Istanbul is a city full of history, culture and natural beauties. There are many different routes and scenery options to explore the city. Here are some of the most beautiful routes waiting to be discovered in Istanbul:
Historical Routes
Sultanahmet Square
The buildings in Sultanahmet Square reflect the rich history and culture of Istanbul.
Topkapi Palace was the residence and administrative centre of the Ottoman sultans who ruled for 400 years in Istanbul, the capital of the Ottoman Empire for over 600 years. The palace is one of the largest and most comprehensive palaces in the world.
Hagia Sophia is one of the most important historical buildings of Istanbul. First built in 532, Hagia Sophia was used as an Orthodox church until it was conquered by the Ottoman Empire in 1453. Hagia Sophia has been used as a museum since 1934.
The Blue Mosque, built in the 16th century, is one of the largest mosques in Istanbul. The mosque was built by Mimar Sinan
Eminonu
Eminönü is the historical commercial centre of Istanbul. Around the square there are historical and touristic places such as Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar and Galata Tower. The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest covered bazaars in the world. The Spice Bazaar is a bazaar where products such as spices, nuts and souvenirs are sold. Galata Tower is an ideal place to watch the panoramic view of Istanbul.
The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest covered bazaars in the world. Consisting of 61 streets and more than 4,000 shops, the Grand Bazaar welcomes thousands of visitors every day. Carpets, rugs, jewellery, spices, souvenirs and many other products are sold in the bazaar.
Spice Bazaar is a bazaar where products such as spices, nuts and souvenirs are sold. Built in 1661, the Egyptian Bazaar consists of 117 shops. Spices, nuts and souvenirs from all over the world are sold in the bazaar.
Galata Tower is an ideal place to watch the panoramic view of Istanbul. Built in 1348, the Galata Tower is 67 metres high. When you climb the tower, you can watch all the beauty of Istanbul.
Beyoglu
Beyoglu is the modern face of Istanbul. Istiklal Street is the most famous street of Beyoglu. There are many shops, restaurants and cafes on the street. Galata Mevlevihanesi, located at the end of Istiklal Street, is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Museums such as Pera Museum, Istanbul Modern and Istanbul Painting and Sculpture Museum contribute to the cultural life of Beyoğlu.
Istiklal Street is one of the most vibrant streets of Istanbul. The street welcomes thousands of visitors every day. There are many shops, restaurants, cafes, bars and theatres on the street.
Galata Mevlevihanesi is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Built in 1491, Galata Mevlevihanesi is one of the most important centres of Mevlevism in Istanbul. Mevlevi Week events, organised every year at the Mevlevi Lodge, welcome visitors from all over the world.
Pera Museum is located in a mansion built in the 18th century. The museum has a large art collection dating from the Ottoman period to the present day. The museum exhibits works of painting, sculpture, photography, textiles and many other different branches of art.
Istanbul Modern is a museum where contemporary art is exhibited. The museum was opened in 2004. The museum exhibits the works of contemporary artists from Turkey and the world.
Istanbul Painting and Sculpture Museum was opened in 1937. The museum has a large collection of paintings and sculptures produced in Turkey. Works dating from the Ottoman period to the present day are exhibited in the museum.
Natural Routes
Belgrade Forest
Belgrade Forest is the largest forest in Istanbul. The forest is an ideal place for activities such as hiking, cycling and picnics. There are many lakes, streams and waterfalls in the forest. Belgrade Forest is an ideal place to get away from the stress of Istanbul.
Yesilkoy Beach
Yesilkoy Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches of Istanbul. There are many restaurants, cafes and bars around the beach. You can take a walk on the beach, watch the sunset or swim in the sea.
Buyukada
Buyukada, the largest island of Istanbul, is an ideal place to get away from the stress of the city with its lush nature and calm atmosphere. There are many hotels, hostels, restaurants and cafes on the island. You can walk, cycle, swim or take a boat trip on the island.
Landscapes
Throat
It is an important place reflecting the history and culture of Istanbul. On the shores of the Bosphorus, there are important historical buildings such as Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Dolmabahçe Palace. In the Bosphorus, lush forests, historical buildings and modern buildings coexist.
One of the best places to watch the view of the Bosphorus is the Galata Tower. From the Galata Tower, you can watch the view of the Bosphorus from a 360-degree angle. Another alternative to watch the view of the Bosphorus is to join the Bosphorus tours. Bosphorus tours are made by boat or ferry. During Bosphorus tours, you can see the historical buildings and natural beauties of the Bosphorus up close.
Panoramic view of Istanbul
One of the best places to watch the panoramic view of Istanbul is Pierre Loti Hill. Pierre Loti Hill is located in Eyüpsultan. You can go up the hill by cable car or on foot. You can watch all the beauty of Istanbul from the hill.
While watching Istanbul from Pierre Loti Hill, you can see the historical buildings, natural beauties and modern buildings of the city together. It is also very enjoyable to watch the sunset from the hill.
Dome of Hagia Sophia
The dome of Hagia Sophia is one of the most impressive sights of Istanbul. The dome of Hagia Sophia is 56 metres high and 31 metres in diameter. The dome weighs 4000 tonnes.
You can stand under the dome of Hagia Sophia and watch the view of the city. When viewed from under the dome, the city looks like a toy. The dome of Hagia Sophia continues to be seen as one of the most iconic symbols of Istanbul.
