Istanbul - Top Tourist Attractions
Experience the Magic that Is Istanbul in these top attractions.
When it comes to top attractions in Istanbul, the city where the East meets the West has an endless list of wonders for you to discover. So, what are you waiting for? Experience the magic that is Istanbul in these five top attractions in Istanbul:
Aya Sofya
What better way to start your grand tour of Istanbul than in one of its most majestic landmarks? If photos of the Aya Sofya already left you in awe, wait until you see it up close. Originally commissioned as a church by the Byzantine emperor Justinian in 537, Aya Sofya was then converted into a mosque by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453 and finally into a museum by Ataturk in 1935.
Stepping inside the Aya Sofya is a feast for the eyes with its beautiful mosaics, medallions and the rest of its intricate interiors.
Blue Mosque
As if Aya Sofya’s beauty isn’t enough to leave you breathless, there is Sultan Ahmet Camii or more commonly known as the Blue Mosque. Standing tall in Istanbul’s skyline are the mosque’s six minarets, but what really makes it standout is its stunning interiors decorated with thousands of Iznik tiles where the mosque got its name because of their distinctive blue color.
Topkapi Palace
Perhaps none of the Istanbul’s top attractions could top the history that surrounds the walls of Topkapi Palace. Between the 15th and 19th centuries, the palace was occupied by a variety of people—from courtiers to concubines—and you can easily see their fascinating lives through the palace’s glamorous pavilions and opulent interiors.
Spice Bazaar
Istanbul isn’t only known for its magnificent structures, it is also known for its spices. And what better way to get your fill of dried fruits, nuts and the local delicacy lokum than at Istanbul’s spice bazaar?
This market can get crowded at times, however, so it’s best to come before lunch or after 4 pm when you can really appreciate its beauty and shop for your favorite spices without fighting with other tourists. You can also visit the nearby Yeni Camii or new mosque just next to the bazaar’s main entrance.
Grand Bazaar
And while we’re at the subject of bazaars, no trip to Istanbul will be complete without shopping at Kapali Carsi or the Grand Bazaar.
Considered as the world’s first shopping mall, the Grand Bazaar is one of Istanbul’s top attractions because of how much history and culture you can immerse yourself into while walking through its laneways filled with local shops that sell every kind of souvenir you can think of.
Indeed, Istanbul is magical in every sense of the word that booking a trip to this beautiful city will surely give you the best experience of your life.