Topkapi Palace
The Topkapi Palace was built by the Sultan Mehmet Conqueror in the 15th century. Later, another sultan built a harem. Here lived the Sultan and his family, but it was also here that they had the Palace School where they trained bureaucrats. It’s like a small town, full of different departments and farms. You have to pay different tickets for the palace, the Treasury and the harem, but it is well worth taking the time and visiting everything. This is a completely different world. In the Treasury you can see, among other things, the famous finances get and the spoon-maker. But one also has amazing collections in the palace of clothes, jewels, calligraphy, weapons, and porcelain. The best thing is to set aside a whole day for a visit.
Istanbul Aquarium
Istanbul Aquarium in Florya is relatively new; it was opened in 2011 and is a member of the Waza (World Association of Zoos and Aquariums). It has sought to create BIOS isolation where fish and other animals live so close to their natural environment. In this aquarium it has been laid up geographically, covering 16 different systems as well as the rainforests. In fact, it belongs to one of the world’s best aquarium when it comes to size, fish species, and activities. Next to each aquarium, there is a computer monitor that tells about what you see inside the tank, you can listen even in English. The different aquariums are very beautiful and some contain quite large animals like turtles and Sharks.
Rahmi M. Koc Museum
Rahmi M. Koc Museum is a modern, new museum that deals with various modes of transport. This is a place where the whole family, regardless of age, can have a nice afternoon. Among other things, one has a large collection of cars, old sports cars, and even motorcycles. Another group is the railway and Tramway. It features an old tram from 1934 and the Sultan’s own body from 1867. Boats of different sizes, including a real submarine, can also attract. Then there are also exhibitions about communication, the early phones, telegraphs and much more. In connection, there is a children’s playroom that also provides them with a lot of information.
Take a Turkish Bath
Turkish bath cannot be missed. It may feel a little PRA to be scrubbed and massaged, but it’s an amazing experience. If you are not bathed in the Hamam, you are not quite clean consider locals, it is a thorough cleaning. One goes through different departments for baths before arriving at the massage. Although sometimes it may seem a little brutal when they deal with tense muscles, it works just fine. After a visit to a hammam, you feel fresh and alert. Çemberlitas Hammam is the oldest Hammam in the city and is usually recommended, but there are several others. Usually, men and women bathe separately.
Eminonu Pier
The Eminonu pier is a place where both locals and tourists like to visit. Sometimes it can be quite full of people here, but it only shows how popular it is. No matter when you come here to walk, you see someone sitting and fishing, some days it is packed with fishermen. If you get hungry you can get to one of the many fish restaurants available here, a prohibition is their fish sandwich. You can also buy something directly from one of the fishing boats, they often have a small stool you can sit on and eat. If you really want to experience Istanbul, this is the right place.
Hagia Sophia
Aya Sofya began her life as a church, already in the 4th century. Twice it burned down before the present building was inaugurated in the 500’s. Legend has it that the transplant was built of wood from Noah’s ark. For about 1,000 years it was an important church before the Ottomans took over the land and turned it into a mosque’. It was built into four minarets and it was used by the Muslims for several hundred years. Finally, it became a museum in 1935. Therefore, today you can see the interesting mixture of Christianity and Islam in the same building. There are some doodles inside the church, and among other things you can see the Viking Halvdan’s rune at the top of the gallery, it is protected by a Plexi plate.
The Istanbul Jazari Museum
The Istanbul Jazari Museum (IJM) was founded in 2018, inspired by the magnificent contributions of Jazari, the greatest engineer of the Middle Ages, one of the world’s most eminent minds. IJM, which designs activities to mobilize scientific curiosity and artistic creativity simultaneously, acts with an understanding that the best way to preserve the world cultural heritage and pass it down to future generations is to make them functional inputs. The exhibitions and training programs of the Istanbul Jazari Museum aspire to introduce and attract the attention of visitors from all walks of life and echelons to world culture heritage. In this way, it desires to encourage visitors to get to know the world better by becoming conscious and productive individuals in the fields of history, science, art and culture. The IJM believes that in Turkey, one of the main geographies in which world culture thrives, if different kinds of physical and intellectual products that have been a witness to humanity’s adventure throughout tens of thousands of years are looked at more closely in an interactive way, new ideas can be sparked to inspire the future of humanity. Both its own collections and international exhibitions which it hosts, training programs and cultural activities, the IJM offers a contemporary museum atmosphere.
Great Bazaar (Grand Bazaar)
The Grand Bazaar (Grand Bazaar) is a very old and beautiful covered market. It was built in the 15th century by sultan Mehmet II and is divided into various departments. In total, there are about 5,000 shops around 60 streets. Shops selling the same kind of goods are usually collected in the same place. It is also full of restaurants, cafes, muskier and fountains. An absolutely amazing place to walk around and watch. Sometimes it can get a little intrusive when the salesmen try to get customers into the store, so you have to know where you want to go in. However, prices are much higher here in the bazaar than elsewhere, it can be a real tourist trap.
Istiklal Caddesi’s Retail Delight
Istiklal Caddesi is a street full of shops and restaurants. This part of the city is not only for tourists, but here you get along with the Istanbul people. There are also several cinemas on this cobbled street. Many come here for the atmosphere – you get a cup of coffee on a cafe ‘ and look at the crowd. Most major and minor brands are represented in all the shops that are here. You can also take the opportunity to go to one of the intersections, which is where you can find a different place to be. The old tram is an attraction, but since other vehicles also make their way here, you should be a little careful.
Galata Tower
The Galata Tower was built in the 500’s and is located on a rather steep hill. The tower itself is only 67 meters high, but since the hill is 70 meters high, it will be quite high up anyway. One has a great view of Istanbul up from the top, all around on all sides. There goes an elevator up to the first five floors, and then you go up another two floors with the stairs. The vast majority come for the view, although the tower itself is interesting. One should go quite early to avoid the large crowds, there is little room out on the viewing platform and there can be quite a lot of pushing and crowding.
Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet)
The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet) was built in the 17th century by just sultan Ahmet. He himself is buried in a mausoleum outside in the garden. The inside is covered by about 20,000 blue tiles from Iznik, very beautifully executed, and that’s where the mosques have got its name. It is also the only mosque in Istanbul that has six minarets. You have to take off your shoes when you go in and tourists are not allowed during prayer times. They give a bag to wear shoes in. when you get out, it’s good to tone to give a small donation to the mosques, and it doesn’t have to be much at all. There is a man outside to raise these contributions.
Emirgan Park
Emirgan Park is a welcome break from the big city noise and crowds. Here you can find some peace and quiet, a peaceful oasis in the middle of Istanbul. There are several beautiful fountains, small waterfalls, and facilities. If you want to see Black Swans, this is the place. In the spring it is especially special to wander around the park because every year millions of tulip bulbs are planted. The whole park is a harmonious color kitten when all these tulips come up in front on the edge of spring. The fact is that the tulip originated from Turkey. Many brides come here to photograph themselves next to the flowers. You can also eat something delicious in the Pink Pavilion, both breakfast and lunches are served here.
Sakip Sabanci Museum
Sakip Sabanci Museum is both a beautiful old building and an amazing art collection. Previously, this was a mansion, today it is a large exhibition of works of Turkish artists between 1850 and 1950. At the same time, there is a fine exhibition of Ottoman calligraphy and its history. One can also see the old classic furniture, very beautiful and interesting. Incidentally, there are also temporary exhibitions, on different themes. Outside there is a very nice garden where you have a great view of the Bosporus, some think this is one of the highlights of the visit. You can have a drink or a bite to eat in the restaurant, and you can choose whether to sit indoors or out on the terrace.
Hodjapasha Cultural center
Hodjapasha Cultural center offers some really nice shows and exhibitions. Previously, there was a hammam, which has now been converted to the cultural scene. Here you can see swirling dervishes and belly dancer, in various shows showing off Turkish dance. It shows different styles, both classic and modern. The dancers are well equipped with fine costumes and makeup and are also well prepared. It is aimed at tourists and it is a very nice introduction to the Turkish exotic culture. To really appreciate the shows, you get a free little brochure about the background of the dancing dervishes. If you buy two tickets, you can also get a free cd of the show.
Sultanahmet Camii
Sultanahmet Camii 17. yüzyılda Sultan Ahmet tarafından yaptırılmıştır. Kendisi bahçedeki bir türbeye gömülüdür. İç kısım yaklaşık 20.000 mavi çiniyle kaplanıyor ve caminin ismini aldığı yer burası. Ayrıca İstanbul’da altı minaresi bulunan tek camidir. İçeri girerken ayakkabınızı çıkarmanız gerekiyor ve namaz vakitlerinde turistlere izin verilmiyor. Dışarı çıktığınızda, camilere küçük bir bağışta bulunmak isteyebilirsiniz.
Emirgan Parkı
Emirgan Parkı büyük şehir gürültüsünden ve kalabalığından hoş bir mola vermenizi sağlıyor. Burada İstanbul’un ortasında huzurlu bir vaha bulabilirsiniz. Güzel çeşmeler, küçük şelaleler ve tesisler var. İlkbahar mevsimi özellikle parkta dolaşmak çok özeldir çünkü her yıl milyonlarca lale ekilmektedir. Gerçek şu ki lalenin anavatanı Türkiye’dir. Birçok gelin buraya çiçeklerin yanında fotoğraf çekinmek için geliyor. Ayrıca Pink Pavilion’da lezzetli bir şeyler yiyebilirsiniz, burada kahvaltı ve öğle yemekleri servis ediliyor.
Sakıp Sabancı Müzesi
Sakıp Sabancı Müzesi hem güzel eski bir bina, hem de muhteşem bir sanat koleksiyonudur. Daha önce bu bina bir konaktı, bugün 1850-1950 yılları arasında Türk sanatçılarının eserlerinin büyük bir sergisi burada görülebilir. Aynı zamanda, Osmanlı hat sanatının ve tarihinin güzel bir sergisi var. Eski klasik mobilya koleksiyonu da ziyaretçilerin ilgisini çekiyor. Bu arada, farklı temalarda geçici sergiler de var. Dışarıda, Boğaz’ın muhteşem manzarasını seyrettiğiniz çok hoş bir bahçe var, bazıları burayı ziyaretin en önemli noktalarından biri olduğunu düşünüyor. Restoranda yemek için bir şeyler alabilir veya bir şeyler içebilir, içeride veya terasta oturmayı seçebilirsiniz.
Hocapaşa Kültür merkezi
Hocapaşa Kültür Merkezi gerçekten çok hoş gösteriler ve sergiler sunuyor. Önceleri, şimdi kültürel sahneye dönüştürülmüş bir hamam vardı. Burada Türk dansını gösteren çeşitli gösteriler izleyebilirsiniz. Hem klasik hem modern olmak üzere farklı stiller gösteriler mevcuttur. Dansçılar kaliteli kostümler ve makyajlarla iyi bir şekilde donatılmıştır ve ayrıca oldukça yeteneklidirler. Gösteriler turistlere yöneliktir ve Türk egzotik kültürüne çok hoş bir giriş yapmayı sağlar.
