Istanbul in Turkey is without doubt one of the hottest vacationer locations on the earth, and for good cause. There’s a lot to see and do on this metropolis that guests might simply spend weeks exploring all its nooks and crannies.
From historical mosques and palaces to bustling bazaars and stylish nightlife districts, Istanbul has one thing for everybody. Listed below are just some of the most effective issues to expertise whereas on this superb metropolis.
Flying from Dubai to Istanbul was among the best issues we did after Dubai Airports opened for journey. The flight length is roughly 4 hours from Dubai Worldwide Airport Terminal 3 to Istanbul Worldwide Airport.
Additionally Learn: Turkey Vacationer Visa Software Course of in Dubai
Once we arrived within the metropolis, we took a taxi from the airport into town heart after which walked in direction of Fatih district, the place our resort was situated.
In case you’re questioning what to anticipate from Istanbul, listed here are some in style locations to go to.
1. Go to the Hagia Sophia Mosque
The Hagia Sophia Mosque is a mosque situated within the Fatih district of Istanbul, northwest Turkey. It was initially accomplished in 537 AD. What makes this very fashionable was that it began out as a church, then transformed right into a mosque, then right into a museum, and lastly again right into a mosque. So many issues occurred in so a few years. It’s so wealthy in historical past and but it’s nonetheless standing.
2. Go to the Basilica Cistern
A couple of meters away from Hagia Sophia you will discover the Basilica Cistern. The Basilica Cistern is certainly one of many Roman cisterns beneath town of Istanbul. Constructed by Justinian I in 532 AD, it was a part of a posh irrigation system that made its method up by the tree-lined hills surrounding town. It’s fascinating to see and stroll round due to the 336 columns which are nonetheless standing.
3. Take a cruise down the Bosphorus Strait
The Bosphorus Strait cruise is an effective way to see Istanbul from a distinct perspective. The cruise takes you down the strait, which separates Europe and Asia, and provides you an opportunity to see the entire sights and sounds that this superb metropolis has to supply.
4. See the Blue Mosque
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, often known as the “Blue Mosque”, is certainly one of Istanbul’s most historic mosques and fantastic sights that you want to go to. It has six minarets that are all fantastically adorned with blue tiles inlayed with patterns of white marble. The mosque is definitely simply situated simply beside the Hagia Sophia. At present it’s below development so you possibly can see just a few components of it.
5. Stroll Galata Bridge
One other exercise to do in Istanbul is strolling throughout Galata Bridge. At present it serves as a significant transportation hub for each individuals and items, connecting two components of town divided by the Golden Horn waterway at its mouth into the Bosphorus strait. It’s an excellent place to individuals watch and takes within the sights and sounds of Istanbul.
6. Eat Turkish meals
For those who’re trying to really expertise Turkish tradition, then you want to strive a few of their scrumptious meals. From kebabs to baklava, there’s one thing for everybody. And don’t overlook to scrub all of it down with a glass of Turkish tea – it’s positively an expertise you received’t overlook!
7. Store on the Grand Bazaar
No go to to Istanbul is full with out a journey to the Grand Bazaar. This iconic market has been round since 1455 and is residence to over 4,000 retailers promoting all the things from souvenirs to gold jewellery. It’s positively a must-see for any shopaholics on the market!
The Grand Bazaar is a superb place to discover and discover souvenirs to carry again residence with you. Be ready to haggle although; bargaining is an important a part of the purchasing expertise right here.
8. Take a stroll within the park
For those who want a break from all of the hustle and bustle of Istanbul, why not take a stroll in one of many metropolis’s many parks. The most well-liked ones are Taksim Sq. and Gulhane Park, however there are many others to select from. They’re an effective way to chill out and benefit from the lovely Turkish surroundings.
9. Hamam (Turkish Tub)
Turkey can be a well-liked place to go to for its hamam, or Turkish tub. They’re an effective way to chill out and rejuvenate drained muscular tissues, and also you get to expertise a little bit of conventional Turkish tradition on the similar time. There are many hamams situated all through town, so that you’re certain to seek out one which’s handy for you.
10. Take within the views from Topkapi Palace
If you would like some beautiful views of Istanbul, then remember to go to Topkapi Palace. This former palace of the Ottoman sultans is perched on a hill overlooking town and provides some superb panoramic views. It’s positively price a go to when you have time!
11. Wander round Istanbul’s previous metropolis
Istanbul’s previous metropolis, or Sultanahmet, is a must-see for any historical past buffs on the market. This space is residence to a number of the metropolis’s most well-known historic sights, together with the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace. It’s an excellent place to wander round and take within the sights and sounds of historical Istanbul.
12. Strive Turkish Sweets – Baklava, and Dondurma!
For those who’re trying to strive a number of the greatest Turkish sweets, you want to take a look at Baklava and Dondurma!
Baklava is a candy pastry made with layers of filo dough crammed with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup.
Dondurma is a sort of ice cream that’s made with salep, a flour constructed from the basis of untamed orchid vegetation. It has a thick, sticky texture and a singular taste that makes it one of the crucial in style Turkish desserts.
So should you’re in search of one thing candy to eat whereas in Istanbul, remember to check out a few of their conventional Turkish sweets!

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There’s little question that Istanbul is without doubt one of the most superb and vibrant cities on the earth. With a lot to see and do, it may be laborious to know the place to begin. However should you’re in search of a number of the greatest issues to do in Istanbul, then these are positively an excellent place to begin. So what are you ready for? Begin planning your journey now!