Istanbul

17 places · Turkey

neighborhood

Balat

neighborhood

A colourful historic neighbourhood of steep streets, cafés and old houses on the Golden Horn.

Ortaköy

neighborhood

A Bosphorus-side village with a mosque under the bridge, street food and cafés.

landmark

Basilica Cistern

landmark

A vast underground Byzantine water reservoir of 336 columns, including Medusa-head bases.

Galata Tower

landmark

A medieval stone tower with a viewing gallery over the Golden Horn and old city.

Hippodrome of Constantinople

landmark

The ancient chariot-racing arena, now a square with the Obelisk of Theodosius.

Maiden's Tower

landmark

A small tower on an islet at the Bosphorus entrance, with a café and views.

religious_site

Chora Church

religious_site

A Byzantine church famous for its fine mosaics and frescoes.

Hagia Sophia

religious_site

A 6th-century Byzantine cathedral turned mosque, with a vast dome and gold mosaics.

Süleymaniye Mosque

religious_site

Sinan's grand 16th-century mosque on a hill, with calm courtyards and views.

Sultan Ahmed (Blue) Mosque

religious_site

A 17th-century mosque with six minarets and blue İznik tiles inside.

palace

Dolmabahçe Palace

palace

A 19th-century Ottoman palace on the Bosphorus with lavish interiors.

Topkapı Palace

palace

The Ottoman sultans' palace complex, with courtyards, the Harem, treasury and Bosphorus views.

market

Grand Bazaar

market

One of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, with thousands of shops.

Spice Bazaar

market

A historic market of spices, Turkish delight, teas and dried fruit.

street

İstiklal Avenue

street

A long pedestrian avenue of shops, galleries and cafés, with a heritage tram.

park

Princes' Islands

park

A car-free island group in the Sea of Marmara with wooden mansions, horse carriages and sea views.

castle

Rumeli Fortress

castle

A 15th-century fortress on the Bosphorus shore.