The multimillion-dollar Istanbul does not have the status of the capital of the state, but it is the largest city in Turkey. For centuries, it has played the role of a bridge between Europe and Asia, between Eastern and Western cultures. Countless monuments from Antiquity, the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires have been preserved here. There are few modern high-rise buildings here, so ancient architectural masterpieces look great in the surrounding landscape. There are so many attractions in Istanbul that the question arises involuntarily: what to see first of all over the weekend and what can be included in the tour for a week. Reveal the content
We will try to answer this question. Read our list of the main sights of Istanbul with photos and descriptions, and find out where to go. Among the recommendations there are beautiful Istanbul mosques and palaces, beautiful parks, bustling oriental bazaars, ancient towers, works of art and much more.
The most beautiful mosques
Mosques occupy a special place among all the sights of Istanbul: this is something that you definitely need to look at. Not only Muslims will appreciate the incredible beauty of domes, minarets and interior decoration. But still, it should be remembered that these are active Muslim shrines. You need to take care of appropriate clothes and preferably come in between prayers.
Hagia Sophia, or Hagia Sophia
The monumental cathedral, built almost a millennium and a half ago, is called the eighth wonder of the world. Since the middle of the XV century, after the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks, it turned into a mosque. From 1935 until recently, it operated as a museum. Since 2020, Hagia Sophia has again received the status of a mosque, which does not negate its beauty and historical significance. This landmark of Istanbul is well worth becoming a place to go first.
The dome of St. Sophia Cathedral is more than 30 meters in diameter. It was an incredible engineering breakthrough for its time. For more than a millennium, there has not been a single building on Earth that would contain such a vast enclosed space inside. The weight of this dome is distributed over the arches in which the windows are made. When light pours through them, it seems as if a huge dome is floating in the air and weighs nothing at all.
The Blue Mosque
The top sights of Istanbul cannot be imagined without the famous mosque, built at the beginning of the XVII century. Rare varieties of marble were used for its construction. For decoration, 200 stained glass windows and 20,000 blue Iznik tiles were created, which gave the mosque its name. A cascade of domes visible from afar rivals the dome located opposite the Hagia Sophia.
This architectural masterpiece has an interesting feature: it has six minarets. At the time of construction, mosques always had no more than five minarets, and only one, the most important mosque in Mecca, had six. Such rivalry bordered on blasphemy. To avoid charges, Sultan Ahmet I had to pay for the construction of the seventh minaret in the al-Haram mosque.
Suleymaniye Mosque
In the photo from Turkey, this landmark of Istanbul is very common. It rises on a hill and is clearly visible. This mosque can also be viewed during sea excursions. It was built in the middle of the XVI century, during the time of Suleiman the Magnificent and his wife Roksolana. Their tombs are located in the large garden surrounding the mosque. With its soaring 53-meter dome, this structure resembles St. Sophia Cathedral — this is how Byzantine architectural traditions are intertwined with Islamic ones. At the time of construction, there was not a single taller mosque in the entire Ottoman Empire, and now it remains the largest in Turkey.
The Suleymaniye Mosque is an extensive complex with a madrasah, a library, an observatory, Turkish baths, an observation deck and numerous fountains. Thanks to the quiet garden, an atmosphere of tranquility and tranquility is preserved here.
Rustem Pasha Mosque
What other attraction can a tourist see in Istanbul to get to know traditional Ottoman architecture and art better? We recommend setting aside time for the Rustem Pasha Mosque. It was built in honor of Suleiman the Magnificent’s son-in-law, the famous vizier. This mosque is relatively low, and it is not so easy to notice from the outside. But inside you can see the best examples of hand-painted Iznik tiles with intricate patterns. Since this mosque is not as famous as the Blue One, there are fewer tourists here and you can safely admire the colorful decor.
Ortakoy Mosque
This mosque was built later than other monumental structures and is very different from them. The Ortakoy Mosque is light and elegant, from the outside it looks like a white ship sailing through the waters of the Bosphorus. The building of the mid-19th century combines Neoclassical and Baroque styles. Thanks to the large windows and vertical lines, it seems airy and looks more like a palace. It is usually very bright inside, because not only direct light gets through the windows, but also reflected from the water approaching the mosque.
The Bosphorus Bridge is located next to the Ortakoy Mosque. Both of these attractions are worth adding to the list of things to see in Istanbul.
Palaces of Istanbul
The sultans of the Ottoman Empire knew a lot about luxury. In addition to mosques, there are many palaces with dazzling decorations and large gardens left of them. Once in such a magnificent place, it is easy to mentally travel back several centuries. Powerful rulers of the past, who surrounded themselves with incredible wealth and beauty, come to life in the imagination.
Topkapi Palace
It will take half a day to explore the huge palace complex, built in the XV century by Mehmet the Conqueror. You can even devote an entire day to one of the best sights of Istanbul and explore everything without haste. This palace is considered one of the largest in the world. For four centuries, it served as the main residence of the sultans who ruled the Ottoman Empire.
The territory of the complex includes four large courtyards, three of which are open to tourists. The first of them miraculously preserved the Byzantine church of St. Irene, built in the XI century, and also has a beautiful fountain. Further on, you can see the private chambers of the emperor and his harem, the treasury, the library, and the towers. In addition to the luxurious gardens and interiors of the palace itself, the collections of jewelry, porcelain, manuscripts and works of art on display there are of great interest. The most valuable exhibit is a pear—shaped diamond “Spoon” weighing 86 carats.
Dolmabahce Palace
In the middle of the 19th century, Sultan Abdul-Majid I decided to build a new residence that would outshine the best European palaces. This is how the incredibly luxurious Dolmabahce Palace appeared. Its walls stretch along the Bosphorus Strait for 600 meters. The regular garden is decorated with fountains, pools and colorful flower beds. The interiors of the huge neoclassical building are impressive with frescoes, columns, stucco and carpets. It took 14 tons of gold leaf to finish. The largest crystal chandelier in the world, weighing about 4.5 tons, hangs in the palace. If you would like to see Versailles, but are not planning a trip to France, you can see such luxury in Istanbul.
Beylerbeyi Palace
After the death of Abdul-Majid I, his brother, Abdul-Aziz, became sultan. He also decided to build a large palace, which became the summer residence of the rulers. The Beylerbeyi Palace, completed by 1865, is located on the other side of the Bosphorus. The features of Neoclassicism and Baroque are also clearly discernible in it, but in comparison with Dolmabahce, this palace looks more restrained. Nevertheless, when Empress Eugenie of France visited here, she was delighted with the elegance of the Beylerbey. It is known that she ordered the same window to be made in her bedroom in the Tuileries Palace in Paris, which was in the guest room assigned to her.
Squares and streets of Istanbul
What do you need to see and where to walk if you find yourself in Istanbul? Even if you don’t go into the beautiful mosques, palaces or museums, you can still see a lot of interesting things. Istanbul is located on the hills, which offer beautiful views. There are many dissimilar areas inhabited by representatives of different cultures. And some squares have become the hallmark of the city.
Sultanahmet Square
The Blue Mosque and other main attractions of old Istanbul are in the immediate vicinity of this place. Back in the time of the Byzantine Empire, in 330 AD, a large hippodrome was built here for chariot racing and sports games. There were many beautiful obelisks and statues around. The townspeople came to the racetrack to relax, make an appointment, or, for example, arrange a political debate.
Not much has been preserved from those times. When the Blue Mosque was built, stone and columns of the hippodrome were used for construction. But the modern Sultanahmet Square is very beautiful. There is a huge fountain refreshing in the heat — a gift to the Sultan from the German Emperor Wilhelm II. There are many flowers and trees around it. The perfect place to take a walk and admire the majestic domes of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. If you are wondering what to see first in Istanbul in summer or spring, you can immediately go to this square.
Istiklal Street
This pedestrian street received its modern name, meaning “independence”, a hundred years ago. By that time, Istiklal had become a hub of trade and crafts, and now it is one of the main tourist attractions in Istanbul. There are shops of world-famous fashion brands, souvenir shops, the best restaurants, hotels, museums and restored architectural monuments. An old tram runs along the entire street, which adds to its charm. Night entertainment lovers will love the local bars, nightclubs and atmospheric neon signs.
Taksim Square
If you walk along Istiklal Street from the bay to the opposite end, you will find yourself in the lively Taksim Square. Its main attraction is the 11—meter monument “Independence”, which often hosts events and celebrations. There is also a market, hotels, restaurants, a large cultural center and historical attractions. If you are thinking about what to see on your own and where to go in Istanbul, visit Taksim Square.
Towers and fortresses
A rich city always needs protection, so in different eras defensive structures were erected on the territory of Istanbul. Some fortresses, towers and sections of stone walls have survived to the present day, have become landmarks or museums. Let’s name the most interesting tourist sites with a military past.
Galata Tower
The Galata Tower, built in the XIV century, is one of the most recognizable sights of Istanbul. Its height is 67 meters, besides it is located on the top of a hill. For centuries, it was the tallest building in the city. Initially, the tower was part of the defensive structures, the remains of the walls are preserved nearby. Then, at various times, the tower was used as a lighthouse, prison, observatory, and fire tower. Now there is an observation deck at the top, which offers perhaps the best panoramic view of Istanbul. But there are always a lot of people who want to admire it, so you need to come early or be ready for queues.
Maiden Tower
There is a small island at the southern entrance to the Bosphorus Strait, which is mentioned in ancient sources during the war between Athens and Sparta. A watchtower was built on the island, which also served as a lighthouse. It is not known exactly when this happened. Perhaps under Emperor Constantine the Great, or maybe even earlier. Initially, the tower was made of wood and over the past centuries it has died in fires more than once, but then it was restored. Now the restored Maiden Tower is one of the most important historical sights of Istanbul. It has a restaurant and cafe, an observation deck at the top and a gift shop.
Rumel fortress, or Rumelikhisar
In the XV century, Sultan Mehmed II Fatih, who later managed to take Constantinople and conquer other lands, ordered the construction of a powerful fort on the shore of the Bosphorus. In just a few months, the walls of the Rumel fortress have grown near the narrowest section of the strait. Its main task was to cut off the Byzantines from any help they could receive through the Bosphorus Strait. The task was completed, and two years later Constantinople fell.
Today Rumelikhisar is the most famous medieval fortress in Turkey. We recommend that you include it in the list of what you should definitely see in Istanbul. Renovated in the XX century, the fortress occupies an area of 30 hectares, it is surrounded by a wall with gates and towers. From here you can enjoy beautiful views of the Bosphorus, this is a good opportunity to take good photos. Festivals and other events take place in the fortress in summer.
The most interesting museums in Istanbul
There are many dozens of museums in Istanbul, even the top ones usually include at least 20 or 30 of them. The subjects are very different: art, crafts, history, technology and much more. It is convenient to visit museums with a special Museum Pass Istanbul card, which is valid for five days. It gives you the opportunity to save money and get to the most popular museums without waiting in line.
Archaeological Museum
The collections of this museum introduce the rich history of Turkey and the entire Middle East. In fact, this name unites three museums located in different buildings next to the Topkapi Palace. In total, they store more than a million exhibits. The most famous of them are the ancient sarcophagi from Sidon during the time of Alexander the Great. The Museum of the Ancient East has a collection dedicated to pre-Islamic art. The third museum of the complex is a Tiled Pavilion occupying one of the oldest preserved buildings in Istanbul. It houses a huge collection of ceramics from the XV-XVIII centuries.
The Pen Museum
Taksim Square is home to Istanbul’s most famous art gallery, which houses a huge collection of Ottoman art. The most interesting paintings are on display on the second floor. Classical Oriental painting gives a good idea of the way of life and culture of the Ottoman world in the XVII-XX centuries. On the ground floor you can see a large collection of tiles, ceramics and other antique objects. The other three floors host high-end temporary exhibitions dedicated to classical or contemporary art.
The Museum of Modern Art
What is interesting to see in Istanbul for those who are interested in the art of the last decades? There is a separate gallery for modern painting, photography and sculpture, opened in 2004. It houses numerous works by Turkish artists and regularly hosts temporary exhibitions. The museum also includes a cinema where you can watch modern author’s films, and a library with a thematic selection of books. There is a restaurant nearby with a view of the city.
Beautiful parks
What to see in Istanbul in spring, June and July? Of course, there are beautiful parks that are drowned in southern flowers. The tulip festival takes place here in April. Then the tulips are replaced by roses, which bloom until the hottest days. In June, purple lavender blooms, hydrangeas and oleanders join it. All the flowers that can be seen in this city cannot be enumerated, and the trees and fountains in the parks create coolness in the heat.
Gulhane Park
One of the best places to relax and the famous landmark of Istanbul is the large and beautiful Gulhane Park. It is located next to the Topkapi Palace and in the past was part of the palace complex. Only the ruler and his entourage could walk here. But now the park is open to the public and residents and tourists are willing to come here. Gulhane Park is famous for its pink flower beds, laid out in the Sultan’s time. There are many spreading trees and fountains, there is a cafe and a good playground. The territory offers views of the Bosphorus and the Marmara Sea. The spring Tulip Festival also takes place in this park.
Miniature Park
What sights are worth seeing in Istanbul if you are vacationing with children? One of these places is Miniature Park. Copies of 120 of Turkey’s most famous architectural landmarks on a scale of 1 to 25 are collected on its territory. Here you can see from all sides the Hagia Sophia Cathedral, the Blue Mosque, the Rumel Fortress, the Topkapi Palace, and you can even walk along the replica of the Bosphorus Bridge. There are sights from other cities, for example, the temple of Artemis from Ephesus or the mausoleum of Ataturk.
In addition to miniature buildings, the park has a cafe, an amusement park, a photo pavilion with the opportunity to change into traditional Ottoman clothes and much more.
Yildiz Park
Once upon a time there was a wild forest on the site of this park, and Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent turned it into a hunting ground. At the beginning of the 19th century, a palace was built here and part of the grove was set aside for a park with a pond, pavilions and a collection of rare plants. Now it is one of the largest parks in Istanbul, and anyone can visit it. This garden complex is a great place to relax, especially in the warmer months. There are many artificial reservoirs, fountains and waterfalls, even more flowers and trees. There are cafes, playgrounds and sports grounds.
Oriental bazaars
First Constantinople, and then Istanbul has always been at the intersection of the most important trade routes in Europe and Asia. It is not surprising that the city became famous for its bazaars, where you could find the best goods from all over the world. These colorful bazaars have survived to the present day and have become one of the symbols of Istanbul.
Grand Bazaar
A huge covered market, occupying an entire city block, appeared in the XV century and is still in operation. It is considered the largest bazaar in the world. It houses about 5,000 retail shops, and the number of visitors per day can exceed 300 thousand people. Tourists buy handmade products as souvenirs, antiques, spices and oriental sweets. But you can find almost anything here.
The Grand Bazaar is one of the main attractions of Istanbul, and there is a lot to see here. Due to the large number of tourists, prices are higher than in other Istanbul markets, but you can bargain.
The Egyptian Bazaar, or Spice Market
Previously, this bazaar sold goods from the east — spices, fruits, aromatic and medicinal herbs. And it was built at the expense of the duty levied on goods from Egypt, hence the name. Now the range has expanded greatly, and tourists will find everything they want on the Egyptian market. But it is still the best place to stock up on the most delicious edible souvenirs from Turkey. Spices, dried fruits, honey, nuts, Turkish delight, Turkish tea and coffee — this abundance makes your eyes run away. It is better to come before 11:00 or after 16:00, the rest of the time it is very crowded here.
Karakey Fish Market
To eat fresh fish, go to the Karakey Bazaar in the morning. It is located on the shore of the Golden Horn Bay, opposite the Egyptian Bazaar. The famous Galata Bridge is just 100 metres away. The fish on the market is the freshest, it is constantly watered with water, so there is no smell characteristic of such places. Here you can just take a walk and see what the residents of Istanbul eat. You can go to a local cafe and order something from the menu or bring your fish there, bought at the market. At street food vendors, you can try the traditional Istanbul fast food “balik ekmek” (sandwich with grilled fish).
Other sights of Istanbul
There are many beautiful and unusual things worth seeing in Istanbul. Let’s briefly talk about a few more of the most famous and recognizable sights.
- Galata Bridge. Istanbul’s most famous bridge was built in the 19th century and has since appeared repeatedly in paintings, novels, poems and plays. The modern bridge is a complex two—storey structure with a movable central part. The first floor is pedestrian. There are many restaurants with beautiful views of the city and the bay. Trams and cars travel along the second tier.
- The Bosphorus Bridge. It is a more modern landmark of Istanbul. The 1,560-meter-long suspension bridge was built in 1973. Of all the bridges crossing the Bosphorus Strait, this one is the closest to the city center. You will not be able to walk along it: traffic is open only for cars. But the bridge is very beautiful and photogenic from the outside, especially in the evening.
- Haidarpasha Railway Station. The large railway station was built at the beginning of the XIX century according to the project of German architects. The building in the European neoclassical style turned out to be beautiful and unusual for Turkey. Currently, this station is not in operation, and its status has not been determined. But the building still adorns the city. The best view of it is from the ferries that connect the European and Asian parts of Istanbul.
- The cistern of the Basilica. This building of the VI century with an underground hall of enormous size looks like a flooded palace. Its arches are supported by 336 columns, many of which were taken from even more ancient buildings. The cistern was used to accumulate water and became the largest surviving Byzantine reservoir. Now it is an atmospheric place with dim lighting. Even in the sultry summer, it remains cool here.
There are so many interesting and beautiful sights in Istanbul that it is impossible to get bored here, no matter how much you come. The most convenient way to explore the city is a tour organized by an experienced guide. There are many offers on our website with different programs and prices. Choose the best option and you will have a great time in Istanbul!