Tourist attractions in Istanbul

Have you ever been in Istanbul?

No matter what the answer is, however, the following can help you enjoy your trip by explaining about tourist attractions in Istanbul, a city that both it’s culture and history make it exciting to be offered much to travelers from around the world.

1.GalataTower 

At 67 meters (219 feet) high, the Galata Tower rules over the Istanbul skyline, offering great views of the old city and its surroundings. The medieval stone tower, known as the Tower of Christ, was the tallest building in Istanbul when it was built in 1348. It still stands tall over Istanbul today. The tower has been modified over the centuries, at one time being used as an observation tower to spot fires. Today, its upper reaches include a café, restaurant and a night club, both reached by elevator in the nine-story building, where one can find the stunning vistas.

2.Istacnbul Arhaeological Museum

It’s actually the most important museum in Turkey that contains three museums. Founded in 1891, it was the first Turkish museum, and was located on the Topkapi Palace grounds.

3.Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace is one of the must-see attractions in Istanbul that combines history and stunning scenery in an experience that is not to be rushed. Rich in the history of the Ottoman Empire, the Topkapi Palace is surrounded by five kilometers (3.1 miles) of stone wall with 27 towers. Topkapi, which dates back to the 15th century, is situated on a hill overlooking the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. At one time it was an official royal residence of the Ottoman Empire sultans and seat of Turkish government, but is now a museum that is considered the largest and oldest palace in the world. Visitors can get a glimpse of the harem’s quarters, where the government worked, a collection of old weapons used by the sultans, the palace kitchens with a huge porcelain collection, and the treasury with its collection of jewels and clocks.

4. Dolmabahce Palace

This is a luxurious palace which is compared to Palace of Versailles,and was  built in 19^th century using 14 tons of gold leaf, along the Bosphorus coastline what makes its setting amazing.

5. Basilica Cistern

The water that is needed by Istanbul residents has been provided from here since the sixth century. The technology which was used to build this cistern is very advanced for its day, what makes travelers wonder about. The cistern is one of the locations used in From Russia with Love, a James Bond thriller filmed in 1963.

6.Chora Church

Although it may be a little hard to reach there, but it’s worth it because of the beautiful Byzantine art.  Dating back to the days of Constantine, the Chora was a monastery in its early years; a few centuries later, it became a mosque, and in 1948, it was converted to a museum.

7.Suleymaniye Mosque 

This mosque was built on Third Hill of Istanbul in 1550 by the Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent. As visitors say, its beauty and peacefulness gives them an inspiring sense of spirituality.

8. Grand Bazaar

If you enjoy shopping, don’t leave Istanbul without visiting the Grand Bazaar which is one of the largest indoor marketplaces in the world and what you can find here contains old coins, jewelry with precious gems, inlaid weapons and antique furniture.

 9. Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, built in the early 17th century and is still active for worship so it’s closed for visitors during the five daily prayer times for Muslims. It takes its name from the blue tiles used on the dome and the upper levels of the interior.

10. Haiga Sophia

Here was a worship house for several religions over the centuries and it became a mosque in 1453 to 1931 and then reopened as a museum in 1935. It is most famous for its mosaics depicting various religious scenes.