SULTANAHMET AREA
1. Sultanahmet Area
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Hagia Sophia: Once a church, then a mosque, and now a museum, this stunning structure is a symbol of Byzantine architecture and history.
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Blue Mosque: Famous for its magnificent blue tiles, this Ottoman-era mosque is a must-see for its beauty and significance.
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Topkapi Palace: The residence of Ottoman sultans for centuries, offering a glimpse into imperial life with its lavish rooms, courtyards, and the famous harem.
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Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı): A massive underground cistern with columns, dim lighting, and a peaceful atmosphere.
GRAND BAZAAR &SPICE BAZAAR
2.Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar
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Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı): One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, full of history and traditional goods.
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Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı): A vibrant market offering a sensory overload with spices, herbs, and Turkish delicacies, dating back to the Ottoman era.
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lighting, and a peaceful atmosphere.
GALATA&BEYOGLU
3. Galata and Beyoglu
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Galata Tower: A medieval stone tower offering panoramic views of the city. It has a rich history dating back to the Byzantine and Genoese periods.
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Istiklal Street: This famous avenue is lined with historical buildings and leads to Taksim Square, a hub of modern Istanbul life.
RUMELI HISARI
4.Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisarı)
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Built by Sultan Mehmed II before his conquest of Constantinople, this fortress sits along the Bosphorus and offers a glimpse into the city’s military history.
PRINCES ISLANDS
5.Princes’ Islands
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A ferry ride away from the city, these islands offer historical monasteries, old Ottoman mansions, and peaceful streets without cars.
With its blend of Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern history, Istanbul is an open-air museum that allows tourists to walk through centuries of culture and heritage.
DOLMABAHCE PALACE
5. Dolmabahce Palace
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Located along the Bosphorus, this 19th-century palace showcases the opulence of the late Ottoman period and served as a residence for the last Ottoman sultans.
MAIDEN'S TOWER
6.Maiden's Tower (Kız Kulesi)
The Maiden's Tower (Kız Kulesi), one of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks, stands on a small islet at the southern entrance of the Bosphorus Strait, near the coast of Üsküdar. This historical tower, with its picturesque silhouette, has become a symbol of Istanbul, with its captivating legends, stunning views, and rich history.