Istanbul: the fascinating cosmopolitan city that sits on two continents

The city of Istanbul, Turkey is full of historic and impressive buildings. Visiting the place means learning not only about Turkish culture but also about humanity itself, as the place has been the scene of ancient civilizations. Discover the main tourist attractions of the city located in Europe and Asia:

Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) – Originally built as a cathedral in 537 during the Byzantine Empire, Hagia Sophia is one of the most iconic monuments in the world. It became a mosque in 1453 after the Ottoman conquest and, in 1935, it was transformed into a museum. In 2020 it reopened as a mosque.

Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) – Opened in 1616 during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I, the Blue Mosque is famous for its six minarets and interior decorated with blue İznik tiles. It is one of the most impressive examples of Ottoman architecture.

Topkapi Palace – Built between 1460 and 1478, Topkapi Palace was the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. The complex includes gardens, treasures and the Imperial Council Chamber, making it one of the city’s main historical attractions.

Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı) – Built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, the Basilica Cistern is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns beneath Istanbul. It is famous for its marble columns and mystical atmosphere.

Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) – Founded in 1461, the Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, with more than 4,000 shops. The bazaar is a maze of streets and passages where you can find everything from jewelry to carpets and spices.

Dolmabahçe Palace – Completed in 1856, Dolmabahçe Palace was the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans in the late Empire. It combines Ottoman, Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical architectural styles, making it one of the most luxurious palaces in the world.

Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) – Built in 1348 by the Genoese as part of their fortifications, Galata Tower offers a spectacular panoramic view of Istanbul. It was used over the centuries as a watchtower and prison.

Suleymaniye Mosque – Completed in 1557 during the reign of Suleyman the Magnificent, the Suleymaniye Mosque is a classic example of Ottoman architecture. Designed by Mimar Sinan, the mosque is part of a complex that includes schools, a hospital and Turkish baths.

Hippodrome of Constantinople (Sultanahmet Meydanı) – Built by Septimius Severus in the early 3rd century and expanded by Constantine the Great, the Hippodrome was the entertainment center of Constantinople. Today, Sultanahmet Square occupies the site, where obelisks and other ancient structures can still be found.

Church of St. Savior in Chora (Kariye Müzesi) – This Byzantine church, built in the 4th century and renovated in the 11th century, is famous for its beautiful mosaics and frescoes. It represents scenes from the New Testament and is an exceptional example of Byzantine art.

Taksim Square (Taksim Meydanı) – Taksim is the modern heart of Istanbul, known for its vibrant nightlife, restaurants and shopping. The square is also an important political and cultural symbol, often the stage for demonstrations and public events.

Istiklal Caddesi (İstiklal Caddesi) – One of the most famous streets in Istanbul, Istiklal Caddesi is a lively avenue lined with shops, restaurants, galleries and historic buildings. During the 19th century it was the cultural and commercial center of the city.

Ortaköy Mosque (Ortaköy Camii) – Located on the banks of the Bosphorus, the Ortaköy Mosque, completed in 1856, is a notable example of the neo-Baroque style. With its picturesque location, it is one of the most photographed mosques in Istanbul.

Beylerbeyi Palace (Beylerbeyi Sarayı) – Built between 1861 and 1865, Beylerbeyi Palace was the summer residence of the Ottoman sultans. Located on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus, the palace combines Ottoman and Western architecture.

Eyüp Sultan Mosque (Eyüp Sultan Camii) – Completed in 1458, it is one of the holiest mosques in Turkey, built on the site where the tomb of Eyüp, the banner of the Prophet Muhammad, is believed to be located. It is an important place of pilgrimage.

Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art (Türk ve İslam Eserleri Müzesi) – Opened in 1914, the museum is located in Ibrahim Pasha’s palace and houses a large collection of Islamic art, including ceramics, manuscripts, and carpets. The building dates back to the 16th century.

Bosphorus Bridge (Boğaziçi Köprüsü) – Opened in 1973, the Bosphorus Bridge connects the European and Asian parts of Istanbul. It was the first suspension bridge built over the Bosphorus and is a symbol of the modern city.

Column of Constantine (Çemberlitaş) – Erected in 330 AD to celebrate the founding of Constantinople, the Column of Constantine, also known as the Burnt Column, is one of the oldest monuments in Istanbul.

Istanbul Archaeological Museum (İstanbul Arkeoloji Müzesi) – Founded in 1891, the Istanbul Archaeological Museum is one of the most important in the world, with a vast collection of artifacts spanning the history of Anatolia, Mesopotamia and other ancient civilizations.

Basilica of St. Irene (Aya İrini) – Built in the 4th century, the Basilica of St. Irene is one of the earliest Christian churches in Constantinople and served as an armory during the Ottoman period. Today it is used for concerts and cultural events.