Istanbul is the biggest city in the northwestern area of Turkey. It was selected by the European Union as a European Capital of Culture. Hence, about 12 million tourists went on Istanbul tours in 2010. The main attraction of the country is its rich culture and history.
Travel through Istanbul comes in different packages, which include full day, night and half-day (morning or afternoon) trips.
Best Tourist Attractions in Istanbul
Istanbul Tours include some of the best destinations for visitors to explore.
A. Full Day Tour
Imperial Tour includes the following destinations:
Aya Sofya or Hagia Sophia is in Sultanahmet, Istanbul. It means The Church of the Divine Wisdom and it awes travelers with its remarkable construction. Over the years, the structure served as a place of worship for a number of religions. The Byzantine Empire built it as a cathedral in AD 536 and it became Emperor Justinian's seat of power. When the Ottoman forces overran Constantinople in 1453, they converted it into a mosque. In 1935, Istanbul declared it a historical museum.
Blue Mosque still functions as a sacred house of worship for the Muslims. Hence it is important to schedule your visit since it is not open to tourists during prayer times. Visitors have to take off their shoes and women must cover their hair in accordance with custom. Sultan Ahmet built the mosque that derives its name from the blue tiles inside the uppermost portion of the structure. This mosque is a showcase of the superior architectural skill of the Ottoman Empire.
Egyptian Obelisk is a primeval shrine, with a height of approximately 20 meters, situated in the Istanbul Hippodrome.
Grand Bazaar is a haven for shoppers, housing more than 5,000 stores. It is a covered marketplace, and is one of the world's earliest trading centers. You can find a variety of merchandise such as ceramicware, carpets, ornaments, spices, old coins and antique items.
Topkapi Palace
Your tour of Istanbul will not be complete if you miss this tourist spot with its interesting history and amazing scenery. It was the seat of one of the largest empires of the Ottoman sultans and was later converted into a museum. The treasures within the palace are fascinating, and include ancient weapons, various clocks and large porcelain displays.
Rustem Pasha Mosque, another Ottoman legacy, is constructed over a complex of shops. The income from the leases from the shops sustains the needs of this house of worship.
Bosphorus Cruise itinerary includes the following:
- Istanbul City Walls or Walls of Constantinople is a succession of walls that served as a fortress during the Roman Empire. Many sections of the wall remain intact due to restoration and preservation programs.
- Golden Horn is a river that was the primary port and seat of trading until the middle of the 20th century. The ideal way to view the sights and capture it in photos is to take the quick ferry ride.
- Spice Bazaar is the next largest covered shoppers' hub after the Grand Bazaar. The main products available for purchase are foods such as cheese, dried fruits, jams, nuts and lokum or the flavored confection famously known as Turkish Delight. In addition, the market also offers a wide variety of goods.
Boat Trip on Bosphorus is a relaxing journey that will take you to the magnificent villas and intricate palaces. This is a splendid heritage of the Ottoman structural designs. Bosphorus is an active commercial waterway that accommodates around 140 vessels.
The Rumeli Fortress is a defense facility constructed during the reign of Sultan Mehmed II to wrest Constantinople from the Byzantine Empire. You can relive the era of the feuding empires among its strong walls and towers. However, be cautious during the walk because most of the stairs and paths have no guiderails.
Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul is the first bridge that connects Asia and Europe. The Asian end is in Beylerbeyi while the European end is in Ortaköy. This suspension bridge ranks as the 16th longest in the world.
Camlica Hill offers wonderful landscapes for sightseers. It consists of two hills, namely "the Big Pine Hill" and "the Little Pine Hill." You can find many tulips here in springtime for the Tulip Festival in Istanbul. In addition, a variety of birds populate the adjacent forests. Many restaurants and stalls have set up base in the hills of Camlica.
Marmara Sea, formerly known as Propontis, splits Turkey into the Asian and European sides. Its current name originated from the island of Marmara, which abounds in marbles.
Beylerbeyi Palace was built during the sovereignty of Sultan Abdulaziz. It serves as the guesthouse for royal visitors. It boasts of elegant fountains, chandeliers and gardens. It also contains furniture crafted by the Sultan.
Island Tour will take you to the Buyukada Princess Island. During the Byzantine Empire, the place was a land of exile due to its isolated location, where executions and punishments took place. It has several churches, monasteries and palaces built during the sixth century. In the 19th century, the development in water channels and transportation led to its conversion into a famous travel resort. There is a huge influx of tourists to this island during summer. You can explore the place by means of horse wagons or bicycles since the law prohibits motor vehicles in order to maintain the tranquil atmosphere of the island.
Cappadocia is in the center of Turkey and consists of elevated plateaus. This is a well-known tourist attraction with a rugged landscape featuring caves and rocks. Some exciting things to do here are to go on hot air balloon rides as well as trekking and hiking.
B. Night Tour
Savor the traditional cuisine and appreciate the various entertainment programs. Enjoy the music, traditional instruments and dance show with your friends. You may opt to have a cruise on the Bosphorus River and indulge in sumptuous food, lively parties and enriching cultural shows.
Travel experts recommend spending at least three to four days in Istanbul to experience and see the interesting travel destinations. Aside from the historical sites, it also boasts of modern restaurants, bars and establishments. It offers the best of Asia and Europe. Istanbul consists of a unique blend of the past and present.
The ideal time to visit Istanbul is from April to May, which is springtime, and from September to October, which is autumn season.
If you are planning to travel on your next vacation, do not fail to include Istanbul Tours in your itinerary. The numerous historical and cultural attractions will definitely enthrall travelers. The captivating architectural structures are indications of the country's glorious history.
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