Istanbul enjoys a central position in the commercial affairs of Turkey. It has, during the times of European colonialism, been known as Byzantium or Constantinople. With all its visuals of noisy bazaars and enduring enigma, Istanbul seems just out of history books, doesn’t it? The elegance of Istanbul lies in its Eurasian position, perfectly poised between the Gothic and the Islamic. The city is one of the largest in the world, and here is a guide to the places to visit in Istanbul.
Topkapi Palace
The Topkapi Palace now serves as a museum, or if you may, a home for Ottoman relics. Several courtyards act as facades to the main building. You can pretty much look at the now redundant functionaries of the bygone era—kitchens, treasuries, stables, libraries, and so on. It can be a grandiloquent, overwhelming feeling once you start imagining the past based on what remains of it. With the temperature rarely crossing the 10 degrees Celsius mark, it is going to be a pleasant tour.
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is decidedly the grandest tourist attraction near me if you are in Istanbul. The bazaar is the forerunner of the modern Pall Mall and is one of Faith District’s most renovated areas. Feast your eyes on the beautiful carpets that are exported to all corners of the world. The bazaar is also the best place to buy gold jewelry. Make the most of the visit and explore the bazaar to your heart’s content!
Hagia Sophia
Recently in news for the political quagmire that it has always invited, Hagia Sophia demands a must-visit. It is considered to be one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture, marked by its intricate mosaics and frescos. Several noteworthy features of the cathedral are the wishing column, the Lustration Urns, the Marble Door, and so on. Hagia Sophia is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul that have been constructed, destroyed, and reinstated over time.
Basilica Cistern
Basilica, the largest cistern in Istanbul was built by Justinian in the 5th century. The symmetry of the marble columns (28) and rows (12) is perspicuous and is proof of the sense of beauty in the makers. The head of the Medusa in the Basilica is nothing short of a spectacle. Restorations of the place have been quite judicious, and the essence of bygone the Roman Empire is evident from every inch of the place.
Sultan Ahmed Mosque
Also called the Blue Mosque, this place of worship from the 17th century is also a sign of Ottoman pride. The alternative name originates from thousands of blue tiles that have been arranged to form spectacular patterns in the mosque. When you set foot in the central courtyard, you become aware of the enormity of ambition and the power of faith.
Bosphorus Strait
If you were yearning for a cruise, this is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul. You can view both the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque from the cruise, so get your Instagram filters ready. Lapping the shores of Asia and Europe, the Bosphorus Strait is an unputdownable poetic reckoning.
SÙleymaniye Mosque
Süleymaniye Mosque, one of the most magnificent tourist attractions near me, is complete with schools and public baths that hint at aspects of 16th-century life. The mosque comes alive with colonnades and buttresses jutting out into reality amidst walls and floors. The ends of the central courtyard are marked by beautiful, ornate minarets.
These were our choices for the best vacation spots in Istanbul. Feel free to explore to taste the bliss of serendipity!
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