Best Places in İstanbul

In this article, we will talk about the best places in Istanbul for travel, Turkey. Istanbul is the heart of Turkey and one of the most important cities. In addition, Istanbul is the point that connects the continents of Asia and Europe in the world.

Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace, which is located in Istanbul’s most touristy location, the Historic Peninsula, should, of course, be at the top of your list of attractions to see.

Topkap Palace, located in Sarayburnu in the Fatih district, was erected following the conquest of Istanbul and served as the Ottoman Empire’s administrative hub for 400 years.

In the palace, which saw the rich history of the Ottoman Period, there were also intrigues and sorrowful moments. Topkapi Palace, which opened as a museum on April 3, 1924, is also the Republic of Turkey’s first museum.

It is one of the world’s largest palace museums, spanning 300,000 square meters and housing around 300,000 archive papers.

Basilica Cistern

One of the most important Byzantine Empire constructions still standing in Istanbul is the Basilica Cistern. In those years, the cistern, which was erected on Emperor Justinian’s command in 532, served as a source of water for the palace and the population. It was used as a water supply for a period after the invasion of Istanbul.

Because of the Stoa Basilica on the cistern, it was also known as the Basilica Cistern and the Basilica Palace because of the columns emerging from the water.

The Medusa Head is the most intriguing item in the Basilica Cistern, which is 140 meters long and 70 meters broad. The statue, which is positioned behind two columns in the northwest corner of the cistern, is one of the most notable works of the Roman period, although it is unknown how it came to be there. One of the best places in Istanbul and the most mysterious.

Hagia Sophia

There are numerous attractions to see in Istanbul that we might put at the top of the list, and choosing one is tough, but Hagia Sophia deserves to be first. The Eastern Roman Emperor Constantius erected Hagia Sophia in 360, making it one of the world’s oldest cathedrals.

The works of Anthemios of Tralles and Isidoros of Miletos, who were commissioned by Emperor Justinian, gave Hagia Sophia, then known as Megale Ekklesia, its closest approximation to its current appearance.

Galata Tower

Galata Tower, one of the buildings that make up Istanbul’s silhouette, attracts so many visitors that there are often huge lines in front of it. Galata Tower, one of the world’s oldest towers, was erected at the behest of Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the 500s.

It took on its current form in the 1340s. The tower was last repaired in 1967, after it was devastated by fire and earthquakes. Between 10:00-22:00 in the summer and 10:00-1900 in the winter, you may visit the tower, which gives a spectacular view over Istanbul when you reach the top.

Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is one of the locations to visit in Istanbul where you can find all of Turkey’s textures in one spot. The market, which is located in Beyazt, is known to international tourists as the Grand Bazaar.

The Grand Bazaar was constructed during Mehmet the Conqueror’s reign and has been in use for about 550 years.

The bazaar, which was originally established to improve the Ottoman Empire’s revenue, has developed through time to become the region’s most significant commerce center.

The Grand Bazaar, the world’s oldest retail complex, is also one of the world’s largest, with a floor space of 45,000 square meters. Therefore, it is one of the best places in Istanbul.

The Grand Bazaar, which has about 4000 stores, is known for its jewelers. Spices, carpets, rugs, and textiles are available in addition to jewelers.

Even if you have no intention of purchasing anything from the Grand Bazaar, you must visit the stores since you will not be able to leave without feeling the nostalgic aura of ancient Istanbul.

 

After our article where we talked about the best places in Istanbul, if you are planning a trip to Turkey, we recommend you to see Cappadocia.