Istanbul is unique. It’s the only global metropolis that stretches across two continents: Europe and Asia. Here, worlds don’t collide—they blend together. We walk across bridges between cultures and centuries of history. Istanbul exudes energy, contrast, and character. Time to discover the highlights of Istanbul. And there are plenty.
First, a brief history of Istanbul. This city has an incredible past. Initially, it was called Byzantium, an ancient Greek city. Subsequently, Emperor Constantine made it the capital of the Roman Empire in 330 AD. From that moment, it was named Constantinople. For many years, it was the beating heart of the Byzantine Empire, a place of unprecedented wealth and power. Think of beautiful mosaics and gigantic churches. Istanbul was the centre of culture and trade.
Eventually, in 1453, the Ottomans conquered the city. Constantinople became Istanbul and remained the capital of a powerful empire that ruled for centuries. Mosques rose alongside churches, palaces filled the cityscape. We see this rich history on every street corner. A food cart next to a Roman column. An imam calling to prayer beside a neon-lit shopping street. Old and new go hand in hand. And that makes every moment in the city unique. And produces a countless list of highlights in Istanbul.
Without doubt, there’s much to see and do in Istanbul. In particular, culture lovers or those interested in history can indulge themselves here.. But culinary enthusiasts will also find their fill in this metropolis. Below we describe the highlights of Istanbul that you shouldn’t miss. We’ll start in the historic heart of Istanbul: the Sultanahmet district. You could easily spend two full days here. And even then, you’ll run out of eyes and time. These are the highlights of Istanbul in Sultanahmet.
Dive with us into the grandeur of Topkapi Palace, the beating heart of the Ottoman Empire. Upon entering through the massive gates, we step into a world of wealth and history. This palace wasn’t just a residence; it was the epicentre of power for centuries. Here, the sultans lived and ruled their empire.
Don’t forget to explore the various pavilions. Each pavilion tells a unique story. Admire the breathtaking views over the Bosphorus from the palace gardens. The dazzling collection of jewels in the treasury shows how rich the Ottoman Empire was. Topkapi Palace is an essential stop for anyone wanting to experience the soul of Istanbul.
We enter the breathtaking Hagia Sophia with awe and respect. As soon as we see this immense space, we feel humbled by the atmosphere, scale, and the rich history of this sacred place. Originally built as a cathedral, then transformed into a mosque and later a museum, the building now serves as a mosque again. In this way, the Hagia Sophia tells the story of centuries of cultural fusion.
We look up at the gigantic dome. We see many mosaics and beautiful calligraphy. And also the dedication that went into this building. We see traces of Christianity and Islam. They exist side by side in perfect harmony. The light falls beautifully inside. Together with the special lighting in the mosque, it makes the space magical.
| Before entering the mosque, visit the Hagia Sophia History and Experience Museum. Through a stunning digital visual presentation, you’ll get lots of background information about the construction and history of the Hagia Sophia. That makes your visit to the mosque even more enjoyable. |
We stand before the Blue Mosque and look up. What an imposing sight! The six slender minarets reach elegantly towards the sky. Outside, the mosque is grey, but inside the famous blue tiles shimmer. That’s how the mosque got its nickname. Because officially, this is the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. Sultan Ahmed I had this building constructed between 1609 and 1616. He wanted a mosque that was more beautiful than the Hagia Sophia. This edifice is a feast for the eyes. We feel the history around us as we admire the beautiful domes and the detailed architecture.
We take off our shoes and go inside. There, we are overwhelmed by the enormous space. More than 20,000 hand-painted Iznik tiles decorate the interior. They are predominantly blue, but also green and brown. The light falls beautifully through the colourful windows. This creates a serene and almost mystical atmosphere. We walk around quietly, absorb the splendour, and feel the calmness of this sacred place. The space invites contemplation, even if you’re not a believer.
Not far from the Blue Mosque, we find a special place: the Sultan Ahmet Tomb. This is the final resting place of Sultan Ahmed I, the builder of the Blue Mosque. His family members are also buried here. Inside, we see beautiful tiles and woodwork. The atmosphere is reverent and quiet. It’s impressive to think about who lies here. Small coffins for the children, large ones for the adults.
We step into the Archaeological Museum of Istanbul and immediately dive into a world full of history. This isn’t one museum, but actually a complex of three museums. We walk around and are immediately impressed by the enormous collection. Everywhere around us, we see beautiful artefacts from different eras. Our eyes wander over the many sarcophagi. They are extraordinarily detailed and each tells a story about ancient civilisations. Especially the famous Sarcophagus of Alexander the Great is impressive. It almost feels like we’re walking through history.
We leave Sultanahmet. Because Istanbul also has impressive attractions in other districts. We discover two beautiful palaces, two special towers, the distinctive bazaars, and an unknown but attractive urban area.
We prepare for a visit to Dolmabahçe Palace. This palace, built in the 19th century, shows the transition of the empire to a more Western style. Sultan Abdülmecid I commissioned it because he felt Topkapi was no longer modern enough. We walk through the grandiose halls and are overwhelmed by the luxury. Everywhere we see crystal chandeliers, gilding, and rich carpets. It’s a world of pure opulence. We aren’t allowed to capture it; photography is forbidden.
The impressive ceremonial hall with its enormous chandelier is a highlight. We also visit the private chambers of the sultans and the harem quarters. We learn that Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, spent his last days here. His room has been left exactly as it was. The clock stands still at the time of his death.
We cross the Bosphorus to the Asian side and find the beautiful Beylerbeyi Palace there. This was the summer palace of the sultans, established in the same period as Dolmabahçe. Sultan Abdülaziz had it built as a place to relax and receive important guests. As soon as we step inside, we feel the lighter, more open atmosphere than in the city palaces. It’s an oasis of tranquillity!
We wander through the elegant halls and admire the tasteful décor. Everywhere we see furniture, carpets, and decorations that show the luxury of that time. The palace has a beautiful location by the water, with views of the Bosphorus. We can easily imagine how the sultans enjoyed the fresh sea breeze here. The gardens are also worth visiting, with pavilions and ponds.
We stay a bit longer in the Asian part of Istanbul. There we discover the district of Kuzguncuk. What a breath of fresh air! As soon as we step into the cosy streets, we immediately feel a relaxed atmosphere. This is a place where time seems to have stood still. We stroll leisurely and enjoy the authentic Turkish atmosphere, far away from the tourist hustle. All around us, we see beautiful wooden houses in cheerful colours. They give the district a unique and picturesque character.
As we walk through the winding alleys, we discover lovely coffee houses. The smell of freshly brewed coffee invites us to pause for a moment. We also find beautiful galleries with local art and crafts. Kuzguncuk is known for its harmonious mix of cultures and religions. Here you see mosques, churches, and synagogues side by side. That makes the district extra special. As far as we’re concerned, Kuzguncuk is one of the unknown highlights of Istanbul.
Our boat docks at a small islet with a tower on it. That’s the Maiden Tower, or Kız Kulesi. In the past, the Maiden Tower served as a lighthouse, a customs post, and even a defensive fort. Nowadays, we can visit the tower and enjoy the beautiful view over the city and the Bosphorus.
The name ‘Maiden’s Tower’ comes from a tragic legend. A sultan heard from an oracle that his daughter would die from a snake bite when she turned 18. To protect her, he built this tower in the water. When she celebrated her 18th birthday there, a boat arrived with some food. A snake had hidden in a basket of fruit. You can guess the tragic outcome.
Back in the European part, we climb the Galata Tower. This imposing stone tower stands proudly in the Galata district and dominates the skyline. Built by the Genoese in the 14th century, it was once part of the city’s defence. Later it served as a lookout for fires. Now we climb the tower and look forward to the panoramic view that awaits us.
Once at the top, we’re rewarded with a breathtaking spectacle. We see the Galata district below us, with its lively streets and historic buildings. Further away, the Bosphorus stretches out, with the Golden Horn and the Asian side of Istanbul. The Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, everything lies at our feet. It’s a fantastic place to really experience the beauty of Istanbul. All the highlights of Istanbul are in our sight. The sun slowly setting makes it even more spectacular.
On Friday, we visit the Istanbul Modern Museum. An ideal day, because then it’s open until the evening. This museum is THE place for modern art lovers in Istanbul. We wander through the modern building and are carried away by the various artworks. Everywhere we see fascinating creations by both Turkish and international artists. We notice that Istanbul is also vibrant in the field of modern art.
For two hours, we lose ourselves in the halls. Especially the exhibition by Chiharu Shiota titled “Between Worlds” stands out. Her intriguing installations with threads and objects are fascinating and make you think. After our artistic discovery tour, we head to the museum’s terrace. There we experience an impressive sunset over the Bosphorus. The modern art, the beautiful building, and the stunning location make Istanbul Modern an unforgettable experience.
Early in the morning, we walk from our hotel to the Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar. On the way, we see hundreds of fishermen on the Galata Bridge, patiently staring at their floats. We arrive at the bazaar just after opening time. The smell of spices immediately tickles our noses. What extraordinary aromas! The play of colours from all the spices is just as impressive. Here you can taste, smell, and haggle. We feel like traders, tourists, and explorers all at once.
We don’t visit the Grand Bazaar this time. We know from previous experience that it’s easy to get lost here. It’s a maze of corridors. You’ll find carpets, jewellery, ceramics, and leather goods. It’s difficult to find your way in all those similar-looking corridors. Fortunately, a map is available.
Istanbul doesn’t reveal itself in one go. But the highlights of Istanbul help us make a start. Each place has a unique story. Each district has its own rhythm. We look, listen, enjoy, and decide: we must come back soon. Because there are so many sights in Istanbul that we haven’t seen yet. And next time, we definitely want to take a bike tour in Istanbul!
Istanbul is located in the northwest of Turkey, on the border of Europe and Asia. It’s the only city in the world that lies on two continents. The Bosphorus forms the natural division between these two parts of the world.
The most logical and fastest option is by plane. For example, with Turkish Airlines.
Istanbul is a large city, and the attractions are numerous. For a first impression, at least 3 days is the minimum. Then you can visit the main highlights of the city. In 4 to 5 days, you have more opportunity to absorb the atmosphere of Istanbul. And if you want to complete the entire Istanbul bucket list, you can easily take more time. In the historic Sultanahmet district, you can easily spend two days. There you’ll find top attractions including Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the Tomb of Sultan Ahmed.
Spring and autumn are the best periods to visit Istanbul. The temperature is pleasant then, and it’s less crowded than in the high season. In summer, it’s very hot in Istanbul.
For culture and history lovers, the Sultanahmet district is ideal. This district is the historic heart of Istanbul. Here you’ll find the impressive Hagia Sophia, the magnificent Blue Mosque, and the beautiful Topkapi Palace.
Another special district is Kuzguncuk. This charming district on the Asian side of the Bosphorus is a hidden gem. Kuzguncuk is known for its colourful Ottoman wooden houses, narrow streets, and relaxed atmosphere. It’s an oasis of calm away from the bustle of the city, with nice cafés, small boutiques, and art galleries. Perfect for relaxing and enjoying the local atmosphere.
The Karaköy district is on the European side, not far from the Galata Bridge. In recent years, Karaköy has grown into a trendy and lively district. It’s a mix of old and new, with historic buildings that now house hip cafés, restaurants, and art galleries. The industrial past of the district is still visible, which creates a unique atmosphere. In the evening, Karaköy really comes to life with bars and live music.
Less known is the Cihangir district. This is the ‘bohemian district’ of Istanbul, beloved by artists, writers, and expats. Cihangir is located north of the large Taksim Square. The district is situated on a hill with beautiful views over the Bosphorus and the city. It’s known for its cosy alleys, vintage shops, quirky cafés, and convivial restaurants.
For gourmets, Istanbul is a delightful city. The choice of good restaurants in Istanbul is enormous. We enjoyed delicious meals in the following restaurants:
Here are some special hotels with good reviews in Istanbul.
This is the complete range of accommodation in Istanbul.