Istanbul — Tour Highlights and Travel Tips
Travel Highlights
- The Hagia Sophia is the highlight of all Istanbul tours. Constructed in the sixth century, the Hagia Sophia is one of the world’s largest cathedrals that was converted into a mosque in the 15th century and a museum in 1935.
- Your Istanbul visit will not be complete without stopping by Sultanahmet Mosque, also called the Blue Mosque. Built around the early 17th century, the Blue Mosque is one of the world's most impressive monuments.
- Exploring the Topkapi Palace should be one of the top things to do in Turkey for all visitors. The vast Harem complex features a dazzling display of Islamic art, including intricate tile work.
- The Basilica Cistern is a must-visit on your Istanbul tours. It is a massive subterranean cistern with hundreds of columns arranged in 12 rows.
- Never leave Istanbul without visiting the Grand Bazaar, a vast covered market featuring thousands of shops scattered across dozens of streets. Exercise your bargaining skills when making a purchase.
Travel Tips
- If you are looking for something authentic to try in Istanbul while touring Turkey, order a cup of Yayik ayran, a bubbly yogurt drink. Although it can serve as a standalone drink, it goes really well with any savory dish.
- When visiting a mosque, schedule your visit outside of prayer time. No one is allowed to enter the mosques during prayer times, which also applies at the Sultanahmet Mosque, one of the city's top attractions.
- Aside from spices, Grand Bazaar also sells herbal remedies that can cure different illnesses.
- When shopping for Turkish delights, head to Altan Sekerleme, a classic candy shop that opened in 1865. It is a family-run shop that sells authentic Turkish delights. In fact, many Istanbul tours will take tourists to this famous shop.