What to see in Istanbul during a stay?
Istanbul is often referred to as the meeting place between East and West. This is the only city in the world built on two continents, the Bosphorus dividing the city in two and separating Europe from Asia. You probably spend most of your time on the European side, because that's where the historical and business areas are. Many historic areas of Istanbul were declared World Heritage. The city is absolutely Istanbul to visit during a trip to Turkey. These are essential to provide for your stay of 2 days, 3 days or more ...
1. A cruise on the Bosphorus:
A trip to Istanbul is complete without a cruise on the Bosphorus. This not only provides a good overview of the city, but the banks in Europe and Asia both famous channel have much to offer: a large number of old palaces and mansions are there, and the Maiden's Tower. Regarding the duration of the cruise, you can choose between a short visit (if pressed) or long (about one day). There is also the popular summer cruise at sunset.
2. The Hagia Sophia:
This splendid church of the 6th century became a mosque in the 15th and now a museum (since 1934) is one of the greatest architectural achievements in the world. After years of restoration, the Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) is as beautiful as it once was. Inside, you can admire the many mosaics and huge dome.
3. The Topkapı Palace
Topkapi Palace (Topkapı Sarayı) is really a show you can not afford to miss in Istanbul. This complex of pavilions built around four green course is the place where generations of sultans had their principal residence for nearly 400 years.
The main attractions of the Topkapi Palace are the imperial harem, the Imperial Treasury ("the treasure within") which houses the crown jewels and contains the famous Topkapi dagger, and the armory where you can admire the fine crafts. Remember also walk to the end of the fortress for a breathtaking view of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.
4. The Basilica Cistern
Istanbul is not only fascinating to the surface: it is also with underground Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici). This magnificent piece of Byzantine ingenuity is a spectacular underground cistern which stored in the past of qu'apportaient drinking water from aqueducts present Bulgaria to Istanbul.
With soft lighting and classical added to background water drop music, some think it's a romantic place, while others consider it a little scary. Walk the aisles and watch the fish swim between 336 columns supporting the ceiling. You'll find the head of Medusa carved placed upside down and used as a basis for one of the columns.
5. The Istanbul Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum (Arkeoloji Müzesi) is often forgotten and that's a shame. It is a real jewel of Istanbul, exposing one of the richest collections of classical antiquities. Inside, we find it particularly Sarcophagus of Alexander the Great decorated with bas-relief of many moments of his life. One can also see a Trojan.
6. The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art in Istanbul
The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts is much more exciting than its name suggests. Housed in the former palace of Ibrahim Pasha (the most talented Grand Vizier of Suleiman) and overlooking the Hippodrome of Constantinople, the collection has over 40,000 exhibits. Each piece focuses on a period or a different region of the Islamic world, also reflecting the Turkish daily life from the 8th to the 19th century. Particularly memorable is the fine collection of gigantic carpet hanging from the ceiling.
7. The Grand Bazaar
Go antiquing at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. Older than 500 years, it still remains one of the largest covered bazaars in the world. Its 60 interior streets contain not less than 5000 shops, 60 restaurants, 18 fountains, 12 mosques, and even a school. This is not a tourist trap as some claim. The locals come here to buy every day, but there are chances that they are better negotiators than you are. The bazaar is famous for carpets, leather, ceramics, souvenirs and jewelery. It is hard not to get lost in the chaos, then try to remember where you came before you walk inside.
8. The Blue Mosque
It is named for the blue tiles adorning its interior walls. It is the most famous mosques of Istanbul. Construction of Sultanahmet Camii, its local name, was completed in 1616, is open to visitors but there are a lot of people. As unavoidable, come early in the morning.
9. The Süleymaniye Mosque
This is perhaps one of the finest and most impressive mosques in Istanbul, yet tourists can go there, preferring to see the "Blue". The Süleymaniye Mosque was designed by the famous architect Sinan for Suleyman the Magnificent, and it is a great honor done to these two. It's actually much more than a place of worship. It is a complex of buildings containing a hospital, kitchen, school, etc ... Do not forget to visit the tombs of Süleyman and Roxalana behind the cemetery, grave Sinan outside the complex, and go eat fasulye kuru (beans) in one of the many restaurants located nearby.
10. Museum St. Saviour in Chora
The Church of St. Savior in Chora or Kariye Museum is a little off the beaten path, but well worth a visit. Located near the Adrianople Gate is one of the most amazing religious buildings that Istanbul has to offer. The walls and ceilings of the church are adorned with beautiful Byzantine mosaics and frescoes fabulous. Some are considered the largest in the Christian world. And while you're here, enjoy the remains of the city walls dating from the fifth century and the wooden Ottoman houses.
11. Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace is simply fascinating. It is huge (600 meters long), containing no less than 285 rooms and 43 salons. It was built in 1856 by Sultan Abdülmecid I, essentially to prove that the declining Ottoman Empire was actually very good. The palace cost the equivalent of 35 tonnes of gold. Inside, one may admire the largest Bohemian crystal chandelier weighing 4.5 tons!
12. The Galata Tower
The Galata Tower is one of the best places in town to get a panoramic 360 degree view of Istanbul. On a sunny day you can even see the Princes' Islands from the top of the tower 60 meters. There is also a restaurant / café on the ninth floor, but please do not go. Instead, take a stroll through the pleasant streets around the Galata Tower for a drink or eat at one of the many terraces.
13. Neighborhoods of Bebek and Ortaköy
Bebek and Ortaköy are two lesser-known tourists to visit the shores of the Bosphorus neighborhoods. Both neighborhoods are friendly enough to discover for lunch or walk the walk. In the evening, the nightlife is quite lively.
14. Visit local markets
Turkish cuisine is among the richest of all, mixing flavors from different continents and cultures. All these dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients you can even buy yourself. These urban markets (called pazar) may seem overwhelming at first, but you can be sure you will receive a warm welcome from merchants. Communication can be difficult, but the experience is priceless.
15. The Istanbul nightlife
Istanbul's night life can compete with other major cities of the world. Whether you want to enjoy a local live show while sipping your favorite drink, attend concerts of current stars, or dance the night in outdoor locations near the Bosphorus or a rooftop, Istanbul has everything.
16. clean in a hammam
There is no better way to rejuvenate your body to wash in a steam room. After a long day of sightseeing, it is ideal to relax in a Turkish bath. Two addresses hammam in Istanbul: the Ayasofya Hamami Hurrem Sultan Kılıç Ali Paşa and Hamami.
Source:Visiter Istanbul : 16 idées de choses à faire
Istanbul is often referred to as the meeting place between East and West. This is the only city in the world built on two continents, the Bosphorus dividing the city in two and separating Europe from Asia. You probably spend most of your time on the European side, because that's where the historical and business areas are. Many historic areas of Istanbul were declared World Heritage. The city is absolutely Istanbul to visit during a trip to Turkey. These are essential to provide for your stay of 2 days, 3 days or more ...
1. A cruise on the Bosphorus:
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Flickr – Alper Orus
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2. The Hagia Sophia:
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Flickr – Errol Nardan
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3. The Topkapı Palace
Topkapi Palace (Topkapı Sarayı) is really a show you can not afford to miss in Istanbul. This complex of pavilions built around four green course is the place where generations of sultans had their principal residence for nearly 400 years.
The main attractions of the Topkapi Palace are the imperial harem, the Imperial Treasury ("the treasure within") which houses the crown jewels and contains the famous Topkapi dagger, and the armory where you can admire the fine crafts. Remember also walk to the end of the fortress for a breathtaking view of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.
4. The Basilica Cistern
Istanbul is not only fascinating to the surface: it is also with underground Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici). This magnificent piece of Byzantine ingenuity is a spectacular underground cistern which stored in the past of qu'apportaient drinking water from aqueducts present Bulgaria to Istanbul.
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Flickr – jaime.silva
|
5. The Istanbul Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum (Arkeoloji Müzesi) is often forgotten and that's a shame. It is a real jewel of Istanbul, exposing one of the richest collections of classical antiquities. Inside, we find it particularly Sarcophagus of Alexander the Great decorated with bas-relief of many moments of his life. One can also see a Trojan.
6. The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art in Istanbul
The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts is much more exciting than its name suggests. Housed in the former palace of Ibrahim Pasha (the most talented Grand Vizier of Suleiman) and overlooking the Hippodrome of Constantinople, the collection has over 40,000 exhibits. Each piece focuses on a period or a different region of the Islamic world, also reflecting the Turkish daily life from the 8th to the 19th century. Particularly memorable is the fine collection of gigantic carpet hanging from the ceiling.
7. The Grand Bazaar
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Flickr – Vincent_AF
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8. The Blue Mosque
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Flickr – dynamosquito
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9. The Süleymaniye Mosque
This is perhaps one of the finest and most impressive mosques in Istanbul, yet tourists can go there, preferring to see the "Blue". The Süleymaniye Mosque was designed by the famous architect Sinan for Suleyman the Magnificent, and it is a great honor done to these two. It's actually much more than a place of worship. It is a complex of buildings containing a hospital, kitchen, school, etc ... Do not forget to visit the tombs of Süleyman and Roxalana behind the cemetery, grave Sinan outside the complex, and go eat fasulye kuru (beans) in one of the many restaurants located nearby.
10. Museum St. Saviour in Chora
The Church of St. Savior in Chora or Kariye Museum is a little off the beaten path, but well worth a visit. Located near the Adrianople Gate is one of the most amazing religious buildings that Istanbul has to offer. The walls and ceilings of the church are adorned with beautiful Byzantine mosaics and frescoes fabulous. Some are considered the largest in the Christian world. And while you're here, enjoy the remains of the city walls dating from the fifth century and the wooden Ottoman houses.
11. Dolmabahçe Palace
 |
Flickr – G.OZCAN
|
12. The Galata Tower
The Galata Tower is one of the best places in town to get a panoramic 360 degree view of Istanbul. On a sunny day you can even see the Princes' Islands from the top of the tower 60 meters. There is also a restaurant / café on the ninth floor, but please do not go. Instead, take a stroll through the pleasant streets around the Galata Tower for a drink or eat at one of the many terraces.
13. Neighborhoods of Bebek and Ortaköy
Bebek and Ortaköy are two lesser-known tourists to visit the shores of the Bosphorus neighborhoods. Both neighborhoods are friendly enough to discover for lunch or walk the walk. In the evening, the nightlife is quite lively.
14. Visit local markets
Turkish cuisine is among the richest of all, mixing flavors from different continents and cultures. All these dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients you can even buy yourself. These urban markets (called pazar) may seem overwhelming at first, but you can be sure you will receive a warm welcome from merchants. Communication can be difficult, but the experience is priceless.
15. The Istanbul nightlife
Istanbul's night life can compete with other major cities of the world. Whether you want to enjoy a local live show while sipping your favorite drink, attend concerts of current stars, or dance the night in outdoor locations near the Bosphorus or a rooftop, Istanbul has everything.
16. clean in a hammam
 |
Flickr – jaime.silva
|
There is no better way to rejuvenate your body to wash in a steam room. After a long day of sightseeing, it is ideal to relax in a Turkish bath. Two addresses hammam in Istanbul: the Ayasofya Hamami Hurrem Sultan Kılıç Ali Paşa and Hamami.
Source:Visiter Istanbul : 16 idées de choses à faire
