An Insider's Guide: Things to Do in Istanbul
Asian gateway to Europe, the city of Istanbul connects Turkey as well as the rest of the Asian nations to southern Europe. One of the world's most popular tourist destinations, Istanbul shares a rich history, culture, and architecture along with landmarks and attractions that date thousands of years. Some of the most famous attractions in Istanbul are Hagia Sophia, a former Byzantine Church, Ottoman Mosque, now a museum, and other historical sites like Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazar, and the Basilica Cistern, etc.
City of amaze, hardly any city may stand along with the beauty of Istanbul. During your tours to Turkey, experience Istanbul's top-notch position in history. The city is beautifully massive and a chaotic metropolis that runs faster than time. The bustling streets are full of different shops, cafes, and food stalls hypnotizing the passer and making them cunning to try their delicacies or get a quick shop. Mastered in their culinary skills, the street-side Turkish food stall is a must-try, for their tasty shawarmas, kebabs, meze, baklava, and other Turkish delicacies.
If you think Istanbul has only these to offer then you’re wrong. There are multiple activities that this city offers to its visitors, like cruising, Turkish baths, live music, and dance performances. Some of the most famous things to do in Istanbul during your Turkey tour are as follows-
Endure the architecture of Hagia Sophia
The most amazing, and beautifully built Byzantine architecture, Hagia Sophia was a cathedral church built in the 6th century and turned into a mosque today it is the home of the history of Turkey- it's a museum today. The intricate mosaic and frescoes on this majestic mosque are something amazing and unbelievable. It is one of the most admirable gifts of ancient architecture that won’t be repeated in history again but can be preserved for a long time. You can take a guided tour and explore the mosque from inside circled by a massive collection of mosaics, marble pillars, and coverings. There are several parts where tourists can show their interest other than its architecture like Lustration Urns, supernatural wishing column, the Marble Door, and the loge of the empress.
Take an unbelievable site view in Blue Mosque
Also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, just opposite Hagia Sophia, it is decorated with thousands of detailed designs. Famous for its blue interiors, it is Istanbul's most photogenic building, in addition to its shocking and magnificent architecture. It is called Blue Mosque because it has more than twenty thousand blue Iznik tiles dressing up the interiors and representing mass remarkable design. Its sides are covered with 200 stained glass windows for natural lights to enter the hall and the corridors of the building and also display different patterns and works. The best part of this building is its domes and 6 towering minarets.
Cruise on the Bosphorus Strait
A natural division between Europe and Asia, Bosphorus Strait is the waterway that has Asia on one side and Europe on another side, making it ideal for cruising for some amazing scenes of Istanbul’s landmarks. You can go for a dining option on the cruise observing the beauty of Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and others in the middle of the water enjoying your food. You’ll get a pass through the two suspension bridges connecting two continents across the Strait. This activity should be pre-added to your Turkey tour packages.
Get a delightful experience at Ground Bazar
Get a lightning experience in Vialand
Istanbul’s most popular Theme Park, and the first mega theme park in Turkey, Vialand offers exciting rides and shopping stores. It is spread over 600 square meters and has stationed the world's fourth-largest roller coaster. The Vialand amusement park provides over 50 attractions like Viking, the Justice Tower, and Crazy River for adventure lovers.
Get your child a Legoland tour
Ever been a collector of Lego toys, or else bought for your children? Take children for an entertaining tour to LegoLand, Istanbul in Forum İstanbul Mall in Bayrampasa. The Legoland Discovery Centre is a fun and playful park for children. It includes activities like rides, a play zone, workshops, LEGO 4D theater, etc.
Take your Tongue and Stomach on a Food tour
Let your tongue and stomach decide how Istanbul is. Taste an authentic, Turkish delight from multiple street food stalls and restaurants. Turkish being in the prime location, its food is influenced by many European as well as Asian delicacies. Some of the top-rated foods are Simit, Sis Kebab, Turkish coffee, Lahmacun, Pide, Icli Kofte, Kuzu tandir, Durum, Borek, Doner, baklava, and world-famous Turkish delight.
Get a sneak peek at Byzantine art
The most colorful, detailed Byzantine craftsmanship can be observed in Istanbul. Some of the most famous Byzantine architecture are Hagia Irene, The Wall of Constantinople, the Great Palace of Constantinople, etc. Visit Basilica Cistern featuring hundreds of ionic and Corinthian columns, the cistern is the remains of the Byzantine water system.
Be a part of the most spectacular Dance performance from the Sufi era
Enjoy the stunning performance of traditional Turkish dance forms and music influenced by the Sufism movement and also enjoy the world-famous dance form called Belly dance at Hodjapasha Cultural Centre. Hodjapasha cultural center also houses the traditional Turkish bath. Most of the Turkey holiday packages provide an option for a separate guided tour to Hodjapasha.
This is not it, you can even explore several other tours if you are keen on exploring different travel destinations. You can explore the Dubai tour, India tour, and various other tours. For it you only have to get a journey visa and that’s it you are ready to hit the road.
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