Istanbul is one of the most loved places in Turkey, and due to obvious reasons. The city is rich in culture, attractions, historical places, nature, glamour, and whatnot! The strategic location between Europe and Asia as well as the fun experiences here make it a top choice among the tourists. No matter what type of experiences you are looking forward to during your Turkey holidays, this guide will help you figure out what to see and do in Istanbul.
Let’s get started!
1. Visit the Hagia Sophia
The first thing to do here is to pay a visit to the all-time famous Hagia Sophia that is one of the top attractions of Turkey. It has an enchanting past, as it was first built as a church and then became a mosque, which is now a museum and a mosque with a huge dome and fine architectural details that simply mesmerize the visitors. Taking a step inside Hagia Sophia, you will be completely awestruck by the calligraphy and mosaics and feel the deep historical and cultural vibe here. When you are here, don’t forget clicking photographs and also take a moment to exhume the calm vibes of the place.
2. Explore the Blue Mosque
This mosque was built in the 17th century and serves as a powerful reminder of the golden past. Also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, this is located right across the Hagia Sophia and is given the name owing to its distinctive blue tiles that define its structure. The mosque is still functional for prayers and you need to dress up modestly when you are here, and don’t forget to be highly respectful and maintain the mosque’s decorum during the prayer times. The entry is totally free of cost and you will be amazed to see the large and vast courtyard as well as the gigantic minarets inside the mosque that make a great spot for clicking pictures as well. The visitation timings of the place are from 9 am-6 pm, except during the time of prayers when the mosque is closed.
3. Wander Through Topkapi Palace
Get perfect insights into history as you visit the Topkapi palace that used to be home to the Ottoman Sultans for more than 400 years. The place now serves as a large museum with clothes, jewels, and weapons of the past times. You can also pay a visit to the Harem section here that used to be a living place for the Sultan’s family. Also, you can also enjoy perfect views of the Bosphorus from the palace and indulge into completely exotic experiences during your Turkey holidays.
4. Take a Cruise on the Bosphorus
Another exciting activity to try in Istanbul is to take a ride on the Bosphorus cruise to see and adore the divine beauty of Istanbul and its surroundings. It’s totally your choice to either take a half or full day trip as per the time feasibility. The best thing about taking this ride is that you can get to see the perfect blend of both Asian and European sides of the city, as well as spot many palaces and small fishing villages nearby. The ride also provides you with a golden opportunity to watch the mesmerizing sunset views and enjoy snacks and Turkish tea on the way.
5. Shop at the Grand Bazaar
Your trip to Istanbul is surely incomplete if you haven’t paid a visit to the Grand Bazaar yet. This is undoubtedly one of the biggest covered markets in the world with everything for people of all budget groups. Stand out items of the market include Turkish carpets, spices, clothes, and souvenirs. Bargaining here is a totally new and fun experience as shopkeepers expect it too, first telling you the exaggerated rates considering you are a foreigner. So, you need to show up your skills by acting a little more wisely.
6. Taste Turkish Food
When in Istanbul, how can you miss out on the Turkish cuisine? You must try out all the popular dishes here including Kebabs, mezes, and breakfast items. Don’t forget to try out sweet items like the Turkish Baklawa and Turkish delight along with a cup of Turkish coffee and black tea served in tulip-shaped cups. Other than these items, you can also try some Turkish street food delicacies from street vendors and enjoy wholesome experiences during your time in Istanbul.
Sum Up,
Whether it is your first time or you have been on Turkey holidays before, these are the must-try experiences for you to double up the fun factor. To book the best Turkey holiday packages, look no further than Virikson Holidays and check out their exclusively discounted travel deals.
