Istanbul city wears its cultures and history very well with blending them into an exciting city that has much to offer travelers from all across the world. This city was established during Neolithic times, but today it is a modern city that remains true to its cultural heritage through its mosques, cathedrals and basilicas, along with ancient bazaars. Standing between the West and the East, this largest city of Turkey offers an aura of charm and intrigue that will appeal to all of its visitors. If you are planning a trip to Istanbul and wish to visit famous tourist attractions, then read on to this write-up!. For International flights tickets booking with EaseMyTrip. in and get the best deal guaranteed.

Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia was once used to be a house of worship that served various religions well over the centuries. This place started out as a Greek Eastern Orthodox basilica which was home to the Patriarch of Constantinople, when it was built in the year 537. For around six decades in the 12th century, this edifice remained to be a Roman Catholic Church. Later, it became a mosque in the year 1453, remaining the same till 1931, when it was closed. It reopened as a museum in the year 1935.

Blue Mosque

Constructed in the early 17th century, the Blue Mosque remains as an active house of worship present day. It means visitors need to time their visits carefully, because the mosque remains closed to visitors during the five daily prayer times for Muslims. All visitors must need to remove their shoes and women must cover their hair. You would have to pay a small price to see its priceless treasures that include 20,000 ceramic tiles in assorted tulip designs and 200 stained glass windows, all with intricate designs. This mosque was built by Sultan Ahmet and gets its name from the blue tiles on the dome and the upper levels of the interior.

Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace is another must-see attraction in Istanbul that combines history with remarkable scenery in an experience that is not to be rushed. It is rich in the history of the Ottoman Empire the Palace is enclosed by five kilometers of stone wall with 27 towers. Topkapi dates back to the 15th century and is situated on a hill overlooking the Sea of Marmara, the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. Once it used to be an official royal residence of the Ottoman Empire sultans and seat of Turkish government, but now it is a museum that is known as the largest and oldest palace in the world.

Grand Bazaar

The shopping lovers would have a gala time at the Grand Bazaar. At this place, travelers can shop from 5,000 shops making it one of the largest indoor marketplaces in the entire world. Receiving over a quarter-million visitors a day, the bazaar features various items on sale including jewelry, carpets, antiques, spices, and hand-painted ceramics. This bazaar dates back to the year 1461 and today it is home to two mosques, two hammams or steam baths, four fountains and the Cevahir Bedesten, where the rarest and most expensive items have been found traditionally. Shoppers might find old coins, inlaid weapons, jewelry with precious gems and antique furniture.

Apart from these, Suleymaniye Mosque, Dolmabahce Palace, Basilica Cistern, Chora Church, Istanbul Archaeological Museum and Galata Tower are some of the other popular tourist attractions of Istanbul.