Top 10 Things to do in Istanbul
When it comes to choosing the top 10 things to do in Istanbul, it’s a nightmare. Istanbul has an array of options, all competing fiercely with each other. At the junctions of the Eastern and Western World, the city has a unique vibe. The city is a melting pot of culture, arts and one of the best examples of diversity.
Istanbul is the dream destination of millions of travelers throughout the world. There are many different historical sites, places to shop at, foods to try, and adventure sports in and around The Great City. You will love and enjoy each, and every corner of Istanbul-whatever you do or wherever you go-but missing out on the top 10 is an unpardonable sin.
Here is a list of the Best Sites to Visit and Things to try in Istanbul.
The first three destinations on the list are all around Sultanahmet Square.
Previously the site of a Roman Hippodrome, the square features the best of Istanbul all at a few minute’s walk from each other. The Square is the Crown Jewel of Tourism in the country. The ever famous Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace are all here.
An awing sight, the Hagia Sophia has impressed all those who laid eyes on her. Emperor Justinian, its commissioner, claimed to have built a grander structure than King Solomon’s Temple. It is an Architectural Wonder, even in the 21st century. Built back in 537 AD as a Church, the grand structure was converted into a Mosque during the 15th Century when the Ottomans captured the city. For part of the 20th and 21st Century, the site served as a museum before being reopened as a mosque. Hagia Sophia is considered the best of Byzantine Architecture. Surrounding Minarets were added during the 15th and 16th centuries. If you come to Istanbul, Hagia Sophia deserves to be your first destination.
2. Blue Mosque:
The mosque, getting its name from its characteristic blue-colored tile work, was built by Sultan Ahmet I. The mosque sits on the site of the Great Palace of Constantinople. The Sultan built it to rival the nearby Hagia Sophia, and it certainly puts the grandeur of the Hagia Sophia to tough competition. The Mosque features a total of 13 domes and six minarets. The Mosque has been adorned with over twenty thousand handmade ceramic tiles. Illuminating the halls of the mosque are over 200 stained glass windows and chandeliers.
The Garden surrounding the mosque is another beauty in itself. And a perfect spot for a cup of evening coffee.
(To honor the sanctity of the mosque, women need to cover themselves up. Although it is advised to dress accordingly, you can get a cover-all at the mosque’s entrance.)
3. Topkapi Palace:
The Topkapi Sarayi was the seat of Ottoman Administral affairs and the residence of the Sultans for over three centuries. Needless to say, it showcases the best of Ottoman Arts. The Palace had multiple floors and gardens, all dedicated to different purposes. The outer courtyard was accessible to the public and housed the shops of the city’s best craftsmen. The Divan, the meeting spot of the Cabinet, can be accessed through the middle gate. Close by is Harem, the residential abode of the women of the royal household and the concubines of the Sultan. With multiple halls and rooms stretching over six floors, you are advised to take your time roaming the “forbidden” part of the Castle.
The Square was and still is the heart of Istanbul. Walk Around the square, get a few pictures with the Serpent Column, Walled Obelisk and Obelisk of Thutmose III, relics from the Roman period, and Egyptian Empires. Sunset is particularly the most famous time to spend in and around the square.
4. Haggle in the Historic Grand Bazar.
If there’s one thing the Istanbulites are notorious for, it’s how much you need to haggle with them. Here’s a pro tip: consider it a sport. Don’t lose your ground, and you will be taking back home a souvenir with a story. And don’t think that offering one-third the asked price is rude. Chances are the shopkeeper might still be making a considerable profit.!
If haggling is too much for you, take your time roaming the medieval mall. Fun fact: The Grand Bazaar has over 4000 shops and has been dubbed the first-ever mall in the whole wide world. Jewels, Scents, Pottery, Turkish Rugs, and weaved cloth, you can find it all here. It is the best place to buy those patterned clothes which enticed you to come to Turkey in the first place.
The Galata Tower or “Tower of Christ” was built in the mid-fourteenth century and primarily functioned as a lookout post till the nineteen sixties. Now, it’s open for you to take in a panoramic view of the magnificent city. Folklore tells of an Ahmet Celebi who engineered wings and took flight from the Galata Tower, flying across the most beautiful sites of Istanbul.
The cherry on top of the breathtaking views from Galata is the surrounding neighborhood. The Beyoglu district is filled with cafes, quite a few bistros, art houses, and synagogues. The picturesque town is the perfect backdrop for your Instagram Photos, and the nearby eateries are the best in the city.
6. Bosphorus Cruise:
The story of Istanbul starts with the Bosphorus Strait. This is where the magic happens; this is where the European and Western parts of the city connect. It stretches over 20 miles (32 kilometers) and is one of the most strategic waterways on earth.
We’ll leave the geography aside. We are here for the views and the vibes. Of all the different cruise plans available, Golden Horn and Bosphorus Tours are the most picturesque. They usually feature a sightseeing tour of Pierre Loti and Ancient Walls from Byzantine times. Golden Horn cruises are also known to be the most romantic ones.😉
7. Istiqlal Avenue
Loved by writers, the Istiqlal street leads tourists from the foot of the Galata Tower to Taksim Square. The whole street is lined with buildings from all the different periods of Istanbul’s history. And is famous for its varying architectural styles. It is one of the most prominent shopping destinations with international names and plenty of fashion/clothing outlets. Since the earlier days of the 18th century, the area has been inhabited by European ex-pats. In recent times, the street was renovated, giving it a unique vibrance.
8. Get a Turkish Bath:
Forget the Spa Massages you have had. Turkish Baths are on a whole new level. Going to the traditional “Hammam,” you will be walking into warmer and warmer rooms, pouring out all the healthy sweat your body can. Once done, you will be at the mercy of a stranger, who will massage you like never before. The experience is intense, sometimes even painful, but highly soothing. You can’t take cameras inside, but the experience transports you back in time to the medieval times of Asia.
9. Stroll around the Hippie Town of Balat.
If you are anything like me, you will have the time of your life in Balat. The area is known for its nostalgic continuation of Istanbul’s legacy. Its narrow, tall, and brightly colored buildings are reminiscent of how Istanbul “used to be.” The town used to be the perfect example of inter-faith harmony with people from all faiths living together without any labels or animosities. I suggest walking through the streets, talking to the friendly residents, and chipping in the street football matches for a natural feel of the town.
10. Try Isanbuli Street food
You can’t possibly come to Istanbul and miss out on the irresistible street food. It’s cheap, available throughout the city, and most of all, yummier than anything else. We suggest you begin with Simit, the Turkish Bagel. It’s the most famous, eat-on-the-go breakfast in the whole of Istanbul, and you can get it for as cheap as 2 TL.
Next up is Lahmacun, the Turkish Pizza. It’s a bit different from your traditional fast food joint’s pizza. It has a thin crust, and you are supposed to eat it by rolling it up. You can get it in different fillings like vegan, chicken, or meat. Ten Turkish liras will get you the very best Lahmcun there is. The list goes on and on, Pedi, Doner Kebab, etc. And don’t forget Turkish Ice Cream. The Ice Cream in itself might not be the best you will have, but the artistic performances of the vendors are unparalleled. Try getting the ice cream in the first three tries!
Visiting Istanbul, you can hit two birds with one stone. The city offers the best of both the eastern and western worlds. And with time, the city keeps on getting better. Istanbul, ahoy!
