10 places in Istanbul worth visiting
Istanbul is a mega-metropolis combining different cultures, numerous architectural sights, vivid street life, unusual tastes, moods, the present and the past, and most surprising is the marine part of Istanbul. Istanbul is one of the most visited cities in the world. There are things to surprise and impress any audience. You should go here at least for a week, since the area worth exploring is extremely large. We tried to visit everything the most interesting in different parts of Istanbul in 7 days. So, we would like to represent these places.
Blue Mosque is the visiting card of the Muslim culture, and, consequently, of the majority of the Turks. This is a massive building, which is free to visit. This is its advantage over the other not less popular Hagia Sofia mosque.
Blue Mosque is worth visiting to experience Muslim culture at least once because before entering it you need to wash your feet, wear kerchief, and cover the naked parts of body. And be barefooted in the very mosque. It’s worth having a walk in the inner yard and contemplating extraordinary character of the Ottoman Empire architecture. The place is unique and unusual.
The most known district of Istanbul is Galata district, to which the famous Galata Bridge leads and the main attraction is the Galata Tower.
You need to walk along narrow, not main streets in Galata district. Be sure to sheer away from the popular streets to the side ones and you’ll find a lot of interesting things there: architecture, street art, and facilities for the locals.
The most important and the oldest place in the Sultanahmet district is the Grand Bazaar – the largest market in the world! There’re next to everything there. A picturesque place where you can get lost, drink tea, bargain with vendors for things, and get out exhausted but satisfied after visiting such an atmospheric place.
The most impressive things you can find in the Grand Bazaar are Turkish lights. And it’s also interesting to walk in the streets of this old building.
For the contrast shopping you can go to the Europe’s largest mall “Forum Istanbul”. It’s a massive place where you can also wander for hours and visit IKEA near it, going over the bridge.
Istanbul is a unique city, as it’s divided into two parts by the Bosphorus. As a result, crossing it you can be on another continent – In Europe or Asia. The main part belongs to Europe.
Asia won’t contrast to the European part of Istanbul, but there still are some interesting things. Therefore, it’s worth taking the subway and going under water or grabbing the sea bus like a ferry. Wander through modern districts and search for bright buildings.
Another interesting place which tourists don’t reach to is Bosphorus University. The location of the main buildings is quite cool – on the hill. So, unusual Istanbul views open up from this area.
And you can find here many cats walking, sleeping, and playing wherever they want, even in the dining room of this first American university.
Having visited a hookah establishment you can feel yourself to be the local and have good time. One of the favorite establishments for the locals is right in the courtyard of the Grand Bazaar.
Different flavors of hookah, Turkish coffee, and tea are on menu. A pleasant atmosphere is here owing to the old building, but rather the courtyard decorated with Turkish lights. Prices are as for the locals and the attitude is as well pleasant.
Istanbul is not limited to only visiting the mainland. The Princes’ Islands located 30 km from the coast of Istanbul are an interesting place. You should come here even due to enjoying the very commuting – going on a boat for 1.5 hours.
There are several islands, so you can learn in advance which one is best to go to, or go to all)) A cool tradition is to rent a bicycle on arrival to the island and investigate it riding along the steep streets. There is contrast in the air: noisy and busy Istanbul and riding the bicycle along quiet and empty island. Or you can sunbathe and swim – they say that the water is cleaner here than near the Istanbul coast.
The most popular park right outside the main mosques in Istanbul is Gulhane Park. However, there is another interesting place – park Nedim with the sea-front. You can walk a long path close to the water. Galata Tower is seen from here and you can contemplate beautiful sunset.
At the end of the sea-front you come out to an interesting district. And there is a special coffee shop where cats live and the owner will willingly prompt you what coffee you should taste and will make it.
We need to say that Istanbul is famous for its picturesque street food. There really are a lot of interesting things that should be tasted at least once. The most popular are Ekmek Balik (fish in a roll) and ice cream.
A special place for the devotees of interesting modern facilities to hang out and enjoy coffee are several streets in the industrial area, in which it has recently become popular to open dining facilities. At everywhere here there is something interesting that you are eager to visit.
Overall, there are interesting facilities around Istanbul that are worth visiting. Our list:
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