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Istanbul Travel Guide: Must-See Places and Activities

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By 9EU Information

Istanbul is one of the largest cities in the world and welcomes millions of tourists every year. Below you will find places to visit, things to do, and some tips to make your trip more enjoyable.

Places to Visit in Istanbul

Istanbul is full of rich historical and cultural heritage, which includes:

Hagia Sophia Museum

The Hagia Sophia Museum is one of Istanbul’s most famous tourist destinations. It was first built as a church by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in 537. Later, it was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire and finally opened as a museum for visitors in 1935. The Hagia Sophia is known for its historical architecture and beautiful mosaics.

Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace is the official palace of the Ottoman Empire in Istanbul. The palace was built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet in the 15th century. Topkapi Palace is a popular place for tourists with its many museums, galleries, and gardens where you can learn about rich Ottoman history and culture.

Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest covered markets in the world, located in the historic district of Istanbul. The bazaar was built in the 15th century and has around 4,000 shops on about 60 streets. The Grand Bazaar is famous for its variety of gift shops, including jewelry, leather, silver, and hand-woven carpets.

Sultan Ahmed Mosque

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is one of the most famous mosques in Istanbul. The mosque was built by Mimar Sinan in the 16th century. It is distinguished from other mosques by its six minarets.

Galata Tower

Galata Tower is the oldest structure in Istanbul. It was built in the 14th century and is located on a hill overlooking the Bosphorus Strait. The tower has a terrace that offers visitors a panoramic view of the city.

ISTANBUL ORTAKOY
ISTANBUL ORTAKOY

Things to Do in Istanbul

There are plenty of activities to do in Istanbul that allow you to explore the historical and cultural heritage and experience the beauty of the city:

Bosphorus Tour

The Bosphorus Tour is one of the most popular activities to do in Istanbul. The tour provides perfect views of the Asian and European continents

while passing under the Bosphorus Bridge. It is especially popular to watch the sunset during the tour.

Historical Hamams

Historical hamams are an important part of Turkish culture. Istanbul has many historical hamams, some of which are still in service. Hamams are a popular activity for tourists who want to relax and experience a historical Turkish tradition.

Fishing

The Bosphorus Strait is a great place to fish. Fishing is especially popular in the morning hours. By taking a boat tour on the Bosphorus, you can both fish and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Istanbul.

Street Food

Istanbul has some of the best street food in the world. There are many different types of street food such as lahmacun, döner, simit, and stuffed mussels. Street food is a popular choice for both locals and tourists.

Historical Walking Tours

Historical walking tours are a great way to explore Istanbul’s rich historical and cultural heritage. Walking tours allow you to discover the historical sites and buildings located in different parts of the city.

Istanbul Travel Tips

Here are some travel tips to help you navigate Istanbul:

Currency

The currency used in Turkey is Turkish Lira. Currency exchange offices and banks are places where tourists can exchange their currency into Turkish Lira.

Transportation

Transportation in Istanbul can be provided by many different options such as tram, metro, bus, minibus, and taxi. Smart cards can be used to travel by public transportation in Istanbul.

Accommodation

There are many different accommodation options in Istanbul. Hotels located in the historic areas of the city are a popular choice for tourists.

Food and Drink

Istanbul offers many different types of Turkish cuisine. Turkish foods such as lahmacun, döner, kebab, and baklava are very popular among tourists. Turkish coffee and tea are also worth trying while in Istanbul.

Admission Fees

Some tourist destinations in Istanbul charge an admission fee. These fees vary from place to place. Some museums and tourist attractions offer discounted prices for students.

Conclusion

Istanbul is a great destination for tourists with its rich historical and cultural heritage, delicious food, and beautiful scenery. There are many activities to do and places to see in Istanbul. Being aware of currency, transportation, accommodation, and admission fees can make your trip more enjoyable.

FAQs

  1. How long should I stay in Istanbul?
    • How long you stay in Istanbul depends on the activities and places you want to see. It is recommended to spend at least 3-4 days.
  2. When should I visit Istanbul?
    • Istanbul can be visited year-round. However, the summer months may be more crowded.
  3. What language is spoken in Istanbul?
    • The official language in Istanbul is Turkish. However, English is spoken in tourist areas.
  4. How is nightlife in Istanbul?
    • Istanbul’s nightlife is very lively. Nightclubs, bars, and restaurants are popular choices for tourists.
  5. What is the weather like in Istanbul?
    • Istanbul generally has a mild climate. The summer months can be hot and humid, while the winter months can be cold and rainy.

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