The former Eastern Orthodox cathedral has an impressive architecture with a rich history from its construction dates to 537 AD as a Byzantine church to 1453 when Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II conquered Constantinople and converted it to a mosque. It's now a secular museum with incredible religious artifacts, including Christian frescoes and Islamic calligraphy.
Topkapi Palace was the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans for almost 400 years. The sprawling palace compound contains several courtyards, lush gardens, and extraordinary chambers of priceless collectibles, from world-famous jewels to sacred Islamic relics.
This is an opportunity to witness the stunning panorama of Istanbul's famous suspended bridges, ancient fort, and former royal seaside mansions all mixing with modern-day luxury villas. You'll get to see Istanbul from an entirely different vantage point, from the deck of a boat.
The Grand Bazaar is a vast and labyrinthine market holding over 4000 shops. You can spend hours winding through the corridors, picking out treasures like handcrafted copperware, Anatolian carpets, and Ottoman ceramics.
The Galata Tower has been an iconic part of Istanbul's skyline since the mid-14th century. The nine-story high tower was initially built as a fire lookout by the Genoese, later serving as a military watchtower by the Ottomans. The panorama view of Istanbul from the observation deck is breathtaking, especially during sunset.
Note: *The prices in the Grand Bazaar can vary vastly depending on your haggling skills, the vendor's original price, and the shops' quality.
If you have limited time, prioritizing the quintessential Istanbul attractions (like Hagia Sophia, the Bazaar District, and the Bosporus Cruise) is recommended. However, if you have extra time, adding more time for Istanbul's lesser-known yet equally fascinating landmarks like the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, Archeological Museum, Chora Church, or the Prince Islands will be worth your time.