Things to do in Istanbul, Turkey: The Best Sights & Landmarks

December 31, 2021 Trinity Boughner

The mosques, bazaars, and Turkish baths of Istanbul could keep you happily occupied for your entire trip: an eyeful of breathtaking architecture here, a good-natured haggle over a carpet there. Kick your trip off at the awe-inspiring Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), which is visible from many points of the city. Stroll the Galata Bridge and stop by the Miniaturk Park to see its tiny artifacts. The Grand Bazaar has thousands of shops to browse, while the Egyptian Bazaar is a fragrant trove of spices and fruits.
Restaurants in Istanbul

1. Vlaherna Meryem Ana Church

Ayvansaray, Kuytu Sk., Istanbul 34087 Turkey
Excellent
82%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 49 reviews

Vlaherna Meryem Ana Church

Reviewed By ctsounis - New York City, United States

Visiting the historical Church of St. Mary of Blachernae or Panagia Blachernae Church in Constantinople (Istanbul) known to Greeks made history more alive. Traveling with a middleclass Tripolis travel group projected the positive Greek point of view of Byzantium in August 2019. The Akathist hymn to the Defender General Panagia Mary is sung on 5 Fridays of Lent. The name means everyone stands in reverence during the service. Historically, it is taught in Greek education as a Victory hymn thanks for protecting Constantinople from the Avars (Asian invaders). The miracle of the city is a historical fact. The Church is a shadow of its Byzantine glory. Built in 1867 by the Greek Orthodox furriers, it encloses the holy spring. Bottles were at the spring for all to take, without asking for a donation. This piety and lack of commercialism was present in other Greek Orthodox churches in Istanbul.

2. Mihrimah Sultan Camii

Fevzi Pasa Caddesi Karagumruk Mh., Istanbul 34664 Turkey
Excellent
70%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
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0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 380 reviews

Mihrimah Sultan Camii

Noted for its interesting construction and exceptionally high dome, this mosque was built in 1557 for the daughter of a Sultan.

Reviewed By Ivankuntara - Jakarta, Indonesia

Must visited mosque in Istanbul, to see the architect of Islam and the beautiful of Bosphorus Straits. You may see "beautiful" of the acoustic and air circulation technology here

3. Fatih Mosque and Complex

Fevzipasa Street Pendik, Istanbul 34091 Turkey https://istanbul.ktb.gov.tr/TR-209521/fatih-kulliyesi.html
Excellent
73%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 697 reviews

Fatih Mosque and Complex

Named for the Ottoman conqueror of Istanbul, this mosque was part of a large religious complex atop one of the city's many hills. Among the other original buildings in the complex were a school, library and hospital.

Reviewed By doofvfood

Was gutted when I realised we would miss the Wednesday market near the mosque which the guidebook mentioned. It's a bit further out but worth a visit. On first sight of the mosque, the marble square is really impressive and the interior of the mosque is beautiful. Was interested to learn the architect for the original mosque was not Mimar Sinan but Atik Sinan. The present mosque was rebuilt in 1700s after an earthquake destroyed the original. It was a good view from the women's area in the terrace. Istanbul has no shortage of stunning mosques & Fatih is one of the best we have visited. A visit is definitely recommended.

4. Balat

Istanbul Turkey
Excellent
57%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 348 reviews

Balat

This neighborhood of Istanbul was once known as the Jewish quarter of the city. Today you can still find many synagogues here, as well as a more diverse group of residents.

Reviewed By RamonaGuide - Paris, France

Balat with Öner, licensed Tour Guide I had a great half day tour in Balat, the Fatih district that used to be the traditional Jewish quarter of Istanbul, with a private guide. Balat is considered conservative, but it is full of colour, and even though it was and still is a poor area of the city, today it is a tourist attraction, due to its atmosphere. Cute narrow and cobbled streets, typical houses, small art galleries cafes, restaurants and shops with souvenirs, this is Balat ! I visited the area many years ago and I wanted to see it again. And with Öner it was really different. I enjoyed every moment! He showed me the renovated old Imperial Palace and the former Byzantine churches of Fanar. When I saw the Palace of the Porphyrogenitus years ago (a late 13th-century Byzantine structure called Tekfur Sarayi today), it was just a ruin. They did a good job regarding the restoration, as good as could be done with the few remains, after so many centuries. Öner was a great guide! I even visited a church closed to the public due to his connections. In the winding, tangled alleys of Fanar/Balat, it is really good to go with a local. Öner is a patient person, very attentive and very kind. I highly recommend him and his tour in Balat. Thank you Öner for such a wonderful day!

5. Zeyrek Mosque

Zeyrek Mah. Ibadethane Sk. Fatih, Istanbul 34083 Turkey +90 212 455 32 12 http://www.istanbul.gov.tr/en/info-istanbul/news/legacy-of-two-empires-zeyrek-mosque
Excellent
60%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 50 reviews

Zeyrek Mosque

Reviewed By N8335RPandyd

I accidentally discovered that the second largest standing Byzantine structure, after Hagia Sofia/Aya Sofya is the Zeyrek Mosque, formerly a double church and chapel of a Byzantine Monastery and that it was recently restored by the World Monument Fund. After taking a tram to Aksaray and walking up towards the main square and then down past the Valens Aqueduct, I found the church/mosque two streets over on the left side as you go towards the Golden Horn. You will need to ask locals for Zeyrek Camii (the mosque) and they will gladly help you. The building is very large, beautiful, and is a functioning mosque which means it is open. It is free of charge and the building has been magnificently restored. The structure is obviously Byzantine by the architecture, columns, capitals, etc. There are no mosaics or Byzantine frescoes remaining, other than a hint near the main entrance. And I mean a hint. The rest is restored, early-Ottoman frescoes which are simple, gorgeous, and screaming to be photographed. If you are into architecture, Byzantine and/or Ottoman history, this is a must-see.

6. Nisanci Mehmet Pasa Cami

Koca Dede Mah. Nisanca Cad. No:33 Fatih Merkez, Fatih, Istanbul Turkey
Excellent
40%
Good
60%
Satisfactory
0%
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0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5 reviews

Nisanci Mehmet Pasa Cami

7. Hatice Sultan Mosque

Ayvansaray Mah. 34087 Fatih İstanbul, Istanbul Turkey
Excellent
67%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
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0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6 reviews

Hatice Sultan Mosque

8. Hirami Ahmet Pasa Camii

Balat Mah. Koltukcu Sk. No: 4 Eyup, Istanbul 34087 Turkey
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
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0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4 reviews

Hirami Ahmet Pasa Camii

9. Cathedral Church of St George

Fener Rum Patrikhanesi Sadrazam Ali Pasa Cadesi, Fener, Istanbul 342 20 Turkey +90 212 635 40 22 [email protected] http://www.ec-patr.org/patrdisplay.php?lang=en&id=7
Excellent
70%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 66 reviews

Cathedral Church of St George

10. Pertevniyal Valide Sultan Camii

Istanbul Turkey
Excellent
68%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 38 reviews

Pertevniyal Valide Sultan Camii

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