A brief overview of the very best of Istanbul’s tourist zones, districts & neighborhoods, top places to visit and see, sights and points of interest. Istanbul is located partly in Asia and the other part in Europe. Its geographical position as well as its rich history are responsible for a fascinating melting pot of cultures. Tourists are flocking to experience this magical city full of contrasts for themselves, making it the 5th most popular tourist destination in the world.
Istanbul is a magical composition of two continents, two Worlds, the East and the West, and so the places to visit and see in Istanbul are endless. Istanbul can be considered as the combination of the old and modern city, as well as Islamic and Mediterranean mixture of cultures in a captivating atmosphere.
The beautiful silhouette of the city combines historical sites and monuments such as Roman aqueducts, Byzantine churches, Venetian towers, Ottoman palaces from the Byzantine, Ottoman and Turkish periods. And the skyline covers monumental minarets with skyscrapers and plazas. And especially the Historical Peninsula and the Bosphorus will cheer up your hearts.
The Historical Peninsula
For the ones who are a true enthusiast of history and want to see the city’s historic sites, we highly recommend you to visit and see the Historical Peninsula of Istanbul (Fatih district), that has been the capital for many civilizations such as the Romans, Byzantine and Ottoman Empire for centuries.
Sultanahmet
And on the Historical Peninsula, the Sultanahmet neighborhood is the visited sites in Istanbul. A tourist center combining the history, architecture, culture and art, Istanbul’s old city and historical zone, and an important sightseeing, entertainment & shopping area for the tourists for having a nice Istanbul old city walking tour.
Sultanahmet hosts about all of the most visited historical and tourist sites in Istanbul, such as the Sultanahmet Square (Hippodrome), Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Istanbul Archaeology Museums and Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts are situated here and all can be explored by walking.
The Beyoglu District
For the ones who are a true enthusiast of metropolitan city life and enjoy the city’s lively nights and vibrant streets, as well as most visited monumental sites and museums, we highly recommend you to visit and see the Beyoglu district of Istanbul, that houses the popular tourist neighborhoods of Galata and Taksim.
And From Taksim or Galata, you can walk towards Cukurcuma, Cihangir and Karakoy neighborhoods and feel the city life along their narrow streets dotted with historic facades of old Istanbul, as well as best vintage shops in the city.
Galata
Galata is located across the Historical Peninsula, and both historic and cosmopolitan region and entertainment & shopping area for the tourists for having a nice Istanbul city walking tour. Galata is famous for its lively atmosphere and of course the Galata Tower, one of the most popular landmark of Istanbul.
Taksim
Taksim is a cosmopolitan region, communications hub and an important commercial, entertainment & shopping area for the tourists for having a nice Istanbul city walking tour. It is the modern part and heart of Istanbul. And of course, Taksim Square and the world famous Istiklal Street.
The Bosphorus
The Bosphorus (Bogazici) is a 19 miles long strait separating the two continents, Asia and Europe, as well as Marmara and Black Sea. Bosphorus is one of the world’s most beautiful and charming natural formations and it will sure cheer up your hearts.
You can explore the Bosphorus by cruising along and visiting the shores of both continents lined up with summer palaces, mansions, fortresses, groves, parks and gardens, by motorboats, yachts and public ferries. And so, the Bosphorus Cruises are amongst the best things to do in Istanbul.
We recommend the below ticket options for the great value for money.
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table
- Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht
- Bosphorus on Yacht Cruise with Stopover on Asian Side
- Bosphorus Dinner / Lunch Cruise – Private & Customizable
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise w/ Drinks & Entertainment
- Bosphorus Private Yacht for Surprise Events / Birthday, Proposal, Party
- Sunset or Daytime Yacht Tour w/AudioGuide & Snacks
- Round-Trip Ticket for Princes’ Island Ferry & Audio Guide
- Bosphorus & Golden Horn Cruise Daytime or Sunset
- Bosphorus Luxury Private Yacht Rental
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Don’t Miss: Camlica Tower
Discover Istanbul like never before from its most spectacular vantage point – Camlica Tower. This iconic tower will offer you a breathtaking 360-degree city panorama that will leave you in awe.
Nestled atop Istanbul’s picturesque hilltops, Camlica Tower stands as a true architectural wonder, seamlessly marrying culture, history, and contemporary design. Soaring to a remarkable height of 369 meters, it proudly claims the title of Turkey’s tallest structure, providing an unrivaled vantage point from which to admire the breathtaking panoramic vistas of Istanbul.
You are able to have great dining experience here with a range of optional delights – choose from breakfast, lunch, or dinner to complement your experience.
While the tower is situated on the Asian side of the city, uphill along Uskudar, there is also private hotel transfers in air-conditioned luxury.
Book Your View, Seat & Meal + Transfer
Museums
For the ones who are a true enthusiast of culture and art, Istanbul museums offers the best of the city’s historical heritage, culture and modern art. Istanbul hosts more than 80 museums and many art galleries showcase all the culture, arts and history; including painting, sculpture, photography and more. Istanbul Archaeology Museums, Hagia Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace Museum, Istanbul Modern, Rahmi Koc Transport Museum and Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts are among the best museums in Istanbul that won’t want to miss.
Read more about Istanbul’s Top Museums
Best Views of the City
You’ll find plenty of great places and viewpoints that you can enjoy a panoramic view of Istanbul, from historic places like towers, mosques and palaces, to rooftop terraces to groves and hilltops.
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Mosques
Once the capital of a Muslim Ottoman Empire for many hundreds of years, Istanbul hosts variety of beautiful and glorious mosques that worth a visit and see. Most of the beautiful mosques with important historical heritage are situated on the historical peninsula, in the districts and neighborhoods of Fatih, Sultanahmet and Eminonu, as well as on the Bosphorus shoreline in Tophane, Kabatas, Besiktas and Ortakoy.
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Churches
Once the capital of a Muslim Ottoman Empire for many hundreds of years, Istanbul hosts variety of beautiful and glorious mosques that worth a visit and see. Most of the beautiful mosques with important historical heritage are situated on the historical peninsula, in the districts and neighborhoods of Fatih, Sultanahmet and Eminonu, as well as on the Bosphorus shoreline in Tophane, Kabatas, Besiktas and Ortakoy.
Read more about Istanbul’s Beautiful Churches
Palaces & Pavilions
You’ll find many beautiful palaces & pavilions in Istanbul that worth a visit on your visit to Istanbul. Palaces are the gorgeous structure that where the Ottoman Sultans have lived and they are being visited by thousands of tourists every day.
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Towers & Fortresses
You’ll find several beautiful and historical towers and fortresses in Istanbul that you will not want to miss visiting and spending a great day out. These sights are really very fantastic that you will like to take loads of photos on these places.
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Parks & Gardens
You’ll find many beautiful groves, parks and gardens suitable for great day out activities in the company of green and nature in Istanbul. You can spend a great and peaceful day out at these popular Istanbul parks during your Istanbul stay.
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Squares & Streets
You’ll find several lively and touristic squares, avenues and streets in Istanbul. You may have a great day out by eating out, having your drink while you relax on the popular cafes, shopping, strolling and entertain in all those places on your Istanbul visit.
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Hop-on Hop-off Istanbul City Sightseeing Bus Tour
City Sightseeing Bus Tour Istanbul tour is a cheap way to discover and explore the popular zones of Istanbul which you just couldn’t walk to and see in one day. It drives through the popular sights along the interesting and different districts and neighborhoods of Istanbul and offers informative pre-recorded commentary that is available in 8 languages. The open topped double decker tourist bus really looks cool.
You can get off at any of the designated stops (which means hop-off) and than explore the area and sights on foot at your leisure, and then you can catch the next bus (buses arrive the stops in every 30 mins/60 mins.) from any stop when you’re ready (which means hop-on) to move on and visit the other sights on the route. The stops are all located close to the most visited and famous landmarks and attractions of Istanbul. The upper deck of the city sightseeing bus offers a great vantage point for the amazing panoramic views of the city and lets you take photos.
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