The Hagia Sophia is a historic building and museum in downtown Istanbul. Originally built as a church and later converted into a mosque by the Ottoman Empire, it has stunning mosaics and religious artifacts on display.
Located next to the Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace was once the residence of Ottoman sultans. Now a museum, visitors can see many historical artifacts, including items belonging to the Prophet Muhammad.
The Grand Bazaar is a bustling marketplace in the Old City of Istanbul. Here, visitors can shop for everything from Turkish sweets to jewelry to leather goods. Bargaining is a common practice, so be sure to haggle for the best price.
Hamdi Restaurant is famous for its grilled meats, including lamb and beef. Their specialty dish is the Urfa kebab, a spicy meat dish served with vegetables and bread. It's a great place to try traditional Turkish food and enjoy views of the Golden Horn.
The Blue Mosque is an iconic mosque with intricate tile work and architecture. Visitors must adhere to dress codes and remove their shoes before entering. The mosque is closed during prayer times, so be sure to check the schedule before visiting.
Ancient underground water storage tanks, the Basilica Cistern was built in the 6th century and has a unique atmosphere with its dim lighting and reflecting pools. It's a great place to visit on a hot summer day, as the temperature inside is cool.
The Dolmabahce Palace is a Baroque-style palace on the European shore of the Bosphorus Strait. It was the residence of the last Ottoman sultan and the first Turkish President. The palace has stunning architecture and decor and should not be missed.
The Princes' Islands are a group of nine islands located off the coast of Istanbul. They offer a peaceful retreat from the city and a chance to swim in the sea. Visitors can rent bicycles or take a horse-drawn carriage to explore the islands.
The Whirling Dervishes ceremony is a cultural experience that originated in Turkey. Dervishes spin in a circle to achieve a state of religious meditation. There are several venues in Istanbul that offer this performance, such as the Hodjapasha Cultural Center.
The Galata Tower is a medieval stone tower in the Galata/Karakoy district of Istanbul. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of the city, including the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus Strait.
Public transportation is the best way to get around Istanbul. Visitors can purchase an Istanbulkart, a contactless card that can be used on buses, trams, and the metro. A taxi or rideshare service is also an option, but can be more expensive during rush hour. Travel time estimates are based on low traffic, and costs are for one-way fares.
For those with more time, consider taking a day trip to the nearby city of Bursa to see the Green Mosque and the Grand Mosque. For those with less time, skip the Princes' Islands and spend more time exploring the Old City. Be sure to dress conservatively when visiting religious sites, and always carry a pack of tissues as public restrooms may not provide them.
Istanbul has two airports: Ataturk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). Ataturk Airport is located on the European side of the city, while Sabiha Gokcen is on the Asian side. IST is closer to the city center (20 km) compared to SAW (50 km). Visitors can take public transportation or a taxi to reach their destination.