Istanbul was Founded around 1000 BCE and has always been a cultural Hub. It was the capital of Constantinople and was later occupied by the Ottoman Empire. The sightseeing in the city is something that can impress even the most monument-weary visitor.

Here is the list of top ten tourist attractions, if you have missed the first four you have not seen Istanbul at all.

1. Aya Sofya

innovative architecture, rich history, religious significance and extraordinary characteristics to fighting against time for centuries defines Aya Sofia.

It was built as a church by the Byzantine Emperor and traditionally believed that the area surrounding the throne was the centre of the world.

After the conquest by Ottoman empire, it was converted into a mosque. Its domes and walls collapsed many times during the Eastern Roman period, never collapsed again after the renovations of Sinan the Architect despite many great earthquakes in Istanbul.

Every sultan strived to beautify the Hagia Sophia even more, and the Hagia Sophia was transformed into an entire complex.

Best time to visit this Monument is in the evening.

2. Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi)

Topkapi Palace is a vast complex is a dazzling display of Islamic art, with opulent courtyards lined with intricate hand-painted tile-work, linking a warren of sumptuously decorated rooms, all bounded by battlemented walls and towers.

The main highlight of this palace is the Harem, where Sultan’s concubines used to spend their time. It also has an Imperial Council Chamber, an Imperial Treasury, and Sacred Safekeeping Rooms.

It is a huge structure, so plan for at least half a day to explore it properly. 

3. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii)

Sultan Ahmet I’s grand architectural gift to his capital was this beautiful mosque, commonly known as the Blue Mosque today.

It got its nickname from the Blue Iznik tiles that adorn the interior of the mosque.

It is considered to be one of the most popular places in Istanbul that draw tons of visitors towards it due to its breathtaking beauty.This iconic attraction is a must-visit for every traveler, and it gives a chance to the visitors to soak into the culture and tradition of the Islamic Ottoman Empire.

The entire spatial and color effect of the interior makes the mosque one of the finest achievements of Ottoman architecture. A great sightseeing joy of a trip to Istanbul is wandering amid the gardens sandwiched between the Blue Mosque and the Aya Sofya to experience their dueling domes in twin glory. Come at dusk for extra ambience, as the call to prayer echoes out from the Blue Mosque’s minaret.

4. Grand Bazaar

Entrance to the bazaar is through one of 11 gates from where a maze of vaulted-ceiling laneways, lined by shops and stalls selling every Turkish souvenir and handicraft you could imagine, cover the area.This is the biggest covered market in the entire world, and you can see here people haggling to get the best deals.

It consists of thousands of shops where you can buy everything ranging from silk garments to jewelry to leather and carpets.This vibrant bazaar has forty rest houses, eighteen gates, sixty-one covered streets, and twenty-five thousand full-time staff. The 554-year-old bazaar is the perfect haunt to end your tour by stocking up some souvenirs for your loved ones.

5. Süleymaniye Mosque

Sitting high on the hill above Sultanahmet district, the Süleymaniye Mosque is one of the most recognized landmarks of Istanbul.

The mosque is close to the Spice Bazaar and the Grand Bazaar. The construction of the Süleymaniye Mosque started in 1550 and ended in 1557. It is hailed as the “mosque that will remain forever” as a testament to its robust structure.

The mosque is open daily between 9am and 6pm, but closed during prayer times. There is no Suleymaniye ticket price, but donations are welcomed.

6. Galata Tower

The Romanesque style tower was built as Christea Turris  or the “Tower of Christ” in 1348 during an expansion of the Genoese colony in Constantinople. Galata Tower was the tallest building in Istanbul at 219.5 ft (66.9 m) when it was built in 1348.

It is one of Istanbul’s most recognizable landmarks. Take the elevator or the stairs for great panoramic views over the city from the top balcony. Be aware, though, that it’s a super popular sight, so come early or be prepared to wait in line.

7. Dolmabahce Palace

This ornate and beautiful palace is one of the most glamorous places in Istanbul that has carved a special place in the heart of the tourists. It was formerly the administrative center of the Ottoman empire, and naval ceremonies were organized over here during that time. It replaced Topkapi Palace as the main residence of the sultans.

But now it has become a popular tourist attraction that gives a reflection of the European style opulence with its grandeur and neverending beauty. It has French style furniture, mammoth crystal chandeliers, and dazzling frescoed ceilings that allure the visitors.

8. Rüstem Pasa Mosque

Possibly the most perfectly pretty mosque in Istanbul, Rüstem Pasa Mosque is home to the most stunningly preserved Iznik tile panels in the city.

This is a hidden gem in Istanbul that showcases the impressive work of imperial Sinan, and it was built for Rustem Pasha after his sudden death in 1561. The mosque is made with marble and granite, and the colonnade structures and the domes are extremely magnificent.

The interiors are adorned with beautiful patterns made from Iznik tiles, and the walls are covered with geometric and floral designs. The mosque also houses a religious school where Islamic knowledge is imparted.

9. Maiden’s Tower

The name comes from a legend: the Byzantine emperor heard a prophecy telling him that his beloved daughter would die at the age of 18 by a snake. So he decided to put her in this tower built on a rock on the Bosphorus isolated from the land thus no snake could kill her.

Maiden’s Tower is a former Ottoman watchtower where you can sit down to have an enthralling view of the sunset. It has numerous restaurants and cafes where you can have a scrumptious meal while enjoying the sunset view from your cozy seats.

You’ll have to take a boat ride to reach this tower as it is situated on the sea, but the experience that you get over makes the entire ride totally worth it.

10. Bosphorus Bridge

The Bosphorus Bridge, known officially as the 15 July Martyrs Bridge and unofficially as the First Bridge, is one of the three suspension bridges spanning the Bosphorus strait in Istanbul, Turkey, thus connecting Europe and Asia. The bridge extends between Ortaköy and Beylerbeyi.

At night the bridge lights up with LED lights making it an Instagram worthy site for the visitors. You can take a cruise at the bridge during nighttime to enjoy the splendid sight of the beautifully lit up bridge.

11. Ortakoy Mosque

Ortakoy Mosque, which is also known as the Mecidiye Mosque, was built by the order of Sultan Abdulmecid in 1853. This iconic mosque stands as the foremost symbol of Ortakoy pier square, and is a fine example of the eclectic era of Ottoman architecture.

It lies on the shore of Bosphorus, and the Islamic devotees from all around the world flock into this mosque to seek divine blessings of Allah. It consists of two distinct parts- the summer palace section and the main worship area.

The mosque is open daily between 09:00 – 18:00, but closed during prayer times. Visitors are required to cover themselves on entry.

The walls of the mosque are built of white stone, and the building has two balcony minarets that enhance the beauty of the mosque in multifold amounts. You are advised to visit the mosque at night as when the lights are illuminated the beauty of the mosque enhances to the next level

Check out top 10 reasons too visit Turkey: https://keenventurers.in/top-10-places-to-visit-in-turkey/

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