Historic Hagia Sophia is a must-visit attraction in Istanbul. Once a church, later a mosque, and now a museum, Hagia Sophia is steeped in rich history, culture, and architectural wonder. Learn about its origin and how it has survived different empires and cultural transformations through time. Guided tours are available for a more immersive experience.
The historical Basilica Cistern is an impressive underground water storage facility that has stood the test of time. Visitors can marvel at its architecture, particularly its ornate columns, and listen to its impressive water echoes while walking on the platforms above.
Topkapi Palace was the home of the Ottoman sultans for centuries and is now one of Istanbul's most popular museums. This impressive palace showcases imperial treasures and religious artifacts, including clothing worn by the Prophet Mohammed. Visitors can explore the palace's courtyards, rooms, and gardens to learn about the daily lives of Ottoman rulers and their families.
The Grand Bazaar is a bustling market where visitors can shop for everything from spices and textiles to ceramics and jewelry. With over 4,000 shops, this labyrinthine market can be daunting, but its energetic atmosphere and colorful storefronts make it an unforgettable experience.
Public transportation such as buses, trams, and metros are widely available in Istanbul and can be a convenient and cost-effective way to get around the city. Taxis are also available, but it is recommended to agree on a price beforehand to avoid overcharging. Uber and other ride-sharing services are also available.
The estimated cost of travel between each location via taxi ranges from $5-$15 and 5-20 minutes.
If you have extra time, consider taking a Bosphorus cruise to see Istanbul's beautiful skyline, the Rumeli Fortress, and the Maiden's Tower. For families with children, visiting the Istanbul Toy Museum or Miniaturk, a miniature park with scaled-down models of famous landmarks, can be a fun alternative.
If you have less time, you can consider combining Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia into one day and Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace into another.
Istanbul has two airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). Istanbul Airport is the main airport and is located approximately 40 km from the city center. Sabiha Gokcen International Airport is located on the Asian side of Istanbul, approximately 50 km from the city center.