Turkey
Istanbul
Attractions
Attractions in Istanbul
Hagia Sophia Museum / Church (Ayasofya)
This architectural marvel displays 30 million gold tiles throughout its interior, and a wide, flat dome which was a bold engineering feat at the time it was constructed in the 6th century.
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Kariye Museum (The Chora Church)
This 11th-century church was noted for its remarkable mosaics illustrating scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary. It has since been converted into a museum.
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Eyup Sultan Mosque (Eyup Sultan Camii)
This mosque stands outside the city walls at the location where Hz Eyyubu El-Ensari, a noted Islamic individual, died in the assault on Constantinople in 670 AD.
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Istiklal Street
This cobblestone street attracts both locals and tourists who walk its length to enjoy the many restaurants, cafes and shops. Many of the city's movie theaters are also located here.
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Sultanahmet District
The old section of Istanbul where you can find many attractions including Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque.
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The Pudding Shop
When it opened in 1957, the Pudding Shop was a gathering place and information center for travelers heading across Europe and Asia. Today, this city landmark offers food and drink to tourists and locals.
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Galata Tower
Built in 500 A.D., Galata Tower is one of the dominating landmarks of Istanbul. It was used as a watchtower to help defend the city.
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Galata Bridge
This bridge spans the Golden Horn, connecting the old city with Beyoglu, the northern district of Istanbul.
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Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsisi)
Bargaining for goods is standard practice at the largest covered market in Turkey, rumored to contain over 4,000 shops.
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Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi)
This palace was built in the mid 1800s to replace an earlier structure that was made of wood. The new palace incorporated sixteen separate buildings with stables, a flour mill and a clock tower among them.
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Bagdat Street (Bagdat caddesi)
Bagdat street is the heart of the Asian side of Istanbul. The lively part starts in Bostanci, across from the boat house and ends in Kiziltoprak, near Kadikoy. There are many shops, book stores, restaurants and side-walk cafes along the street. There might be nothing for the tourists here but, if you are curious about how people live on the Asian side of Istanbul, you may want to spend some time here before you take off to the Prince Islands from Bostanci.
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Balat
This neighborhood of Istanbul was once known as the Jewish quarter of the city. Today you can still find many synagogues here, as well as a more diverse group of residents.
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