Istanbul is one of the world’s great cities. This magical meeting place of east and west has more top-drawer attractions than it has minarets (and that’s a lot). There are so many wonderful reasons why you should visit this gorgeous city. Its assortment of mosques and their colorful tile work and dramatic architecture would take your breath away for sure.
If you have plans to visit Istanbul , you should know that there is a lot to see here. You can easily fill 5 days of your time in Istanbul. Its just that kind of city …. that stays in your heart long after you lesve.
22 MUST-HAVE EXPERIENCES IN ISTANBUL, TURKEY
- HAGIA SOPHIA
If you only have time for one thing in Istanbul, it should be the Hagia Sophia. This cathedral was constructed in 537 AD. The Hagia Sophia was the single greatest architectural achievement of the Byzantine Empire. In 1453, when the Ottomans took over Constantinople, the Hagia Sophia was turned into a mosque. Now, it is a museum.
Pro Travel Tip: It’s best to get here at opening time. If you buy your tickets in advance or you have the Istanbul Museum Pass, you can skip the ticket office queue, but even so, lines to enter the Hagia Sophia can get long.
2. THE BLUE MOSQUE
Walk across Sultanahmet Square to the Blue Mosque , famous for the intricate blue tile work the covers the interior of the building. It is free to enter, and if you have never been inside of a mosque before, this is a good one to start with. There are particular rules you must follow when entering a mosque, and because of the large numbers of tourists that visit the Blue Mosque everyday, the entrance procedures are well explained here.
3. THE GRAND BAZAAR
With its kaleidoscope of colorful lanterns, its friendly people, and its maze of hallways, the Grand Bazaar is a joy to explore.
4. THE CHORA CHURCH (KARIYE MUSEUM )
The Chora Church is a Greek Orthodox Church famous for its frescoes and mosaics. These mosaics portray the life of Jesus Christ.
5. THE GALATA TOWER
The Galata Tower was built in the mid 14th century and was used as a fire tower, barracks, and a dungeon. From the top of the tower you get one of the best views of Istanbul.
6. TOPKAPI PALACE
The Topkapi Palace was the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. This Palace was used for 400 years until Dolmabahce Palace was constructed in the mid 1800’s. One of the best places to visit in Topkapi Palace is the Harem, where the mother of the sultan, his wives, and his concubines lived. Topkapi Palace is a beautiful spot in Istanbul. Room after room is covered in exquisite tile work. If you are here in the springtime, the gardens are filled with tulips and hyacinths. Plus, the views of Istanbul from here are amazing.
7. THE MOSQUE OF SULEYMAN THE MAGNIFICENT
This mosque gets our vote for the most beautiful mosque in Istanbul. It was renovated in 2010, which accounts for its sparkling interior. This mosque is actually older than the Blue Mosque, but only by 60 years. It was built by the sultan Suleyman the Magnificent during the Golden Age of the Ottoman Empire.
8. EMINONU SQUARE
Eminonu is a very busy, slightly chaotic spot in Istanbul. This harbor area sits on the Golden Horn, a famous waterway that runs through the city. From Eminonu you can visit mosques, the Spice Market, famous restaurants, or catch a ferry that will shuttle you to any number of places in Istanbul. Take in the scene here. This is Istanbul in action, a hive of activity all day long.
9. GALATA BRIDGE
This bridge spans the Golden Horn, joining the older sections of Istanbul with the more modern neighborhoods. A walk across this bridge is a must while in Istanbul.
10. RUSTOM PASHA MOSQUE
Rustem Pasha Mosque is a very small mosque that is famous for its Iznik tile work. It does not look like much on the outside, but it’s what is on the inside that counts, right? Well, the tile work in this mosque is some of the best in Istanbul.
11. CRUISE THE BOSPHORUS RIVER
Istanbul is the only city to span two continents, Europe and Asia. The Bosphorus River divides these two continents. If you have the time, a cruise on the Bosphorus River is a great way to see more of this city. The cruise leaves from Eminonu in the morning and travels north towards the Black Sea. Midday, have lunch in the small fishing village of Anadolu Kavagi. From Anadolu Kavagi, walk fifteen minutes uphill to the Yoros Castle. From here, you will have excellent views of the Black Sea. By 5 pm you will arrive back at the Golden Horn in Istanbul. This is a low key day, a perfect day to put midway through your tour through the city. Most of the time you sit and watch Istanbul glide by as you cruise the Bosphorus.
For the best, cheap experience in Istanbul, take the commuter ferry from Eminonu across the Bosphorus River to Kadikoy. This round trip excursion takes about an hour and it cost just $1 per person.If you don’t have time to do the full day Bosphorus River Cruise, this journey on the commuter ferry is the perfect alternative. Mix in with the locals and enjoy the views back to the the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia. If you are traveling with kids, bring some bread to feed the seagulls that follow the ferry. This is a great activity to do at sunset because the views back to the Sultanahmet District are amazing.
12. ORTAKOY
Ortakoy is a trendy neighborhood in Istanbul. Stroll the shops, dine at one of the restaurants, and see the iconic Ortakoy Mosque.
Pro Travel Tip: Do you want unlimited 4G internet while visiting Turkey? With this pocket WiFi device you get unlimited 4G internet that can connect up to four devices.
13. ISTIKLAL STREET
Istiklal Street is a famous street in the New District of Istanbul. It is a pedestrian street that can get very crowded. This area definitely feels different than the rest of Istanbul. It is here that you will find Gap and Starbucks and Nike. But it is a beautiful street, especially with the tram that runs up and down the road.
14. THE SPICE MARKET
This is your place to buy Turkish Delight, fresh olives, figs, pistachios, and of course, spices.
15. EYUP SULTAN MOSQUE
This is a mosque much less visited by tourists than the other mosques on this list. Located in an area outside of the main touristic zone, when you are here, Istanbul really feels “authentic.” This is a beautiful area of the city. From the mosque, follow the walking trail uphill through the cemetery. It is a beautiful walk and from the top you get a great view of the Golden Horn and Istanbul.
THE MUSEUM PASS 
The Museum Pass is a card that covers your admission to several of the main museums in Istanbul. It is valid for 5 days and with this card you can skip the ticket lines. It costs 220 TL. If you visit four of the main sites that are covered in the Museum Pass (Hagia Sophia, Chora Church, Topkapi Palace and the Harem), your grand total is 240 TL. The Museum Pass does not offer any savings (although it does allow you to bypass the ticket lines, which may be worth the extra amount you will spend for the Museum Pass).
You can get your museum pass here :
IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO VISIT ISTANBUL AND HAVE QUESTIONS , COMMENT BELLOW ! FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE BEEN TO ISTANBUL , WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE EXPERIENCE.
HAPPY TRAVELING ❤
VIAJAR 
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