Top 5 Places to Visit in Istanbul

(Photo by Dennis Jarvis Via Flickr)

Istanbul is the place where European traditions and Asian culture meet, a city full of history and magic. This Turkish city is a vibrant artistic and cultural center that everyone should get the chance to see in their life. Filled with Much to see and well-dressed Turkish locals, it’s the perfect getaway for a vacation. Tour operators like First Choice are well-established in Turkey, with everything on offer from resorts to sleek self-catered apartments.

Below I have put together my top 5 must visit spots for your next adventure to Istanbul, enjoy!

1. The Blue Mosque

If you are visiting Istanbul, you cannot miss the Blue Mosque. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in Turkey, covered with little blue tiles which give it its name. During the Ottoman Empire, it was the Imperial mosque and was created by the architect Sedefkar Mehmed Aga. In this mosque there is also the tomb of Sultan Ahmed I.

2. Topkapi Palace

This majestic and beautiful building has been the house of Turkish sultans for more than 400 years, and it was also the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. It is located on the Seraglio Point, between the Golden Horn and the sea of Marmara. The palace, today one of the most preferred tourist attractions, consists of four courtyards and many smaller building all built together.

3. Kapali Carsi

Kapali Carsi is also known as the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul and it is one of the largest covered markets in the world with more than 4400 shops that sell every kind of products, from clothes, handmade ceramics to jewelry, precious carpets, food and spices. In the market, there are also four fountains, two Hamam and different cafés. It is definitely a must-see for those who want to experience the Turkish life and atmosphere.

4. Galata Tower

The Galata Tower is one of the most important tourist attractions in the European side of Istanbul, in the Old Pera district. It is a medieval stone tower built in 1348 in the Galata quarter that was used mainly as a prison and a fire-observatory. On top of the tower, you will find also a restaurant with a terrace where it is possible to enjoy the delicious Turkish cuisine with a panoramic view of Old Istanbul and the Bosphorus.

5. Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia is today a prestigious museum of art, history and architecture. It was built in 532 and was used as a church for 916 years, then it was turned into a mosque until the Council of the Ministers decided to convert it into a museum in 1935. In Hagia Sophia you can find beautiful mosaics and tombs of man Ottoman sultans that are now open to the public.

Thank you for reading my latest blog post and hope you have gathered a lot of information and looking forward to your next trip to Turkey!