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Istanbul Byzantian and ottoman Relics

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Istanbul – Istanbul – How you can Visit old city Istanbul, Istanbul has a large that serves major destinations all around the world.

How you can Visit Istanbul,

Istanbul has a large airport that serves major destinations all around the world. From the Istanbul Airport to the city center or vice-versa is easy by 50-minute airport transit bus, which runs every ± 40 minutes. It's important to know that you can show the name of your destination. The people at the airport can tell you which bus you should take. Alternatively you can arrange airport transfer to your Hotel. This option is easiest and safest one

How to Get around istanbul

Biggest city of Turkey Istanbul offers many ways of getting around by public transport. The metro, bus, and tram run throughout the entire city. Ferries are also a quick and fun way to get from one side to the other. All transportations are convenient and affordable.

Hiring a van in Turkey is another good option. We recommend hire a wan at a local car company through https://www.vanbydriver.com  When booking through them, all vans has driver and they are good conditions

10 best things to do in Istanbul Turkey

Istanbul, a lovely city of cultural events, tasty food, incredible architecture, and some of the most welcoming and friendly people. Istanbul, with its 18 million people, is the biggest city in Europe and the bridge between two continents: Europe and Asia, as the city is stuated on both continents. The city in Turkey is often seen as cosmopolitan city, where everyone can be who they want to be. Plan to spend 2 or 3 days for things to do in Istanbul.

Things you can do in istanbul ( for 2-3 days)

Most of Istanbul's tourist attractions are in old city on the European side. It is easy to get from point A to point B by using public transport, and the best part; Istanbul is very affordable! But before you start your trip, make sure how to get Visa for Turkey.

Day 1 Highlights of Old city Istanbul

Blue mosque Istanbul

The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is Istanbul's most famous mosque. The blue tiles of the mosque is what brought its nickname: Blue Mosque. Start your morning at 08:30 AM to avoid the tour groups and prayer times. Covers are available for free, and there is no entrance fee.

Hagia Sophia ( St Sophia)

From the Blue Mosque, you will see the next stop; Hagia Sophia. This UNESCO museum belongs to the world's greatest archaeological achievements. Famous for its grandness and incredible interior.

Hagia Sophia is open from 9 AM to 17 PM and is closed on Mondays. Tickets cost (4.5 USD). Don't buy any skip-the-line tickets on the street. Order your tickets online as the Hagia Sophia is the most popular to do in Istanbul.

galata port, tourist guide, visiting istanbul old city, istanbul airport

Topkapi palace

Topkapi Palace istanbul

Topkapi, an enormous former palace (now a museum) for sultans and their families. It hosts four large courtyards with gardens, smaller buildings, a view over the river, and a stunning harem (where the female family members lived).

The beautifully decorated Topkapi Palace Harem has 300 rooms, 9 Turkish Baths, 2 Mosques, and even a hospital. The harem is located in the second courtyard on the left side. For visiting topkapi palace you can join old city guided tour istanbul

The entrance fee to Topkapi Palace is (4.5 USD), and a separate ticket to visit the harem (2.4 USD).

Underground Cistern street

Good palces for lunch! It's a 4-min walk from Topkapi to Yerebatan Street, with houses painted in the most vibrant colors. Different from Balat, this street is busy and filled with hotels and restaurants.

Grand Bazaar Istanbul

Visiting the Grand Bazaar must be on your list of things to do in Istanbul. The Grand Bazaar is a large indoor shopping area with lots of traditional products like lanterns, rugs, jewelry, and so much more. It is fun to get lost here but be sure to follow the signs.

Also you may join a tour with a knowledgable local who will take you to all the best stalls in the Grand Bazaar. Find out the tour availability here.

If you Are you planning to stay for longer than two days? Add Dolmabahce Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Beylerbeyi Palace, and Prince Islands to your things to do in Istanbul.

Day 2 Not much discowered part istanbul

Galata tower Beyoglu

A lovely morning in Istanbul! Head out to the Galata Tower which is located in beyoglu, a stone tower built on a hill overlooking the entire istanbul. The tower opens at 9 AM, and tickets cost 2-3 usd to visit the top. Trendy cafes surround the Galata Tower, so you can easily get a tasty breakfast and coffee there.

Balat- Unique things to do istanbul

Balat is one of the oldest region and the best hidden gems of Istanbul. Colorful, quiet streets with old beautiful wooden houses. This area is seeing a huge change as renovated buildings with lovely cafes and tasty restaurants are opening their doors — Balat is one of favorite things to do in Istanbul.This Balat area is still so quiet, especially in the morning. So from the Galata Tower, walk down the hill towards the ferry point Haliç port to catch the boat to Fener, which is only one stop cruise.

Suleymniye Mosque

Take a 10-min public bus ride from Fener next stop: The Süleymaniye Mosque. This is largest mosque of Istanbul is built on top of one city's seven hills and can be seen from anywhere of the city. Its beautiful architecture remains somewhat unnoticed as the majority of the visitors only visit the Blue Mosque.

Egyptian Bazaar

Short 10-minute walk to the river through the streets of Istanbul brings you to the Egyptian Spice Bazaar. A big bazaar of shops selling spices, nuts, oils, sweets, jewelry, and dried fruits. During religious and public holidays, the bazaar is closed.
Keep in Mind: On your way to the Spice Bazaar, visit the Rustem Pasha Mosque. It has a great stories about it.

Rooftop in Istanbul

Climb up the rooftop of Kubbe Istanbul before the sun set. This well-decorated rooftop of istanbul. Formally Kubbe was the top thing to do in Istanbul to watch the sunset, but it recently changed into a photography location with an admission fee of 100 TL. (~ 7 USD) You can also enjoy a great free view from the rooftop next to the location. Or join a arranged walking tour.