Best Things to Do in Istanbul
Touring Istanbul's ornate houses of worship and palaces could keep history buffs and culture hounds busy for weeks. Most attractions are clustered in the Sultanahmet area, though areas like Beyoglu and Taksim are no less exciting. The Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia are essential, but simply exploring the street traffic and observing daily life here are equally fascinating. Food is a central part of the culture, so menus should be studied just as seriously as a map (which is also a must). You should certainly pick up some souvenirs at the many bazaars around town. And if you have time, stop by a Turkish hamam (bath) for a soak and a massage -- recent travelers recommend the Süleymaniye Hamam.
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Why go: Tourists flock en masse to the Hagia Sophia for its stunning architecture, glorious interior views ... read more»
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Why go: Sultan Ahmed was determined to build a mosque that rivaled the nearby Hagia Sophia and ... read more»
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Why go: The Istanbul Archaeology Museum is a massive and fascinating place, home to more than one ... read more»
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Why go: The Topkapi Palace served as home of the Ottoman Sultans from 1465 to 1856 and ... read more»
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Why go: Located a little more than a mile west of Sultanahmet, the Grand Bazaar is one ... read more»
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Why go: Taksim is a vibrant, modern neighborhood located in the European part of Istanbul. Scores of ... read more»
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Why go: While the Taksim area draws the vast majority of partygoers, the small neighborhood of Ortakoy ... read more»
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Why go: The Süleymaniye Hamam is a historic Turkish bath located near the Suleymaniye mosque. It caters ... read more»
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Why go: A private museum aimed at collecting and exhibiting artwork of contemporary significance, the Istanbul Modern ... read more»
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Why go: Originally built as a Byzantine church, later converted to a mosque and now serving as ... read more»
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Why go: Sitting along the Bosphorus near the Kabatas tram stop, the Dolmabahçe Palace's jaw-dropping beauty ... read more»
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Why go: For perhaps the best view of Istanbul from the Beyoglu side, head up the Galata ... read more»
