6 Things to do in Istanbul: A Beginner’s Guide

Istanbul is among both Europeans and Americans' new favorite destinations, with its delicious tastes, incredible historic places for history buffs, and great shopping places. What attracts most people is that Istanbul, with its vibrant everyday life and excellent location, has a lot to offer tourists in the way of sights and activities to do.

Take a sip of freshly brewed Turkish coffee, which has a long history dating back to Ottoman times

Istanbul is one of the major metropolitan areas of the globe, having been desired by empires throughout history and crossing both Europe and Asia.

The settlement of Byzantium, which was established in 1000 BC, developed into the magnificent metropolis of the Byzantine Empire, Constantinople, and after the Ottoman takeover of the city, it kept its illustrious position as the center of their dynasty.

You could enjoy the breath-taking sceneries in Istanbul

The city, which was formerly called Istanbul when the Turkish Republic was established, is strewn with magnificent reminders of its lengthy and storied past, and its tourism destinations will astonish even the most monument-weary traveler.

Leave ample time to tour the other attractions in addition to the Big Four (the Hagia Sophia Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar).

Take a ferry ride and grab a local simit and tea to enjoy the both sides of the Asia and Europe

There is a dazzling variety of additional things to do across the farther areas of the city, despite the fact that many of the most well-known and excellent locations to visit are situated in or close to Sultanahmet, the ancient city district.

The finest things to do in Istanbul cannot all be included here, but you can discover some of the most intriguing activities that you shouldn't miss when visiting the city. Be sure to cross these top Istanbul activities off your list.

1. Visit Taksim Square

Since it used to be a zone for distributing water to Istanbul's neighborhoods and other areas, the Taksim area is one of the city's most popular tourist destinations. As a result of the separation and distribution of water among the city's sections, the area was given the name Taksim (Taksim means distribution and sharing).

Taksim

Taksim, which is located in the city's center, houses historical sites with contemporary additions that give the landmarks an aesthetic appeal.

Istiklal Street:

One of Istanbul's most renowned avenues, Istiklal Street, runs from Taksim Square to the Karakoy neighborhood. It is home to one of the city's oldest trams, which dates back nearly a century. The majority of the residences, structures, and quaint, small lanes are positioned along the road's margins. The Boulevard is home to both traditional tourist attractions like the renowned "Madame Tussauds" wax museum, which opened around four years ago and has wax figures of several Turkish and worldwide personalities, as well as religious buildings like the domed church and the Hossein Sophia Mosque.

Enjoy a nice walk in Istıklal Street while enjoying the infinite options of shopping and dining

The street is home to the "Galata" High School, known for its exquisite architecture, as well as service centers, hotels that hold the most significant international conferences, diplomatic facilities, and consulates for many other nations, including the Russian consulate.

Istiklal Street Restaurants:

Additionally, there is the Sultanahmet Koftecisi Selim Usta restaurant, which offers Turkish fare such as a variety of Turkish salads , mezes and grilled meatballs.

One of Istanbul's oldest pastry shops, Ayla Profeterolcusu, is the place to go if you want to enjoy a delicious treat.

Last but not least, Mikla Restaurant on the top floor of The Marmara Pera Hotel is one of the most exquisite and classy restaurants, and you may be familiar with it if you've watched the well-known Netflix series "A Night in the Pera Palace." You can view a variety of elements of Istanbul thanks to its high-rise location.

2. Visit the Hagia Sophia Mosque

This architectural structure has witnessed each civilization and has a long and rich history. The third structure to house Hagia Sophia has a distinct architectural style as a result of the local authorities.

Having witnessed all the 3 empires Hagia Sophia is among the most visited places in Istanbul

The eighth wonder of the world, Hagia Sophia, has been recognized as one of the finest architectural achievements in history. It was given this name mostly due to its distinctive construction, which was initially constructed in 325 AD, collapsed twice, and was then rebuilt three times. In the year 532 AD, it was the biggest site of worship on earth.

Following the annulment of a 1934 judgment that had allowed Hagia Sophia to be used as a museum by Turkey's administrative court, a decree officially establishing Hagia Sophia as a mosque was issued on July 10, 2020.

3. Take a look at Topkapi Palace

The Ottoman Empire's sultans resided and reigned from this magnificent palace on the Bosphorus, which Mehmet the Conqueror first constructed in the 1500s.

The Harem compound, where the sultan's numerous concubines and children would spend their days, the Second Court, where you can wander through the expansive royal kitchens and gaze in amazement at the glistening inner surface of the Empire Throne Room, and the 3rd Court, that also housed the sultan's single rooms, are among the various standouts.

4. Visit the Basilica Cistern Underground

The Byzantine emperors' imperial water supply was previously kept in this enormous, palace-like underground chamber, which was supported by 336 columns arranged in 12 rows. Emperor Justinian completed the project in the sixth century after Constantine the Great started it.

One of the popular spots comıng from ancient Byzantium times to nowadays

Many of the construction's columns, which have beautiful engravings, were repurposed from earlier classical constructions. The most well-known are the pillar foundations in the northern end known as the Medusa Stones, with their carved Medusa heads.

The wonderfully lighted structures and the gentle, constant flow of water all around you make for a truly evocative experience.

5.Visit the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest bazaars

The Grand Bazaar is where everyone congregates, and for many tourists, shopping in Istanbul is just as important to tourism as museums and other landmarks.

Between the Nuruosmaniye Mosque and the Beyazit Mosque, this enormous covered market—which occupies an entire city district and is completely enclosed by high walls—is essentially the very first retail complex in history.

Shopping is a big part of touring in Istanbul for many tourists, much like visiting museums and other landmarks, and everyone congregates at the Grand Bazaar.

This enormous covered market, which occupies an entire city district and is walled in between the Nuruosmanye and Beyazit Mosques, is essentially the first retail mall in history.

6. Bosphorus cruise with dinner and entertainment

Experience an unforgettable Bosphorus night in Istanbul by joining the Bosphorus boat cruise between 20:45 and 23:45 on Istanbul's Bosphorus boat, which includes dinner, drinks and a Turkish night entertainment program (with belly dancer show)! Pickup and drop-off from centrally located Istanbul hotels is provided (included in the price).

Where to Stay in Istanbul for Your Trip:

If you're planning a trip to Istanbul, you'll want to consider where to stay. With so many neighborhoods and accommodations to choose from, it can be overwhelming. Some popular areas to stay in Istanbul include Sultanahmet, Taksim, and Beyoglu. Each neighborhood has its own unique charm and attractions, so it's important to do your research and choose the one that best fits your travel style and interests.

Take a trip or join a guided tour to experience the city’s architecture and small towns

Overall, Istanbul is a great place that offers both European and Asian sides with its warm and kind locals and, of course, its widely known street cats. It welcomes everyone from different backgrounds, cultures, regions, and races as still having the honor of being a metropolitan city.

Having hosted 3 big empires Istanbul is the melting pot of cultures

What are the main features of the Blue Mosque?

One of the masterpieces of the Ottoman period, the Blue Mosque, built between 1609 and 1617, has a main dome, six minarets and eight secondary domes. The design of the mosque is a unique result of the development of two centuries of Ottoman mosque architecture. The Blue Mosque, the master of the buildings right next to it, combines some Christian elements of the magnificent Hagia Sophia with traditional Islamic architecture and is considered the last great mosque of the classical period.

Click here to see the tours and adventurous things to do in Istanbul.