The ancient Turkish city of Istanbul is exciting and filled with history. Geographically, Turkey is touched by three seas, the Black Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Aegean Sea. Istanbul itself is situated on two continents, Europe and Asia. It has been the capital of the Ottoman, Roman, and Byzantine empires. Keep in mind that although many of the attractions you will want to see as a tourist are in the "old section" of Istanbul, there is a very modern section of the city as well.
One of the first things that many travelers want to see in Istanbul is the Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya). This Byzantine style church is truly magnificent. It was built between the years 532 and 537. After being used as a mosque for five hundred years starting in the 15th century, the Hagia Sophia was converted into a museum in the mid 1930s. The museum is closed every Monday.
Topkapi Palace is also a museum now. The former home of the Ottoman sultans for almost four hundred years is located in the Sultanahmet section of Istanbul. This museum is closed every Tuesday. The Harem section requires tickets and is a guided tour.
Shopping in Turkey and Istanbul can be considered a major attraction all by itself! Istanbul's Kapali Carsisi (Grand Bazaar) is an experience not to be missed. This covered bazaar offers more than four thousand shops that sell everything from Turkish carpets to jewelry to local crafts and everything in between. Don't be afraid to make counter offers for the treasures you wish to purchase because it is expected. Be sure to know the value of things you want to buy, however. Also, be prepared for the street vendors who will follow tourists around town trying to make a sale.
The Rumeli Fortress was built by Sultan Mehmet in the mid 15th century. The goal was to block off aid arriving via the Black Sea. Construction of the fortress took two thousand workers only four months to complete. Today this military fort is a museum open to the public and during the summer months, it serves as a place for plays and concerts in its open air amphitheater. The acoustics here are incredible.
For a respite from the heat or simply for a unique adventure, stop at the Yerebatan Sarayi near the Hagia Sophia. The name means "Sunken Palace" and it is the only renovated underground cistern in Istanbul that is open to the public. Walk the passageways lit with pulsating lights and hear the classical music being piped into this ancient cistern. Water will be dripping from the ceiling and it certainly adds to the mystique of this place. Of special interest are the decorative columns, and visitors should look for the carved Medusa heads.
Take a ferry ride from Istanbul to spend some time on the Princes' Islands. You will be able to see the city's magnificent architecture from the water, and also see the islands which were inhabited by exiled princes in ancient times. Be prepared to walk, ride a bike, or take a carriage drawn by horses to get around the islands. Motor vehicles are prohibited and not found here.
The majestic Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque) was built in the early 17th century. It is found across the street from the Hagia Sophia. This mosque is unique because of its six minarets. The blue interior tiles give the Mosque its name. Visitors to Istanbul need to keep in mind that this is a mosque and is still in use, so the proper protocol is in place, as for all mosques. It is closed to the public when prayer time is taking place.
Many visitors to Turkey and Istanbul will want to experience a Turkish steam bath, called hamam. If this activity is on your agenda, try the Cemberlitas Hamam. The atmosphere as the steam releases tension is almost hypnotic. Men and women each have their own section of the hamam.
The Istanbul Archaeological Museum takes up three buildings and is found at the Topkapi Palace. More than a million items are housed here and many of them are ancient. The museum has been in operation since 1891 and the artifacts include items from the Byzantine period as well as Roman and Greek artifacts.
In ancient times, the massive Hippodrome was said to have been able to hold one hundred thousand people. This is where the locals would have watched things like the chariot races. The Hippodrome was built in the year 203. Today only a few of the monuments remain standing.
This article listed some of the major places to visit while spending time in Istanbul, but all throughout the city there are many more mosques, museums, historic and religious sites, ancient ruins, bazaars, and shops. There are many fabulous restaurants and exciting things to do both day and night.
