Hagia Sophia is a historic mosque-turned-museum in Istanbul, known for its impressive Byzantine architecture and religious significance. Visitors can explore its vast interior, adorned with intricate mosaics and impressive design elements - a must-see for any history buff.
Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, is a bustling marketplace in the heart of Istanbul. Visitors can explore stalls selling a variety of spices, sweets, and traditional Turkish souvenirs. This is a great place to experience the local culture and stock up on unique souvenirs to take back home.
Topkapi Palace is a grand palace located in Istanbul, a must-see for history enthusiasts. It served as the home of Ottoman Sultans for centuries and now serves as a fascinating museum. Visitors can explore the palace's vast interior, which features beautiful architecture, intricate designs, and impressive artifacts from the Ottoman Empire.
The Bosphorus is the strait that separates the city of Istanbul and connects the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea. A Bosphorus Cruise is a great way to take in the beautiful scenery and see the city from a unique perspective. Tour guides offer informative commentary along the way, and visitors can enjoy a leisurely tour of this beautiful part of the city.
The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Visitors can explore its labyrinthine alleys, filled with thousands of vendors selling everything from beautiful textiles and jewelry to spices, leather goods, and souvenirs. This is a great place to bargain for unique items and discover traditional Turkish craftsmanship.
Getting around Istanbul is relatively easy with its efficient public transportation system. Visitors can purchase an Istanbulkart, a rechargeable smart card that can be used on all buses, trams, ferries and metro lines. A single journey costs around 3 TRY (£0.30), but visitors can also purchase a 24-hour pass for 30 TRY (£3.70). Taxis are also a convenient option, but visitors should expect to negotiate fares.
If visitors have more time, they may consider visiting the Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, or the Dolmabahçe Palace. For those with less time, they may want to consider skipping the Bosphorus Cruise or the Grand Bazaar. Visitors should also be aware that many of the city's attractions are closed on Mondays.
Istanbul serves two airports: Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST), located 24km west of the city center, and the newer Istanbul Airport (ISL), located 35km northwest of the city center. Visitors can take a taxi, bus or metro to reach their destination, with fares ranging from 25-75 TRY (£2.90-£8.70).