Istanbul is one of the most fabulous travel destinations in the world, offering diverse types of attractions ranging from the most ancient to modern destinations for tourists from all over the world. Istanbul or The City of Empires with its unmissable tourist attractions like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar, has been a must-visit travel destination from ancient times to this date, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience for everyone visiting the city.
For those planning a trip to Istanbul and Turkey, in general, you should know which travel destinations in Istanbul offer the most fantastic experiences above others. That is why we’ve made a list of the top five amazing destinations in Istanbul that offer unforgettable and wonderful experiences, whether you’re a history lover or just there for the memories.
Top Five Must-See Travel Destinations in Istanbul
When it comes to planning an amazing travel trip, knowing which travel destinations are the best is a must for travelers. From the bustling, vibrant atmosphere of the ancient Grand Bazaar to the history-filled walkways and halls of the Hagia Sophia, traveling in Istanbul is a gift that keeps on giving. Here are our top must-visit travel picks for Istanbul you should definitely check out on your next trip to Turkey:
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Hagia Sofia Grand Mosque
The Ayasofya Grand Mosque or Hagia Sophia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a rich history of over 1,500 years. The landmark’s unique design, extensive history, religious significance, and remarkable features have been mentioned extensively throughout the past 2 Millenniums. It is the world’s oldest and fastest-completed cathedral-turned-mosque, having been built three times in the same area.
With its stunning domes that appear to float in the air, enormous marble columns, and unmatched mosaics, it is one of the world’s most famous architectural wonders. The mosque’s spectacular splendor, with its exquisite play on space, light, and color will evoke awe in every viewer.
Historical Relevance of Hagia Sofia Grand Mosque
The Hagia Sophia has seen many events happen throughout the turbulent past two thousand years. For centuries, it was the main cathedral of the Byzantine Empire. Emperors were crowned here, and important religious rites and imperial meetings were held there. After the Ottoman Conquest of Constantinople in 1453, it was converted into a mosque, which brought new cultural, religious, and architectural influence to the building’s history.
It also serves as the last resting place for five sultans and their families of the Ottoman Empire, giving it a revered historical significance that contributes to its antiquity. The four minarets of Hagia Sophia, fortified by Mimar Sinan, the clock room, fountains, buttresses, the treasury building, and the kitchen, add to the structure’s splendor. Visitors can enter the main prayer hall, galleries, and upper floors, allowing them to see the beautiful features up close.
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Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit the architectural wonder is during the late afternoon or early morning of the day. At this time, there are not a lot of visitors typically, so you can spend as much time as you like admiring the picturesque and breathtaking interior and the exterior of the breathtaking mosque without being disturbed by a large crowd.
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Grand Bazaar of Istanbul
The Grand Bazaar has been Istanbul’s most famous bazaar and prime shopping destination since the 15th century for locals and tourists alike. The bazaar has been a World Heritage Site since 1985, when it was finally recognized for its splendor and antiquity, which dates back to five centuries. With its bustling culture and vibrant daily life, it resembles a secret city of its own, full of endless wonders and treasures. You can truly experience the ambiance of Istanbul by visiting this bazaar, which captures the spirit of the city in its old days of being the capital and cultural and trade hub of The Ottoman Empire.
Because of its antiquity, the bazaar has managed to preserve many dying professions in Turkey to this day. It’s one of the largest and oldest markets in the world, displaying a wide range of goods in over 3000 stores of various kinds. Grand Bazaar is a wonderful shopping haven for those who value traditional textiles and fine jewelry in particular. Upon first glance, it becomes clear why the Grand Bazaar is at the top of Istanbul’s must-visit travel destinations and draws more than a staggering 500,000 people daily.
A Must-See Travel Destination in Istanbul
The Grand Bazaar is famous for its various and sprawling shops and features nearly all the goods known to man but also has a surprising number of majestic historical buildings, including mosques, fountains, and a traditional Turkish bath or Hammam. These architectural marvels add to the bazaar’s charm and provide a glimpse into its colorful past. It’s important to set aside some time for your first visit to the Grand Bazaar because of its vastness and abundance of shops.
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Best Time To Visit
Visiting the Grand Bazaar in the early morning or mid-afternoon can allow you to have a quieter yet much better time, as those are off-peak times, so you don’t have to worry about being squeezed by the crowd that keeps enlarging throughout the day.
Sultan Ahmed Mosque
The majestic Sultan Ahmed Mosque is one of the most widely famous historical and architectural wonders in Istanbul aside from Hagia Sophia. It is one of the ancient city’s most significant historical and religious landmarks and continues to draw tourists from all over the globe to admire its unending beauty and cultural importance throughout the past centuries.
Sultan Ahmed Mosque was built in the 17th century under Ottoman Sultan, Ahmed the First and is a magnificent example of Ottoman architectural design that is renowned for being one of the most beautiful in all the world. It is known as the “Blue Mosque” because of the gorgeous and striking blue tiles that were transported from Iznik which decorate the interior of the structure and leave a mesmerizing visual impression upon first sight.
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An Architectural Wonder of the World
The mosque’s building is divided into two areas: a vast courtyard and a big, unified prayer hall covered by the mosque’s magnificent eye-catching dome. Its three sides are joined by enormous elevated and recessed doorways that lead to the sacred center. The domed arcade that forms the inner frame of the courtyard is the same on all sides aside from the entry to the prayer hall, where the arches expand, adding to their uniqueness and beauty. In addition to being a place of worship, the Blue Mosque is also a significant cultural and historical site. Its significance extends beyond its aesthetic value as a representation of one of Istanbul’s religious and cultural heritage.
Best Time To Visit
The Blue Mosque is often busy during the five prayer times, so you should go to the mosque in the late afternoon or early morning to ensure that you get an undisturbed and peaceful experience.
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Topkapi Palace
Istanbul’s Topkapi Museum is a grandiose palace that provides an enthralling look into the lavish lives of various Ottoman sultans and their families. The exquisite palace served as the Empire’s main residence and administrative hub for about 400 years, with the building’s occupants controlling lands as far as Budapest and Tunis.
It was built in the 15th century after Constantinople was conquered, and it rose to be an important site in history as the political and scholarly center of the empire. It served as a home for the sultans and their families as well as a huge number of important buildings like mosques, libraries, and government buildings.
Main Cultural Heritage of the Ottomans
The Topkapi Palace Museum is an unending treasure that gives visitors the chance to travel back in time and experience the splendor and the everyday lives of the Ottoman sultans and their families. For history lovers and anybody interested in witnessing the uniqueness of Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage, it is a must-visit location that offers an unforgettable experience for those who visit.
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Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Istanbul’s former royal residence is in the early mornings at 9:00 a.m. As there’s not much of a crowd, you don’t have to be worried about being bothered.
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Kaiser Wilhelm Water Fountain
Also known as the German Fountain to locals, Kaiser Wilhelm Fountain is one of the most heavily-visited travel destinations in Istanbul and is filled with history and cross-cultural ties. It is one of the main relaxing points for tourists who have just explored the historical places nearby.
The majestic water fountain was gifted from Kaiser Wilhelm II to Turkey to honor his trip to Istanbul in 1898. The fountain was built by German workers under the direction of a well-known German architect. The landmark was designed in Germany and then transported all the way to Istanbul by sea.
An Enduring Monument of Cross-Cultural Ties
The design of the fountain was strongly influenced by German Neo-Renaissance and also holds a resemblance to the traditional Ottoman architectural style. The eye-catching green dome of the fountain is decorated with beautiful mosaics painted in gold. The octagonal fountain is supported by a strong base, which also has decorative geometric motifs and colorful stones adorning the platform. There are also marble benches located along the fountain’s edges, making for a perfect spot to relax and take in the stunning architecture.
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Best Time To Visit
You can visit the fountain in the early morning or late afternoon when the environment is perfect for those who desire a quieter environment.
Exploring Istanbul: A Must-See Gem of the East and West
Istanbul is a magical city where the elegance of Europe meets the bustling charm of Asia, creating a unique environment for travelers all over the world. From the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar to the ancient historical wonders of Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, the Ancient City of Istanbul is a must-visit place on anyone’s travel itinerary.
So are you ready for an adventure-filled journey to the City of Empires, where you’ll find rich history in every little nook and cranny mixed with modern charms and lively and vibrant streets? iLinkTurkey offers a diverse range of guided tour packages for destinations in Turkey. Head over to our packages and book our top-rated Turkey packages now.
