Istanbul
Travel article for Istanbul
Age:
31-35
Travel time:
in March 12
Top 5 Istanbul Attractions
This historic city between East and West, or Asia and Europe, is an exhilarating place to visit. It is filled with fun and adventure, markets and mosques and waterways that will make most other
cities pale in comparisons. Here is out roundup of the top 5 sights to see in Istanbul.
Grand Bazaar
Bustling, loud and full of sounds and smells that will keep you entertained for hours. This is not only one of the most exciting Istanbul attractions, it is also a fantastic place to pick up a souvenir from your vacation to take home. Over 5,000 vendors set up shop here, selling anything from spices to pottery and jewelry to carpets and leather goods. Remember that haggling and bargaining is normal here, so be prepared to shop around and walk away of you don’t get the price you want. http://www.grandbazaaristanbul.org
Topkapi Palace
This royal residence is the former home of the Ottoman sultans. Today, this palace is one of the city’s most exquisite landmarks and major Istanbul attractions. The palace is huge, but the main highlights re the stunning Imperial gate and several courtyards. You will see the zone that was once a harem with over 250 chambers filled with beautiful tiles. The complex is also home to the local Archeology Museum. http://www.topkapisarayi.gov.tr/
Haghia Sophia
This extraordinary sight is a vast, gorgeous place. It has been many things: first a catholic church, then a Greek orthodox cathedral, then a mosque. These days it exists as a museum. We are particularly fond of the colorful mosaics adorning the structure. The main section of the church also has a beautiful, looming dome. The entire building is not only one of the most impressive things to see among Istnbul attractions, but it is also considered a significant example of Byzantine architecture. http://www.hagiasophia.com/
The Golden Horn & Bosphorus Cruise
The Golden Horn is not one of Istanbul’s attractions in the typical sense—it is not a museum, market or building. It is a harbor that separates the city’s southern district – old Istanbul - from the northern district. The best way to experience it is to hop on board a Bosphorus ferry cruise and float on the water, admiring the views of the city.
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)
The Blue mosque is so named on account of its gorgeous blue tiles set in the interior of the building. But these are not the only tiles – in fact, the inside contains over 20,000 hand painted ceramic tiles. The most features no less than 6 striking minarets set around an assembly of domes of several sizes. The structure mixes both Ottoman and Byzantine elements and is largely considered one of the top Istanbul attractions.
Galata Tower
Climb up the stairs of this 1348 watchtower for a sprawling view of the city. It’s definitely one of the best Istanbul attractions, but more for the view. Still the tower – which used to be a holding place for war prisoners of war – was later turned into an observatory. The 360-degree shots of the metrop;olis are astounding and you get a real feel for how large and immense this city is. http://www.galatatower.net/
Grand Bazaar
Bustling, loud and full of sounds and smells that will keep you entertained for hours. This is not only one of the most exciting Istanbul attractions, it is also a fantastic place to pick up a souvenir from your vacation to take home. Over 5,000 vendors set up shop here, selling anything from spices to pottery and jewelry to carpets and leather goods. Remember that haggling and bargaining is normal here, so be prepared to shop around and walk away of you don’t get the price you want. http://www.grandbazaaristanbul.org
Topkapi Palace
This royal residence is the former home of the Ottoman sultans. Today, this palace is one of the city’s most exquisite landmarks and major Istanbul attractions. The palace is huge, but the main highlights re the stunning Imperial gate and several courtyards. You will see the zone that was once a harem with over 250 chambers filled with beautiful tiles. The complex is also home to the local Archeology Museum. http://www.topkapisarayi.gov.tr/
Haghia Sophia
This extraordinary sight is a vast, gorgeous place. It has been many things: first a catholic church, then a Greek orthodox cathedral, then a mosque. These days it exists as a museum. We are particularly fond of the colorful mosaics adorning the structure. The main section of the church also has a beautiful, looming dome. The entire building is not only one of the most impressive things to see among Istnbul attractions, but it is also considered a significant example of Byzantine architecture. http://www.hagiasophia.com/
The Golden Horn & Bosphorus Cruise
The Golden Horn is not one of Istanbul’s attractions in the typical sense—it is not a museum, market or building. It is a harbor that separates the city’s southern district – old Istanbul - from the northern district. The best way to experience it is to hop on board a Bosphorus ferry cruise and float on the water, admiring the views of the city.
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)
The Blue mosque is so named on account of its gorgeous blue tiles set in the interior of the building. But these are not the only tiles – in fact, the inside contains over 20,000 hand painted ceramic tiles. The most features no less than 6 striking minarets set around an assembly of domes of several sizes. The structure mixes both Ottoman and Byzantine elements and is largely considered one of the top Istanbul attractions.
Galata Tower
Climb up the stairs of this 1348 watchtower for a sprawling view of the city. It’s definitely one of the best Istanbul attractions, but more for the view. Still the tower – which used to be a holding place for war prisoners of war – was later turned into an observatory. The 360-degree shots of the metrop;olis are astounding and you get a real feel for how large and immense this city is. http://www.galatatower.net/
