What to do in Istanbul

Activities, attractions and tours

The Sultanahmet Mosque (also known as the Blue Mosque because of the blue tiles that are used to decorate the interior) is one of the grandest and most famous mosques in Istanbul.

The mosque was criticized early on for having 6 minarets – the same number of the Great Mosque in Mecca. Sultan Ahmet overcame this problem by ordering a 7th minaret to be built at the Great Mosque.

One local anecdote claims that the original design called for several gold minarets. The architect realized that there wasn't enough gold in the empire to construct gold minarets, so he built six minarets instead. When questioned about his decision, the architect claimed that he mistakenly heard the instruction to be six ("altı" in Turkish) minarets rather than gold ("altın" in Turkish) minarets.

#StunningStructures #Trovember
The Sultanahmet Mosque (also known as the Blue Mosque because of the blue tiles that are used to decorate the interior) is one of the grandest and most famous mosques in Istanbul.

The mosque was criticized early on for having 6 minarets – the same number of the Great Mosque in Mecca. Sultan Ahmet overcame this problem by ordering a 7th minaret to be built at the Great Mosque.

One local anecdote claims that the original design called for several gold minarets. The architect realized that there wasn't enough gold in the empire to construct gold minarets, so he built six minarets instead. When questioned about his decision, the architect claimed that he mistakenly heard the instruction to be six ("altı" in Turkish) minarets rather than gold ("altın" in Turkish) minarets.

#StunningStructures #Trovember
These fabulous gates are in the grounds of the palace and that's the Bosporus you see beyond! #river #palaces
Istanbul
Istanbul

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What to do in Istanbul


Discover the most popular places to visit in Istanbul

Explore areas of Istanbul

Blue Mosque which includes a pond, a mosque and a fountain

Sultanahmet

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Blue Mosque to Hagia Sophia – discover Sultanahmet, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Sultanahmet
Taksim which includes street scenes and a city as well as a couple

Taksim

4/5(72 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Taksim. Taksim Square is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Taksim Station or Findikli Station to see more of Istanbul.

Taksim
Haydarpasa station building in Istanbul ; Shutterstock ID 276386249

Kadıköy

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Kadıköy. Spend some time visiting top spots like Bosphorus, and catch the metro at Bahariye Station or Acibadem Station to see more of the area.

Kadıköy
Bosphorus Bridge which includes a bridge, a river or creek and cruising

Beşiktaş

4.5/5(15 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Bosphorus while getting to know Beşiktaş, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Nispetiye Station or Etiler Station to see more of the area.

Beşiktaş
Cumhuriyet Anıtı featuring street scenes, a city and a square or plaza

Istanbul City Center

4.5/5(18 area reviews)

Experience the bustling atmosphere of the beating heart of Istanbul, with its splendid mix of cosmopolitan and historical attractions.

Istanbul City Center
Ihlamur Pavilion, or Ihlamur Kasri, a former imperial Ottoman summer pavilion constructed during the reign of Sultan Abdulmecid I, located in Nisantasi Ihlamur Yolu street, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey

Şişli

4.5/5(17 area reviews)

Travellers love Şişli for its popular shops, and you can see more of Istanbul by jumping on the metro at Sisli Station or Osmanbey Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Şişli Mosque and Bomontiada.

Şişli

 

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Day trip destinations from Istanbul