Istanbul is one of the most amazing cities in the world. It enjoys great architecture (from ancient to modern, from Roman to Ottoman and modern Turkish), delicious cuisine, and friendly people. This bustling city will whirl you into a kaleidoscope of breathtaking views, overwhelming history, bright colors, and smells.
Day 1. Day 1. The best places of the Old City: From Byzantium to the early Ottoman Empire
Visiting Istanbul for the first time can’t be imagined without discovering its oldest sightseeing. See an impressive dome of Hagia Sophia, admire the blue tiles of Blue Mosque, get an authentic experience at Grand Bazaar, and much more during your first day in Istanbul.
Never in Hagia Sophia, never in Istanbul. Some places can’t be skipped while visiting a city. That’s true about Hagia Sophia – an iconic sight on the map of this ancient city. Its history dates back to the 6th century when it was constructed as an orthodox cathedral, the biggest one in the Byzantine Empire. Serving as a Christian church for more than 900 years, Hagia Sophia was converted to a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul in the 15th century.
Visiting Hagia Sophia, be ready to be amazed by the impressive dome, golden Christian mosaics and frescoes, calligraphic panes, and fine floral-printed tiles. All of this (and even more) made this monument one of the world’s greatest architectural works and the most popular sightseeing in Istanbul.
Besides its overwhelming historic spots, Hagia Sophia has a sort of entertainment – a wishing column. And it’s exactly what it means. In the northwest of the building, there’s a column with a tiny hole in it. Put your thumb in it and spin a full circle to make your wish come true. What a fantastic place!
The best time for visiting Hagia Sophia is between 9 and 12 o’clock (between morning and noon prayers). Consider buying one of the Istanbul City Passes that will allow you to skip the lines to the ticket offices to the most famous places in Istanbul.
Adress: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydani No:1, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
Entrance Fee: entrance is free, guided tours starts from $14
Recommended duration of the visit – 1,5-2 hours
Blue Mosque got its name from the fascinating blue tiles (there are 22,000 pieces of them) that decorate the walls inside the building. The mosque enjoys harmonious proportions and elegance so that it’s no wonder it’s considered one of the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul (some say, even in the world). Built in 1616, it’s a great example of Islamic architecture. For centuries, Blue Mosque was the only mosque with 6 minarets in the world (only the holy Mecca Mosque had more).
Blue Mosque is an acting mosque so it’s always open. Though consider not to visit it at Friday noon and weekends to avoid crowds of locals coming to prayers.
Address: Sultan Ahmet, Atmeydani Cd. No:7, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
Fee: entrance is free
Recommended duration of the visit – 1-1,5 hour
Day 2. Day 2. Get the most of the New City
In the New City of Istanbul, only the best is waiting for you: the most luxurious palace, the most famous street, the best view of the city. Get ready for an amazing Istanbul experience.
Never in Hagia Sophia, never in Istanbul. Some places can’t be skipped while visiting a city. That’s true about Hagia Sophia – an iconic sight on the map of this ancient city. Its history dates back to the 6th century when it was constructed as an orthodox cathedral, the biggest one in the Byzantine Empire. Serving as a Christian church for more than 900 years, Hagia Sophia was converted to a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul in the 15th century.
Visiting Hagia Sophia, be ready to be amazed by the impressive dome, golden Christian mosaics and frescoes, calligraphic panes, and fine floral-printed tiles. All of this (and even more) made this monument one of the world’s greatest architectural works and the most popular sightseeing in Istanbul.
Besides its overwhelming historic spots, Hagia Sophia has a sort of entertainment – a wishing column. And it’s exactly what it means. In the northwest of the building, there’s a column with a tiny hole in it. Put your thumb in it and spin a full circle to make your wish come true. What a fantastic place!
The best time for visiting Hagia Sophia is between 9 and 12 o’clock (between morning and noon prayers). Consider buying one of the Istanbul City Passes that will allow you to skip the lines to the ticket offices to the most famous places in Istanbul.
Adress: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydani No:1, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
Entrance Fee: entrance is free, guided tours starts from $14
Recommended duration of the visit – 1,5-2 hours
