Friendly Rentals
  • Barcelona
  • Madrid
  • Seville
  • Valencia
  • General
  • Book your apartment
Friendly Rentals
  • Barcelona
  • Madrid
  • Seville
  • Valencia
  • General
  • Book your apartment
29 May, 2012

Istanbul tourist guide

Top things to see in Istanbul


EstambulIstanbul, the Gateway to the East, is (due to its approximately 12 million inhabitants) one of the most populated cities in Europe. Here, you’ll find the remains of more than two millennia of history, as well as great cultural and ethnic diversity. Boisterous bazaars, mosques, synagogues, parks, ancient palaces, restaurants… Istanbul is a dynamic, impressive city, to the point that Napoleon once claimed that “if the whole world were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital”.

Although it’s very difficult to decide which are the most essential things to see, we’ve prepared a small guide with the most important tourist attractions of Istanbul.

Hagia Sofia (Aya Sofya) – The Byzantine jewel of Turkey. This ancient cathedral, constructed in the 6th century, is the most visited monument of Istanbul. Its giant dome, golden mosaics and fascinating architecture have turned it into a World Heritage Site. As of 1935, it’s also a museum. Where: Sultanahmet Square. When: from the 15th of April to the 1st of October, from 9am to 7pm. From the 1st of October to the 15th of April, from 9am to 5pm. Closed on Mondays. How much: entrance costs LT 25.

Mezquita Azul en EstambulThe Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii) – This 16th-century mosque is one of the most beautiful traces left behind by Ottoman architecture. Its cascade of domes and turrets and six minarets jump out from the Istanbul skyline. It owes its names to the blue light that its interior gives off due to the paintings and 20,000 plus ceramic tiles that cover its roof. Where: Sultanahmet Square. When: from 9am to 7pm, prayer time aside. How much: free.

Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi) – Another obligatory visit when in Istanbul. Until the middle of the 19th century, the sultans governed their empire from this imperial palace. Now, it’s a museum which occupies more than 700,000 m2 and gives insight into the lives of the ancient sultans. You need around three hours to visit Topkapi Palace. It’s advisable to go early and start the visit at the Imperial Treasury and Harem. Where: Eminönü, 34122 Cankurtaran. When: closed on Tuesdays. All other days, from 9am to 5pm. How much: LT 20 for Entrance to the palace’s museum and LT 15 to visit the harem.

Gran BazarGrand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi) – With more than 3,600 shops and 64 streets, this impressive bazaar is one of the largest and best-known in the world. The perfect place to pick up some bargains and practise the art of bargaining. The market is covered, vivacious, full of activity and every imaginably kind of wares. If you’re looking for spices, teas and typical sweets, we recommend also visiting the Spice Bazaar (Misir Çarsisi). Where: Mollafenari Mh., 34120 Fatih. Between Nuruosmaniye, Mercan and Beyazit. When: closed on Sundays, all other days from 9am to 8pm.

Cisterna Basílica en Estambul Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici) – Several metres beneath the earth, this surprising place is the largest of all the water deposits which, in Byzantine times, were built to equip the city with water reserves in case of siege. Also known as the “Submerged Palace”. The construction contains numerous columns, of which two have a Medusa head as a base. A mysterious, fresh and different place to visit in Istanbul. Where: Yerebatan C, 13 34410. Where: every day from 9am to 5.30pm. How much: LT 10.

Other things that are worth a visit during your trip to Istanbul are the San Salvador mosaics in Chora, Galata Tower, Taksim Square, the Süleymaniye Mosque, Dolmabahçe Palace and Gülhane park. In any case, let your feet guide you and discover the magic of Istanbul.

Laura – Marketing Team

Posted in Istanbul, Tourism in Istanbul
Laura
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

Post navigation

   Istanbul Shopping Fest 2012
The Palio di Siena horse race 2015   

You may also like

Shopping in Istanbul

Continue Reading

Istanbul Gay Guide

Continue Reading

ABOUT US

FRIENDLY RENTALS

Friendly Rentals is a company based in Barcelona that specializes in short and mid-term rental of apartments.

Searchbox

Categories

  • Algarve
    • Events in Algarve
    • Sports in Algarve
    • Things to do in Algarve
    • Tourism in Algarve
    • Where to eat in Algarve
  • Amsterdam
    • Art and Museums in Amsterdam
    • Events in Amsterdam
    • Nightlife in Amsterdam
    • Shopping in Amsterdam
    • Things to do in Amsterdam
    • Tourism in Amsterdam
  • Barcelona
    • Art and Museums in Barcelona
    • Barcelona Bloggers
    • Events in Barcelona
    • FR Barcelona
    • Nightlife in Barcelona
    • Promotions in Barcelona
    • Shopping in Barcelona
    • Sports in Barcelona
    • Things to do in Barcelona
    • Tourism in Barcelona
    • Where to eat in Barcelona
  • Berlin
    • Art and Museums in Berlin
    • Berlin Bloggers
    • Events in Berlin
    • FR Berlin
    • Nightlife in Berlin
    • Shopping in Berlin
    • Things to do in Berlin
    • Tourism in Berlin
    • Where to eat in Berlin
  • Bilbao
    • Art and Museums in Bilbao
    • Events in Bilbao
    • Nightlife in Bilbao
    • Shopping in Bilbao
    • Sports in Bilbao
    • Things to do in Bilbao
    • Tourism in Bilbao
    • Where to eat in Bilbao
  • Buenos Aires
    • Art and museums in Buenos Aires
    • Events in Buenos Aires
    • FR Buenos Aires
    • Nightlife in Buenos Aires
    • Shopping in Buenos Aires
    • Sports in Buenos Aires
    • Things to do in Buenos Aires
    • Tourism in Buenos Aires
    • Where to eat in Buenos Aires
  • Cape Town
    • Events in Cape Town
    • FR Cape Town
    • Shopping in Cape Town
    • Sports in Cape Town
    • Things to do in Cape Town
    • Tourism in Cape Town
    • Where to eat in Cape Town
  • Costa Brava
    • Art and Museums in Costa Brava
    • Events in Costa Brava
    • FR Costa Brava
    • Shopping in Costa Brava
    • Sports in Costa Brava
    • Things to do in Costa Brava
    • Tourism in Costa Brava
    • Where to eat in Costa Brava
  • Florence
    • Art and Museums in Florence
    • Events in Florence
    • FR Florence
    • Nightlife in Florence
    • Shopping in Florence
    • Sports in Florence
    • Things to do in Florence
    • Tourism in Florence
    • Where to eat in Florence
  • General
    • Events
    • Friendly Rentals
    • News
    • Promotions
    • Sports
    • Things to do
  • Granada
    • Art and Museums in Granada
    • Events in Granada
    • FR Granada
    • Nightlife in Granada
    • Promotions in Granada
    • Shopping in Granada
    • Sports in Granada
    • Things to do in Granada
    • Tourism in Granada
    • Where to eat in Granada
  • Istanbul
    • Art and Museums in Istanbul
    • FR Istanbul
    • Nightlife in Istanbul
    • Shopping in Istanbul
    • Things to do in Istanbul
    • Tourism in Istanbul
    • Where to eat in Istanbul
  • Kyoto
    • Things to do in Kyoto
    • Tourism in Kyoto
  • Lisbon
    • Art and Museums in Lisbon
    • Events in Lisbon
    • FR Lisbon
    • Nightlife in Lisbon
    • Shopping in Lisbon
    • Things to do in Lisbon
    • Tourism in Lisbon
    • Where to eat in Lisbon
  • London
    • Art and Museums in London
    • Events in London
    • FR London
    • Nightlife in London
    • Shopping in London
    • Sports in London
    • Things to do in London
    • Tourism in London
    • Where to eat in London
  • Madrid
    • Art and museums in Madrid
    • Events in Madrid
    • FR Madrid
    • Nightlife in Madrid
    • Promotions in Madrid
    • Shopping in Madrid
    • Sports in Madrid
    • Things to do in Madrid
    • Tourism in Madrid
    • Where to eat in Madrid
  • Main
  • Majorca
    • Events in Majorca
    • Nightlife in Majorca
    • Shopping in Majorca
    • Sports in Majorca
    • Things to do in Majorca
    • Tourism in Majorca
  • Malaga
    • Art and museums in Malaga
    • Events in Malaga
    • Nightlife in Malaga
    • Shopping in Malaga
    • Sports in Malaga
    • Things to do in Malaga
    • Tourism in Malaga
    • Where to eat in Malaga
  • Miami
    • Events Miami
    • Shopping in Miami
    • Things to do in Miami
    • Tourism in Miami
    • Where to eat in Miami
  • Milan
    • Art and Museums in Milan
    • Events in Milan
    • Nightlife in Milan
    • Shopping in Milan
    • Things to do in Milan
    • Tourism in Milan
    • Where to eat in Milan
  • New York
    • Art and Museums in New York
    • Events in New York
    • FR New York
    • Nightlife in New York
    • Shopping in New York
    • Things to do in New York
    • Tourism in New York
    • Where to eat in New York
  • Osaka
    • Tourism in Osaka
    • Where to eat in Osaka
  • Paris
    • Art and Museums in Paris
    • Events in Paris
    • FR Paris
    • Nightlife in Paris
    • Shopping in Paris
    • Sports in Paris
    • Things to do in Paris
    • Tourism in Paris
    • Where to eat in Paris
  • Prague
    • Art and Museums in Prague
    • Events in Prague
    • Nightlife in Prague
    • Shopping in Prague
    • Things to do in Prague
    • Tourism in Prague
  • Puerto Vallarta
    • Events in Puerto Vallarta
    • Sports in Puerto Vallarta
    • Things to do in Puerto Vallarta
    • Tourism in Puerto Vallarta
    • Where to eat in Puerto Vallarta
  • Rio de Janeiro
    • Events in Rio de Janeiro
    • Sports in Rio de Janeiro
    • Things to do in Rio de Janeiro
    • Tourism in Rio de Janeiro
  • Rome
    • Art and Museums in Rome
    • Events in Rome
    • Inside FR Rome
    • Nightlife in Rome
    • Shopping in Rome
    • Things to do in Rome
    • Tourism in Rome
    • Where to eat in Rome
  • Salamanca
    • Art and Museums in Salamanca
    • Events in Salamanca
    • Nightlife in Salamanca
    • Things to do in Salamanca
    • Tourism in Salamanca
    • Where to eat in Salamanca
  • San Sebastian
    • Events in San Sebastian
    • FR San Sebastian
    • Nightlife in San Sebastian
    • Shopping in San Sebastian
    • Sports in San Sebastian
    • Things to do in San Sebastian
    • Tourism in San Sebastian
    • Where to eat in San Sebastian
  • Seville
    • Art and Museums in Seville
    • Events in Seville
    • Nightlife in Seville
    • Shopping in Seville
    • Things to do in Seville
    • Tourism in Seville
    • Where to eat in Seville
  • Sitges
    • Art and Museums in Sitges
    • Events in Sitges
    • FR Sitges
    • Nightlife in Sitges
    • Tourism in Sitges
    • Where to eat in Sitges
  • Tarifa
    • Art and Museums in Tarifa
    • Events in Tarifa
    • Nightlife in Tarifa
    • Shopping in Tarifa
    • Sports in Tarifa
    • Things to do in Tarifa
    • Tourism in Tarifa
    • Where to eat in Tarifa
  • Valencia
    • Art and Museums in Valencia
    • Events in Valencia
    • FR Valencia
    • Nightlife in Valencia
    • Shopping in Valencia
    • Sports in Valencia
    • Things to do in Valencia
    • Tourism in Valencia
    • Where to eat in Valencia
  • Venice
    • Events in Venice
    • FR Venice
    • Nightlife in Venice
    • Shopping in Venice
    • Sports in Venice
    • Things to do in Venice
    • Tourism in Venice
    • Where to eat in Venice

Popular

LGBT Pride Parade Barcelona 2010

7 June, 2010

Barcelona Summer Week 2010

3 August, 2010

Milano Film Festival 2010: 10 days of films and music

27 August, 2010
  • English
    • Español (Spanish)
Cargar más...
Síguenos en Instagram

© Copyright Friendlyrentals.com. All Rights Reserved.