Istanbul is a city that assaults the senses as soon as you land. However, amid the ever-whirling atmosphere, you can find places that quietly reflect its history, culture, and people. Step into the city with Wise Traveller's treasure trove of ideas to make your stay memorable.
Taksim Square:
At the heart of Istanbul, on its European side, bustling Taksim Square is full of shops, cafes, bars, hotels and everything in between. Located in Beyoğlu, Taksim has the central station of the Istanbul Metro network, ensuring you can get anywhere in this sprawling metropolis. It was created by Pietro Canonica and inaugurated in 1928; the central monument commemorates the anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkey.
Grand Bazaar:
Believed to be the world's oldest indoor market, the Grand Bazaar is packed with over 4,000 stores spanning 64 streets that offer trinkets to jewels. Even if you're not looking to make a purchase, it provides a snapshot of a city constantly in motion.
Hagia Sophia:
Very much part of the Istanbul skyline and integral to its city's cultural roots, the 1,500 years-plus building features Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. It was initially designed as a Greek Orthodox basilica. However, by 2020, it had become a mosque. It offers a unique blend of Christian and Islamic art under the beautiful domes. It sits quietly atop the historic area of Istanbul, surrounded by the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara.
Blue Mosque:
This unmistakable building, also known as Sultanahmet Camii, is a 17th-century mosque with six minarets, beautiful exteriors, and interiors featuring blue Iznik tiles, which give it its iconic name. Commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I and created by Mehmet Ağa, the UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts intricate aesthetics, including calligraphy and stained glass windows.
Topkapi Palace:
Topkapi Palace, featuring European, Islamic and Ottoman influences, was a 15th-century residence for the Ottoman Sultans. Each room is a nod to the fabled and wealthy lives of the Sultans. Some of these included the harem quarters for their wives and lovers.
Turkey in Miniature:
If you can't get around Istanbul's famous sites, then drop in at the Miniaturk open-air museum. It delivers Turkey's famous attractions at a fraction of their actual size and cost. Across 60,000 sqm on the Golden Horn, explore 150 models of the country's famous architectural works at 1/25 scale.
Museum of Selfies:
In the world of selfies, there's no better opportunity than to indulge in the Museum of Selfies at the Trump Shopping Centre. The Museum sheds light on the centuries-old history of the selfie, and you can amaze friends and family with different image illusions.
Pera Museum:
The Pera Museum is centrally located in historic Beyoğlu, offering a sense of calm amidst a bustling city. It hosts one of Europe's largest collections of Orientalist paintings, offering visitors a chance to Turkish art and soak up the highly-romanticized versions of the East through the eyes of Western artists.
'Sea' life:
While most travellers take a trip on the Bosphorus Sea, others choose water-related attractions. The Istanbul Aquarium is rumoured to be the largest thematic aquarium, featuring interactive exhibits and animals ranging from the rainforest to the Black Sea. SEA LIFE is one of Europe's largest aquariums, featuring over 15,000 creatures across more than 20 zones, as well as an 83-meter-long underwater Ocean Tunnel.
Andy Probert is an independent journalist who writes about global travel news, airlines, airports, and business. His work has appeared globally on the BBC, and in many national newspapers and magazines.
