#Places to visit in Istanbul

Hagia Sofia

Now a mosque Hagia Sofia used to be a museum and church It is the pinnacle of Byzantine architecture and you can see its influence on other buildings throughout history. It is ordained with golden murals from the time it was a church, calligraphy from the Qoran, and vandalization from visitors throughout history from Crusaders and Vikings. Hagia Sophia is the embodiment of the city’s history adapting to its holder and contributing to the uniqueness of the old capital of so many civilizations. 

Grand Bazaar 

Another must-visit in Istanbul is the grand bazaar built by the Ottomans to manage a commercial hub more effectively is still alive a bursting with the character of the city from spices to jewelry to handbags and makeup but do practise your negotiation skills because a lot of stalls participating in bargaining of prices. And if you find yourself hungry you can also find treats or even restaurants at the bazaar.

Basilica Cistern

Built during The reign of Justinian I  after the Nika riots, the cistern seems to be the imagination of a fiction writer and was built to provide filtrated water to the palace complex of the emperor. After centuries only the locals knew about its existence and were using it to draw water. Now a tourist attraction spot it has been lit to see the decorated columns and the fish that live in the water. Definitely one of the most bizarre places you can visit in Istanbul. 

Topkapi Palace

The  Royal residence of the Ottoman sultan until 1856 is a lavish demonstration of the golden age of the Ottomans. As you stroll around the enormous courtyards, pavilions, and ceremonial halls, which showcase an astonishing collection of antiquities and riches, you may get a glimpse of the sultans’ imperial lifestyle. You can also see the Harem, a secret realm with approximately 400 elegantly designed rooms where the sultan lived with his wives, concubines, and children. The gardens are a pleasure to walk through and I hope you experience the entirety of the palace.

Bosphorus cruise 

Not really a place but more of an experience to see multiple places, and that is to sail away in the Bosphorus separating Europe and Asia and admire the old neighborhoods and the Golden Horn, the Beylerbeyi Palace the Fortress of Europe, and much more. It is a Historic waterway that brings the experience of people throughout the ages to be relived at this iconic city.

These are but a few places to visit in Istanbul and there are so many more. I recommend you ask the locals for their opinions on places to visit because they know better than anyone.