Istanbul is the perfect weekend destination to discover new tastes and visit world-class attractions. Moreover, the price level makes Istanbul more popular than ever. To the surface is Istanbul Gigantic, the Bosphorus water trail divides the city into two and we recommend to divide the accommodation by a few nights on each side; in this way to get the most out of your weekend in Istanbul.
Attractions to do and historical places to visit in Istanbul
In the new part of Istanbul, the more trendy, there are great shopping, hip malls, and modern restaurants. In the old part of the city, world heritage culture and charming bazaars are found. Most historical sights are located here, including Hagia Sophia with its famous dome, the Blue Mosque with its six minarets and one of the world’s most fast-paced markets, the Grand Bazaar. In the old part of Istanbul, you can easily get around on foot, or with the cheap tram. Istanbul is a mecca of experiences, here you can be pampered in a Hammam, one of the steamy Turkish baths, go on a boat trip over the Bosphorus or watch Oriental show. In Istanbul, there is something for all senses and tastes.
Grand Bazaar
Grand Bazaar is Istanbul’s most crowded and vibrant place. Here, sellers from the right and left hoist. The mood is best described as a chaotic calm. Perfect place to bargain carpets, precious stones, bags, jewelry, jackets, souvenirs and much more. Take a lap around before you strike, and don’t forget to bargain! The negotiations can take time, so make sure to keep your good mood on top and it goes the way!
Spice Market / Spice Bazaar-Misir Carsisi
Give your taste buds a culinary experience at the Spice Market located next to the Galata Bridge. The flavors, HB and not least the colors are overwhelming. Turkish delight, a Turkish candy, is a prohibition that must not be missed at market stalls.
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)
Located in the old part of the city, built in the 17th century and with all six minarets, it is not surprising that the Blue Mosque is Istanbul’s most photographed building. Beautiful from the outside, but perhaps even more beautiful inside. The architecture and colors are impressive!
Hagia Sophia
Iconic Hagia Sophia a 500-century church that was the world’s largest for a long time. During the Ottoman Empire, the church was converted into a mosque, and both religions can still be imagined here. Now Hagia Sophia is a museum where you can experience the mighty history of Istanbul. With its famous dome, it is an almost as popular photo motif as the adjacent neighbor, the Blue Mosque.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace, the Sultan’s Palace, is Istanbul’s largest historic building and a popular destination, which is why we recommend coming here early. From here, the drow was all over the former Ottoman Empire. Here, too, when they were the most, lived over 4000 people. The harem where the sultans lived with their wives, and there are two of the most popular parts of the Palace.
Bosporus
The Bosphorus is the water trail that separates Europe and Asia and Istanbul’s silhouette shows itself best from the water! Get down to Eminönü, a crowded place just below the Spice Market. Then board any of the “tour boats”. As you cross between the two different continents, you get an overview of Istanbul’s different characteristic neighborhoods. Try a “Turkish coffee” on board, the coffee is sweet and strong. In nice weather, the tour is magical and a must!
The Basilica Cistern
Basilica Cistern displays the underground world of Istanbul and is a historic landmark of the city. Built-in the 6th century to give water to Constantinople, the Basilica Cistern is the largest preserved Byzantine cistern in Istanbul. Basil cistern’s unique history, symmetry, and grandeur make it a great visit. Runaway from the sun for an hour and get down here!
