ISTANBUL: TOP 10 PLACES TO VISIT
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| ISTANBUL: TOP 10 PLACES TO VISIT |
Located between two continents (Europe and Asia), Turkey is a fascinating destination that will surprise you a lot. If you have to choose between the quiet of the countryside and the frenzy of the city, you ought to prefer a stay in Istanbul. You will be quickly dazzled by this land of contrast, and you will be extremely charmed by its different neighborhoods.
Perhaps, you will not be able to see them all in one stay. Consequently, here are the top 10 places to visit. This article then is shedding light on the main places of interest in Istanbul; i.e. places to visit during your first stay in Istanbul.
1. St. Sophia Basilica
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| St. Sophia Basilica |
Among the many places of interest in Istanbul, the Hagia Sophia is an absolutely essential step. This place alone sums up how the city is in the center of two worlds; halfway between the West and the East. Aged 916 years, this ancient basilica has been formerly a mosque for 482 years, with a sublime cupola and breathtaking mosaics; nowadays, it is a museum.
Reminder: St. Sophia is closed on Mondays.
CHECK BEST HOTELS NEAR St. Sophia Basilica
2. The Blue Mosque
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| The Blue Mosque |
The Blue Mosque, so named because of its predominantly blue ceramics on the walls and cupolas. It is on the opposite side of the Basilica of Saint Sophia. With six minarets, it is one of the largest mosques in the world. This is one of the must-see monuments in Istanbul.
Fortunately, there are many hotels in the vicinity of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. This area is ideally located for visiting Istanbul without having to travel with public transport as many places of interest in Istanbul are within walking distance. You can find many offers for stays in Istanbul from Private Travel including in this area. This represents a good way to find a promotional offer and make great savings.
CHECK BEST HOTELS NEAR The Blue Mosque
3. The Bosphorus
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| The Bosphorus |
It is unavoidable to visit Istanbul without taking a cruise on the Bosphorus. It remains one of the best ways to see the city from a different angle; especially to see it, both, on the European side and the Asian side. For a cruise on the Bosphorus in Istanbul, there are several options that are available to you. You may cruise shorter or longer, during the day or for a dinner cruise, to name a few.
CHECK BEST HOTELS NEAR The Bosphorus
4. The Ceremony of Whirling Dervishes
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| The ceremony of Whirling Dervishes |
One of the strongest moments of a stay in Istanbul, that is included in the top 10 in Istanbul, is attending the Ceremony of Whirling Dervishes.
In Istanbul, several ceremonies and shows are accessible. Yet, it is not necessarily easy to decipher the real ceremonies of tourist traps, especially during the first stay in Istanbul and Turkey as a whole.
In order to attend this remarkably beautiful ceremony of Whirling Dervishes, you can book online to be sure to have a place in the bag.
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5. Topkapi Palace
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| Topkapi Palace |
The Topkapi Palace is very close to these two last places of interest in Istanbul. It is located on the European side of the city. It is a very symbolic place. Since the sultans and their families were living in this palace. Moreover, in this place, decisions have been made for the entire Ottoman Empire. By entering, you can visit the armory, gardens, small mosque, the Tower of Justice or the Harem. Also, you can see the clothes of the sultans, their paintings and the imperial treasury. Above all, the building offers incredible views of the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus.
6. The Dolmabahçe Palace
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| The Dolmabahçe Palace |
It will take you at least three hours to visit the Dolmabahçe Palace. You will discover all its history and that of sultans and pashas who lived there until the end of the sixteenth century. It is located at the edge of the Bosphorus. Indeed, it offers a western and really luxurious style. For instance, you will discover the largest collection of crystal chandeliers in the world. This does really deserve to be on the list of top 10 places to visit in Istanbul.
7. Basilica Cistern in Sultanahmet
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| Basilica Cistern in Sultanahmet |
The Sunken Palace aka Basilica Cistern is located in the Sultanahmet district. This unusual place is a Byzantine cistern of the 6th century. It is notably 140 meters long and 70 meters wide. Yet, it is especially its 336 high columns of 8 meters that are really worth a look. Moreover, you shouldn’t miss the columns where figures of human heads are carved. All in all, the visit is quite fast but the place deserves to be visited.
8. Taksim Square
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| Taksim Square |
Among the top 10 places to visit in Istanbul, there is Taksim Square. This place is very important in Istanbul; because it is there where the Monument of the Republic is built in 1928; hence, the large gatherings are there. On the opposite side, you will find a long pedestrian street, Istiklal Street, where you will find the biggest branded shops and the best restaurants in the city, namely for foody people.
9. The Mosque of Soliman the Magnificent
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| The Mosque of Soliman the Magnificent |
Among the places of interest in Istanbul, there is the Mosque of Soliman the Magnificent. This work is achieved by architect Sinan from Istanbul, and it is located on a hill overlooking the Golden Horn. It has four minarets and includes a Koranic school, religious college, hospice, hospital, hammam, and mausoleums. In brief, the Mosque of Soliman the Magnificent is an interesting place to visit during a stay in Istanbul.
10. The Golden Horn
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| The Golden Horn |
The Golden Horn is a natural harbor. Flowing into the Bosphorus, this estuary is one of the top 10 places to visit in Istanbul because it is one of the most beautiful attractions in the city. The view is highly fascinating. What is more, you will have the chance to have a good view of all the monuments of the city.
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| Spice Bazaar |
As we have promised, this is the top 10 places to visit during your first stay in Istanbul. However, there are so many other places of equal importance; such as the Spice Bazaar, named also the Egyptian Bazaar. The latter is the ideal place for shopping and finding some family gifts. The spice market is lively. Also, the colors and scents are a real treat for the eyes and the nose. Certainly, you will find spices but also many oriental sweets like Turkish delight, cold cuts, cheese or even textiles. In short, it is a real oriental bazaar.