The Sights

Istanbul’s top ten sights

Haghia Sophia
The Church of Holy Wisdom is undoubtedly one of the greatest buildings in the world.
Built by the Byzantine Enperor Justinian in about c. AD535, it was transformed into a
mosque after the conquest of the city in 1453. Now a museum, it is awesome in its size,
containing beautifully preserved Byzantine mosaics. A must for any visitor to Istanbul.

Topkapı Palace Museum
The legendary palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th-19th centuries. Low buildings
set in a series of courtyards, Topkapi is quite unlike a western palace. Be sure to see the
Harem, the Treasury and the golden Baghdad Kiosk.

The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet)
The most splendid mosque in the city, built in the early 17th century, distinguished by six
slender minarets and an interior completely covered with blue Iznik tiles. Stunning.

Archaeological Museums
On the steep cobblestone road from Gülhane Park to Topkapi Palace, two imposing neo-
classical buildings in a charming courtyard, housing a superb collection of Greco-Roman
and Near Eastern antiquities. The Tiled Pavilion (Çinili Köşk) In the courtyard of the
Archaeological Museum. One of the few buildings dating back to the Ottoman conquest
of the city.

The Church of St. Saviour in Chora (Kariye Cami)
A small Byzantine church decorated with extraordinary late-14th century frescoes and
mosaics portraying the life and miracles of Christ, considered a precursor of the
Renaissance. The museum contains the most important and extensive series of
Byzantine paintings in the city and among the most significant in the world.

Galata Tower
Ride to the top for the panoramic view of the city from the 14th century Genovese
defensive tower.  The nightclub/restaurant should probably be avoided.

The Bosphorus
The strait which divides Europe and Asia defines Istanbul. A trip to the city would not be
complete without a cruise up and down its shores. Imperial palaces are interspersed with
seaside wooden mansions, decorative ferry landings, the twin fortress of Rumeli and
Anadolu Hısarları, and  two intercontinental bridges. Along the way, it’s fun at explore
Rumeli Hisarı (Open 9.30-17.00 except Mondays) Sultan Mehmet had the castle built in
1452 so he could lay siege to the city. If you take the circle tour  from Sirkeci  (2 hours
each way) you can enjoy a fish lunch at Anadolu Kavağı. Ferryboats also leave from
Eminönü for various points along the waterway.

The Covered Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı)
Open 9.00-19.00 Monday -Saturday.
Istanbul’s legendary bazaar, a hive of over 4,000 little shops that is everything you
dreamed an oriental market could be. Gold jewellery, carpets, silver bibelots, leather,
ceramics, copper and brass objects, embroideries, handwoven textiles, meerschaum
pipes —in other words a treasure trove.


The Spice or Egyptian Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı)
A smaller bazaar selling spices, dried fruits, towels, slippers, baskets and some jewellery.
Outside, a wonderful flower and bird market to the left and on the right a busy vegetable
and fish market. Lots of local color. For a treat, have a delicious lunch upstairs at
Pandeli's, a classic Istanbul restaurant with a view of the Galata Bridge.

Istiklal Caddesi

The Grande Rue de Pera is the heart of the 19th century European city, a long stretch
flanked by wonderful buildings. Now a pedestrian mall, the boulevard and the narrow
streets on either side offer cinemas, theatres, bookstores, art galleries, cultural centers,
cafes, restaurants, bars, churches, antique and curio shops, clothing and jewelry shops as
well as Balık Pazar (Fish Market), an indoor-outdoor markets stocked with fruits,
vegetables, cheeses, caviar, fish and bread.   

Other important sights

Dolmabahçe Palace
The rococo 19th century residence of the Ottoman sultans where Atatürk died in 1938.
Beautifully situated, with a 600 meter frontage on the Bosphorus, an impressive ballroom
and ornate Victorian furniture embodying Turkish assimilation of European culture.  
Guided tours only with a rather boring monologue. However, the outdoor café  on the
Bosphorus is a fine place to sit and sip a cup of tea while  watching  the boats.

Rüstem Paşa Mosque

A small jewel box of a mosque located to the right of the Spice Bazaar
built by Sinan in 1561. The spacious and beautiful courtyard is unique in the city and the
interior, coverd with Iznik tiles, are exquisite.

Süleymaniye Mosque
Sinan’s masterpiece, dating from 1550. The massive scale of this mosque is best
appreciated from a distance. Up close, the mosque is formal and impressive, showcasing
the monumental design of the mosque.  The  view from the gardens to the rear of the
building is absolutely sensational.

Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayı)
The vast columned cavern was the water source for both the Grand Palace of the
Byzantines and for the Ottoman Topkapı Palace.

The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art
A delightful museum on the ancient Hippodrome, housed in  Ibrahim Paşa Sarayı, the
home of Süleyman the Magnificent’s Grand Vizier. Beautifully displayed Islamic objects
and antique carpets.

Eyüp Mosque
To the Islamic world the most sacred mosque in Istanbul. The Ottoman sultans held
their coronation ceremonies here. The faithful still flock here to pray to the relics of Eyüp,
a companion of the Prophet.  Be sure not to visit on Fridays, when the mosque is packed
with worshippers. Up the hill through the graveyard is the atmospheric Pierre Loti Cafe,
offering warming drinks and an arresting view of the Golden Horn.

The Princes’ Islands, Sea of Marmara
A group of nine islands, four of them—Kınalıada, Burgazada, Heybeli, Büyükada—
inhabited. A favorite summer place since Byzantine times, the islands are a haven of
quiet. With their beautiful villas and pine groves, the islands offer lovely walks. No private
cars are allowed, so transportation is either by foot,  horse-drawn carriage or bicycle.
Ferryboats leave from Sirkeci,  and sea buses operate from Kabataş in the summer
months. A delightful excursion.

Ortaköy
This seaside village boasts a lovely Ottoman Baroque mosque on a point  jutting into the
Bosphorus surrounding by a large plaza. The narrow streets are filled with restaurants,
cafes, bars and curio shops. On weekend mornings, an open air arts & crafts market is a
popular outing.