Istanbul Top attractions
Istanbul
No visit to Istanbul, no matter how brief, would be complete without spending some time in Sultanahmet where some of the main landmarks are all within walking distance. There are many museums and galleries as well as a host of mosques throughout the city. Here is a flavour of what is on offer.
Hagia Sophia
This wonderful museum was originally built as a Christian Church before being converted to become a mosque when the Ottoman arrived. Many of the Christian frescos were plastered over but they are now revealed once more. There is a first floor gallery where visitors can look down to what was the main prayer area. There is a chance that it will revert to being a mosque but that would not mean that access would not be available outside prayer times.
Blue Mosque
Visitors are welcome to go inside this impressive mosque outside the hours of prayer. It is stunning with blue being the overall colour of the impressive contents, tiles etc.
Topkapi Palace
The former home of the Ottoman Sultans, the Palace in lovely gardens includes the Treasury and the Harem. It is just a short walk from both Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque as well as a host of restaurants and hotels.
Justinian Cistern
This underground water system was constructed by the Roman Emperor Justinian. It is a fascinating place with large fish swimming in the waters.
The Grand Bazaar
The famous bazaar in Istanbul is completely under cover. It employs thousands of people and sells pretty much everything. There is a smaller spice market as well and it is easy to spend a day walking up and down the many streets accepting invitations for tea from the many shopkeepers keen to attract business.
Dolmabahce Palace
This palace became the home of the Sultans from the middle of the 19th Century until the end of the Empire. It contains furnishings that were brought from many parts of Europe and the crystal chandelier from Ireland matches anything elsewhere in the world; it weighs 4 tonnes.