Why stay in a naff hotel when you can stay in a cosy, stylish local house instead? Istanbul is the capital of health tourism! They did this so that the younger brothers would not kill the incoming Sultan. 1. We grouped the list of things to do in the following sections to help organize the post: *Note: this post contains affiliate links. We are Aimara & Gordon. WOTW Tip #1: taking the ferry to Istanbuls Asian side is half the fun. Thanks in advance for supporting WOTW! Even though it is still one of the worlds largest bazaars, the Grand Bazaar is surprisingly easy to miss from the outside. Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful and this is still in our DNA today. You can choose to go to one of the many restaurants in the area serving the beloved sandwich or for the more authentic (and cheaper) experience, grab one that was cooked on one of the many boats docked at Eminn and grab a seat by the windy banks to enjoy the food and to watch the people and boats go by and savour one of the best Istanbul outdoor activities. It is also one of the largest, most populated, and historically significant cities in the world. WOTW Tip: dont feel shy about trying to haggle to get a cheaper price. If you love the energy of crowds, then this is a great place to stroll the main shopping avenue and eat some of Istanbuls famous street food. Topkapi Palaces museum also holds several artifacts from the Prophet Muhammad, making the place an extremely important site for Muslims. We typically dont eat fish due to overfishing, among other reasons. 74. If Im going to cheat on my no breakfast rule it has to be worth it and it is without a doubt one of the tastiest things to do in Istanbul. Pun intended. The tower lights up beautifully, and the many restaurants in the area with outdoor seating attract plenty of excited visitors. Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. It was fine when we were there. Use the vending machine to get an "Istanbul" card. Visiting Istanbul without seeing the Hagia Sophia is like going to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower or New York without the Statue of Liberty. 55.60. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. Meeting the wide Turkish cuisine by walking in the side streets of city. Located very close to the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosques, this heritage hotel allows you to be close to the beauty and also feel part of it as well. But they are still an essential part of locals social lives today. And this was one of those times. The up-and-coming vibe can also be sensed by a growing number of eclectic coffee shops and restaurants. Divided by the Bosphorus strait, the city straddles both Europe and Asia. We do not represent World Nomads. you wont be able to obtain a mobile phone contract or internet connection if you dont have one. The Turks were once world renowned for their glasswork, an art form that reached its peak during the 16th century under Ottoman rule. Make sure to go beyond the familiar and try some popular Turkish spices at the market. Istanbul is stimulation overload in the . 1. Clare (Suitcases and Sandcastles) 6 Jul 2018. Only in Turkey! There is a bit of a made for Instagram feel to visiting the Balat and Fener neighborhoods. Istanbuls food features delicious dishes from all around Turkey. Once you have your ingredients, youll get a hands-on lesson preparing six different dishes. Feel the living city, Istanbul. Istiklal street. The entry fee is 100 Lira per person as of 2022. That being said, it is not the most recognizable mosque in Istanbuls skyline. Many are in the process of renovation, and some have been brought back to life with gorgeous colors. 26 Things to Do in Istanbul (Updated August 2023) Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. Note that the Blue Mosques official name is Sultanahmet Mosque. Top 5 Things to Do in Istanbul (Outside the Old City) And thats why we are here to highlight all the essential things to do in Istanbul! Istanbuls music scene is a nod to its diverse cultural make-up, and Babylon has been the citys most important local music venue for years. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. Filled with marble columns and engraved pillars, its a trip back in time preserved under a modern city, and I think that is definitely one of the most unique things to do in Istanbul. It is a great excuse to get slightly beyond the average tourist trail and head into a neighborhood you otherwise may not have visited. Sultanahmet district - 9 things to do in the old city of Istanbul She's hitched to the four corners of her homeland, traipsed the trails of the surrounding Arabic world, and now whittles away her days living the sunny Bali expat life where shoes are a long-forgotten thing of the past! aramba (Wednesday in Turkish), a large market that stretches for many miles along the streets, there is stall after stall filled with fruits, vegetables, household utensils and clothes. WOTW Tip: the Column of Tears is a beautifully designed column unique from all others. Originally serving as a movie theater and wedding venue, this theater is the perfect place to get some culture in you. 2023, The Broke Backpacker. Find the best clinics, the newest treatments, famous medical experts, and many more. WOTW Tip #1: you obviously dont have to enter the tower and museum to enjoy it. And while we visited the beautiful gardens twice, we didnt actually enter Topkapi Palaces interior museum. Your tour begins at Topkapi Palace, the former imperial residence from which the Great Ottoman Empire was ruled for nearly 400 years. Take the metro to Osmanbey (one stop away from Taksim) and walk to the Tevikiye neighbourhood, located right behind the Tevikiye Mosque. In the warmer months, take a ferry to Princes Islands to visit spots such as Burgazada | Thomas Dekiere / Alamy. Lets plan your Istanbul trip together. Having some basic knowledge about this incredible city is also a great way to impress your fellow travelers. The flip side of not having many touristy sites is that it feels very local. But no matter how long you stay, you will wish you had more time in Istanbul. Today the area holds several other historical attractions, including an Egyptian obelisk, Serpent Column, and the German Fountain. The top of the Galata Bridge is lined with literally hundreds of local fishermen who lift up their lines just in time for passing ferries. 23 Reviews Istanbul 34126 Trkiye 3 minutes from Palmera Old City Hotel Beyazit Square 181 Reviews Ordu Cad. You can take a cruise where you will be served dinner with live entertainment or a short sunset ride at golden hour. It can also bring good luck to visitors who are able to put their thumb in the ring of the tears and rotate their hand 360 degrees without removing their thumb. Full description. A stadium that once held over 100,000 spectators at once and was home to horse and chariot racing during that time. Visitors to the Turkish baths today have come to get the distinct Turkish bath experience, lounging on the hot marble, washing themselves with warm water from elegant copper dishes and having a perfect massage. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi! Many people dont know this but Istanbul also has deep Christian roots, particularly when Istanbul was known as Constantinople, the capital of the Roman Empire. Note: Exit the Spice Bazaar via its western gate and stroll the bustling Hasrclar Sokak Street (Straw Makers Street), while smelling the delicious aroma emanating from Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi, one of Istanbuls leading coffee roasters. The original structure was built as a church during Byzantine rule. The hammam culture is a remnant of Istanbuls Roman past. The staff are friendly, the facilities are clean and the location superb. Youll get to join Istanbuls commuters and tourists while zipping across the Bosphorus past enormous cargo ships, tiny fishing boats, and luxury yachts. Want to know more? That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). The 67-meter watchtower built over 1500 years ago has the perfect combination of beauty, history, and a fantastic view, which makes this one of the top things to do for any travel group, even ones that cant agree with each other on what to see while visiting Istanbul. Top 10 Things to Do in Sultanahmet, Istanbul Top Things to Do in Sultanahmet Enter dates Filters 1 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Events Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Sights & Landmarks This vibrant little neighborhood centers around the beautiful Galata Tower. And according to our walking-tour guide: it will be ready when its ready. You can enter the mosque despite the renovations, but you will definitely not get the full appreciation of the iconic blue interior. Vibrant, gorgeous, and unexpectedly hip, Istanbul checks so many of the right boxes for curious travelers. A trip to Princes Islands is a perfect escape from Istanbuls sometimes overwhelming crowds and stimulation. While not as famous nor expansive as the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar offers visitors a more colorful and easy-to-navigate bazaar experience. To avoid the holidaying crowds, you could choose to visit the more laid-back island of Burgazada instead of the always-bustling larger island of Bykada where most tourists go. See more photos. Meaning Holy Wisdom in Greek, the Hagia Sophia has the most fascinating history out of all the mosques we visited in Turkey. True showmen through and through, watch them fool you numerous times before you are rewarded with your prize. Never get caught with your pants down again! This bustling metropolis of close to 16 million people is the once capital of the Roman Empire before it was seized by the Ottomans. Get weekly updates on the newest articlest in your mailbox. Its the next morning, you got home an hour later than you should and were about one Efes away from plastering your Kofte Kebab all over the beautiful streets of Istanbul. After the Ottoman Empire took control of Istanbul (Constantinople), the Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque, and minarets were added to the original construction. Glad you asked cause weve got the answers! ), sword, letters, and more! Unfortunately, most of us dont have that much time so here are the top things to do that will take you a little bit further than the surface. In Istanbul, that thing is a Whirling Dervish Show. US: +1 (678) 967 4965 | UK: +44 (0)1630 35000. One on the European side starting in Taksim Square and the other on the Asian side in Kadaky. Everything you want to know about Istanbuls vibrant and colorful city life! And you will notice people marketing their spa services as you walk around the citys more touristy areas. Sometimes you have to make decisions to support your budget when you are traveling full-time. Princes Islands. WOTW Tip: the Blue Mosques interior was being renovated during our visit in November 2021. Theres a new video tonight! Also, it is only two minutes away from the Hagia Sophia so you dont really have an excuse to not go see it! Seeing the Whirling Dervishes live is one of the most unusual things to do in Istanbul but definitely not one to be missed! Istanbuls art scene has moved away from the city centre to more commercial neighbourhoods such as Dolapdere and Mecidiyeky. But we recommend getting a little lost through the alleyways and shopping streets for a more local experience. And the more days you add to your Istanbul itinerary, the more you can go beyond mosques and landmarks to discover the citys incredible neighborhoods and unforgettable activities. And none are more lovable than the hundreds of street cats that call the city home. The Best Things to Do in Istanbul 1) Start with the Sultanahmet Old City Sultanahmet/Old City - Your First Destination Hagia Sophia - Eternal Symbol of Istanbul Blue Mosque - Historic Spiritual Haven Basilica Cistern - Byzantine Underground Wonder 2) Make your way to the second group of historical sites If you want to ride the river but the idea of a cruise is either too much for you, or your wallet, simply take a ferry from one side to the other to get a great, albeit shorter, look. With over 8,000 years of turbulent history and as the capital of three ancient empires, the city attracts over five million visitors a year, who arrive to enjoy the many magical things to see and do in Istanbul.. They offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and safety advice to help you travel confidently. #loveistanbul community and receive special offers, VIP invites and exclusive news and updates about istanbul. Travel with peace of mind. And women are typically topless during the hammam experience. This Istanbul activity is a little bit off the radar. Registered license number: 11745. Hop On A Boat For A Bosphorus Tour In Istanbul (But Not The Wrong One Like We Did), 7. Known in Turkish as balik ekmek, these sandwiches are one of the citys most iconic street foods. Take a look at these options if you like the idea of a guided food tour: WOTW Tip: we created our own DIY Istanbul food tour to sample the citys most popular dishes. Did you get the sense that we are in love with Istanbul? World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. Head on over to Nevizade street to have an amazing night you will hopefully remember in the morning. Actually, in any city, we love exploring old markets, but the Grand Bazaar has a certain craziness you don't find everywhere else! But the countrys culinary star is Gaziantep! Located not far from the Hagia Sophia in the old city, the Hippodrome is a relic of the East Roman Empire, which used Istanbul (Constantinople) as their capital. And dont forget to watch our DIY Gaziantep food tour! Want to explore Turkeys vibrant bazaars and rocky valleys? Talk about spending time with the locals! You could spend all day here drinking tea, chatting with the locals, and buying something you didnt know you couldnt live without. And we have to say that it was absolutely wonderful. If you want to visit the Harem section this will cost you another 100 Lira. Having left their famous location in the middle of the Beyolu neighbourhood, they still host arguably the best concerts in their new (and larger) location Babylon Bomonti. Even when you are in a new city and super excited to see everything, sometimes you just need a pick me up. I hope to have given you a great guide on things to do in Istanbul. The over 20,000 individual tiles hand-painted with (you guessed it) blue ink are nothing short of spectacular and they are one of the most amazing things to see not just in Istanbul but dare I say, the world. A slower ~100-minute ferry costs 5 Lira and a faster ~55-minute ferry costs 10 Lira. A somewhat overlooked Istanbul attraction but I can guarantee you that you will be glad you went. Visiting Taksim is definitely one of the most popular things to do in Istanbul, judging by the incredible number of people we saw. Galata Tower. Unfortunately, the stadium itself has not survived, however many cool artifacts such as an ancient engraved Egyptian column and a sculpture of three bronze snakes from Delphi. Traveling throughout the country, I kept coming across posters featuring the mosque at various hotels and restaurants. Go to the second floor of the IST airport and go towards the area for public buses; 2. Conveniently for us travellers, the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque are located right next to each other in the Sultanahmet area, making for an easy, free and spectacular day trip. Take a ferry over to Princes Islands, located just a stones throw away from heady Istanbul. Somehow sunset makes this city even more breathtaking and is one of the most romantic things to do in Istanbul. Just make sure youre jumping on the right boat! The free walking tour in Istanbul was our first experience with one of these free tours. on the extreme end of golden horns northern shore, the park has an area of 60,000 square meters. Try your hand at Turkish cuisine by taking a cooking class at Cookistan, located in the multi-ethnic Kurtulu neighbourhood. Many companies offer Bosphorus tours in Istanbul, but they are definitely not all the same. Click here to learn how Ways of the World was born and more about our stories. The main square and commercial street are slammed with people enjoying the buzz of the crowds. Plan your sightseeing in the Old City during the early-morning hours to safely avoid hordes of tourists and the queues that form outside major sights. Everything you need, want and wonder about Istanbul gathered in a single webpage, Istanbul.com is the ultimate guide with its amazingly rich content! Save $$$ Save the Planet Save Your Stomach! Museum pass Istanbul is very handy to skip the line and save money on entrance. Planning A Trip To Turkey? Arasta Bazaar is the third of Istanbuls most famous bazaars. This old watchtower can be found in the middle of a vibrant part of the Galata neighborhood. Your email address will not be published. Now a museum, it was the first Ottoman Palace in Istanbul and was used as the main residence of the royal family between the mid-1400s-1800s. While the interior of the Hagia Sophia will astound you with its sheer size and height of the domes, the strength of the Blue Mosque is in the details. Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) Known in Turkish as the Sultanahmet Camii, or the Sultanahmet Mosque, the Blue Mosque was commissioned by you guessed it: Sultan Ahmet I. And if you are ever bored here, you must be in the wrong city because it for sure isnt Istanbul! Things to Do in Istanbul, Trkiye: See Tripadvisor's 1,534,938 traveller reviews and photos of Istanbul tourist attractions. Istanbuls most celebrated historical sites are located in Sultanahmet Square, including the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern. Then make your way to Mecidiyeky neighbourhood to wander through Pilevnelis newest gallery an exhilarating avant garde building designed by French architect Robert Mallet-Stevens and commissioned by Mustafa Atatrk, who was a revolutionary and the first president of Turkey. Some Istanbul hammams will have different sections, while others have different schedules for women and men. Locals and tourists flock the place to find good products and a nice bargain, too. Sultanahmet (the Old City) is one of the most visited sites in Istanbul. Afterwards, enjoy a communal meal of home-made delicacies accompanied by rak (a popular anise-flavoured alcoholic drink). UP YOUR PACKING GAME! Istanbul.com is a brand of Cityberry Tourism Agency which is a member of TURSAB. Major attractions include the Chora Church (Kariye Museum) that is famous for its mosaics, the beautiful Ottoman Mihrimah Mosque and the former palace of Byzantine Emperors Blachere (Tekfur Saray Palace). Taksim Square is probably most famous for its nightlife and shopping. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Book our small-group adventures here and explore the world, while being good to it. The Great Walls of Theodosius kept the city safe from any attacks for a thousand years before it fell to the Ottoman Turks in 1453, and it stretched 6.5 kilometers (four miles) across the historic peninsula. Anyone who has walked down Istiklal Street will have noticed the many walls covered in urban art. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Consider booking a yacht if you want to cruise Istanbuls famous waterways with a little more style than the ferry and standard boat tours. This Airbnb in Istanbul is located in Beyoglu, a great place to base yourself while in the city. This is especially compared to what we experienced in the area surrounding the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. While being a mosque, it still maintains some of the best-preserved and oldest Byzantine Christian frescoes and mosaics in the world and is an interesting look into another side of Istanbuls past. Admire the Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) Mosque Aya Sofya Highlights: Ancient architecture, deep religious significance, and glittering mosaics It's said that when the Byzantine Emperor Justinian entered his finished church for the first time in CE 536, he cried out " Glory to God that I have been judged worthy of such a work. We realized that after 3 months in Turkey, we had already tried many of the foods that would be enjoyed on the tours. The alternative to the banishment was getting killed. At 67 meters (219 feet) high, the Galata Tower rules over the Istanbul skyline, offering great views of the old city and its surroundings. Istanbuls most comprehensive local tours and experiences platform. More than a thousand years of history separate these two colossal and iconic buildings, rising proudly 500 meters (1640 feet) in the heart of Sultanahmet. Located an equal distance between the Sultanahmet, Taksim, and Galata neighborhoods, it is convenient for almost all of the things you want to see. After youve seen all the essential landmarks, get to know the trendier side of Istanbul by getting lost in the labyrinth alleyways of the citys up-and-coming neighbourhoods. The ferries only cost between 15-20 Lira and take about 20 minutes so anyone can do it while visiting Istanbul. Easily book the most popular attractions in the city! Istanbul/Sultanahmet-Old City - Wikitravel We think that this incredible place checks off almost all the boxes for what you could ever want when visiting a big city. If you purchase anything using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. And smells of Istanbuls famous fish sandwiches and roast chestnuts rise for the restaurants below. Constructed in 1664, the Spice Bazaar is also one of Istanbuls most historically significant bazaars. Riding in Kadaky will give you a much better experience. One of the iconic images of Istanbul is the tram, unfortunately however most of the trams have been replaced with modern sleek ones which are no doubt more efficient but lack some of that old-world charm. Marvel at the lofty dome of the Hagia Sophia Museums Fatih What is it? But Istanbuls hammams are not all the same. Then, by looking at this article, you can learn about Istanbul, the citys social and cultural points, and find out what you can do here. Dont forget to subscribe while youre there . Rounding out the Sultanahmet trifecta is the Topkapi Palace. The medieval stone tower, known as the Tower of Christ, was the tallest building in Istanbul when it was built in 1348.It still stands tall over Istanbul today. Travel The Bosphorus In Style On A Private Yacht Cruise, 11. Dolmabahe Palace is a massive and incredibly gorgeous structure located along the Bosphorus in Istanbuls new-city area. You can go alone to take in the sheer size and art, or if you are more interested in the facts and history you can have a guide explain everything to you. Get A Local's Experience At A Men's Barbershop, 10. Watch Istanbul's Famous Fisherman Around The Golden Horn, 22. And after almost two weeks in town, we were still not even close to being ready to leave! Note: Be sure to walk along the Galata Bridge to take beautiful pictures, the bridge is also surrounded by local fishermen so you can have a nice chat with them. Most of the island locals here were once city dwellers who quit their jobs to open businesses on Burgazada. Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Istanbul, filming locations for the James Bond movie, Venture underground to the Basilica Cistern. Note: Be sure to visit the square between the two buildings at night to see their dimly lit architectural beauty. There are many great neighborhoods in Istanbul that offer accommodation options for any needs in Istanbul. These fishermen are a ubiquitous sight around Istanbuls waterside. It has some of the oldest history in the world, and as such, you can bet there are a ton of incredible things to do in Istanbul. A visit to Istanbul will ignite your senses. Check out our post covering useful tips, best hammams and what to expect from a Turkish bath experience. from . Start with Hagia Sophia, which was built in 527 by order of Justinian I (Byzantine Emperor), then with the fall of the Byzantine Empire and the entry of the Ottomans it was converted into a mosque. This classic hotel is a beautiful example of Ottoman architecture. Istanbul is known as the City on the Seven Hills. There is so much to do, so much history to learn, and breathtaking things to see that any traveler would be lucky to tick it off their list. Or, yknow you can stick to ziplock bags. The building was then converted into a museum in the 1930s after Turkey gained independence and became a secular state. Top 10 Things to Do in Sultanahmet, Istanbul - Tripadvisor Read these posts next! Lunch Cruises. Are you planning to hit Turkeys other most popular spots next? Explore The Colorful And Fragrant Spice Bazaar, 14. If you are like us, you will be amazed by all the cool cafes, trendy locals, mural-covered walls, and overall cool vibe in these places. This is also a great thing to do in Istanbul with kids to get them to appreciate the arts in a fun environment. Istanbul Old City (Sultanahmet) Small-Group Guided Day Tour 2023 - Viator Find the pack that suits YOU. Wander through Karakys streets, and youll find funky antique shops, cozy cafes, and plenty of local dining spots. Explore Istanbul Things to Do in the City | Culture Trip These attractions add to the interesting stories contained within the tracks of the old Hippodrome. Required fields are marked *. Interested? Note: To get quick entry to the palace and many other museums without having to wait hours in a long line and at the same time at a lower price, get an Istanbul Museum Card for five days, which can be purchased online, from hotels, or in the museums themselves.
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