1. Topkapi Palace
It was once the home of emperors of 3 continents. It is a must-see for everyone as it homes a great view of Istanbul, traces of hundreds of years of history and priceless treasures.
2. Hagia Sophia Museum
Once a church, then a mosque and now it is a museum. This more than a thousand year old work of art will attract you in. Not to give any spoilers, don’t forget to make a wish inside.
3. Blue (Sultan Ahmed) Mosque
Half thousand year old mosque, built by Mehmet Agha (last student of architech Sinan) welcomes millions of tourists every year. Fine tiles brought by Iznik make it look bluer that it is.
4. Dolmabahçe Palace Museum
Dolmabahçe Palace was the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire for almost a century, then it served as the house of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of the Turkish Republic.
5. Grand Bazaar
It’s one of the largest and oldest markets in the world. It’s just like shopping in those old movies. Test your bargaining skills in there and shop for fantastic gifts and souvenirs.
6. Galata Tower
The first man ever to fly with wings, Hezarfen, jumped off Galata Tower and flew all the way to the Asian side of Istanbul. The Tower has a fantastic 360° Istanbul view and will bring you amazing shots.
7. Basilica Cistern
Used as one of the film locations for James Bond’s From Russia with Love, this place was originally a basilica and was later converted to a cistern in order to provide water to the Great Palace of Constantinople.
8. Suleymaniye Mosque
Built by the talented architect Mimar Sinan on the order of the Sultan Süleyman in 1557. The mosque is not only beautiful inside and out, but it also has one of the most amazing views of the Golden Horn and the mouth of the Bosphorus.
9. Chora Church
Originally part of a monastery complex outside the walls of Constantinople, the Chora Church has on display breathtaking mosaics and frescoes from the times of the Byzantine empire.
10. Hippodrome
Today named as Sultan Ahmet Square, the most important center of the city both for Byzantine and Ottoman Empire, was a meeting, extreme sport competitions and a festival center. Only a few of its monuments survived until today.
11. Maiden’s Tower
Legends say, the Maiden’s Tower was built by an emperor to prevent his beloved daughter from being killed by a venomous snake as prophesied by an oracle. We won’t spoil the rest of the story, but you should go and find out by yourself.
12. Hagia Irene
Hagia Irene or Holy Peace, is a Greek Eastern Orthodox church and the first church built in Constantinople. It served as the church of the Patriarchate until the Hagia Sophia basilica was finalized.
13. Istanbul Modern
One of Istanbul’s most famous private art galleries. It hosts permanent contemporary and modern art exhibitions. The museum also aims to perform an educational role by providing programs to introduce youngsters to the visual arts.
14. Islamic Arts Museum
The museum hosts an exhibition of rugs woven during the time of the Seljuk Empire, islamic artifacts such as handwritten Qurans and rooms depicting the life during Ottoman times.
15. Sabanci Museum
The museum houses both permanent, such as calligraphic art and paintings of the Ottoman era, and temporary exhibitions from Turkish artists to internationally renowned artists.