Istanbul is one of the greatest cities, that the world has ever known. It is easy to cover the major destinations in Istanbul during the first couple of days. But after that, the choice can be overwhelming, as the ancient city is reinventing itself as a modern center of nightlife, food and shopping. The only answer is to come back again and again for more.
Topkapi Palace
A palace, fit for a Sultan, several wives and hundreds of concubines and thousands of retainers. This palace also served as Ottoman Empire’s center of government.
Haghia Sophia
It is one of the greatest icons of the Christian church. It is a miraculous feat of design and architecture and it survived fire, war, and earthquake and has outlived two major empires.
Blue Mosque
This is one of the world’s most famous religious buildings as it is “blue” and delicately patterned with Iznik tiles by Sultan Ahmet.
Archeological Museum
It is turkey’s world class national collection that started in the mid nineteenth century and contains various ancient treasures from across the length and reach of the Ottoman Empire and beyond.
Grand Bazaar
It is more of a mall than market, that is true Turkish delight for the shopaholic.So, if you are looking for Hereke carpet or a pair of silk slippers you can find them here.
Suleymaniye Mosque
Sultan Suleyman I, the ottoman’s greatest emperor and sinan the empires most talented architect created more than 400 buildings together and the imposing mosque is one of them.
Church of St Saviour in Chora
With more than hundred profoundly beautiful 14th century mosaics and biblical scenes it is one Istanbul’s greatest byzantine treasures.
Cemberlitas Baths
It is the perfect way to recuperate from and overdose of sightseeing. One can steam gently beneath the marble domes of a traditional Turkish bath before allowing an attendant to massage those aching feet. The experience on the whole is cleansing, cultural and reviving.
Dolmabahace palace
It is the 19th century Occidental fantasy that was a key component in the downfall of the Ottoman Empire. Sultan Abdul Mecit’s decision to build a lavishly opulent European Style palace almost bankrupted the treasury and in the end could be financed only by foreign loans.
Bosphorus Cruise
Take the water on a ferry trip up the Bosphorous and enjoy a fabulous lazy day off. The air is clean; the place unhurried and best of all sightseeing can be done from the deck with the promise of a great lunch ahead.
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