Places to Visit in Istanbul
Discover the historical and touristic local sites with economical accommodation options at Han Hotel.
Han Hotel is located 21 km away from the historical center of Istanbul. Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and other local touristic attractions can be reached by metro.
For inquiries about directions, please contact us at [email protected].
Istanbul Airport is 38 kilometers away from Han Hotel. You can easily reach Han Hotel in about 45 minutes. Located in the Bahçelievler district of Istanbul, Han Hotel is within easy reach of many tourist attractions by public transportation or car. Below you can find information about Istanbul's historical and touristic places.
As residents of the city, while we rush to work in the morning and back home in the evening without noticing the thousands of beauties passing by, Istanbul is still one of the oldest, most famous, and most beautiful cities in the world.
Istanbul is a settlement place that dates back 8,000 years.
Many rulers set out to conquer this city.
The ships of the seven seas anchored in the ports of Istanbul, and many caravans put up for sale the goods brought from one end of the world in the Istanbul markets.
Today, numerous historical buildings that grace every corner of Istanbul turn the city into a huge open-air museum.
Many places, restaurants, cafes, or patisseries that keep social memory alive play an important role among Istanbul's nostalgic places. In summary, Istanbul says to us, "rediscover me again and again"...
On one side, there are the crowds of the city, and on the other side, there are the ferries where we escape from the hustle and bustle of life with a warm tea on their decks...
On one side, there is Istiklal Avenue, where the crowds flow like a flood, and on the other side, there are the streets of Burgazada, where life is enlivened only by the sounds of waves and seagulls...
In Istanbul, which connects Asia to Europe and blends historical beauty with modern energy, there are countless things to do. Although we cannot list all of them, we have selected many places that must be visited in Istanbul for our guests, from Hagia Sophia to the Grand Bazaar.
Are you looking for a culinary adventure? A tour of history and culture? Or do you want to enjoy by the sea? Istanbul is a city where everyone can find what they want. Therefore, whether you are traveling to Istanbul for the first time or not, we are sure you will find a place of interest in this list.
How about taking a look at the most famous 32 of Istanbul's countless beauties?
Historical Places to Visit in Istanbul
Hagia Sophia
To start exploring the apple of Istanbul's eye, the Historical Peninsula, the best place is Hagia Sophia Mosque.
Hagia Sophia, which was built three times in the same place and is one of the world's most renowned places of worship, took its final form in the year 537.
After the conquest of Istanbul, Hagia Sophia was opened to worship as a mosque, and additions such as mihrabs, pulpits, minbar, muezzin galleries, sermon pulpit, and maksures were made. After serving as a museum for a period, Hagia Sophia is now open for worship as a mosque.
Topkapi Palace
The Ottoman Empire is one of the most extensive and influential empires in the world, which ruled for centuries and reached the most extensive boundaries. The Topkapi Palace, where this deep-rooted history and magnificent structure were governed for 400 years and where sultans and their families lived, awaits to be seen in all its glory in the Historical Peninsula.
In this palace, where you can witness the Ottoman Empire's most magnificent weddings, coronation ceremonies, intrigues, and sad stories, you can immerse yourself in history.
Among the places to be seen in the Topkapi Palace Museum and Harem Tour are the Harem section of the palace, the Chamber of the Holy Relics, the Hall of Audiences, and the Palace Gardens section.
Grand Bazaar
One of the most popular stops in the Historical Peninsula is the Grand Bazaar, which has been standing in Beyazıt for 550 years. Known as the Grand Bazaar by foreigners, the Grand Bazaar is famous for its streets where you can get lost and goldsmiths who shape the world gold market.
Inside Istanbul's oldest bazaar, you will see how alive trade still is and how everything sold here reflects Istanbul's ancient spirit.
Bozdoğan Aqueduct
Of the aqueducts built in the Roman era to supply water to the city, very few have survived.
The Bozdoğan Aqueduct, located in Unkapanı in the heart of Istanbul or known worldwide as the Valens Aqueduct, is of rare length and robustness found in the world. Although we may not notice it while traffic flows beneath it, it has been watching over Istanbul for over 1,500 years.
Basilica Cistern
Built during the Byzantine period to meet the palace's water needs, the cistern still mesmerizes viewers with its dazzling columns and the Medusa statue.
Today, various art events also take place in the Basilica Cistern, opening the doors to a magical world for participants with concerts and performances.
Çemberlitaş Column
Erected in honor of Emperor Constantine in 330 AD on one of Istanbul's seven hills, the Çemberlitaş Column has given its name to the whole neighborhood over time.
Once adorned with busts of Byzantine Emperors, the Çemberlitaş Column is still one of Istanbul's most striking structures, despite suffering significant damage during the Crusades.
Galata Tower
Today, the Galata Tower, where long queues are waited to admire the view of Istanbul from its top, is one of the most important symbols that define Istanbul's silhouette.
Built-in 528, the structure, situated dominantly over the Istanbul Strait and the Golden Horn, was built as a lighthouse but used as a prison from time to time.
One of the most popular legends about the tower is that lovers who climbed it together eventually got married...
- Ahrida Synagogue
The Ahrida Synagogue, built before the Conquest of Istanbul, is the only synagogue to survive from that period and is one of the most stunning buildings in Balat today.
Established by Jews who migrated from Ohrid, Macedonia, the synagogue is now the largest synagogue in Istanbul.
The synagogue's Teva prayer pulpit, named after Noah's Ark, attracts great attention as it resembles the bow of a ship.
Rumeli Fortress
Built in 90 days under the command of Fatih Sultan Mehmet during the conquest of Istanbul to cut off any aid coming from the Black Sea to Byzantium, Rumeli Fortress is one of the city's most popular historical structures. The fortress overlooking the Strait, also known as the Bosphorus-Cutter Fortress, as it was named in accordance with its purpose.
Located directly across from the Anadolu Fortress, Rumeli Fortress is a magnificent structure with its three large towers and walls.
Once a venue for open-air events such as the Rumeli Fortress Concerts, the fortress is now open for visitation as a museum. At the Rumeli Fortress Museum, the cannons used in the conquest of Istanbul, cannonballs, and a part of the chain said to have closed off the Golden Horn are still on display.
10.Yoros Castle
Yoros Castle, nestled amidst lush green forests in Beykoz, overlooking the Black Sea, is one of the significant historical structures left by the Eastern Romans in Istanbul.
After the weakening of the Eastern Roman Empire, the castle, which remained in the hands of the Genoese for many years, was conquered in 1391.
Today, one of the best places to view the Bosphorus is Yoros Castle, and you can enjoy breakfast by the Bosphorus in the cafe just below the castle.
Due to ongoing archaeological excavations, it is forbidden to enter the castle, but you need to be prepared to climb a somewhat long hill to see the castle's magnificent walls and the spectacular view of Yoros Castle.
11.Anadolu Fortress
Built during the reign of Yıldırım Beyazıt to control the entrances to the Bosphorus and protect the Göksu Valley, Anadolu Fortress has been offering some of the most beautiful views of the Anatolian Side facing the Black Sea since 1395.
Today, Anadolu Fortress is one of the most peaceful places in Istanbul with its fishing boats, cafes, and restaurants along the coast.
12.Yedikule Dungeons
Once the final destination for all the outlaws of Istanbul, the Yedikule Dungeons.
Originally built during the Byzantine period to host guest kings, the structure was transformed into a military garrison with the addition of three towers and walls during the reign of Fatih Sultan Mehmet.
Today, the Yedikule Fortress Museum, one of Turkey's and Istanbul's largest open-air museums, holds a significant place on the list of historical places to visit in Istanbul's Fatih district.
13.Hippodrome (At Meydanı)
A real hippodrome where horse races took place during the Byzantine period, the historic site is now known as the Hippodrome Square in Sultanahmet Square.
It features the Obelisk of Theodosius with Egyptian hieroglyphs, the Serpent Column, and the German Fountain. Additionally, the Ibrahim Pasha Palace, which can be visited today as the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, overlooks this square.
14.Haydarpaşa Train Station
The elegant and magnificent structure that catches the eye while crossing from Eminönü to Kadıköy, the Haydarpaşa Train Station.
The Haydarpaşa Train Station, the final stop for trains coming from Anatolia, was built in 1908 as the starting station of the Istanbul-Baghdad Railway line.
In recent years, the station, which has gained fame through cultural activities such as the Book Fair, is also one of the most important places to visit in Kadıköy with its restaurants inside.
15.German Fountain
A symbol of Turkish-German friendship, the German Emperor II. Wilhelm presented it to Istanbul.
The fountain, whose large parts were built in Germany and transported to Istanbul, was assembled here and opened in 1901.
In some years, during Ramadan festivals, the reservoirs of the German Fountain are filled with sherbet, and sherbet is served to Istanbulites from this fountain.
16.Dolmabahçe Palace
Built by Ottoman Sultan Abdülmecit on the shores of the Bosphorus in 1856, this Dolmabahçe Palace is one of Istanbul's most important iconic structures with its grandeur bearing traces of Western architecture.
One of the largest palaces in Turkey, the Dolmabahçe Palace also has a different spiritual value as the place where Atatürk spent his last days.
17.St. George's Monastery (Aya Yorgi Manastırı)
The largest of the Princes' Islands, Büyükada, is flooded with hundreds of thousands of people every year. Besides touring the island by bicycle and satisfying your appetite with delicious fish, there's one more thing you must do on Büyükada, and that's to climb up to St. George's Monastery.
Located on Yücetepe, the highest point of Büyükada, the St. George's Church, built in 1751 with its original church and later added structures, stands.
Every year, on April 23rd and September 24th, people of different beliefs come together at the church to make common prayers and wishes, and there is a widespread belief that wishes come true.
Outside of these dates, you can visit the church away from the crowds and fulfill an old tradition by climbing the Hill of Atonement without speaking a word. Moreover, a splendid view awaits you at the Yücetepe Pavilion.
18.Fener Greek Patriarchate
Also known as the Rum Orthodox Patriarchate, the Fener Greek Patriarchate is located in Balat on the shores of the Golden Horn.
Moved to its current location on Sadrazam Ali Paşa Street in 1602, the Patriarchate took on its present appearance with the restoration carried out in the 1800s.
19.Heybeliada Theological School
Although it has not been providing education in recent years, the historical Heybeliada Theological School, which stands defiantly over the centuries without losing any of its grandeur, is one of the important historical structures to see on the island.
The school, which is mostly not open to visitors, can sometimes be visited through special concerts and events held in the summer months.
To see the school located at the highest point of the island, you need to be prepared for a long walk, but believe me, just seeing the courtyard of this magnificent building makes you forget your fatigue.
20.Kuleli Military High School
One of the important architectural structures that define the silhouette of Istanbul is the Kuleli Military High School. Located on the coast of Çengelköy, right behind this building is the second-largest Turkish flag in Istanbul.
Illuminated by projectors at night, the Kuleli Military High School has been among the city's most remarkable structures since 1872.
21.Maiden's Tower
There are countless legends about the graceful and charming Maiden's Tower that we pass by while crossing from Üsküdar to Beşiktaş…
A symbol of romance in Istanbul, the Maiden's Tower, which was restored in 2023 and started serving visitors, can be reached by boats from Üsküdar's coastline in just 5 minutes. Proposing marriage at the Maiden's Tower has become one of Istanbul's traditions. By paying a boat crossing fee and an entrance fee to visit the Maiden's Tower, you can see it up close. Visitors with a museum card can visit the Maiden's Tower by paying only the transportation fee.
You can reach the Maiden's Tower from Üsküdar-Salacak and Galataport Istanbul with special boats.
- The boats located in Üsküdar-Salacak will depart from in front of the Maiden's Tower ticket office every day of the week between 09:00 - 17:30.
- The boat schedules from Galataport Istanbul Pier to the Maiden's Tower are as follows:
- 11:00
- 12:30
- 14:15
- 15:30
- 17:00
Historical Mosques to Visit in Istanbul
Istanbul, which served as the capital of the Ottoman Empire for centuries, showcases its rich history and grandeur with its exceptional architectural structures. The most significant reflections of Ottoman architecture, richness, and aesthetics can be seen in the mosques that take individuals on a spiritual journey with their beauty.
The first mosques in Istanbul were created by converting some of the churches left from the Byzantine era into mosques after the city was conquered in 1453. This initially met the immediate need for places of worship for the Muslim population of the city, but as the Muslim population increased, the need for mosques led to the emergence of the most magnificent works of Ottoman architecture.
A footnote for those wondering "How many mosques are there in Istanbul?": Today, there are over 3,000 mosques in Istanbul, and the number of mosques to visit in Istanbul is not small. It is not possible to see all of these mosques, many of which have challenged the centuries, but it is essential to see a few examples representing the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul.
Süleymaniye Mosque
Built between 1551-1557 by Mimar Sinan upon the orders of Suleiman the Magnificent, known worldwide as Süleyman the Magnificent, Süleymaniye Mosque is located in Beyazıt.
The Süleymaniye Complex, built on a large area, consists of Süleymaniye Mosque along with madrasas, cemetery, hospital, primary school, bathhouse, library, soup kitchen, and shops. The tombs of Mimar Sinan, Suleiman the Magnificent, and Hürrem Sultan are located in the Süleymaniye Complex.
The best way to learn interesting facts about Süleymaniye Mosque is to visit it in person. Creative ideas such as ostrich eggs protecting the mosque from insects and scorpions, the acoustics calculated by Mimar Sinan with empty jars for weeks, and the ink made from the soot of oil lamps will double your admiration.
Sultan Ahmed Mosque
If you ask which is the most famous mosque in Istanbul, you will receive the answer of Sultan Ahmed Mosque from many people. Known worldwide as the Blue Mosque, Sultan Ahmed Mosque is famous for its six minarets and blue Iznik tiles adorning its interior.
Built between 1609-1617 by Architect Sedefkâr Mehmed Ağa upon the orders of Ottoman Sultan I. Ahmed, Sultan Ahmed Mosque is located opposite the Hagia Sophia and competes with its beauty. One of the most important works of classical Ottoman architecture, Sultan Ahmed Mosque derives its grandeur not from its size but from its elegance.
Eyüp Sultan Mosque
One of the most important mosques in Istanbul, Eyüp Sultan Mosque is located on the Golden Horn. It is believed that Eyüp Sultan Mosque was built in 1458 by the order of Fatih Sultan Mehmet after Ebu Eyyûb el-Ensarî, who carried the banner of the Prophet Muhammad, was martyred and buried here during the siege of Istanbul in the 7th century.
Hosting the sword-girding ceremonies of many Ottoman sultans, the mosque is visited by tens of thousands of people on weekends, religious holidays, and holy nights.
Ortaköy Mosque
Located on the shores of the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Büyük Mecidiye Mosque is referred to as Ortaköy Mosque among the public because it is located in Ortaköy Square. Situated near the European leg of the July 15 Martyrs Bridge, the mosque, with its small but elegant appearance, forms a backdrop to one of the most beautiful views of Istanbul.
Built in the Neo-Baroque architectural style, Büyük Mecidiye Mosque was commissioned by Sultan Abdülmecit and built by Nigoğos Balyan and Garabet Amira Balyan. Completed in 1853, the mosque, with its large windows illuminating the interior with the colorful lights of the Bosphorus, acquires a magnificent appearance different from the norm.
These historical mosques, built in different neighborhoods of Istanbul by different architects in different centuries, continue to impress millions of people from all over the world.
Fatih Mosque
The first mosque built by a sultan, known as a selatin mosque, in Istanbul, Fatih Mosque was built by Architect Yusuf Sinan (Sinan-ı Atik) ten years after the conquest of Istanbul. Located on the fourth hill of Istanbul's seven hills, the Fatih Complex includes madrasas, a hospital, a caravanserai, a soup kitchen, a library, and a bathhouse.
Built on the hill where the tombs of the Byzantine emperors were located, the mosque was designed as one of the greatest indicators of the beginning of the Ottoman era in Istanbul.
Unfortunately, the mosque we visit today is not the original structure built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet. The mosque, completed in 1771 to replace the one destroyed in the 1766 earthquake, carries Baroque influences. The tomb of Fatih Sultan Mehmet is also located in the cemetery, where many famous statesmen are buried.
Eminönü New Mosque
Located on the shores of Eminönü, the New Mosque or Valide Sultan Mosque was started by Sultan III. Murat's wife Safiye Sultan in 1597, but completed with the donations of Turhan Hatice Sultan, the mother of Sultan IV. Mehmet, in 1665.
Although the mosque is actually 400 years old, it began to be called the "New Mosque" because it was built after the Süleymaniye and Sultan Ahmed Mosques.
Although the interior design of the New Mosque is not as successful as those of Süleymaniye and Sultan Ahmed Mosques, it is still one of the most popular mosques to visit in Istanbul. Being one of the significant symbols shaping the silhouette of Istanbul, the New Mosque is also famous for its pigeons. Feeding birds in front of the New Mosque has become a tradition for those who visit Eminönü.
Nuruosmaniye Mosque
Located on the second hill of Istanbul as you walk towards the entrance of the Grand Bazaar from Çemberlitaş, Nuruosmaniye Mosque is slightly smaller in size compared to other historical mosques but must be seen for its elegance and eye-catching stained glass windows.
Nuruosmaniye Mosque is adorned with numerous details reflecting Ottoman aesthetics, from the prayers on the door handles to priceless calligraphic panels inside. The mosque is also significant for being largely covered in marble and being the first Baroque mosque of the Ottomans.
Arap Mosque
Although hidden within the hardware market in Karaköy, one of the most unique mosques in Istanbul is the Arap Mosque. With its square-shaped high tower, the Arap Mosque, which draws attention with its different architecture, holds great importance as the place where the first call to prayer was recited in Istanbul.
Built by the Umayyads during their 7-year siege of Istanbul in 717, the mosque, thought to have been converted into a church by the Byzantines, is worth seeing for its magnificent wooden carvings on the ceiling alone, let alone its historical significance as a mosque reopened for worship after the conquest of Istanbul.
Museums to Visit in Istanbul
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Works
The first Turkish museum where all Turkish and Islamic artifacts are exhibited, and the last museum opened during the Ottoman Empire period. The museum was relocated to its current location, the İbrahim Pasha Palace, in 1983 and opened to visitors in January 2015 after the completion of restoration works.
Atmeydanı Caddesi 34122 İstanbul Turkey
+90 212 518 18 05
Istanbul Archaeology Museum
One of Turkey's most important museums, the Istanbul Archaeology Museums, was established in 1891. The museum houses thousands of valuable artifacts, including the Sarcophagus of Alexander the Great. It is located within the boundaries of the Topkapı Palace.
Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey 34122 İstanbul Turkey
+90 212 520 77 41
https://istanbularkeoloji.muzeler.gov.tr/TR-205207/muzemize-genel-bakis.html
Chora Museum
The Chora Museum is known as one of the most beautiful surviving examples of Byzantine architecture. Going back to the time of Constantine, you can find exquisite mosaics and frescoes depicting the life of Jesus and Mary. Initially used as a monastery, it was later converted into a mosque for a few centuries and finally turned into a museum in 1948. You can reach the museum by passing through Eminönü and enjoying the beautiful view of the Golden Horn.
18 Kariye Cami Sokak 34087 İstanbul Turkey
+90 212 631 92 41