Istanbul’s Best Spots to Discover
Gokce Nacar
Istanbul’s Best Spots to Discover :
Istanbul, which is the world’s greatest metropolises, has so much architectural and natural beauty to discover due to its rich cultural features and history. Plus, Istanbul has a unique location when compared to other cities around the world because it connects Asia and Europe like a bridge. There are so many fascinating spots to visit and see in Istanbul. It offers great opportunities for those who love to discover the best spots in a city. Here, there are some popular and attractive places to see in Istanbul.
1.Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) Mosque :
Once a church, later a mosque.
Hagia Sophia was built as a Christian Church in the 6th Century under the order of the Byzantine emperor Justian I. After the Ottoman armies conquered Constantinople (Istanbul), it converted to a mosque. After the proclamation of the republic, it became a museum and now it has been converted into a mosque again.
There are so many extraordinary characteristic features of the Hagia Sophia. With its magnificent domes, unique mosaics, marble columns, and fascinating architecture it is one of the world’s oldest and precious constructs. Hagia Sophia also has a breathtaking view. It is surrounded by the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus, and the Golden Horn. You should see the beauty of this mosque. However, we suggest that you should visit Hagia Sophia with a tour guide so that you can hear all of the detailed histories of it!
Location: Hagia Sophia Square, Sultanahmet
2.Galata Tower :
Galata Tower overlooking the Golden Horn was built by the Genoese, in the 14th Century. It has a unique, magnificent cone. The tower stands 52 meters tall above sea level and it was Istanbul’s tallest building for years. It has iconic skyline views which are definitely to see!
Now the tower has a restaurant and observation deck at the top of it. Also, it is a very popular spot among tourists so you better be prepared for the crowd.
Location: Bereketzade, Beyoğlu
3.Topkapi Palace :
Topkapi Palace is a beautiful oriented palace and a museum that overlooks the Bosphorus and Golden Horn. It was first built by Mehmet the Conqueror in the 15th Century and it was used by Ottoman families until the middle of the 19th Century. The Palace is full of Islamic arts, four courtyards, terraces with amazing views, and important collections.
The most popular part of the palace is Harem, which is made for sultans and their children. After that, there are vast kitchens and the sultan’s private rooms. Appendix to these, there is a collection room which includes so many valuable objects from different sultans.
You will need at least half a day to fully see the Topkapi Palace.
Location: Babihumayun Street, Gulhane Park
4.Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsi) :
When the tourists visit Istanbul they always want to purchase something which they can take away to their hometown. Therefore, Grand Bazaar is a very convenient place to buy something relates to Istanbul. You can search for anything while you are touring in the Bazaar.
It is a 550-year-old covered market in Beyazit and it has 11 gates to enter. The massive market is the world’s first shopping mall. You need to see the Grand Bazaar before leaving Istanbul, besides visiting is free!
Location: Divanyolu Street
5.Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici) :
The Basilica Cistern is one of the most surprising places to discover in Istanbul due to its location.
It is an underground hall that includes 336 columns in 12 rows and it was stored the water supply for the Byzantine emperors. The place has a unique atmospheric theme, also the columns used in construction were recycled from earlier classical structures.
The most famous columns are known as Medusa Stones in the northwest corner with their Medusa head carvings. You should visit the Basilica Cistern, it is an amazing construction that you would not see anywhere else.
Location: Yerebatan Street, Sultanahmet
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