Istanbul Tourist Attractions

Istanbul, Turkey, is a renowned tourism destination for various reasons. First and foremost, Istanbul is home to many remarkable historical and cultural landmarks worldwide.

From the Hagia Sophia's grandeur to the Blue Mosque's beauty, there are simply too many incredible sights to list. In addition, Istanbul is also renowned for its delicious cuisine, which draws upon a rich tradition of Turkish, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern flavors.

And of course, no discussion of Istanbul would be complete without mentioning the city's vibrant nightlife and shopping scene, both world-famous. In short, very few places in the world can match Istanbul in terms of sheer tourism appeal, and you can visit them at any time.

Alternatively, you can check our partners at getyourguide.com for more regional outdoor activities.

Some standard rules tourists should follow when visiting Istanbul, Turkey, including respecting religious and cultural customs, being aware of pickpockets and scams, and respecting the city's history and architecture.

• Regarding religious and cultural customs, it is essential to respect Istanbul's Muslim heritage. This includes avoiding alcohol in public, dressing modestly, and being aware of prayer times.
• It is also essential to respect the city's history and architecture. This means not climbing on ancient ruins or defacing public buildings.
• Pickpocketing and scams are common in Istanbul, so it is essential to be aware of your belongings and be cautious of strangers.

Here are some recommendations.

Istanbul: Round Trip by Air to Cappadocia with Pigeon Valley

Cappadocia is a beautiful place to visit. Visit the Rose Valley, the town of avuşin, Ortahisar Castle, the Kaymakli Underground City, and the scenic Pigeon Valley on a flight from Istanbul to Istanbul and back again.

Take a day's vacation from Istanbul to Cappadocia via plane. View the stunning Rose Valley and the charming village of avuşin from a distance. Explore Ortahisar Castle, Kaymakli Underground City, and Pigeon Valley's carved corridors and caves.

You will be picked up from your Istanbul hotel and taken to the airport in time to catch your flight to Cappadocia. You will be met at the airport by a representative who will assist you in boarding your minivan and beginning your journey.

Visit the Rose Valley, which is known for its pink-hued rock formations. Your guide will take you to see the volcanic monoliths, fairy chimneys, dense orchards, and vineyards, so just follow along. Take a look at the monks' subterranean churches.

Explore avuşin's old houses and St. John's Baptist Chapel on your next stop. During the lunch break, head to Ortahisar, a small village in Turkey's Aegean region. Ascend Ortahisar Castle's winding staircase and explore the intricately carved interiors dating back to the Byzantine era.

Consider what life would be like if the sun never came out in Kaymakli Underground City. Stop in Pigeon Valley, where you may admire the valley's historic caverns from a distance. Make your way to the airport and take your trip to Istanbul.

Hagia Sophia: Entry with Guided Tour

Emperor Justinian commissioned the construction of the world's most famous church, Hagia Sophia, in 532 AD. On a guided tour, observe the world's largest Christian church's tallest dome.

Take a guided tour of Istanbul's Hagia Sophia to learn about its history. The history of this famous landmark can be traced by a local guide. Explore this architectural wonder and discover awe-inspiring intricacies.

In front of the Hagia Sophia, meet your native guide. Begin your tour of Hagia Sophia after hearing a brief history of the Old City.

The Hagia Sophia's mysteries will be explained by your guide. The Hagia Sophia is a stunning example of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture and an important historical site.

It has always been a substantial structure, whether it was a church, a mosque, or a museum in the Turkish Republic.

Istanbul: Mevlevi Sema and the Whirling Dervishes Show

See Istanbul's Mevlevi Sema event, which is awe-inspiring to witness. Enjoy the intricate musical repertoire known as ayin and embark on a mystical voyage that represents man's spiritual ascension to perfection via the mind and love of its whirling dervishes and dances.

Take in the whirling dances and dervishes of the Mevlevi Sema celebration at HodjaPasha Culture Center in central Istanbul. During the concert, there will be complimentary beverages.

The Ottoman Turkish baths in Sultanahmet-Sirkeci are 550 years old, and you can take your position in one. It's all explained in a brochure that's provided.

It's hard to believe that this dance has been around for 800 years. The evening begins with a performance of traditional Turkish music. Watch as the sheiks and dervishes take their places and sing the praises of Mohammed.

You'll hear the dervishes execute the seven-part Sema ceremony, which symbolizes the creation of humanity after they finish chanting. Prayers for the country's salvation and a Fâtiha for all prophets, martyrs, and believers are part of Sema's conclusion.

Istanbul: Suleymaniye Mosque Guided Tour

A guided tour of the Suleymaniye Mosque will reveal the lives of the Ottomans in the 16th century. Study Islam and its customs at the mosque, then take in the stunning architecture.

Take a guided tour of Istanbul's most impressive Ottoman mosque. Learn about the mosque's history and take in the stunning views of Istanbul from its courtyard, which is open to the public.

The Suleymaniye Mosque, which starkly contrasts the city's modern architecture, is the perfect place to meet. Look at Mimar Sinan's Suleymaniye Mosque, built in the Ottoman style, and learn about its evocative architectural power.

Take a tour of the mosque and learn about Ottoman history, mosque traditions, and more from your guide. After the tour, relax in the courtyard and take in the sights of Istanbul from a distance.

Turkish tea and a discussion of Suleyman the Magnificent and life in the Ottoman dynasty will conclude the visit.

Istanbul: 7 Hours Highlights Tour Include Entry Fees & Lunch

With the help of a qualified English-speaking guide, you'll be able to visit all of Istanbul's most famous landmarks. There was no need to stand in line because the tickets were all included.

Full-guided tour of Topkapi Palace, which served as the Ottoman Parliament House for 400 years, the Harem and Aya Irine Church Museum, the Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and the Blue Mosque and Konstantine Forum.

The Egyptian Obelisk and the Serpent Column German Fountain in the Hippodrome, the mausoleums of Turkish Sultans, and the site of Constantine's forum, where the True Cross is rumored to be buried, are all worth hearing about.

Stop for lunch at a friendly, non-touristy restaurant where your guide will select some memorable dishes for you to sample.

Notes:

• Sundays are Grand Bazaar's only day of the week to be closed. Sundays only Spice Bazaar will be used as an alternative, and the tour will terminate at Spice Bazaar on Sundays.
• Please bring your children's identification if they are under six.
• The trip begins at 9:00 a.m., so please be on time.
• Mosques will be entered on this tour. Gentlemen and ladies must dress correctly by covering their shoulders and ensuring their knees are always protected. Women must wear a hat or a scarf to cover their hair. However, if you prefer to bring your scarf, please do so. Additionally, wear slip-on shoes to remove them quickly if necessary.

Full-Day Istanbul Ancient Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour

The itinerary includes a visit to the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, and Hagia Sophia on a full-day tour of Istanbul's historic core. Then, stroll through the city's busy Grand Bazaar in search of a bargain.

Your first stop will be the ancient peninsula of old Istanbul, from which the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires once dominated vast territories. We'll pick you up at your hotel and head there. This all-day excursion to the ruins of the ancient city will provide you with a sense of just how far back it all dates.

The Hippodrome, Istanbul's historic sports stadium, will be our first stop. The Hippodrome once stood next to the Blue Mosque in an open-air arena with rows of seats in an elongated oval shape.

The Blue Mosque, built in 16th-century Istanbul, is next. Spend some time admiring the magnificent domes, tranquil courtyards, and six slender minarets adorn this mosque. Hagia Sophia, a world-famous landmark, will be your next trip. After shopping at the neighborhood stores and stands, lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans, is a short walk away. Harems, private quarters of the Sultan and subject of much Western dreaming, can be seen from the vantage point of a tour bus.

Finally, Istanbul's Grand Bazaar is your final destination.

Founded in 1461, this enormous covered market is one of the city's most vibrant and vibrant areas. In this full-day walking tour, you will learn about Istanbul's wealthy, old history in the same way you learn about its famed bazaar.

Notes:

• On Mondays and Thursdays, both Dolmabahce Palace and Beylerbeyi Palace are closed.
• On Mondays, Hagia Sophia is closed.
• On Tuesday, Topkapi Palace is shut down.
• On Sundays, the Grand Bazaar is closed.