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This harbor area sits on the Golden Horn, a famous waterway that runs through the city. From Eminonu you can visit mosques, the Spice Market, famous restaurants, or catch a ferry that will shuttle you to any number of places in Istanbul. Take in the scene here. This is Istanbul in action, a hive of activity all day long. This bridge spans the Golden Horn, joining the older sections of Istanbul with the more modern neighborhoods. A walk across this bridge is a must while in Istanbul.

Rustem Pasha Mosque is a very small mosque that is famous for its Iznik tile work. Well, the tile work in this mosque is some of the best in Istanbul.

While in Istanbul, try some of the local foods. Kofte are meatballs made with lamb or beef. Dolma are stuffed vine leaves or vegetables. Sis Kebabs, skewers of cooked meat, are delicious. Doner is a meat sandwich made from lamb, beef, or chicken.

Turkish delight lokum and baklava are two delicious options for dessert. Istanbul is the only city to span two continents, Europe and Asia. The Bosphorus River divides these two continents. If you have the time, a cruise on the Bosphorus River is a great way to see more of this city. The cruise leaves from Eminonu in the morning and travels north towards the Black Sea.

Midday, have lunch in the small fishing village of Anadolu Kavagi. From Anadolu Kavagi, walk fifteen minutes uphill to the Yoros Castle. From here, you will have excellent views of the Black Sea. By 5 pm you will arrive back at the Golden Horn in Istanbul.

This is a low key day, a perfect day to put midway through your tour through the city. Most of the time you sit and watch Istanbul glide by as you cruise the Bosphorus. For the best, cheap experience in Istanbul, take the commuter ferry from Eminonu across the Bosphorus River to Kadikoy.

Mix in with the locals and enjoy the views back to the the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia. If you are traveling with kids, bring some bread to feed the seagulls that follow the ferry.

This is a great activity to do at sunset because the views back to the Sultanahmet District are amazing. Ortakoy is a trendy neighborhood in Istanbul. Stroll the shops, dine at one of the restaurants, and see the iconic Ortakoy Mosque. With this pocket WiFi device you get unlimited 4G internet that can connect up to four devices.

Istiklal Street is a famous street in the New District of Istanbul. It is a pedestrian street that can get very crowded. This area definitely feels different than the rest of Istanbul. It is here that you will find Gap and Starbucks and Nike. But it is a beautiful street, especially with the tram that runs up and down the road. This is your place to buy Turkish Delight, fresh olives, figs, pistachios, and of course, spices.

Leave behind the more popular tourist areas and stroll through the colorful neighborhoods of Fener and Balat. These giant walls were built in the 5 th century. They stretch for 3. Designed to keep invaders out of Constantinople, these walls were only breached twice: first in the Fourth Crusade in and later by the Ottoman invasion in While in Istanbul, you can walk a portion of these walls.

From here, you are overlooking the neighborhoods of Fener and Balat, getting a unique perspective of the city. This is a mosque much less visited by tourists than the other mosques on this list. From the mosque, follow the walking trail uphill through the cemetery. It is a beautiful walk and from the top you get a great view of the Golden Horn and Istanbul.

In the Hippodrome are two obelisks. The Walled Obelisk, the older looking of the two obelisks, is actually younger than the Egyptian obelisk. Istanbul is home to some of the friendliest people we have met while traveling. Are you visiting Turkey with kids? Your children will be treated like royalty. The warmth and friendliness of the Turkish people are one of the main reasons why we fell in love with this country.

The Museum Pass is a card that covers your admission to several of the main museums in Istanbul. It is valid for 5 days and with this card you can skip the ticket lines. It costs TL. The Museum Pass offers no savings, although it does allow you to bypass the ticket lines. In my opinion, it is not worth it to purchase the Museum Pass, unless you plan on visiting more sites that we do not include in this article. Click here to learn more about the Museum Pass. Hotel Uyan. This small hotel is located within walking distance of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

After exploring its labyrinthine lanes and hidden caravanserais, follow the steady stream of local shoppers heading downhill into the busy shopping precinct of Tahtakale, which has at its hub the seductively scented Spice Bazaar. From there, head back up towards the Blue Mosque and its attached arasta row of shops by a mosque , where you may well find a lasting memento of your trip.

Tucked away in the shadow of Theodosius II's monumental land walls, Kariye Museum is a tiny Byzantine building located in the little-visited Western Districts of the city. It's adorned with mosaics and frescoes that were created in the 14th century and illustrate the lives of Christ and the Virgin Mary. These are among the world's best examples of Byzantine art, rivalled only by mosaics adorning churches in Ravenna, Italy.

Put simply, it's impossible to overpraise the exquisite interior here — visiting it is sure to be a highlight of your trip. Discover some of the most unique and fulfilling experiences your next destination has to offer. Plan a day trip full of local flavor and get back in time with these same-day options.

Browse the various transportation options to make your trip that much easier when you arrive. Ways to maximize the fun without spending a dime on your next great adventure. These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Istanbul. Living History İstanbul's strategic location has attracted many marauding armies over the centuries. Culinary Heritage 'But what about the food? Local Life Some ancient cities are the sum of their monuments, but İstanbul factors a lot more into the equation.

As well as the Ottoman art, the Pera holds a renowned collection of Ottoman-era tile and ceramic work and a vast collection of artifacts from the Ottoman period, as well as pieces from earlier eras. There's also a program of regularly changing exhibitions, which focus on both historic and contemporary art and often feature some of the international art world's biggest names.

Tram on Istiklal Caddesi. There is also a quaintly old-fashioned tramway that runs along its length right up to Taksim Square at the top of the hill. From Taksim Square, busy Cumhuriyet Caddesi is lined with hotels, shops, restaurants, and high rises. The area around Istiklal Caddesi is home to many churches and old consulate buildings with ornate facades.

Also nearby is Orhan Pamuk's Museum of Innocence. Pamuk is Turkey's most famous author and the winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature. This conceptual-art museum is based around the theme of his novel The Museum of Innocence and is a rather bizarre, kooky, and wonderfully atmospheric experience. Kiz Kulesi, Maiden's Tower. The town, known in antiquity as Chrysopolis, was one of the earliest Greek settlements on the Bosporus.

It was much more exposed to attack by foreign conquerors than Constantinople, with its defensive situation and strong walls, but it was able to draw economic advantage from its exposed situation — until it was the terminus of the caravan routes that brought the treasures of the East to Constantinople and onwards to Europe.

If you're planning to see Istanbul's top tourist attractions, the easiest place to base yourself is Sultanahmet Istanbul's old city district , which is a short stroll from all the city's major historical attractions. A tram line runs through Sultanahmet, and public transport is plentiful, connecting the district with other tourist attractions farther afield. These are both lively entertainment areas in the center of modern Istanbul. Below are some highly rated hotels in convenient locations for sightseeing:.

Turkey has plenty of other historic cities to discover. Konya and Sanliurfa are two of the best and are city guides to these destinations can help you plan your time.

Written by Jess Lee Updated Oct 21, We may earn a commission from affiliate links Coveted by empires across the centuries, straddling both Europe and Asia, Istanbul is one of the world's great metropolises. Plan your trip with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Istanbul. See also: Where to Stay in Istanbul Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues.

The mosque gets its nickname from its interior decoration of tens of thousands of Iznik tiles. Blue Mosque Sultan Ahmet Camii A great sightseeing joy of a trip to Istanbul is wandering amid the gardens sandwiched between the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia to experience their dueling domes in twin glory. Come at dusk for extra ambience, as the call to prayer echoes out.

There are three separate sections in the museum complex, each of which are worthy of a visit. Try to come before 11am or after 4pm to dodge the crowds. The formal gardens are punctuated with fountains, ornamental basins, and blooming flower beds. Be aware, though, that it's a super popular sight, so come early or be prepared to queue.

Cruise the Bosphorus Strait View of Rumeli Fortress from the Bosphorus For many visitors, a trip to Istanbul isn't complete without hopping aboard a Bosphorus excursion ferry and cruising the city's famed waterway, which connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. Visit the Historic Fatih Mosque Fatih Mosque The district of Fatih is home to this important mosque, which sits on the hilltop site of the first mosque built in the city by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror, who finally broke through Constantinople's walls, ending the Byzantine era.

Location: Fevzi Pasa Caddesi, Fatih. Address: Istiklal Caddesi. Where to Stay in Istanbul for Sightseeing If you're planning to see Istanbul's top tourist attractions, the easiest place to base yourself is Sultanahmet Istanbul's old city district , which is a short stroll from all the city's major historical attractions. Below are some highly rated hotels in convenient locations for sightseeing: Luxury Hotels: In a century-old Neoclassical Turkish building, the sunny-hued Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet is a mere five-minute stroll from the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Hagia Sophia.

Decorated in Ottoman style, the boutique White House Hotel Istanbul also lies minutes from these major historical attractions. For those who prefer to stay near all the entertainment action in Taksim, the Grand Hyatt Istanbul is a great choice only a few minutes' walk from Taksim Square. Mid-Range Hotels: The elegant Orient Express Hotel is an excellent mid-range option within walking distance of the Sultanahmet historical attractions and Sirkeci train station.

Also in a prime Sultanahmet location is the Osmanhan Hotel , with beautiful views of the Bosphorus. In the heart of Taksim, the Mercure Istanbul Taksim offers contemporary comfort close to Taksim Square and Istiklal Street, one of the city's most famous walking streets, lined with cafes, boutiques, and bookstores. Budget Hotels: If you're traveling on a budget, the boutique Sultans Royal Hotel offers great value for money in the heart of Sultanahmet and is known for its friendly, helpful staff.

The Walnut Shell Hotel is also within walking distance of all the major monuments that make it a prime Istanbul base, and has rooms brimming with color and character. This walking tour will ensure you see the most important attractions, including the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar, as well as others. This is a small group tour, limited to 14 people, and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a traditional lunch, and admission to the sites.

Private Tours: With more time up your sleeve to see the city, and the option to fully customize what to do and what to see, the private Best of Istanbul Tour offers one-, two-, or three-day Istanbul itineraries with a tour guide. It's also a great way to get familiar with the general layout of the city. Tickets are valid for either 24 or 48 hours. More Related Articles on PlanetWare. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired.

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