Istanbul: Where East meets West in a lively fusion of culture and history.
Istanbul is one of the world's most fascinating cities, with a rich history and unique culture. The city is home to some of the world's most impressive landmarks, and here is a list of the 10 most visited attractions in Istanbul, along with their prices and historical facts:
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is a historic building in Istanbul, Turkey. Originally built as a Christian cathedral by the Roman Emperor Justinian I in 537 AD, it served as the main religious center of the Eastern Roman Empire until the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Empire in 1453, when it was converted into a mosque. After a decade as a museum, it was again turned into a mosque by the Turkish government in 2020.
Hagia Sophia is known for its large dome, which is one of the largest in the world. The dome is 55.6 meters high and has a diameter of 31.8 meters. It is made of brick and concrete, and its interior surface is covered with mosaics and frescoes. The interior is also adorned with large columns and arches.
Price
For foreign tourists, the price of visiting Hagia Sophia is usually 500 Turkish lira, which is approximately $65 USD or 55 euros, depending on the exchange rates.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace is a historic palace located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the 15th century by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II and was used as the sultans' residence for almost 400 years. The palace was also the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire and a symbol of the sultans' power and wealth. It has now been converted into a museum that houses a range of artworks and historical artifacts from the Ottoman Empire.
Topkapi Palace is known for its impressive architecture and stunning views of the Bosporus Strait. The palace consists of several gardens, pavilions, halls, and chambers that are open to the public. The most notable parts of the palace include the Harem, where the sultan's wives and concubines lived, and the Treasury, which houses some of the most valuable treasures and jewels in the world.
Price
For foreign tourists, the price is 375 Turkish lira, approximately $49 USD.
Sultan Ahmed Mosque
Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is an impressive mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. The mosque was built in the 17th century under Sultan Ahmed I and is known for its beautiful blue tiles that cover the interior of the mosque. The mosque is also famous for its large dome, which rests on four pillars, and the six minarets that stretch up to the sky.
Sultan Ahmed Mosque is still an active mosque and open for prayers and cultural activities. However, tourists are welcome to visit the mosque outside of prayer times and admire its beauty and architecture. There is also a museum in the mosque that displays some of the historical and artistic treasures associated with the mosque. It is free for all visitors.
Bosphorus Strait
The Bosphorus Strait is a narrow waterway that separates Europe and Asia and connects the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea. It is one of the busiest waterways in the world and has significant strategic and economic importance for Turkey and the region. In addition to its crucial role as a transit route for commercial ships, the Bosphorus Strait also attracts many tourists who wish to enjoy the beautiful view of Istanbul and the sights along the strait.
There are several ways to experience the Bosphorus Strait, including a boat tour or a walk along the shore. A boat tour allows you to see the sights along the strait from a different perspective and experience the beautiful view of Istanbul. You can also take a walk along the shore and explore the various neighborhoods along the Bosphorus Strait and see the historical buildings and monuments.
Price
The price for visiting the Bosphorus Strait varies depending on the type of tour or activity you choose. For a boat tour, the price can range from about 30 to 100 Turkish Lira (approximately 4 to 13 USD) for a standard tour.
Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsi)
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. It covers an area of more than 30,000 square meters and has over 4,000 shops and stalls selling everything from jewelry and carpets to ceramics and textiles. The Grand Bazaar is not only a popular tourist attraction but also an important trading center and cultural site in Istanbul.
The Grand Bazaar has a long history dating back to the 15th century when it was first established under the Ottoman Empire. It has been expanded and renovated several times since then and today is a labyrinth of streets and alleys filled with shops and stalls. It is free to visit the Grand Bazaar and walk around the market area.
Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is an amazing underground water reservoir located in the heart of Istanbul. It was built in the 6th century during the Byzantine Empire to supply the city with water, and it is one of the largest and most well-preserved cisterns in Istanbul. The Basilica Cistern is also known for its spectacular construction, which includes many columns, arches, and decorative elements.
The Basilica Cistern is open to visitors, and it is a popular tourist attraction in Istanbul.
Price
The entrance ticket to the cistern costs 20 Turkish lira for foreign tourists.
Galata Tower
Galata Tower is a historic tower located in the Galata neighborhood of Istanbul. The tower was originally built in the 14th century as part of the city walls around the city, but it was later used as an observation tower by the Ottoman rulers. Today, the tower is a popular tourist attraction and offers a fantastic view of the city and the Bosphorus Strait.
The view from Galata Tower is undoubtedly one of the greatest attractions, and one can see as far as the Bosphorus Strait and the Asian side of Istanbul. There is also a small exhibition in the tower that gives visitors an opportunity to learn more about the tower's history and significance in Istanbul. Visiting Galata Tower is a great way to see the city from a different perspective and take beautiful pictures of Istanbul.
Price
Visitors can buy tickets to visit Galata Tower and take the elevator or stairs to the top of the tower. There is also a restaurant at the top of the tower where visitors can enjoy a fantastic view of Istanbul while eating. The ticket price for Galata Tower is 35 Turkish lira for foreign tourists.
Taksim Square
Taksim Square is a famous public square in Istanbul and a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The square is located on the European side of the city and is known for its architecture, shopping opportunities, dining, and nightlife.
Taksim Square has been the center of many political and cultural events in Istanbul's history. The square is also known for the Gezi Park protests in 2013, where thousands of protesters gathered to demand more democracy and freedom in Turkey.
Visitors can visit Taksim Square for free, and it is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are plenty of shopping, food, and entertainment options in the area around Taksim Square. There are also a large number of hotels and restaurants nearby, making it a convenient destination for tourists.
Taksim Square is also known for the famous Istiklal Avenue, which is a long, busy shopping street with shops, restaurants, and cafes. Visitors can spend hours exploring this lively street and experiencing the bustling atmosphere and unique charm of Istanbul.
Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahce Palace is one of the most impressive and magnificent historical buildings in Istanbul, Turkey. The palace is located on the European side of the city along the Bosphorus Strait and was one of the most important palaces in the Ottoman Empire. It was built in the mid-19th century on the orders of Sultan Abdülmecid and was completed in 1856.
The palace was designed by two of the most famous Ottoman architects of the time, who were also responsible for designing other important buildings in Istanbul, such as the Ortaköy Mosque and the Bezmialem Valide Sultan Mosque. Dolmabahce Palace is an example of a mix of different architectural styles, including baroque, neoclassical, and Ottoman.
The palace is known for its enormous size and elegance, with over 285 rooms, 43 salons, and a 4.5-ton chandelier in the main hall. One of the most impressive parts of the palace is the 63-meter-long Crystal Staircase, covered with a carpet of genuine silk and made at the Baccarat Glass Factory in France.
The Dolmabahce Palace also hosted many important political events in the Ottoman Empire and the early republican era in Turkey. It was here that Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, spent the last days of his life, and his death was declared in the main hall of the palace on November 10, 1938.
Today, the Dolmabahce Palace is open to the public as a museum and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul. Visitors can explore the impressive salons, see the beautiful gardens, and learn more about Ottoman and Turkish history.
The Suleymaniye Mosque
The Suleymaniye Mosque is a monumental mosque located on the third of the seven hills in Istanbul. Built in the 16th century by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, the mosque is known for its unique architecture and great historical significance.
The Suleymaniye Mosque has a dominant position in Istanbul's skyline, and its tall minarets and large dome are visible from several parts of the city. The mosque has a grand entrance gate leading into a large courtyard where visitors can enjoy the beautiful mosque and tranquility.
Inside the mosque, visitors will experience a magnificent blend of Islamic art and architectural style. The Suleymaniye Mosque is filled with beautiful decorations, including colorful mosaics and paintings covering the walls and ceiling. It is also home to a large number of tombs, including the tomb of Suleiman the Magnificent, one of the most famous Ottoman sultans.
Visitors can visit the Suleymaniye Mosque for free but must follow the dress code and remove their shoes when entering the mosque. Visitors should also be respectful of the religious ceremonies taking place in the mosque and avoid disrupting prayers.
In summary, the Suleymaniye Mosque is one of Istanbul's most impressive religious sites, and its historical significance makes it a must-see for visitors.
5 extra tips to make the most of your trip
- Try the local cuisine, such as dolma (stuffed grape leaves), kebab, and baklava.
- Visit a hammam (a traditional Turkish bath) for an authentic experience.
- It may also be a good idea to wear good shoes as the city has many hills and stairs.
- Eat local dishes at a traditional restaurant in Beyoglu.
- Note that many places in Istanbul are gender-segregated, so women should consider how they dress.
Discover the beautiful and charming city of Istanbul on a budget
Istanbul is a popular destination, and prices depend on several factors such as the time of travel, choice of transportation and accommodation, and the person's lifestyle and desires. However, it can generally be said that Istanbul is a city with a reasonable price level. Flights from Europe can be obtained for around $650 and up, while a budget hotel stay can cost around $45 per night and up. There are also opportunities to find slightly more expensive hotels and apartments for rent. See when it's best to buy plane tickets. Transportation in the city is also cheap, with public transportation such as buses and metros starting at around $4. Food and drink are also cheap, with many street food options starting at around $5. It is important to keep in mind that prices can vary greatly depending on the season, and it may be more expensive to travel during peak season.
Avoid flight problems with Refundmore.com: How to get help in Paris
If you experience delays, cancellations or overbooking on your flight, you can claim a refund or compensation. There are some steps you can follow to get help:
1. Contact the airline: If you experience problems with your flight, you should immediately contact the airline and inform them of your situation.
2. Claim your rights: The airline is obliged to give you certain rights depending on your problem. You can claim compensation for delays or cancellations or demand to be rebooked on another flight.
3. Document your case: It is important to document your case by taking pictures of your boarding pass, receipts and any other relevant material. This will help you prove your case if you later want to complain to the airline.
4. Complain to the airline: If you are not satisfied with the airline's solution to your problem, you can complain to the relevant authorities. You can also consider contacting the service Refundmore.com, which can help you get compensation and refunds from the airline.
The company Refundmore.com helps air passengers claim financial compensation and refunds. We are a debt collection company in Copenhagen that takes care of air passengers' cases as we are experts in our field. Our customers are our top priority, and we have helped many travelers get the compensation they deserve. We are proud of our 9.5/10 reviews on Trustpilot and our positive customer reviews. Our expert team in Copenhagen works hard to ensure that our customers receive the best possible service and compensation for any inconvenience on their flight. We would like to thank our customers for their trust and support, and encourage all travelers to file a case if they need help with their flight.
Iyi yolculuklar!
