Istanbul, Turkey is an amazing city with over 3,000 years of history. Having been ruled by the Thracians, Greeks, Romans and Turks, Istanbul has a deep and varied past, in addition to a long one. There are more things to experience there than could ever be covered in one post, but here are our top five recommended things to do in Istanbul:
1. Istanbul Walking Tours: The Istanbul Old City Walk is a one-day tour that begins at 9:00 am. Along the way, you’ll see Topkapi Palace (featured below), The Blue Mosque, the second largest mosque in Istanbul, The Hagia Sophia, the church of the divine wisdom, and The Grand Bazaar (also featured below). The guides are knowledgeable and accomodating.
2. Topkapi Palace: Once the primary living and administrative quarters of the Ottoman sultans, Topkapi Palace is now one of the largest museums in Istanbul’s Faith district. Built in 1459 by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, the palace grounds contain four main courtyards and many outbuildings. The four courtyards consist of the first courtyard, which comprises the former Imperial Mint, the second courtyard, which houses the palace kitchens, the third courtyard, home of the Library of Sultan Ahmed III, and the fourth courtyard, where medical care was given and received. At one time, over 6,000 people lived on-site. Be prepared to spend a few hours there, but you can save time by purchasing a skip-the-line guided tour.
3. Grand Bazaar: The Grand Bazaar is the world’s largest bazaar, boasting over 4,000 covered shops. Since the 15th century, visitors and locals alike have been here haggling over the best, possible prices and, using these tips, you can jump into the fray like an expert. First, never look too interested in a product. Second, don’t play your cards first…hold your best price close to your chest. Third, don’t rush the process. Fourth, know what time it is. The best deals often happen around 11:00am and 1:00pm. By following these guidelines, you can expect to get a discount off the retail price of 35% or more. Happy shopping and good luck!
4. Süleymaniye Mosque: One of the most grand and gorgeous mosques in all of Istanbul, the Süleymaniye Mosque is not to be missed! Built by Süleyman I between 1550 and 1557, this mosque is simply breathtaking. The building features stunning calligraphy, mother-of-pearl inlays, and ornate stained-glass windows. The complex, which once had an active soup kitchen, seminary, hospital, primary school, and inn still has functioning parts in some areas. To the right of the main entrance are the tombs of Süleyman I and his wife, Haseki Hürrem Sultan. ProTip: Learn about the architecture and the architect before you go!
5. Street Food: Walking Istanbul makes a person hungry, and Istanbul certainly delivers in the food category. On the street, you can get vegan and vegetarian options, as well as those which contain meat. Some popular categories of street food include the following: Turkish scrambled eggs (menemen), Turkish tea (cay), Turkish coffee (kahvesi), Turkish bagels (simit), Turkish pizza (lahmucan), baklava, Turkish Delight, fresh-pressed juice, chestnuts and corn, and Turkish ice cream (dondurma). Turkish beer and wine are also available.
Few places on earth have the depth and breadth of history that Istanbul has. As you walk along the city streets, remember that Istanbul, not Constantinople, is certainly a Turkish delight on a moonlit night. Pull up the song on your phone and hum along to the tune of that song as you stroll, taking in all the sights, sounds and smells that Istanbul has to offer.
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