Istanbul, Turkey Hotels and City Guide

Istanbul - Attractions

Time Off: Things to See and Do in Istanbul

Istanbul is a feast for all your senses, from the wonderful wealth of ancient temples and buildings to the aromas of delicious, exotic food simmering. There is history everywhere, yet there is also the promise of a bright future that permeates the Istanbul air. It is this unique juxtaposition between ancient and contemporary that keeps visitors enthralled. Read a more write-up on what to see and do in Istanbul here.

Istanbul's Main Attractions

Arkeoloji Müzesi
Gülhane Park, Old Istanbul
212.520.7740

This amazing museum allows visitors to travel through Istanbul’s rich past. You will see artifacts from the Byzantine and Ottoman eras, and even pieces from pre-Christian cultures of Anatolia, Mesopotamia, and other Arab locales. Favorites are the Alexander Sarcophagus (while it doesn’t actually hold Alexander the Great, it is intricately carved scenes from his battles) and the Treaty of Kadesh (thought to be the world’s earliest peace treaty).

Blue Mosque
Sultanahmet Square, Old Istanbul
212.518.1330

Amazing. The Blue Mosque has an incredible 20,000 blue Iznik tiles and 260 stained glass windows. The feeling of light is awe-inspiring, and the whole mosque speaks of opulence and splendor. The exterior architecture is grand, but the interior will give you chills with its glorious curves and soaring ceilings.

Kariye Müzesi (Kariye Museum of the Holy Savior)
1 block north of Fevzi Pasa Cad., Old Istanbul
212.631.9241

Marvel at the 14th Century Byzantine mosaics and frescoes that make the Church of the Holy Savior a truly magnificent sight to behold. Most of the mosaics are made of 50 panels, which together tell stories from the New Testament. The panels were plastered over in the 16th Century and only revealed in the 1940s. An exquisite find and a treasure for visitors to this lovely area.

Aya Sofya
Aya Sofya Square
212.522.1750

The abundance of Istanbul’s architectural offerings is an outstanding treat for visitors and residents alike. Aya Sofya (or Hagia Sophia) is a Byzantine masterpiece completed in 537; Emperor Justinian ordered that it be the grandest church in the world, and that mission was accomplished. Innovations such as the flying buttress helped the Aya Sofya achieve the highest, most dramatic dome of that time; the 18 storey tall, 30 meter (100) wide dome with its gold tiles lit by 40 windows is just as awe-inspiring now as it was then.

Topkapi Sarayi
Topkapi Sarayi, Gulhane Park, Sultanahmet Square
212.512.0480

This interesting and immense palace received additions and updates as sultan after sultan ruled. Courtyards, gardens, and rooms were added, until there were over 5000 rooms. Family, slaves, concubines, and eunuchs lived in this sprawling complex. Today, you can tour the city-within-a-city and each of the four courtyards. This is a great way to experience the past and get a glimpse inside everything from a concubine’s room to the sultan’s quarters.

Kapalicarsi (Grand Bazaar)
Kalpakçilar Cad. Sorguçlu Han. No:22, Kapaliçarsi Beyazit –
+90.212.519.1248

You can find just about anything at the Kapalicarsi or Grand Bazaar. Its 4000 shops and 58 streets make it an immense and bustling maze of shopping activity. Look at gorgeous Turkish carpets, pipes, alabaster bookends, leatherworks, pottery, jewelry, glazed tiles, knick-knacks, and oddities. For those who eschew mass produced, soulless items, this is the place to get unique gifts and souvenirs. It is massive, so take advantage of one of the tours that guide you through it. You could spend your entire vacation here and not visit the same shop twice!

Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art
Meydani No. 46, 34410 Sultanahmet
+90.212.518.1805

Boasting one of the most extensive collections of Islamic Art, this wonderful museum features ceramics, calligraphy, textiles, metalwork, and Turkey’s famous carpets. The museum is housed in an Ottoman Empire palace, which is a work of art in itself.

Cagaloglu Hamam
Yerebatan Caddesi, Sultanahmet
+90.212.522.2424

The only word to describe Cagaloglu Hamam: stunning. This 300 year old marvel features some of the most beautiful architecture in the entire city. Gorgeous marble, strong columns, soaring ceilings, and beautiful statuary make this a tranquil and lovely place to rid yourself of stress. The steam will clear the senses and refresh you, and the design will awe you.

Dolmabahçe Sarayi
Dolmabahçe Cad., Besiktas
212.258.5544

Turkish leaders had a penchant for demanding their architects design buildings that were superior to anything ever built in the world: and they usually succeeded. Sultan Ahmet wanted to move Turkey into the future, and thus the Dolmabahçe Sarayi was built. Mixing European styles with Hindu and Turkish design elements, the eclectic palace features lavish décor, such as the solid silver bed, marble bathrooms, crystal chandelier courtesy of Queen Victoria, and polar-bear rugs from Czar Nicholas I. It is opulent, tacky, and deliciously decadent.

Istanbul Entertainment

Istanbul is a city that needs to be explored: you need to get into the midst of it and discover for yourself the history that lies beyond the walls of the imposing mosques and cathedrals or on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait. A great way to experience Istanbul is on foot. Various tours are offered to visitors so you can have both the freedom to explore and the security of having a guide who knows the area. One such tour culminates in the stunning Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Museum. On your way to the Blue Mosque, you will walk along a road lined with beautifully restored houses. Visit the Museum of Islam Art, and then walk up to the Sokollu Mehmet, a mosque known for its stunning tiles. It’s a wonderful way to spend the day and see some of Istanbul’s most beautiful attractions.

Istanbul is advantageously located on the Bosphorus Strait, affording it lovely views of the water and from the water. Why not see this incomparable city from the deck of a boat? Take the ferry from Eminönü to Uskudar to enjoy the seaside atmosphere and superb architecture. Uskudar is a popular retreat for the people of Istanbul, so it is a prime place to do some people watching as well. Watch the sunset on the Golden Horn and feel the tranquility that has made this one of the most prized destinations on earth.

Maybe you do not want a vacation that is totally tranquil; maybe you want some excitement. Istanbul provides modern amenities that provide a nice balance to the historic aspects of the city. Istanbul honors the past but doesn’t live in it. The city is thoroughly contemporary – and yet thoroughly Turkish. Visit the Grand Bazaar and the surrounding area if you want to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or a little something for yourself. The Bazaar has an incredible 4000 shops, and that is only the tip of the iceberg. City block after city block offer the most amazing shopping visitors have ever experienced. You can even take a walking tour of the Grand Bazaar, the markets of Tahtakale, and the Egyptian Spice Market. Take a minute and stop to smell the spices. Fragrant Istanbul will cast its spell on you.

Turkish nightlife has also come alive due to the recent economic boon the city has experienced. Visit a Turkish meyhane, or tavern, and try some of Turkey’s favorite drink, raki, while you snack on mezes (appetizers). There are nightclubs where you can see an “Oriental show” featuring bellydancers, Russian and Romanian dancers, and cabaret singers. You can also listen to more modern music at one of the many rock bars and cafes. Istanbul is nothing if not eclectic.

You can have the experience of a lifetime – and experience something new and exciting each day of your visit to Istanbul. Every corner brings a new taste, a new smell, a new and marvelous sight. 

Hotels in Istanbul, Turkey