5 Things To Do During Your Istanbul Vacation!

Editor Istanbul

Mar 01 1707 read

Istanbul is considered one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, due to the fact that it has a rich history and cultural heritage that extends over thousands of years. It is also the only city in the world that connects two major continents (Europe and Asia). For many people, visiting this wonderful city is the journey of a lifetime! If you need a reason to visit this city, perhaps you should return to the famous Napoleon Bonaparte saying: Istanbul is the city where East and West merge! This is not surprising, as this city was the capital of the three most important eastern and western empires, namely the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empire.

If your visit to Istanbul is short because of work or any other activity that may reduce your time in this city, or if your visit to Istanbul is the first in your life, then we advise you to visit the five most important landmarks and activities in Istanbul that may not take much of your time and will make you Pleased and amazed at its beauty and grandeur.

What Are the Most Important Five Things to Do In Istanbul?

• Get a cruise on the Bosphorus and visit the Princes' Islands.

This strait that separates the continents of Europe and Asia and the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea has a historical significance that has caused the spread of antiquities in Asia and Europe, some of which are still preserved in detail and successive civilizations.

This is in addition to the distinctive nature and islands that give you a new and distinctive experience. You have to start by renting a boat or using public boats and traveling in the Bosphorus Strait, passing by Ataturk Bridge, to cross between the two continents until reaching one of the most important of these attractions, which is the Princesses Islands, whose Turkish name is Buyukada. On Princess Island, you can also rent a horse-drawn cart to tour around the island, or rent a bike and take the tour yourself, which is the best option for you to take your time to get to know the island and its details. You should head to the highest peaks of the island, where you can have a charming view, in which you can see the island in a panoramic manner.

• Walk around Istiklal Street and taste the most popular Turkish food.

Istiklal Street is the most important street in Istanbul and it is known for its continuous crowding all the time. Istiklal Street starts from Taksim Square, which is famous for its monument to Turkish soldiers in its center, as it is a beautiful spot for taking memorial photos. When you wander the street, you can find anything you can think of, from metal and copper sellers and clothing stores to various types of local foods. You can also taste popular street food like chestnuts, Turkish cakes, oysters stuffed with rice, and fresh watermelon.

On the street, it is reported to be pedestrianized, and you can find many activities such as live bands.

At the end of the street, there are many cafes, restaurants, and bars where the traffic is less, and from there you can use public transportation, and near Istiklal Street, there is a park open to visitors.

• Visit the Hagia Sophia Mosque and feel the greatness and nobility of the many civilizations that emerged in this city.

The Hagia Sophia is one of the most important landmarks of Istanbul, which you must visit is the most beautiful historical buildings in Istanbul, Hagia Sophia Cathedral, built during the reign of Emperor Constantine. In the period of Islamic rule, the Hagia Sophia was turned into a mosque, and in the modern era it was turned into a museum and was also re-converted into a mosque, The Hagia Sophia is considered a vivid example of Byzantine architecture and the most important feature of its interior columns are designed from distinctive marble. Hagia Sophia is located near Sultanahmet square which contains the most important attractions like the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace.

• Discover the life of the sultans in Dolmabahce Palace, whose fame has reached various parts of the world.

Behind the Bosphorus, you can visit Dolmabahce Palace, which was the residence of the sultans for many centuries after Topkapi Palace. The palace was built in the year 1870 as a gift from Sultan Salim III to his mother, the Sultana. It has changed and has undergone renewal and restoration processes several times, and has been adopted as the official residence of a number of sultans, and it still maintains its official and historical character. This historical place is distinguished by its unique location and picturesque background views on the Bosphorus, as well as its spacious garden covered with flowers. On the inside, there is another distinction, as when you enter the palace you feel as if you have returned to the time of the sultans because of its unique design that relies on duality in everything. Perhaps the most striking thing is the official banquet hall, with its golden ceiling and the dining hall famous for its mother-of-pearl doors.

• Visit Grand Bazaar:

The Grand Bazaar is definitely a place not to be missed and not to be seen when you visit Istanbul! This ancient bazaar, which is nearly 500 years old, includes under its magnificent, covered roofs nearly 4000 shops, kiosks, many restaurants, fountains, and many small mosques. You will enjoy making an experience of buying from this bazaar and bargaining with shopkeepers. The market is famous for its carpets, leather, ceramics, souvenirs, and jewelry.

You can visit our blog to learn more about Istanbul and its most important archaeological & historical landmarks.