Best Places in Istanbul: Tour Guide to Next Dream Destination

Best places in Istanbul, let’s discuss a few tips to visit the best attractions in Istanbul Turkey. Istanbul is situated in the northern-western part of Turkey. Tourists can find many destinations to visit in Istanbul such as the Blue Mosque and Sultanahmet Square Istanbul Turkey, which gives splendid views of the Hagia Sophia.

Location and Speciality of Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the most visited cities in the whole world and is famous for its culture, history, religions, and iconic Mosques. This city has a special geographical position, Istanbul is present on the edge of two continents Europe and Asia. Byzantines and the Ottomans have made history in the city of Istanbul.

It is a place where history is mixed with modernity wherever you look, Ancient Mosques and High-end buildings dominate the skyline. You will find everything in Istanbul from Cultural Food to unique music. The specialty of Istanbul is that you will find culture, history, and modernity in the same place.

Istanbul IST Airport to City Distance

The IST International Airport is about forty kilometers (40 km) away from the center of Istanbul. Normally, it takes about 45 minutes to one hour by road to the center of Istanbul.

Transportation in Istanbul

You can book taxis or shuttles from the airport to the center of Istanbul. Rent a private taxi to have the most comfortable ride. One can also use the Havaist urban bus service for cheap and affordable transfer.

I will suggest using transport apps such as Trafi, Uber, or Bitaksi. Uber is expensive but Bitaksi has cheap fares.

The Most Asked Question: Where to Stay in Istanbul?

Istanbul is one of the most highly visited places till now and its for sure a great place for tourists every year. If you are a visitor and like to visit historical places then you should must visit Sultanahmet square Istanbul Turkey. You will find great attractions of the blue mosque and Hagia Sophia which are very popular among tourists.

A big question that is always asked Where to Stay in Istanbul?

Beyoğlu is another district full of crowds, restaurants, and shops. Taksim Square and Istiklal Street are situated in the center of this area, which is ideal for stay and tourism.

Istanbul Hotel and Suites include:

• The Peninsula Istanbul

Best Restaurant in Istanbul

Here are the top 10 restaurant recommendations in Istanbul Turkey.

1. Bhava Istanbul is Located near Hatice Sultan Waterfront Mansion in Beşiktaş/İstanbul. It is well known amongst tourists for its pleasant atmosphere and food.
2. Pandeli Restaurant Istanbul located at the entrance of Spice Bazaar is a hidden gem, from the window you will have a view of the Bosphorus. you can find famous Turkish doners, eggplant börek topped with döner and lots of vege options are available for vegetarians.
3. Ciya Sofrasi in the European side of Turkey located in Kokorec Market.
4. Viktor is located in the center of Istanbul Old Town hidden inside a small street called Moda. You can find Turkish dishes along with bar menu items. This place is affordable.
5. Mikla is one of the rooftop hotels. It gives modern and traditional Turkish vibe due to its interior. It is located on the top of the Marmara Pera Hotel.
6. Albura Kathisma
7. Amedros
8. Topaz has views of the Bosphorus and Dolmabache Palace Istanbul.
9. ULUS 29
10. Asmali Cavit

Best Places in Istanbul

Here are the Istanbul Areas to visit.

• Hagia Sophia
• Blue Mosque
• Rooftop in Istanbul
• Topkapi Palace
• Grand Bazar
• Egyptian Bazaar
• Fatih Mosque
• Basilica Cistern: Landmark in Istanbul
• Constantinople of Istanbul
• Bosporus Strait
• Gülhane Park
•  The ferry ride to Princes Island from Istanbul
• Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamam
• Dolmabahçe Palace
• Basilica Cistern
• Emirgan Tulip Gardens
• Galata Tower

1. Hagia Sophia Mosque one of the Best Places In Istanbul

Among the famous Istanbul landmarks in Turkey, Hagia Sophia is one the most visited mosques in Turkey. In the past, It was a church but now it changed over to a mosque and exhibition hall.

Hagia Sophia has an enormous dome of a Mosque with a stunning patchwork of tiles and fantastic architecture. This Mosque consists of amazing decorations in the Hall with high ceilings. It has both Christian Mosaics and Muslim Calligraphy inside it.

Here, you will experience the history of both Byzantium and the Ottoman Empire. You can also go to the top level of this mosque to witness the complete construction and design of the entire Mosque.

2. Explore The Blue Mosque: Visiting hours and tips

Blue Mosque Istanbul hours to visit are from 9 am to 7 pm. This Blue Mosque Sultan Ahmed Mosque is active as a mosque, that is why it is closed during prayer times for Muslims. Your visit to Istanbul is incomplete without visiting this architectural Mosque. In the Blue Mosque, you can also book a tour guide Istanbul.

Moreover, if you are interested in visiting the Museum then you should come early to the mosque, preferably at dawn. This is a religious place that’s why Men and Women should be in proper dress up like should be covering their shoulders and knees. The interior of this mosque has beautiful detailing with peaceful feelings that are above and beyond anything.

Blue Mosque is one of the best places in Istanbul and is different from all other mosques due to its six Minarets around the Mosque.

3. Rooftop Spots in Istanbul

Sultan Terrace and The Kubbe are famous rooftop spots in Istanbul. Most of the rooftops in Istanbul are cafes, restaurants, and bars. From a rooftop spot, you can get great views of Bulwarks, the waist of Europe mastering the Bosphorous, and Hagia Sophia touching the skyline.

Sultan Terrace: At Sultan Terrace, you can have some Instagram photos with seagulls. Moreover, ladies can also rent a princess dress of their choice. Visiting Istanbul is incomplete without this panoramic view from the top and taking your photos at The Sultan Terrace. You will feel like a queen at Sultan Terrace.

You can also enjoy music and events that are organized on rooftops.

4. Explore Topkapi Palace: Opening Hours Istanbul

If you are fond of visiting buildings based on architecture then you should visit Topkapi Palace. The timings for Topkapi Palace opening hours in Istanbul are normally 9 am and it closes at 6 pm. In the past this this palace was the residence of Ottoman Sultans where they spent many years of life.

Moreover, Topkapi Palace consists of a huge area with various courts with the most beautiful interior.

This palace has major historical worth as it is full of historical things. You can go into the rooms, courtyards, and Splendid Hamam of the Malika(queen) in the Haram where the Sultan family used to live. In the caves, you will find This Palace has a Museum which is one of the best museums in Istanbul. This museum contains swords, precious jewels, and other antiques of the Ottoman Empire.

You can have a walk in the magnificent gardens of the palace, Kitchen of the palace is transformed into a Cafe, you can have coffee. There are stalls outside the Palace, from where you can buy tourist souvenirs.

5. Grand Bazaar: Best Places In Istanbul

If you are interested in shopping then you should visit this beautiful place. It is also called Kapalıçarşı and covered bazaar Istanbul Hours are before 9 am and close late in the evening time. There are a lot of streets and shops in this area. You can find a lot of crafts and art culture in this market. Moreover, this area has the best sweets to eat and you will mostly find old-type ceilings and walls.

Tip: Must try famous Turkish sweets in the bazaar.

Most Liked Hotels Near Istanbul Grand Bazaar

Grand Bazar is one of the best locations to stay In Istanbul as it is located in the center of the city surrounded by other major sites like Ble Mosque and Grand Bazaar. Hotels Near Istanbul Grand Bazaar are:

• Grand Beyazit Hotel Old City
• Carina Gold Hotel
• Sadaret Hotel-Old City Sultanahmet

These hotels are from the Coolest Hotels in Istanbul.

6. Egyptian Bazaar Istanbul

Egyptian bazaar Istanbul is famous for its edibles. You can buy lots of things for your loved ones for example Turkish delight, dry fruits, jewelry, and tea. The Second name for the Egyptian Bazaar is Spice Bazaar.

7. Escape from the City to Princes’ Islands

I will suggest you book day trips from Istanbul to the Princes’ Islands. If you want to go away from the traffic of the city then visit the Princes’ Islands. It consists of Nine Islands aligned throughout the Marmara Sea. Four of them are mostly visited that

1. Büyükada
2. Heybeliada
3. Burgazada
4. Kınalıada

Burgazada Island and Büyükada are the famous islands. Book Ferry Boat Istanbul. It is a full-day trip. These islands are cute and peaceful where you can enjoy nature, Marmara Sea views, and have a picnic there. You can also enjoy lovely sandy shores. You can even rent a bike to have a tour of the island. Do not forget to add this Princes’ Islands to “Best Places in Istanbul”

8. Tour of Bosphorous

You can enjoy both the European and Asian sides of Turkey while floating on water. You can take a cruise or ferry to enjoy the views of Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Fortress as well as the beautiful Bosphorus bridge.

If you are looking for activities in Istanbul, then include the Bosphorus tour in your trip. You will enjoy the Beautiful Seagulls flying around the cruise. Tourists can capture photos with the seagulls while offering them food. One can also enjoy the music and dinner on the cruise.

At the top end of Bosphorous trails are available that lead to Yoros Castle, with beautiful views of the Black Sea. While traveling on the cruise or ferry you can enjoy and admire the beauty of the city.

You can find more vacation destinations on our website.