Whether you’re traveling to Istanbul for the first time or you’re a local, there are a number of great places to see in Istanbul. These include the Blue Mosque, Yedikule Fortress, and the Topkapi Palace. You’ll also want to check out the Tiled Kiosk Museum.
places to visit in istanbul
Topkapi Palace
During the Ottoman period, Topkapi Palace was the main residence of the Sultans. The palace was the symbol of the Ottoman Empire and its power. Its name, Topkapi, refers to the Gate of Cannon. It is one of the largest museums in Turkey and one of the most famous tourist destinations in Istanbul.
The palace has several sections. The first section, called the “Parade Court”, is the main entrance to the palace. Here you can see a courtroom, a prosecutor’s booth, and various palace departments.
The Imperial Council Chamber is on the west side of the Second Court. This is where leading state officials held meetings. The treasury staff offices are to the right. It is also the location of a prosecutor’s booth, which was used to collect complaints from people.
The palace is also home to several smaller buildings. The Imperial Council Building, for example, is a great place to see the treasury’s collection of clocks. It also features a painting of the Enthronement Ceremony of Sultan Selim III (1789) by Konstantin Kapidagli.
Blue Mosque
Located in the Sultanahmet area of Istanbul, the Blue Mosque is a must see. It is a stunning example of Ottoman architecture. Its interior contains 20,000 handmade tiles, including the famous blue tiles.
The Blue Mosque’s interior contains several exquisite details. Its main dome has 28 windows. A stone water fountain is also located in the inner court.
The Blue Mosque’s interior was once filled with seventeenth-century stained glass. These are now replaced with less-expensive versions. The building also features a series of panels on the eastern wall.
The Blue Mosque also has one of the most interesting staircases in the world. The staircase was originally an elegant spiral staircase, which was used to bring the muezzin to the top of the minarets.
The Blue Mosque was also the recipient of several awards, including the title of the world’s best building for the year 2006. One of the best places to visit in Istanbul is the Blue Mosque.
Visitors must follow a dress code when they visit the Blue Mosque. It is best to dress conservatively. Wear modest clothing, including a long skirt or pants. Also, women are expected to cover their heads and shoulders.
Basilica Cistern
Among Istanbul’s many historical sights, the Basilica Cistern is one of the most visited sites in the city. In fact, it has been featured in many films and books. The Basilica Cistern is located in the Sultanahmet area, just a short walk from Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
It’s also a great place to cool off during hot days in Istanbul. The cistern is filled with shallow water and features hundreds of columns lit from below. During summer, the cistern is open for extended hours. In the past, the cistern had a garden.
The Basilica Cistern was built in 532 AD, and was used to supply water to the imperial household and the gardens of the Topkapi Palace. At its height, it had the ability to store 80,000 cubic metres of water. The cistern is connected to a reservoir near the Black Sea, and the water is brought in through a 20km aqueduct.
The Basilica Cistern is also home to two Medusa heads. These are ancient sculptures, dating from the Roman period. They are placed sideways and used as bases for some of the cistern’s columns.
Grand Bazaar
Visiting the Grand Bazaar is a must for any tourist in Istanbul. While visiting this historic market you’ll find a wide range of goods, from antiques to fashion accessories. However, you should be prepared to haggle.
The Grand Bazaar is one of the most famous markets in the world. It’s not only the biggest indoor market in the world, but also one of the oldest. It is also one of the largest tourist attractions in Istanbul.
The Grand Bazaar is a labyrinth of shops and narrow alleys. Whether you’re looking for jewelry, carpets, or souvenirs, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. It’s not the best place to buy a souvenir, but it’s a great place to buy an authentic piece of Turkish history.
Grand Bazaar is located in the Fatih district of Istanbul. It’s located about 15 minutes away from Hagia Sophia. You can reach it by foot or by taking trams.
The Grand Bazaar has more than 5,000 shops. These shops are grouped into different categories. Some of the most popular goods in the Grand Bazaar include carpets, jewelry, and leather.
Tiled Kiosk Museum
Located in Eminonu, Istanbul, Turkey, the Tiled Kiosk Museum is one of the oldest buildings in the Istanbul Archeological Museums complex. It was built by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II in the early 19th century. It was originally a pleasure palace but was later turned into a museum. It was used to house Islamic art and archaeological artifacts.
The museum has six rooms. The central room contains tiles from the Seljuk period and Kutahya collection. The tiles are displayed in chronological order. The collection also includes ceramics from the Ottoman and Canakkale periods.
The museum has over 2,000 artifacts on display. The most important collection is made up of tiles from the 16th century. There are also several terracotta artifacts on display. The museum is also home to the world’s largest collection of Islamic artifacts.
The museum was re-opened in 1992. It is dedicated to the Persian poet Rumi. It is one of the biggest museums in Istanbul. It has many famous art pieces on display.
The museum is located on the grounds of Topkapi Palace. The palace is the largest in Istanbul and has many beautiful collections. It was originally built in the 15th century. It offers several extra tickets for a guided tour of the palace.
Nisantasi
Located in the European part of Istanbul, Nisantasi is a very stylish and cool neighbourhood. It is home to a number of well-to-do Turkish and foreign residents.
Nisantasi is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul for its trendy restaurants and cafes. These restaurants offer excellent food in a quaint and refined atmosphere.
The area is also home to a large number of educational institutions, which includes the Istanbul University. The district has also won international awards for the quality of its social environment. Nisantasi is also known for its beautiful Art Nouveau apartment buildings.
Nisantasi is home to a number of luxury brands and high-end shops. You can find restaurants that offer both European and Turkish cuisine. You can enjoy a gourmet meal or a simple lunch at one of the many cafes. There is also a large shopping mall with an assortment of boutiques, stores, and family entertainment.
Nisantasi is home to a number of well-known Turkish artists. The city is also known for its beautiful parks and green areas.
Yedikule Fortress
Located in Istanbul, Turkey, the Yedikule Fortress is a rare structure in the world. It is a part of the largest fortification of late antiquity.
In 1453, Mehmed II conquered Constantinople and began building Yedikule. In the 15th century, the treasury was held in Yedikule. Later, the fortress was used as a prison. Foreign diplomats and high-profile prisoners were held at the fortress.
Yedikule was also the site of executions. In fact, many of the political opponents of the imperial court were held here. A notable prisoner was a pagan who refused to respond to torture. The guards believed that the pagan was a spy. He was also tortured and died in a dungeon.
The walls of the dungeon contain screams in Latin. It is also known as the “Bloody Well”. During the Balkan War, bullet holes were made on the torture boards. In one tower, the names of the prisoners are written with nails.
The fortress is surrounded by a Byzantine-era land wall. Yedikule fortress is one of the most interesting landmarks in Istanbul. It is a must-visit for history buffs.
Galata Tower
Located on the Bosphorus, Galata Tower is a great place to enjoy panoramic views of Istanbul. It is one of the most iconic places to see in Istanbul and offers unique views of the Golden Horn and Bosphorus strait.
You can visit Galata Tower in Istanbul by taking the Istanbul Metro Line. You can also take a bus. It is a short walk from Karakoy and you can also take a ferry from Karakoy to reach Galata Tower. It takes 20 minutes to reach the top of the tower.
During the Ottoman period, the tower was damaged twice. The first time was by an earthquake in 1509 and the second time was by a ferocious storm in 1875. The walls are only 20 centimetres thick at the top and 3.7 metres thick at the base.
Galata Tower is a historical monument and a great place to see Istanbul. You can get a good view of Istanbul from the observation deck, which is eight floors high and offers panoramic views of Istanbul. There is also a small museum on the ground floor. It is located in a small square around the tower.
