Whereas the Hagia Sophia is price visiting, there’s a lot extra to Istanbul that it’s best to take a look at on this unimaginable metropolis!
From distinctive buying experiences and eccentric neighborhoods to scrumptious avenue meals and historic buildings, there’s one thing for everybody within the Turkish capital metropolis!
Fast Tip: Take a look at my information to the Greatest Time to Go to Turkey or my Turkey Journey Information for some basic recommendation and knowledge that can assist you plan your journey.
Listed here are the highest ten issues it’s best to add to your Istanbul itinerary!
Store at Grand Bazaar & the Egyptian Bazaar
Probably the most traditional issues to do in Istanbul is to go to one of many historic bazaars within the metropolis: the Grand Bazaar.
The phrase bazaar interprets to market, particularly a big market house that has a number of stalls and distributors.
The Grand Bazaar is the oldest and largest lined market and options 61 streets and over 4,000 particular person stalls the place you should purchase items like spices, sweets, and dried fruit.
It’s also possible to decide up non-edible gadgets to take dwelling like jewellery and ceramics.
Attempt the Road Meals
Turkish meals is extremely wealthy and flavorful, and there are lots of popular Turkish dishes that you should try when you visit Istanbul.
Start your day off with a traditional Turkish breakfast spread that includes cheese, olives, bread, and fresh vegetables, and is served with various jams and sauces.
If you’re interested in a sweet treat, try Turkish Delight…which you might have heard of if you ever read The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe!
It has a jelly texture and flavors like rosewater and citrus and is typically served as cubes coated in powdered sugar.
If you’re interested in a more in-depth food experience in Italy, consider booking an Istanbul food tour that options the very best of Istanbul’s eating places, cafes, and meals stands. It’s an effective way to be sure to don’t miss any of the highlights!
Go Underground for The Basilica Cistern
Cisterns are massive underground reservoirs that have been constructed to gather rainwater and there are lots of beneath Istanbul.
The Basilica Cistern is the most important of them, and you’ll descend into the chambers as there’s little or no water stored in it at the moment.
While you’re touring the cistern you’ll have the ability to see a number of the intricate stone buildings and carvings. Two of the columns are made with reused blocks carved to seem like Medusa, the snake-haired girl of Greek mythology who might flip anybody who made eye contact together with her to stone.
The Blue Mosque
Should you’re interested by visiting one in every of Istanbul’s most well-known historic websites, be sure to slot in a visit to the Blue Mosque.
You’ll be able to see some superb artwork and structure all through the house however be sure to needless to say it’s an energetic mosque with each day prayer companies.
It’s essential to decorate appropriately if you go to the Blue Mosque — it’s a spiritual and cultural website so that you’ll need to put on an outfit that covers a whole lot of pores and skin.
Lengthy pants, attire, and skirts are important in addition to clothes that covers your shoulders and higher arms.
Take a look at this information for dressing in a conservative nation or extra data on what it’s best to put on throughout your go to in addition to this information to solo feminine journey in Istanbul.
Discover Hip Neighborhoods of Karaköy & Kadikoy
For a have a look at trendy Turkish tradition, head to the neighborhoods of Karaköy and Kadikoy. Karaköy is a hip neighborhood constructed into the traditional ruins of Istanbul. Domestically owned eating places and boutiques have sprung up over time in addition to up to date artwork galleries.
Kadikoy has most of the similar perks and can be thought-about a gritty inventive hub with rock music exhibits and report outlets.
This neighborhood tends to be the livelier of the 2 and provides extra when it comes to nightlife.
Climb Galata Tower
The spectacular Galata Tower was initially constructed as a watchtower as a part of the Partitions of Galata, situated within the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul. It’s 9 tales excessive and you’ll pay a small charge to take an elevator to the highest and see some beautiful panoramic views of Istanbul.
Be sure you double-check the opening occasions as a result of the tower sometimes is shut down for restoration — it is practically 700 years outdated, in any case!
Sip of Turkish Coffee
If you’re a fan of strong coffee, make sure you give Turkish coffee a try!
Not only is this drink richly flavored and high in caffeine because of the unfiltered way it’s made, but it’s also an important part of many Turkish customs such as the art of tasseography.
This is a kind of fortune-telling that involves drinking the coffee and flipping the cup over so the grounds settle in the saucer, and then interpreting the shapes that they might form.
Turkish coffee is usually served with a glass of water which you’re meant to sip on to clear your palate so you can fully enjoy the rich flavor of the coffee. You can also enjoy your Turkish coffee with pastries and candies.
See Whirling Dervishes
Historically the term dervish has been used to refer to a specific group within Sufism, an order of Islam. Sufi whirling is a type of active meditation performed as part of a religious ceremony and the participants wear flowing robes or gowns, sometimes with bright colors and patterns.
You can see this unique custom at the Galata Mevlevi Lodge, which is among the oldest of its sort.
Should you’re interested by studying extra concerning the historical tradition and traditions of Istanbul and Turkey as a complete, that is a vital addition to your Turkey itinerary.
Visit a Hammam
The term hammam refers to Turkish baths which are famous around the world for many reasons including religion, culture, and general hygiene. Although there are many you can visit, one of the most popular is the AyaSofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam.
Not solely is it historic, however the inside is beautiful.
Whereas it was at its hottest throughout the sixteenth century, it was restored and reopened in Could of 2011 for normal visits.
There are a number of packages you possibly can decide from that embody companies like physique scrubs and massages. Word that there are separate entrances and rooms for women and men and there could also be particular hours for every group as properly so be sure to name forward whereas planning your journey.
Topkapi Palace
The Topkapı Palace was as soon as a grand residence and administrative middle for sultans of the Ottoman Empire. Within the Nineteen Twenties it turned a museum and at the moment you possibly can go to and tour a number of the rooms and courtyards of the palace.
Highlights embody jewel-toned tiled rooms that you must see to imagine and reveals with examples of the clothes the sultan and the folks round them would have worn.
Visiting the Topkapı Palace is an effective way to step again in time and study how folks lived in sixteenth and seventeenth century Istanbul.
There’s loads to do in Istanbul however should you’re interested by venturing past town and seeing extra of what Turkey has to supply, take a look at this listing of the highest ten greatest locations to go to in Turkey that aren’t Istanbul!
