptures, and hookahs in the Grand Bazaar, one of the first shopping centers in the world.

There are many shopping centers such as Marmara Forum, Istanbul Forum, Olivium and Nişantaşı CITY'S, where you can find products of world famous brands.

The best gifts you can buy as souvenirs; hookah, hand-woven silk carpets, hand-woven rugs, tiles, and Turkish delight are the most beautiful and traditional gifts.

Istanbul Shopping Guide Istanbul Shopping Guide