![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_7629.jpg?resize=640%2C853&ssl=1)
For Western travelers, Istanbul is the quintessential ‘exotic’ destination. It sits on the border of Europe and Asia, this sprawling metropolis of 15 million people. As you’d expect, the city blends cultures from across the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern world. You might think of it as a Middle Eastern New York City.
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/BNNX6569.jpg?resize=640%2C800&ssl=1)
Some sections of Istanbul feel very European, while others feel intensely oriental. The city is a baffling, labyrinthine, chaotic anarchy. While a visit can be a bit overwhelming, few destinations are more rewarding. If you want to get more than a cursory grasp on Istanbul, try to stay a week. There is so much to say on Istanbul, one of the world’s great cities, but here is the tip of the iceburg on what to see, and some logistical notes to better enjoy your visit.
History
Istanbul wasn’t always Istanbul. Dating back some 2,500 years, the city first went by the name Byzantium; it was an important Greek city for a time. As the Roman Empire was in the midst of decline, Emperor Constantine (the very same to adopt Christianity) chose this city as the empire’s capital-as a New Rome. Constantinople, as it became, was the capital of the Eastern Romane Empire for a thousand years.
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_7229.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
All empires end, however, and the Ottoman Turks conquered the city in 1453, a dramatic end to the long-declining Byzantine Empire. Today, Istanbul is a mix of all of these cultures, and the financial and cultural capital for the Republic of Turkey. The Greek influence is still tangible in the name: ‘Istanbul’ is a Turkish translation of ‘To the City’. At its height, there would have been no doubts that the city being referred to was Constantinople.
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_7256.jpg?resize=640%2C853&ssl=1)
For its entire history, Istanbul was at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. It saw Greeks, Romans, Catholic Latins, and Turks pass through over the centuries. Much of this history is on full display today, and perhaps only Rome and Athens are suitable rivals in this regard. This is definitely a destination you’ll want to read up on before visiting.
Crowds
Istanbul is home to some 15 million inhabitants. Add to these some thousands of tourists (including several cruises in port) every day and you can understand how crowded the city can get. Lines to major attractions can stretch a long way, and you can face an hour or longer wait to enter into the Hagia Sofia, Basilica Cistern, or the Archaeological Museums.
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_7262.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to avoid these crowds and get in plenty of sightseeing during your visit. Maybe the best piece of advice I can give is to get up early and stay up late. Hagia Sofia is an excellent example; the difference between arriving in line at 8am and 9am can be significant-an hour wait or more. If you get up at sunrise, after prayer time, there will probably be no wait at all.
Another essential recommendation to getting the most out of your visit is to purchase one of the Museum Passes on offer. You can read more about the various options here, but the most relevant option to this article is the 5 Day Istanbul Museum Pass. This pass gives you skip the line access to the Istanbul Archaeological Museums, Topkapi Palace (along with audio guide), Galata Tower Museum, Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, and more. You can buy the pass from special kiosks at major attractions, or from the kiosk at Sultanahmet Park adjacent to the Hagia Sofia.
Getting In
Since Istanbul is at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, it is naturally quite easy to reach. It is one of the world’s great air hubs, with connections to just about anywhere in the world. Two airports serve Istanbul: the new for 2019 Istanbul Airport (IST), and Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW).
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_8653.jpg?resize=640%2C853&ssl=1)
Both airports serve millions of visitors annually; Istanbul Airport is the hub of Turkish Airlines and receives most mainline carriers while Sabiha Gokcen Airport focuses on budget carriers, like the Turkish budget operator Pegasus. Istanbul Airport is one of the world’s finest, with a sleek, modern, huge interior. This is the flagship airport for all of Turkey, with all the bells and whistles you’d expect. However, there is no metro/rail link currently (though one is under construction).
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_8665.jpg?resize=640%2C853&ssl=1)
Instead, you’ll need to take a taxi, hire a private transfer, or use Havas or IETT buses to the city center. Taxi/transfer takes some 45 minutes, while the bus services take 90 minutes before traffic. SAW Airport is served by a metro connection, as well as the aforementioned services.
Istanbul is also served well by train. There are several stations, though some are closed for ongoing modernization. Halkali Station on the European side serves Sofia in Bulgaria and Bucharest in Romania, and from these the rest of Europe. Stations on the Asian side change from time to time for modernization, but from whichever is currently operating, there are high-speed trains to Ankara, the capital.
Finally, Turkey has a modern and extensive bus system. Otogar main station is like a mini city within Istanbul. The terminal has many offices for the dozens of companies that connect various cities across Turkey. Bus travel in Turkey is comfortable, with wi-fi, comfortable seats, and free snacks on offer. The station has a metro stop.
Getting Around
Istanbul is largely walkable, but absolutely sprawls. Your best bet is to focus on a single neighborhood at a time and explore on foot within its confines.
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_7522.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
To get across the city, or even just down the street, Istanbul has an extensive and useful public transportation station that’ll take you anywhere you need to go (except Istanbul Airport currently). The system operates a metro, tram lines, ferry lines, and buses.
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_8479.jpg?resize=640%2C853&ssl=1)
The easiest way to pay on any of these is with an IstanbulKart Pass. This is a reloadable plastic card that offers lower fares and easy tap on, tap off access on any transport method across the city. Buy at large stations/stops, ticket booths, or some shops. Kiosks work best with cash, and cash is the only way to reload fare. I recommend purchasing and reloading your card anywhere except Sultanahmet Square tram stop, where tons of hustlers stand around looking to ‘help’ you for a cost.
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_8478.jpg?resize=640%2C853&ssl=1)
The tram goes right through the Old Town and New Town, connecting most of what you’re in Istanbul to see; you may have to walk 5-10 minutes from any given stop to an attraction. The one downside is that trams get insanely busy at rush hours or if it rains.
Istanbul’s metro isn’t super central, but lines to go to useful stops like train and bus stations further out from the center. In addition to the metro lines, you can also use the Marmaray Rail, which crosses underneath the Bosphorus Strait, to get between Europe and Asia (literally).
There is also an extensive network of ferries that cross the Strait. Not only is this an easy way to tour the Asian side, but it also makes a cheap and easy DIY cruise across the Bosphorus. The main docks are under Galata Bridge.
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_8542.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_7796.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_7789.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
Just the Tip of the Iceberg
This article covers only a tiny portion of the innumerable things to see and do in Istanbul. I could (and someday may) write an article listing 100 things to do and still fall short. Expect to see more articles on things to do, places to eat, and logistics/survival tips in the future. For now, just remember that Istanbul is like NYC, London, or Paris: sprawling, busy, and packed full of interesting attractions.
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_7785.jpg?resize=640%2C853&ssl=1)
Hagia Sophia
Istanbul’s most important tourist attraction is the unparalleled Hagia Sophia. The otherworldly structure is the culmination of classical architecture, constructed in the 500s by the Emperor Justinian. For his part, Justinian reportedly exclaimed “Solomon, I have outdone thee” upon entering beneath the dome. It was the world’s largest enclosed space for 1,000 years.
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_8434.jpg?resize=640%2C853&ssl=1)
You’d scarcely believe Hagia Sophia is 1,500 years old. Its graceful structure stands proudly, and beckons onlookers inside. The grand interior must be seen to be believed; the dome looks just as impressive from within. Though it became a mosque, and many of its famous mosaics were plastered over, some remain plainly visible. There is so much to say about the interior that I could write an entire article about it, but I’ll leave it there for now. Scarcely any building in the world contains so much history as the Hagia Sophia.
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_7641.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
Hagia Sophia began as a church, but was converted to a mosque following the conquest of Constantinople by the Turks. After the collapse of Ottoman Turkey and the rise of secular, Republican Turkey, it became a museum, though it was controversially turned back into a mosque in 2020.
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_7665.jpg?resize=640%2C853&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/ADIF7112.jpg?resize=640%2C800&ssl=1)
The Hagia Sophia is free to enter. Lines to get through security can be very long, and stretch for a kilometer or more. The best way to avoid this is to visit late at night or early in the morning. It usually opens around sunrise. Since it is a mosque once again, you won’t be able to enter during prayer times. These don’t take too long, so don’t despair if you arrive then.
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_7659.jpg?resize=640%2C853&ssl=1)
Topkapi Palace
This sprawling palace behind high walls was the center of the Ottoman Empire for 400 years. Topkapi is arranged into four courtyards, each filled with tiled pavilions, lavish rooms, and immaculate gardens. Each courtyard is hidden behind high, imposing walls. You’ll enter through the gate into the first courtyard through a large gate from a plaza adjacent to the Hagia Sophia. There is a security check within the gate.
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_7320.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
The first courtyard is open to everyone for free. This large, open garden is home to Hagia Irene, which dates to the 6th century but was never converted into a mosque. Pop in for a visit if you wish, then continue to the main, turreted gates. Just outside of these gates are the ticket booths, audio guide booths, and a shop/café.
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_7352.jpg?resize=640%2C853&ssl=1)
Inside the second, third, and fourth courtyards, you’ll find tiled pavilions, palaces, 16th century kitchens, and even more gardens. Allow plenty of time to view the collections housed in the Armory and the Treasury. The terrace overlooking the Bosphorus at the back of courtyard four affords one of the finest views in all of Istanbul.
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_7367-scaled.jpg?resize=640%2C853&ssl=1)
Of all the attractions within the palace, the Harem is the most important. This warren of narrow halls and rooms was home to the sultan’s wives and favorite concubines. There is an additional cost if you don’t have a museum pass, but the price is absolutely worth it.
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_7453.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
Topkapi Palace is open from 9am to 7pm, to 5pm in winter. Lines are long from midmorning to midafternoon, so go right at open to avoid waiting. Entry includes an audio guide, which is very useful to understand the palace’s history. Tickets cost 500 lira, plus an additional 150 lira for the Harem, but this is covered if you purchased a Museum Pass.
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_7496-scaled.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
Blue Mosque
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_7553.jpg?resize=640%2C853&ssl=1)
With six minarets to challenge the Great Mosque in Mecca and a huge dome to rival Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque is one of the grandest in the Muslim world. It was built in the 17th century and has been delightfully preserved since then. The interior dome and walls of the Blue Mosque are decorated with thousands of Iznik tiles painted in a dazzling blue. These tile patterns create an almost psychedelic effect; remember that mosques do not usually have painted figures but are instead decorated with geometric designs.
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_7243.jpg?resize=640%2C853&ssl=1)
Blue Mosque stands facing Hagia Sophia; very few places in the world are so dramatic as the manicured Sultanahmet Park dividing these holy, architectural heavyweights. Tourists, religious locals, vendors, a few scammers, and children kicking around a soccer ball all mingle in this space to marvelous effect.
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_7247.jpg?resize=640%2C853&ssl=1)
The Blue Mosque, like all mosques in Istanbul, is free to enter. Visitors must remove their shoes and women must cover their heads; treat the mosque as you would a church and be respectful. Tourists aren’t allowed inside during prayer times, which occur five times a day. Should you arrive during one of these times, just wander around the enclosed garden just outside the front door. It is very peaceful despite the crowds.
Bosphorus Cruise
A day-long jaunt up the Bosphorus Strait is one of the best ways to get to know Istanbul. Public ferries run a route up to a small village on the Asian side and back. This route runs at 10:35am, as well as an additional departure at 1:35pm during the summer. The ferry departs from the piers of the Eminonu District beneath Galata Bridge.
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_7791.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_8528.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
Private cruises are also available for a higher price. If you don’t have time for a cruise, at least take a public ferry across the Strait to the Asian side. Can you really say you’ve visited Istanbul if you don’t visit an entire half of the city? Besides, the journey takes maybe 20 minutes, so it won’t take up too much time out of your day.
Grand Bazaar
Instanbul’s Grand Bazaar is almost as famous as the Hagia Sophia. The legendary space dates back centuries, and now houses some 4,000 shops. Even if you’re not in the mood for shopping, you should absolutely step into the vast, covered space to admire its arched ceilings and soak in the energy of shoppers and vendors alike.
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_7695.jpg?resize=640%2C853&ssl=1)
Despite its long history, the Grand Bazaar has mostly been given over to the tourist trade. However, there are still some corners dedicated to locals. And even with all the tourists, the space is still very energetic.
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_7777.jpg?resize=640%2C853&ssl=1)
You’ll have to contend with crowds, pickpockets, and lots of aggressive merchants. Don’t let this put you off, though. Just go in with a smile and a firm constitution and you can have a good time. If you stop for everyone who approaches you, you’re going to get taken for a ride. Haggle before buying anything, but don’t be afraid to walk away if the price is still too high.
Arrive at open or later in the evening to avoid some of the worst of the crowds. The bazaar is open from 9am to 7pm but is closed on Sunday.
Little Hagia Sophia
As the name implies, the Little Hagia Sophia is like a miniature version of the original. It was built as a sort of proof-of-concept for its larger sibling, dome and all, in the 6th century. Also like the big Hagia Sophia, it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest.
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_7598.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
The Little Hagia Sophia is located deep in the Sultanahmet District, about a 5 minute walk downhill from the Blue Mosque. There are much fewer tourists here, and you might end up sharing the space only with worshippers. Tourists are still welcome, of course, though usual mosque etiquette applies. Besides its age, Little Hagia Sophia is famous for its beautiful interior decorations, especially the marblework and dome.
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_7603.jpg?resize=640%2C853&ssl=1)
Like all mosques in Istanbul, Little Hagia Sophia is free to visit. Time your visit for the middle of the day, when other attractions in Istanbul might be crowded. If you visit during prayer time when the mosque is closed to tourists, just wait in the pleasant, quiet courtyard within the walls of the complex.
Galata Tower
Not all of Istanbul’s greatest attractions are in Sultanahmet. Galata Tower is located in the New Town, across from the Old Town by the Golden Horn. It is the most prominent feature of the New District. Throughout its history, it operated as a watchtower, prison, and gallery.
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_7811.jpg?resize=640%2C853&ssl=1)
Galata Tower was built by the Genoese in the 14th century. At the time, the Byzantine Empire gave Genoa trade rights over the docks district. Genoese used the tower as a defense until the fall of the city.
To climb the tower today, visitors ride an elevator about 2/3 of the way up, then take stairs the rest of the way. There are impressive views of Istanbul at the top, and a correspondingly long line at the bottom. Entry is 30 lira. Galata Tower is open from 10am to 9:30pm, with longer hours in the summer.
Suleyman Mosque
Suleyman Mosque was built in the 16th century for Suleyman the Magnificent, the greatest sultan of the Ottoman Empire. The mosque is suitably grand, and widely considered to be one of the most beautiful in all the former empire.
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_7754.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
The large, walled complex contains an outer courtyard with manicured gardens, a cemetery, and a mausoleum of the sultans. A terrace in the back looks out to the Golden Horn.
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_7731.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
An inner courtyard, just outside the entrance to the mosque, is ringed by arched porticoes. The perfect proportions are matched by the harmonious interior.
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_7742.jpg?w=640&ssl=1)
Entry to the mosque is free. Opening hours are 9 to 5 or 6, depending on the season.
Basilica Cistern
This massive underground cistern, or water collection tank, was built during the rule of Justinian in the 6th century. Since it is located just across the street from Sultanahmet Park and the Hagia Sophia, another 6th century structure built by Justinian, Basilica Cistern makes a good follow up to a visit to the former.
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_8441.jpg?resize=640%2C853&ssl=1)
After descending the steps down to the water level, a path winds its way between the 336 columns holding up the ceiling. The reflective water is like a mirror, illuminated with different colored lights which create an ethereal space that seems to reflect eternity.
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_8462.jpg?resize=640%2C853&ssl=1)
Basilica Cistern is one of Istanbul’s most popular attractions, and lines can get very long. The line doesn’t stay long all day though, so visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon. If you don’t see a long line, consider yourself lucky and just join the queue. Alternatively, you can book tickets online here. Entry is 300 lira. Opening hours are 9am to 7pm every day.
Istanbul Archaeological Museums
By now, I think I’ve satisfactorily discussed the long and important history of Istanbul. Turkey in general has many great archaeological museums, but the Istanbul Archaeological Museum might be the best of them all. The remarkable collection is spread across two floors of the main building. There are two other buildings within the complex too, all connected by a courtyard.
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_7954.jpg?resize=640%2C853&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_7944.jpg?resize=640%2C853&ssl=1)
The main collection, in a beautiful old building, houses one of the world’s best collection of sarcophagi. Beyond this, there are halls full of Greek and Roman statuary, stelae, and architectural elements.
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_7971.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1)
Across from the main collection is a 15th century tiled pavilion. This building showcases medieval tilework and ceramics from the Seljuk, Ottoman, and other Turkish empires. Not only does it have a great collection, but the building itself is a historical gem too. After all, what better place to view history than within history?
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_8144.jpg?resize=640%2C853&ssl=1)
Finally, there is a collection on the Ancient Orient, with artifacts from before 500BC or so. I didn’t visit this branch, because I knew I was going to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara, which had a similar collection. However, it may be worth it to you if you have time.
Entry to the museum is included with a Museum Pass. Otherwise, it costs 100 lira to visit. Opening hours are 9 to 7 every day. Expect to spend 2-3 hours at least touring the museum.
Final Thoughts on Istanbul
Istanbul is one of the world’s great cities. Its 2500-year history puts it right up there with Rome, Athens, and Cairo in terms of importance. There are very few places where you can see so many layers of the past on full view. I recommend anyone who can visit to do so.
![](https://i0.wp.com/eclectictravelguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG_7948.jpg?resize=640%2C853&ssl=1)
If you have a week, you can see all the highlights and get a bit off the beaten track. However, if you’re visiting on a cruise or a bus tour, you’d better prioritize. You can probably see all 10 attractions listed in the article within 48 hours if you use a museum pass to skip the line, get up early, and stay up late. I certainly hope you can give yourself more time to linger.