9 Tourist Attractions in Istanbul in Turkey

Istanbul is now the largest city in Europe and one of the world’s most important tourist destinations. The city is located on the banks of the Bosphorus Strait and has been described as the meeting point of the East and the West.

Istanbul boasts many tourist attractions such as Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, bustling bazaars, and historic neighborhoods. In this article, we will take a short trip to explore the top 9 tourist attractions in Istanbul that you can visit. Join us!

9 Tourist Attractions in Istanbul | Turkey

Turkey is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world, featuring a variety of tourist attractions that encompass religious, cultural, entertainment, therapeutic, and adventure tourism. It is the meeting point of the East and the West, known for its heritage, culture, and possession of important historical landmarks that attract visitors from different countries to explore. In the following, we will focus on the top 9 tourist attractions in Istanbul, one of the most important cities in Turkey. Let your imagination soar.

1. Grand Bazaar

When talking about the oldest tourist attractions in Istanbul, the Grand Bazaar takes the lead. Its history dates back to the 15th century, specifically to the year 1461. The Grand Bazaar is located in the Fatih district between the Nuruosmaniye Mosque and the Beyazıt Mosque. It is one of the largest markets in the world, housing more than 5,000 shops spread under colorful domed roofs that extend over 61 covered streets. It welcomes nearly 250,000 visitors daily.

The Grand Bazaar is one of the most famous shopping destinations in the world, which visitors always seek to visit during their stay in Turkey. The bazaar offers a variety of goods, including jewelry adorned with gemstones, carpets, spices, glassware, ancient coins, colorful lanterns, souvenirs, and rare artifacts. It also houses two mosques and four fountains, as well as two baths.

2. Galata Tower

The Galata Tower is located in the center of the Galata district on the northern side of the river. It is one of the tallest tourist attractions in Istanbul, standing at a height of 67 meters, overlooking the skyline of Istanbul and providing stunning views of the old city and its surrounding areas. The history of the Galata Tower dates back to the Middle Ages when it was initially a stone tower known as the Tower of Christ. It was the tallest building in Istanbul when it was built by the Genoese colony in 1348 and still stands tall above Istanbul to this day.

The tower consists of nine floors accessible by an elevator. It was previously used as a dungeon and then as a fire lookout tower. Today, it serves as a museum displaying archaeological pieces and other remnants from Istanbul’s historical era. When visiting this tower, you will find yourself immersed in a blend of Roman architecture, modern architecture, and innovative designs. As you ascend to the top of the tower, you will find yourself above the Golden Horn area, enjoying panoramic views of Istanbul.

3. Spice Bazaar

Visiting the colorful Spice Bazaar in Istanbul is a unique journey in one of the most important tourist attractions in Istanbul that is worth experiencing. This bazaar was built in the seventeenth century and features magnificent architecture, with over 85 shops lining its beautiful inner streets.

The bazaar is located in Rustem Pasha, in the Fatih district, within proximity to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Visiting the bazaar is a special experience for lovers of Turkish cuisine, food, and spices. The bazaar offers the best Turkish sweets, herbs, nuts, dried fruits, and spices. Moreover, you can purchase souvenir gifts, jewelry, and handmade textiles.

4. Basilica Cistern

If you’re looking for one of the oldest tourist attractions in Istanbul to visit, then the Basilica Cistern is a must-see. This underground cistern was built just a few steps away from the Blue Mosque on the site of a cathedral constructed in the 3rd century, by order of the Roman Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century, to supply water to the residents of Istanbul.

When visiting this cistern, you will be amazed by the ancient Roman method of building this architectural wonder that was highly advanced in its time. The cistern is also known as the “Sunken Palace” and is a Byzantine architectural marvel dating back to the Byzantine Empire. It can hold 2.8 million cubic feet of water, and interestingly, it was featured in the film “From Russia with Love,” a James Bond movie shot in 1963.

5. Dolmabahçe Palace

Dolmabahçe Palace is a blend of luxury and charm and is not just one of the most important tourist attractions in Istanbul. The palace was built in the 19th century along the Bosphorus coast, using 14 tons of gold leaf. It combines traditional Ottoman architecture with new classical, Baroque, and Rococo-European styles.

The palace was the home to six sultans from 1856 to 1924. It also houses the largest Bohemian crystal chandelier in the world, a gift from Queen Victoria, as well as gold leaf decorations and luxurious furnishings. In addition to its architectural beauty, the palace holds great historical significance as it was the place where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, spent his final days.

6. Suleymaniye Mosque

Visitors say that the beauty and tranquility of the Suleymaniye Mosque give them a sense of peace and inspiration. The mosque is located on the third hill of Istanbul and provides a magnificent view of the Golden Horn. It is one of the many religious tourist attractions in Istanbul and was commissioned by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in 1550 and constructed by the renowned architect Mimar Sinan, the imperial architect.

Suleymaniye Mosque is one of the most important historical mosques that combines the best of Islamic and Byzantine architecture. When you visit this mosque, you can see magnificent marble columns, as well as lined stained glass windows, intricate drawings, and engravings on the walls and ceilings.

The mosque has suffered significant damage over the years, including during World War I when a fire broke out while the gardens were used as a warehouse for weapons. It was restored in the mid-20th century. The mosque has four minarets, and it’s worth mentioning that when it was built, its dome was the highest in the Ottoman Empire.

7. Taksim Square

If you want to visit lively tourist spots in Istanbul, you must visit Taksim Square. Located in the heart of Istanbul, Taksim Square is surrounded by numerous shops, restaurants, hotels, and historical sites. It is not only a famous tourist attraction and a major transportation hub but also hosts many events such as music concerts, political gatherings, and celebrations during national holidays.

Taksim Square is not only a center for commerce and entertainment but also holds historical and cultural significance. The square houses the Ataturk Memorial Monument, commemorating the founder of modern Turkey, as well as the Republic Monument symbolizing the establishment of the Turkish Republic.

8. Istanbul Archaeological Museum

Established in 1891, the Istanbul Archaeological Museum was the first Turkish museum and is located on the grounds of the Topkapi Palace. The tiled kiosk in the museum dates back to 1472. The Archaeological Museum is one of the most important museums in Turkey and consists of three museums: the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Orient, and the Tiled Kiosk Museum. Together, they house over a million valuable artifacts from various civilizations around the world, including the Alexander Sarcophagus.

9. Gulhane Park

Gulhane Park is one of the largest and most beautiful parks in Istanbul, located next to Topkapi Palace. It used to be accessible only through the royal court, but its magnificent grounds and gardens are now a true delight not to be missed. The park offers stunning views of the Bosphorus Strait.

This area is popular among both locals and tourists. Its lush pathways lead to beautiful flower beds, green spaces with fountains, and scattered orchards. Additionally, it houses the Istanbul Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam, the Imperial Gate, which is a fantastic Rococo gate that once led to the palace’s outer courtyard.

In conclusion, we hope we have provided sufficient information about the best tourist attractions in Istanbul that you can visit to help you have a memorable trip.

However, that’s not all. Turkey, especially Istanbul, is not only a fantastic tourist destination but also an educational destination that attracts international students from all over the world to study in its universities and obtain internationally recognized academic degrees. If you plan to study in Turkey, you can contact the Safa team to obtain all the information regarding university admissions and accommodation in Turkey.

Source: Things to Do in Istanbul: Best Tourist Attractions and Activities