Must See Attractions in Istanbul

Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya Camii)

Hagia Sophia is a notable religious place of interest in Istanbul. It was constructed during the 4th century and at the beginning, it was used as an Orthodox patriarchal church and later it was converted into a mosque. In the Middle Ages, the Hagia Sophia played a significant role in the religious development of the former empire. Full information about Hagia Sophia.

• The Hagia Sophia is opened daily from 9 am – 4:30 pm (except on Mondays)
• The entrance fee is 20 TL (It is around 8 Euro)

Sultanahmet Mosque (Sultanahmet Cami)

The Sultanahmet Mosque is another notable religious building on the surface of Istanbul that is considered to be an inevitable part of the Istanbul heritage. It is also known as the Blue Mosque because of the blue color of the tiles on its interior walls. Constructed during the 17th century, the Sultanahmet Mosque is still used as a mosque where visitors will find some of the best examples of the historical and religious development of Istanbul. Full information about Blue Mosque.

• The mosque is opened daily from 9 am – 6 pm except during prayer times (about 30 min. five times a day and midday on Fridays)
• There is no entrance free as donations are always accepted.

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Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi)

The Topkapi Palace is a palace in Istanbul famous for being the official and primary residence of the Ottomans for more than 400 years. In the past, the Topkapi Palace housed either state occasions or royal entertainments as nowadays it is one of the most preferred places of interest in the area because of its rich historical development. Full information about Topkapi Palace.

• Topkapi Palace Museum is open to visit between 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM every day except Tuesdays. Ticket sale for the museum ends at 04:00 PM
• The entrance fee is 20 TL(It is around 8 Euro) for either foreigners or domestic travelers.

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Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici)

The Basilica Cistern is considered to be the biggest cistern built in Istanbul. In the past the Basilica Cistern was constructed to catch and store rainwater as today it has turned to be one of the best places of interest in the area. Full information about Basilica Cistern.

• The Basilica Cistern is opened daily from 09:00 am to 17:30 pm
• The entrance fee is 10 TL(It is around 4 Euro) for foreign visitors and 3 TL for Turkish visitors

Covered Bazaar (Kapalicarsi)

The Grand Bazaar is one of the must-see attraction in Istanbul as it is among the biggest and the oldest covered markets in the world. It consists of more than 4000 shops divided into different areas according to the good type. There is something for everyone and the Grand Bazaar is considered to be the real heaven for shopping lovers. Full information about Grand Bazaar.

• The Grand Bazaar is opened from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 – 19:00. It is closed on Sundays and bank holidays.
• There is no entrance free.

Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi)

The Dolmabahce Palace is a notable palace that can be found in the famous Besiktas area on the European side of the Bosphorus. In the past, the area of the Dolmabahce Palace was used as an administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. Today it still attracts the interest of people from all over the world with its architectural design and interior. Full information about Dolmabahce Palace.

• The Dolmabahce Palace is opened daily from 9. 00 – 15 00 except Monday and Thursday
• The entrance fee is 20 TL (It is around 8 Euro)

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Miniaturk (Minyaturk)

The Miniaturk is a part of the new places of interest in Istanbul as it was constructed in 2003. The Miniaturk is the first miniature park in Istanbul that represents the historical and cultural development of many cultures and civilizations. Full information about Miniaturk.

The Miniaturk is opened daily from 9.00 – 18.00 including the weekends
The entrance fee is 10 TL(It is around 4 Euro)

Maiden Tower (Kizkulesi)

The Maiden Tower is a popular tower placed in the south part of the Bosphorus. It dates back to the notable Byzantine period and in the past, it was mainly used as a fortress between the ancient cities Byzantion and Chrysopolis.

• The Maiden Tower is opened daily till 7 pm from Monday to Saturday and the restaurant is opened daily till 1 am from Monday till Saturday
• There is no entrance free.

Chora Church (Kariye Muzesi)

The Chora Church is a popular religious building in Istanbul. Originally built as a church, now the Chora Church is used as a secularized museum.

• The Chora Church is opened daily from 09:00 – 16:30 except on Wednesdays
• The entrance fee is 15 TL(It is around 6 Euro)

Hippodrome (Hipodrom)

The Hippodrome is a great example of the achievements of the Byzantine period. It is a circus that was used as a social center in the former Constantinople (the capital of the Byzantine Empire) where some of the best sports events such as horse racing took place…

• Hippodrome area includes Byzantian Obelisk, Egyptian Obelisk, and German Fountain
• There is no entrance free.

 

Suleymaniye Mosque (Suleymaniye Camii)

The Suleymaniye Mosque is a great example of the rich religious heritage in Istanbul. This imperial mosque is situated in the famous Third Hill in Istanbul and is considered to be the second biggest mosque in the area… Full information about Suleymaniye Mosque.

• The Suleymaniye Mosque is opened daily from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm except for prayer times (about 30 min. five times a day and midday on Fridays)
• There is no entrance free as donations are always accepted.

Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayi)

The Beylerbeyi Palace is opened daily from 09:00 – 19:00 – except Tuesdays (For summer season)

• The museum is open every day, except Monday. And visiting hours are from 9:30 to 16:30.
• The entrance fee is 20 TL(It is around 8 Euro)

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Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi)

The Galata Tower is a notable place of interest located in the famous Galata area in Istanbul. It is very close to some of the best historical and cultural attractions and a visit to the Galata Tower will definitely make your Istanbul stay complete.

• The Galata Tower is opened daily from 9 am – 20 pm.
• The entrance fee is 10 TL (It is around 4 Euro)