If there's one “celebrity monument” with its own fan club in Istanbul, it is undoubtedly the Sultan Ahmed Mosque — better known as the “Blue Mosque.” Why this nickname? Step inside and you’ll see for yourself —thousands of shimmering blue tiles that turn the whole interior into a calming ocean of color. Built between 1609 and 1616 under Sultan Ahmed I, this place isn’t just a pretty façade but is also home to the Sultan’s tomb. Formerly a religious school (or madrassah), it also housed, once, what used to be a hospice. And despite welcoming tourists from sunrise to sunset, it still functions as a real mosque. That means the call to prayer — five times a day — pauses sightseeing (for approximately half an hour) and reminds everyone that this is primarily a place of worship rather than a photo backdrop...

The Blue Mosque stands right across from Hagia Sophia, making Sultanahmet Square the heavyweight championship ring of world architecture. Surrounded by museums, cafés, parks, and postcard-perfect views in every direction, it’s basically the center of Istanbul’s charm offensive. Curious fact: the mosque was built on top of the old Byzantine Imperial Palace grounds and parts of the Hippodrome. Inside, the walls are covered with breathtaking Islamic art and masterful calligraphy that feels like history’s own handwriting.

The fact that it’s free, world-famous, and (unlike many other similar attractions) is incredibly easy to reach, makes this mosque a definite must-visit. Yes, there are dress codes, security checks, and lines that might make you consider new career paths while waiting… but once inside that peaceful, domed interior — despite all the crowds — you will gladly realize it's been worth it.

Pro tip: Arrive early to avoid queues — your future self will thank you. While waiting, instead of counting heads in line, admire the details around you; Islamic design rewards those who actually look up. And when hunger strikes, don’t worry — great food and drinks are just steps away. Even from the outside, the mosque is a dream for photographers… So, go ahead, circle it like a curious cat and capture every angle.

Roll back the clock some 1,500 years and you’d find yourself cheering on thundering chariots at the Hippodrome of Constantinople. Nowadays, that same spot has traded in its roaring crowds for camera-clicking tourists: welcome to Sultanahmet Square, the beating heart of Istanbul’s Old City! It’s the kind of place where history is casually hanging out right beside you. Ancient monuments, world-famous landmarks—all here. The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Museum of Turkish & Islamic Arts, even the Serpent Column—have gathered like celebrities on a very exclusive red carpet...

And if you’re wondering about the Basilica Cistern—yes, that mysterious underground palace of water and marble columns—is barely a 40-meter stroll away. The Grand Bazaar, with its labyrinth of stalls and endless bargaining opportunities, is also close by. Basically, from this square, everything you want to see has decided to arrange itself within walking distance. How thoughtful...

Sultanahmet Square is big enough to stretch your legs and dotted with benches perfect for regrouping after a marathon of sightseeing. Feeling hungry? Not a problem. Food carts pop up everywhere, tempting you with roasted corn, warm chestnuts, and simit—the Turkish cousin of the pretzel—sometimes even filled with chocolate for the sweet-toothed adventurer. Along the tram line, cafés and shops are ready to caffeinate you, feed you Turkish Delights, and send you home with gift packs that may or may not make it through airport security unopened.

This square never really rests. Families enjoy the colorful fountain, kids race through the greenery, and Istanbul’s famously relaxed street cats and dogs seem rather friendly and keep to themselves. Just one tip: the area is open to the elements and provides very little shelter, so carrying an umbrella or raincoat, if the weather looks moody, is highly recommended—unless, of course, you enjoy dramatic, cinematic rainfall during vacations...

So, take a seat, grab a simit, and soak it all in—you’re standing where empires once entertained the masses, and where Istanbul still gathers the world...

Hagia Sophia is the ultimate overachiever of both architecture and religion. Built in the 6th century for Emperor Justinian I, it began life as a grand Christian cathedral—basically the power seat of the Eastern Orthodox world. Its giant dome was such an engineering feat that people said it hung from heaven by a chain. At 180 feet tall and 100 feet wide, it still gets a lot of impressed neck-craning today.

Still, history wasn’t satisfied with just one identity for Hagia Sophia. When the Ottomans conquered Constantinople in 1453, Sultan Mehmed II turned it into a mosque. Up went the minarets, out came the church bells, and Christian images were masterly covered—like someone switching décor for a very different house party... Today, you’ll see a fascinating mash-up: Islamic calligraphy panels right beside shimmering mosaics of the Virgin Mary and Jesus. History lesson and cultural fusion rolled into one.

Inside, look for the famous Deësis mosaic from the 13th century, featuring Christ, John the Baptist, and the Virgin Mary, expressing emotion so well it almost feels like they’re watching you back. And don’t miss the “wishing column.” Legend says that if you stick your thumb in the little hole and rotate it just right, you get a miracle. Rumor has it, even Emperor Justinian tried it for headaches—indeed, who needs aspirin when you have ancient architecture?

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hagia Sophia continues to reinvent itself. After a stretch as a museum, it has returned to its original mission as a place of worship, while its historical displays now live at the nearby Ibrahim Pasha Palace.

Indeed, one shouldn't miss the opportunity to visit here, because where else can you stand in one spot and admire 1,500 years of spiritual remixing? Hagia Sophia’s layers of faith, art, and genius design make it impossible to look away—so go ahead and stare in awe!

Imagine stepping into a shopping mall built in the 1400s. Welcome to the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul’s legendary “Covered Market,” where more than 4,000 shops squeeze into 58 winding streets—all under one gigantic roof! Naturally, it gets crowded, with hundreds of thousands of visitors per day, all hunting for treasures, Turkish delights, or maybe just a good excuse to bargain like a pro.

The bazaar's story began shortly after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, when Sultan Mehmed II ordered a marketplace to support the economy of the new capital. Initially designed as a secure trading place for valuable goods, it featured domed structures called “bedestens” that stored textiles, jewelry, and precious metals.

As trade expanded, the Sandal Bedesten was constructed to accommodate the thriving silk market. Soon, shops and workshops gradually formed a vast commercial maze around the main halls. By the 17th century, the Grand Bazaar had reached a size close to what visitors can see today. Its strategic location on historic trade routes, including the Silk Road, helped it grow into a major economic and cultural crossroads connecting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Throughout its long history, the bazaar has endured fires and earthquakes that led to repeated restorations. A major one took place after the 1894 earthquake. Over time, it got split into sections specializing in carpets, leather, pottery, spices, gold, and many other products. It is especially known for the Turkish Evil Eye amulet, commonly sold across its colorful streets.

During the late Ottoman and early Turkish Republic periods, modernization brought electricity and updated shop designs. Tourism became increasingly significant, transforming the place into a global attraction. Today, the Grand Bazaar covers more than 30,000 square meters and continues to function not only as a marketplace but as a cultural monument complete with its two hammams, two mosques, four fountains, and numerous cafes and restaurants—because shopping for hours can get really tiresome and thus demands rehabilitation...

Best of all, despite the influence of modern commerce, the bazaar keeps its traditional atmosphere alive. Haggling isn’t just encouraged—it’s expected here as a customary part of shopping, and the spirit of craftsmanship continues to define many stalls. Each narrow passage offers unexpected discoveries, making it an exciting place to explore even without buying anything.

So, take a deep breath, dive into the whirlwind, and let the Grand Bazaar remind you that Istanbul has always been the world’s busiest crossroads—with excellent shopping!

The Ottoman sultans shifted from Topkapi Palace to the newly built Dolmabahce in the 1850s. Designed by the renowned Armenian architect Garabet Balyan, it is the largest and most extravagant of all the palaces on the Bosphorus – especially the Ceremonial Hall with its famous Bohemian crystal chandelier glowing with 750 lamps, gifted by Queen Victoria.

Sultan Abdülmecid and his family clearly wanted a residence comparable to those of his contemporary European monarchs. On this note, it is quite evident that not only were European luxury goods desirable from an aesthetic viewpoint, but also from a symbolic one. The palace not only makes use of European goods but also of European technology to indicate that the Ottoman Empire has not been outdistanced by Europe.

Guided tours are broadly divided into two sections: the public and the private (known as the Selamlik and the Harem, respectively), access to which is given by separate tickets. Interiors are fairly well-preserved and many of the personal belongings of the Sultans and their families on display. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside.

Outside, there is a small, but attractive garden around the buildings, with magnificent magnolias, little water-lily ponds, and excellent views over the Bosphorus.

Tip:
Going early is highly encouraged – you'll have entire rooms all to yourself!
The audio guide is a must if you want to get into the cultural benefit of the visit.
Consider taking a rest at the small outdoor cafe in-between visiting the Selamlik and the Harem.
Several good restaurants are nearby on a popular street nearby (Şair Nedim Cd.) that you can walk to in five minutes.