Best places to visit in Istanbul (Top 10)
- Topkapı Palace
- Haghia Sophia
- Blue Mosque
- Archaeological Museum
- Grand Bazaar
- Süleymaniye Mosque Complex
- Church of St Saviour in Chora
- Çemberlitaş Baths
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Contents
- 1 What is the most beautiful part of Istanbul?
- 2 What is the famous of Istanbul?
- 3 Is 4 days in Istanbul enough?
- 4 Is 2 days in Istanbul enough?
- 5 Is 3 days enough to visit Istanbul?
- 6 Is Istanbul worth visiting?
- 7 How should I dress in Istanbul?
- 8 What is the best month to visit Istanbul?
- 9 Is 7 days in Istanbul too much?
- 10 Can you wear shorts in Hagia Sophia?
What is the most beautiful part of Istanbul?
Sultanahmet District in Istanbul – Sultanahmet is one of the most beautiful places in Istanbul, an archaeological and tourist area, with many mosques, churches, restaurants, gardens and museums. Here are some of the most popular tourist places in the Sultanahmet region:
Sultan Ahmet Mosque (the Blue Mosque) Eminonu Topkapi Palace The Egyptian Market Gulhane Park
Sultanahmet represents the historical and tourist face of Istanbul, where many ancient historical and cultural treasures gather. We recommend that you visit it as it will take up much space from your tourism program and it will not be enough for a day to see all its landmarks.
What is the famous of Istanbul?
A city full of amazing landmarks Despite the city’s age, thankfully many remains still exist in Istanbul. The most famous landmarks are Hagia Sophia tour, the house of the Ottoman Sultans: Topkapı Palace, with its blue ceramics: Sultanahmet Mosque trip, and the biggest covered bazaar; the Grand Bazaar.
Is 4 days in Istanbul enough?
Is 4 Days enough to visit Istanbul? – In short – yes it is. Of course, as with any major city around the world, 4 days is never quite enough to explore everything you would want to see in Istanbul. Having said that however, 4 days is the perfect amount of time to get a good impression of the city and see the majority of the main tourist attractions in Turkey’s biggest city.
Particularly in the Sultanahmet district, the main cultural centres are condensed into a small area which means you can explore many different tourist attractions in a short amount of time. With a 4-day Istanbul itinerary, you do have to make some small sacrifices. It would be impossible to explore all the different districts of the city so you have to prioritise what you want to see.
An area of the city that we were unable to visit on our own 4-day trip of Istanbul for example was Barat – the old Jewish Quarter that has transformed into a multi-cultural hipster neighbourhood in recent years. Hagia Sophia – one of the highlights of your 4-day Istanbul Itinerary
Is 2 days in Istanbul enough?
Finding the Universe contains affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. If you’re planning a trip to Turkey, then we highly recommend spending some time in Istanbul. This is the largest city in the country, and is generally regarded as the most important city in terms of cultural and historical interest.
Istanbul is home to numerous wonderful sights, and we’ve always enjoyed our visits here. How long you visit will of course depend on your schedule, but we think 2 days in Istanbul will give you enough time to see the main highlights. You could do this either as a weekend in Istanbul, or as the start of a longer trip, such as that outlined in our 2-week Turkey itinerary,
In this guide, we’re going to share with you a detailed itinerary for spending two days in Istanbul. We’ll tell you all the things you should see, share a map to help you visualise your trip, give you tips on where to stay, and share some practical advice for your visit.
Is 3 days enough to visit Istanbul?
How Long Should You Stay in Istanbul? – First, ask yourself the following questions: Did you come to Turkey primarily to tour Istanbul ? Or do you want to visit other Turkish destinations as well? Istanbul is a fantastic tourist destination in and of itself.
However, if you prefer to visit other places, such as Cappadocia or Pakkumale, don’t be overwhelmed by all the sights to see in Istanbul! If you just want to see the attractions of Istanbul, a day or two should enough! If you like having a full itinerary, three days in Istanbul is more than plenty.
However, if you are a more leisurely visitor, allow yourself extra time to enjoy all that the complicated city has to offer. Finally, obviously, your budget must correspond to your itinerary. Istanbul is not a particularly costly place to visit. In fact, you may want to stay longer to save money on your trip!
Why do tourists go to Istanbul?
Istanbul has it all: over 2500 years of history, culture, and traditions, amazing landmarks, vibrant nightlife, and breathtaking views. This transcontinental metropolis is a fast-paced cultural melting pot you can’t afford to miss. Here are the top 7 reasons why you should plan a trip to Istanbul right now. Maiden tower on the Bosphorus. – © Photo by Osman Kalkavan
Is Istanbul worth visiting?
Istanbul is one of the world’s great cities. There are so many wonderful reasons why you should visit this city. Istanbul is old, dating back thousands of years, and with that, there are many historical places to visit. Istanbul is gorgeous, with its assortment of mosques and their colorful tile work and dramatic architecture.
- Istanbul is charming; we met so many welcoming, friendly people here.
- And finally, Istanbul is home to the Hagia Sophia, an amazing architectural feat and one of the Wonders of the World.
- If you have plans to visit Istanbul, you should know that there is a lot to see here.
- You can easily fill five days of your time in Istanbul.
Hopefully, you have at least three days on your itinerary, but more time is ideal. Either way, if you are like us, you will be dreaming about returning to Istanbul someday. It’s just that kind of cityit stays in your heart long after you leave. Note: I do my best to keep the hours of operation and pricing up to date for each attraction, however, these can change at any time.
How should I dress in Istanbul?
Istanbul Dress Code For Tourists – The general Istanbul dress code for tourists and especially women is to cover your legs at least past to your knees, cover your chest and cover any cleavage and cover your stomach, Based on my experience visiting and living in Istanbul, having the bottom of your legs showing and feet is fine.
Having your lower forearm showing and even all of your arm and shoulders showing in the summer is also fine, as it is very hot. Talking of the heat again, Summer in Istanbul is very very hot and dressing more modesty like this is hard, below I’ll give you some ideas of what to pack for summer in Istanbul.
However, in the cooler months like March, April, May, October, and November, and the very cold months like December, January, and February, how to dress in Istanbul as a tourist and how to dress in Istanbul as a woman is very easy because you’ll naturally want to wear more covering clothes to stay warm.
How many days in Istanbul are enough?
Final Verdict – As you can see, deciding how many days in Istanbul largely depends on you and how action-packed you like your vacations. If you don’t mind rushing around, then you can see everything in 2-3 days. For those who prefer to travel more leisurely, then 4 days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Istanbul,
Is Istanbul very cheap?
1. Is Istanbul Expensive? – When compared to many major cities in the world and in Europe prices, Istanbul isn’t too expensive, It is expensive relative to the other destinations in EU such as Poland, Romania or Bulgaria. Istanbul was ranked 173rd over 206 cities in the world in the 2021 Mercer Cost of Living Survey (was 156th in 2020).
What is the best month to visit Istanbul?
By Lale Surmen Aran and Tankut Aran – Istanbul has a moderate climate year-round. It is generally hot and humid from mid-July to mid-August, and it can snow during January and February. The peak-season months (with the best weather) are from mid-April to June and September to October.
During the off-season, you can generally find better deals and smaller crowds, the weather is usually good, and all the sights are open. Weather conditions can change throughout the day — especially in spring and fall — but extremes are rare. Summer temperatures generally range from 65ºF to 85ºF (42 º –60 º in winter).
Temperatures below freezing and above 90 º make headlines. Keep in mind that prices in Istanbul are higher during festivals and holidays such as Easter, Christmas, and New Year’s. On holidays, you’ll see lots of vacationing Europeans, mostly from Spain, Italy, and France.
Is 7 days in Istanbul too much?
Istanbul in 6-7 days – An Istanbul itinerary with 6-7 days is more than enough — even for slow travelers! Take your time exploring local cuisine. Don’t miss kebab and Turkish coffee! With more time in your hands, you can also go round the many museums of Istanbul. It’s fascinating how diverse the types of museums are in this city.
Certainly, there’ll be at least one to pique your interest! Visit the Museum of Islamic Science and Technology if you’re interested in how Islamic science came to be. If you’re more into history, visit the Istanbul Archaeological Museums — the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Orient, and the Museum of Islamic Art — which all show different eras of world civilization.
Seeking artsier spots? Built in 2004, the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art is a relatively newer museum that showcases the works of contemporary Turkish artists. There’s also the Istanbul Toy Museum, a five-story historical mansion featuring over 4,000 toys!
What is the cheapest time to visit Istanbul?
When is the best time to visit Istanbul? – The best time to visit Istanbul is either April-May or mid-September to October-end when the days are longer, drier, and sunnier, but not as hot as in the peak of summer. Temperatures range between 12°C and 25°C and there are a few brief showers occasionally. These months also avoid the large tourist crowds. The best time to visit Istanbul is April, May, and mid-September to the end of October.
Best Time for Good Weather : April to October. Best Time for Honeymoons : April, May, and September. Best Time for Nightlife : May to September. Best Time for Saving Money : Avoid the peak months of June, July, and August when hotel rates are at their highest. The cheapest time is the winter, from December to February, but the cold weather is less inviting. Best Time for Sightseeing : During the summer months of June, July, and August, the crowds around the sights in the old city can be overwhelming – and made worse by the hot and sticky weather. So, the optimal time is April, May, and from mid-September to October-end. During April, the entire city is in bloom for the tulip festival (see later). Best Time of the Day for Sightseeing : The most pleasant time to visit Istanbul’s abundant sights during summer is soon after opening, or later in the day, but in winter there are usually no queues or crowds at any time. In summer, however, expect sweltering heat, massive crowds, and long lines at entrance gates. Weekends (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) are usually busier, but most attractions have their own closing days and slightly different operating hours, so always check before visiting. Best Time for a Bosphorus Cruise : During September, the weather is usually warm, the crowds are reduced, and the winter gusts have yet to settle in. May is the next best option and an ideal time to look for the 3 species of dolphins that inhabit the strait. However, cruises along the Bosphorus are worthwhile at any time. Cruises might be canceled in winter because of poor weather; those in the morning will offer the best chance of sunshine. Best Time for Shopping : Istanbul is a popular shopping destination, offering a wide variety of world-famous brands along with high-quality local designs. The city’s local fashion industry is also booming, so seek out non-chain stores for the best prices. Spread over 40 days in June, July, and August, the Istanbul Shopping Fest offers substantial discounts across various malls and markets, although the abundance of tourists at the Grand Bazaar at this time reduces the possibility of too many bargains. Discounts are also possible across the city between mid-December and early January. Best Time for Water Activities : Despite so much of the city facing the Bosphorus Strait and Golden Horn, water-sports are really limited to boat cruises which are especially popular after dark. Strong winds can make sailing, or even traveling a short while by ferry, a little uncomfortable. The water is calmest in the summer (June to August).
How much does it cost to visit the Blue Mosque?
There are no Blue Mosque entrance fees. One can visit the mosque free of cost. Children can also visit the mosque. The mosque had not kept any entrance fees as it is considered as a place to visit God and offer prayers and not a museum or gallery.
How much money should I bring to Turkey?
For the purpose of this itinerary, I’m going to suggest spending two weeks in Turkey. It’s a big enough country with plenty to see and do.
Estimated cost | |
---|---|
Airfare | $1,000 |
Accommodations | $2,100 |
Local transportation | $250 |
Attractions | $400 |
Can you wear shorts in Hagia Sophia?
Venere Travel In 2020, Hagia Sophia has been converted into a mosque and there is no entrance fee when visiting the monument. A few things you should know when you are visiting Hagia Sophia are as below: Christians, Jews, and people of other faiths are all welcome at Hagia Sophia.Before entering the mosque’s carpets, you should remove your shoes.
- You are kindly requested to be quiet during the five daily prayers at the mosque, not to make so much noise, and not to run in front of others while they pray.
- On Friday worship at noon, certain parts of the mosque are temporarily closed to avoid disturbing people praying.
- Please be advised that women must wear a head covering when they enter the Hagia Sophia.
Head scarves are available for free at the entrance. No shorts or sleeveless shirts on either men or women are allowed, It is permissible to take pictures, but you should not photograph the individuals in prayer. There are also numerous guided tours available, and they’re highly suggested because Hagia Sophia has a long history.
Because there is no entrance fee, the cost of guided visits was reduced. There are few things more nerve-wracking than trekking around. It’s far better to learn everything there is to know about the structure, mosaics, imperial dome, upper galleries, and current decoration with the help of a knowledgeable guide.
Keep an eye out for unofficial guides (official guides should have an official badge). It’s essential that you allot at least 60 minutes for the visit.90 minutes, on the other hand, is preferable. Visit at the height of the day, when natural light inside will enhance your appreciation of the space considerably.
How much money do I need per day in Turkey?
How much money will you need for your trip to Turkey ? You should plan to spend around TRY434 ($23) per day on your vacation in Turkey, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, TRY135 ($7.28) on meals for one day and TRY67 ($3.58) on local transportation.
How long do I need in Cappadocia?
HOW MANY DAYS IN CAPPADOCIA? – Cappadocia is a beautiful region that we loved visiting on our Turkey itinerary, You need at least 2 days to see the main highlights of Cappadocia, allowing for 2 mornings to take the balloon ride in case there are cancellations for weather.
Where is the best place for a tourist to stay in Istanbul?
BONUS – ARNUVUTKÖY & BEBEK: Places to Explore From Beşiktaş – Beşiktaş is also a great base from which to explore some of the charming and elegant neighbourhoods along Istanbul’s coast such as Arnavutköy and Bebek, Arnavutköy (meaning ‘Albanian village’ in Turkish) is not on the typical tourist trail but is actually one of the most interesting and historical places in Istanbul. With its colourful wooden Ottoman mansions facing the sea, cute seafood restaurants and cafe-lined picturesque narrow streets, this is definitely one of the must visit places in Istanbul.
- There are also plenty of synagogues, churches and mosques! If you are looking to explore beautiful places in Istanbul then Arnavutköy should be an area that tops your list.
- Arnavutköy is not the best place in Istanbul to stay for first time visitors to the city as its far away from pretty much everywhere.
The upmarket area of Bebek is another of the top places to visit in Istanbul. Home to some of Istanbul’s wealthiest residents (it even has its own marina where people dock their yachts) Bebek is extremely popular in the summer when Istanbulites from all over the city flock down to enjoy breakfast by the sea, drink in the trendy bars and escape the stifling city heat.
There are a few attractions located in Bebek, including the magnificent Rumeli Hisari Fortress. Bebek Park, located on the shore of the Bosphorus is flanked on either side by the Bebek Mosque and the Egyptian Consulate building (Valide Pasha Mansion), which are also worth visiting. The gorgeous coastal road into Bebek is narrow and during weekends and evenings becomes absolutely clogged with traffic, so bear this in mind if you want to visit the area.
Like Arnavutköy, I wouldn’t recommend Bebek as a place for first time visitors to Istanbul to stay as it’s so far away from the main attractions. It’s definitely worth making time on your trip to explore this neighbourhood though! Fatih District is the most popular place to stay in Istanbul for tourists because there are so many attractions here – basically everywhere you look, there’s something to visit, be it a museum, a mosque or a bazaar. Many of the sites can be visited easily on foot or via a short journey on public transport.
Which is the posh area in Istanbul?
8. Sisli – Sisli is also a cosmopolitan and upscale district of Istanbul, on the European side. It is famous for its vibrant and busy city life, history and culture, museums, churches, mosques, lively shopping streets and shopping malls. Sisli is one of the most expensive ones in Istanbul as for accommodation. The Most Livable Neighborhoods: Nisantasi, Tesvikiye, Macka