Istanbul, in the past Constantinople and Constantinople, is no longer the capital of the world, but still retains an amazing history and unique culture. For a quick acquaintance, 1, 2 or 3 days are enough, but it is better to spend 4-5 days in the city in order to get to know it slowly and with pleasure. Knowing in advance what to see in Istanbul, you will organize yourself an unforgettable trip.
Sultanahmet square
Sultanahmet Square is the heart of the historical center of Istanbul. It is decorated with ancient columns and obelisks, which were installed in the Byzantine period, and the German fountain. In the past, there was a hippodrome, where chariot races, gladiatorial fights and circus performances were held, and now it is peaceful and calm at Sultanahmet Square at any time. It is a great place to relax on a long walk.
Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan)
Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan) is a symbol of Istanbul, a place that takes your breath away for a moment. The ancient city of Constantinople had an aqueduct through which water passed into huge underground cisterns. This cistern is the most famous, it is included in most sightseeing tours and has repeatedly starred in films, for example, in "Odyssey" or "From Russia with Love." The Yerebatan Basilica Cistern looks like a ruined ancient temple and is very photogenic.
Divan-Yolu street
The clean and spacious Divan-Yolu street compares favorably with the rest of the streets of the old city. Here you can see the small Firus-Agha mosque, the Church of St. Euphemia, the mausoleum of Sultan Mahmud, the Köprülü family charity complex, the Mehmed Köprülü mausoleum and the Gedik Pasha baths. The first floors of all houses on Divan-Yolu Street are given to small shops, souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants and coffee shops. You can safely go there, the atmosphere is amazing, and the prices do not bite.
Hagia Sophia Church
The most famous church in Istanbul, the visiting card and symbol of the city, which is depicted on commemorative cards and stamps. It cannot but be included in the list of “what to see in Istanbul”. Hagia Sophia is an architectural monument not only of Turkey, but of the whole world, the safety of which is carefully protected. In the past, the church was Orthodox, later it was a Muslim mosque, and now it is just a monument. You shouldn't limit yourself to a walk around Hagia Sophia, because it is as beautiful inside as outside.
Blue Mosque
Opposite Hagia Sophia, there is an equally significant architectural monument, namely the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, best known as the Blue Mosque. It amazes with its scope and grandeur, beckons to go inside to make sure: inside there is a special flavor, the atmosphere sinks into the soul forever. First of all, the Blue Mosque became famous for having six minarets, when, like no mosque should have more minarets than Al-Haram, which had only five. To restore justice, Al-Haram had to acquire additional minarets.
Gulhane Park
On the territory of Gulhane Park is the Topkapa Palace, which was built by Sultan Mehmed "Conqueror" Fatih. He refused to live in the imperial palace and decided that he would build one palace for his personal life, and the second for solving official issues.
Gulhane Park was laid out so that the sultan had the opportunity to walk for a long time in the vicinity and hide under lush trees from the hot summer sun. Today, Gulhane Park is appreciated by both locals and numerous travelers. It is nice to relax there, have a coffee and sit on a bench.
Archaeological Museum of Istanbul
The Archaeological Museum of Istanbul is located there, next to Topkapi Palace. It was organized in order to preserve the cultural heritage of the empire, and now you can see significant finds from ancient times. The main value of the Istanbul Archaeological Museum is Alexander's sarcophagus, presumably it was he who became the last refuge of the great conqueror.
Grand bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is a whole quarter lined with tents, shops, workshops and restaurants, which has been operating for centuries. Here you can buy everything from original souvenirs to handmade crockery or jewelry made of precious metals. But it is worth going to the Grand Bazaar, even if the plans do not include shopping in order to feel the atmosphere, have a tasty and inexpensive lunch, and see how the locals live.
Egyptian bazaar
The Egyptian Bazaar, also known as the Spice Bazaar, is also worth considering when deciding what to see in Istanbul. Ancient and colorful, it still remembers the times when Indian trade caravans traveled to Constantinople via Egypt to deliver the best spices. Exactly the same quality spices are still sold here. In addition to these, you can find luxurious tableware and antique-style household goods.
Suleymaniye Mosque
Suleymaniye Mosque is a masterpiece created by architect Sinan. Many believe that she is the most beautiful in the city and even in the country. It is listed as a monument, but it is still valid. Every traveler can go inside to see the interior decoration in detail, which is amazing. It is important to remember that you can only enter the mosque with your shoulders and knees closed. The rule applies equally to men and women.
Valens Aqueduct
The Valens Aqueduct is a monument to ancient Constantinople. In the past, it was used as part of the city's water supply, then water was delivered through it to Topkapi Palace, and today it is just a tribute to the past. The Valenta aqueduct is 900 meters long and 20 meters high. It is grandiose, complex and engineers still have no idea how exactly it was built. Even with modern technology and capabilities, creating such a design would not be easy.
Taksim Square
In the center of the square is the impressive Republic Monument, which symbolizes the unity of the nation. It was installed in 1928. The monument has been worked out to the smallest detail, each of which I want to consider. A walk around the square allows you to look at the Asian side of Istanbul and feel the breath of the city. In the past, rallies and demonstrations were often held here, but now this place is given to travelers.
Galata tower
In the past, the Galata Tower was a fire tower, barracks, lighthouse, prison and arsenal, and today it is an observation deck, cafe and restaurant. Prices in a cafe are democratic, in a restaurant they are excessively high. The site offers the best views of the city, so the Galata Tower should certainly be included in the list of “what to see in Istanbul”.
Modern Art Museum
The Museum of Contemporary Art, which attracts all creative locals and tourists, is located in the building of the former Kadikoy port warehouse. The permanent exhibition is located on the second floor, where you can learn everything about Turkish art of the twentieth century, but the exposition on the first floor changes regularly. Also in the building of the Museum of Modern Art is an atmospheric bookstore and coffee shop, from which you can enjoy views of the strait.
Istiklal street
Pedestrian street Istiklal, translated into Russian "Independence Street", the center of the European part of the city of Istanbul. It is the busiest and the most fashionable, so not only numerous travelers, but also locals tend here. During the day you can visit cozy and colorful cafes, restaurants and shops, and at night - bars and nightclubs, where life is always in full swing.
Istanbul is a city where the spirit of history is strong, and literally at every step there is a reminder of the past. In order to get to know each other closely, it is not enough to know what to see in Istanbul, you need to devote time to self-education and prepare to listen to the history, culture and traditions of the country.
