Tours to Istanbul are a great way to explore the city, discover its rich history and taste local flavors. The glimmering mosques, Ottoman palaces and bazaars of this dizzying city are a feast for the eyes.
If you’re looking to see all of the city’s main monuments, a full-day tour is the best way to go. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore the city’s highlights including Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern.
The Old City
The Old City, often referred to as the Sultanahmet area, is where you’ll find the majority of Istanbul’s top attractions. Strolling through its winding streets, you’ll get a glimpse of Byzantine architecture and medieval mosques as well as Ottoman palaces, countless churches, and centuries-old ruins.
The highlight of any tour in the Old City is a visit to the iconic Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. These two landmarks, built 1,500 years ago in the Byzantine Empire, are a must-see for every traveler to Istanbul.
You can also wander through the Grand Bazaar which is one of the largest markets in Istanbul and boasts a vast array of shops to browse through. This is a great place to shop for Turkish souvenirs and other local treats.
Other must-sees in the Old City include the Basilica Cistern which is a fascinating underground reservoir filled with water that dates back to the 6th century. In addition, you can see the ruins of The Stone of Million, a pillar that was the starting point for any distance in ancient Constantinople.
There’s also the imposing Topkapi Palace which was a regal residence during the Ottoman Empire. It’s a large complex of buildings set among gardens and it’s impossible to explore all of it in a short trip.
Other ruins to see in the Old City are the Hippodrome, where chariot races were held during Roman days. Several statues and relics from the era have been unearthed here including the Obelisk from Egypt and Serpentine Column from Delphi, both of which date back to 324AD. You can also walk to the Theodisian Walls which is a set of ancient walls from Byzantine times that were once a part of the emperor’s palace.
It is impossible to get acquainted with the sights of Turkey in one day, as well as in a week, but you can see the maximum number of new places with the help of a rented car at one of the country's airports. For example, in Istanbul you can rent a car from 15 euros per day, in Antalya - from 16 euros per day.
Istanbul’s Contemporary Art Scene
With Istanbul’s rich cultural history, it’s no wonder that the city hosts many contemporary art exhibitions. Here you’ll find a wide range of works by local and international artists that explore the relationship between place and identity, as well as the sociopolitical issues that arise when confronting globalization and climate change.
Several galleries in Istanbul support emerging artists and represent both local and international talent, from painting to photography to sculpture. These include Mamut Art Project, Step Istanbul and Base Istanbul.
Another multi-platform museum in Istanbul is Salt, which focuses on new media art and features a diverse range of exhibitions. You’ll see video art and photography by both Turkish and international artists, and you can also participate in workshops, screenings and performances.
The Zilberman Gallery has two gallery spaces in Istanbul and Berlin and stages around 12 exhibitions a year. Their Istanbul space is located over two floors of the Misir Apartment, one of Istanbul’s most famous examples of art nouveau architecture. They end their year with a show called 'Young Fresh Different', which includes a group of works submitted to an open-call and selected by a jury.
Oktem Aykut is another contemporary art gallery in Istanbul that focuses on emerging and mid-career artists. The gallery has a strong network of international partners and supports young artists who have a keen interest in exploring the relationship between place and identity.
Aside from its galleries, Istanbul also hosts a number of independent institutions dedicated to supporting local and international artists. Some of them are patronage organisations, while others run their own art spaces and galleries. Some, like the saha, are founded by enterprising women and use private funds to fund their projects.
The Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque, located in the historic Sultanahmet neighborhood, is one of Istanbul’s most popular attractions. Its six minarets are famous for their beauty, and its architectural details rival the renowned Hagia Sophia.
The mosque’s name comes from the 20,000 hand-painted Iznik tiles that decorate its interior walls. The mosque’s interior is also filled with stunning stained glass windows and a variety of floral motives.
Its architecture is based on the style of architect Sinan, who designed many mosques during the Ottoman Empire. The mosque is home to 6 minarets that tower above the courtyard.
When designing the mosque, Sinan wanted to make it seem like it was a royal palace. He added a large central dome with lower half-domes, creating a majestic atmosphere.
As you walk around the interior, you’ll notice that each tile is a different color of blue. The colors of the tiles give the interior an air of immensity and grandeur.
There are also a number of other unique features within the mosque. For instance, there are many chandeliers that support the lighting throughout the prayer room. The chandeliers are made from ostrich eggs, which help to deter spiders that may build webs in the ceiling.
In addition, there are many windows that allow natural light into the mosque’s prayer area. The windows have complex designs and are supported by a number of elaborate chandeliers.
If you’re planning a tour of Istanbul, the Blue Mosque is an excellent place to visit. The mosque is open to the public all day, including during prayer times.
To avoid a long wait, you should plan to visit the Blue Mosque in the morning. It is also important to avoid visiting on Fridays. This is because the religious grounds receive the highest volume of visitors during this time.
The Grand Bazaar
If you’re looking to shop in Istanbul, you won’t find a better place than the Grand Bazaar. This is one of the largest covered markets in the world and has more than 3000 shops selling a wide range of goods from jewellery to carpets and spices.
Located in Beyazit, the bazaar is easy to get to by public transport from Sultanahmet and Sirkeci. You can take the tram line 1 (Bacilar-Kabatas stop) from Sultanahmet to Beyazit, which is about a 15-minute walk from the Bazaar.
As you walk through the complex, you’ll come across many of the traditional bedesten (the courtyards surrounded by the bazaar’s stores). These bedesten are still organized in the same way as they did in the 15th century, with different areas for each product – leather products, ceramics, footwear, jewelry, textiles, etc.
Once you’ve browsed through the bazaar, don’t forget to treat yourself to some of the delicious Turkish food that is available in the area. There are several restaurants that offer a wide variety of dishes, including kebabs and shish.
You can also enjoy a cup of coffee or tea at one of the many cafés that are dotted around the market. You can even sample some of the local street food to get an authentic feel for the culture and cuisine of the city.
The Grand Bazaar is a must-see for every visitor to Istanbul. Its beauty and history are unmatched and will leave you feeling inspired after your visit. Whether you’re a shopping fanatic or simply want to experience the wonders of Turkey’s ancient culture, this is the perfect tour for you! Book your tour today to start planning your trip to Istanbul.
The Beyoglu Neighborhood
Beyoglu is home to some of Istanbul’s best shopping, dining, and nightlife, and it’s also a must-see for art and history buffs. This modern European neighborhood is also a convenient base for tours to the Bosphorus, where boats depart for the Asian side of the city.
It’s one of the most well-connected parts of the city, so you can easily get around using metro, tram, or ferry lines. You can also take a stroll along Taksim Square and walk or ride the tram to Galata Tower, one of Istanbul’s most impressive landmarks.
The Beyoglu neighborhood was once populated by a large Jewish population, and the neighborhood’s Jewish Museum is a must-see. You’ll need to show identification and pass security checks before entering, but you can learn about the history of the Jewish community in Turkey.
You’ll find a range of hotels in the Beyoglu neighborhood, from budget options to luxury ones. Many offer stunning views of Istanbul’s skyline, while others feature a plethora of cultural activities.
Beyoglu has a variety of museums to explore, including the Pera Museum (Pera Muzesi) and Istanbul Modern. You’ll also want to pay a visit to the Galata Tower, where you can get a bird’s-eye view of Istanbul’s historic sights.
Another popular attraction in Beyoglu is Kilic Ali Pasa Hamam, an authentic Ottoman hamam where you can indulge in a traditional Turkish bath. This is a great place to relax after a day of exploring the city’s attractions.
There are several other attractions in the Beyoglu district, including Istanbul’s Old City, which is also worth a visit. The Istanbul Archaeological Museum is a must-see for art lovers, and the Basilica Cistern is an architectural marvel that dates back to the ancient Roman times.