Istanbul, is a city of traditions, culture, mouthwatering food, incredible architecture, and some of the most welcoming and hospitable people. Istanbul, with its 20 million people, is the biggest city in Europe and the bridge between two continents: Europe and Asia, as the city is located on both continents. The city in Turkey is often seen as cosmopolitan, where everyone can be who they want to be. Plan to spend 2 or 3 days with the following things to do in Istanbul.
1. Ortakoy
Ortakoy (lit. Middle Village) is a neighbourhood within the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul, Turkey, on the European shore of the Bosphorus. it was originally a small fishing village, known in Greek as Agios Fokas in the Byzantine period and then as Mesachorion.
2. Sultanahmet Square
Sultanahmet Square The word hippodrome comes from the Greek hippos, horse, and dromos, path or way. For this reason, it is sometimes also called Atmeydanı (“Horse Square”) in Turkish. Horse racing and chariot racing were popular pastimes in the ancient world and hippodromes were common features of Greek cities in the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine eras.
3. Dolmabahce Palace
The area where Dolmabahçe Palace is located was originally a bay that had served as a natural harbour since antiquity. It is thought to be from here that Sultan Mehmed II (The Conqueror) had his ships hauled over a wooden ramp so as to launch them into the Golden Horn. The Ottoman naval fleet used to anchor in the bay and naval ceremonies were held here. The bay was filled in from the 17th century onwards, and so given the name “Dolmabahçe” (filled garden) and was used as an Imperial Garden. All the buildings in the complex prior to the 19th century were named “Beşiktaş Waterfront Palace”.
4. Galata Tower
Considered among the oldest towers in the world and one of the symbols of Istanbul, Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List in 2013. Galata Tower, one of the most important structures that make up the silhouette of Istanbul, was used as a long-term fire watchtower and was named Galata Fire Tower.
5. Istiklal Avenue
İstiklal Avenue (Turkish: İstiklal Caddesi; English: Independence Avenue) historically known as the Grand Avenue of Pera, in the historic Beyoğlu (Pera) district, is an 1.4 kilometer (0.87 mi) pedestrian street and one of the most famous avenues in Istanbul, Turkey. It acquired its modern name after the declaration of the Republic on 29 October 1923, İstiklal (Independence) commemorating Turkey’s triumph in its War of Independence.
6. Maiden’s Tower
The Maiden’s Tower (Turkish: Kız Kulesi), also known as Leander’s Tower (Tower of Leandros) since the medieval Byzantine period, is a tower lying on a small islet located at the southern entrance of the Bosphorus strait 200 m (220 yds) from the coast of Üsküdar in Istanbul, Turkey.
7. Karakoy Streets
Sitting on the waterfront of the Galata Bridge’s northern side at the point where the Golden Horn meets the Bosphorus, Karaköy was once one of Istanbul’s most important ports. Settlement of the area dates back as early as the time of the Byzantine Empire when in the 13th century it was the main commercial center of Constantinople.
8. Galata Bridge Fishermen
Built in 1994, Galata Bridge in the Bazaar District of Istanbul spans The Golden Horn and links two districts, Eminönü and Beyoğlu. Its name is owed simply to the fact that it’s the fifth in the series of bridges that span the city’s waterways. Galata Bridge is a national treasure as a historical landmark, but it also has great significance to the fishermen of Istanbul and scenic views of the city that have provided inspiration to photographers, poets, and singers.
9. Basilica Cistern
One of Istanbul’s splendid historical buildings is the Basilica Cistern located in the southwest of Hagia Sophia. This large underground cistern built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I (527-565) was named Yerebatan Palace is among the people due to the marble columns rising from the water and countless seemingly like. It is also known as Basilica Cistern since there is a Basilica in the place where the cistern is located.
10. Balat Streets
One of Istanbul’s best-hidden gems is the colorful neighborhood named Balat. This old district filled with beautiful colored wooden houses and cafes will instantly give you feel-good vibes. Visiting Balat is best during the morning, it is relatively unknown for most tourists, but we’ll promise: it is one of the best things to do in Istanbul, so make sure to add it to your list!
