The glorious Istanbul continues to fascinate visitors and locals alike with its vibrancy and great variety. May or not it's in arts & culture, eating & drinking, shopping or sports there's always something new in Istanbul for everybody and each taste. a replacement must-see addition for art lovers is Arter that moved to its new and far bigger home and is currently showing 7 exhibitions simultaneously.

We invite you to get Istanbul with our list of the simplest things to try to to on both the eu and Asian sides of the town, including our pick of the must-see attractions and museums within the historical peninsula. also Istanbul’s most vital landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and therefore the Blue Mosque, we've included many activities off the tourist trail, providing you with the low-down on digging for antiques in hip Bomonti or watching an opera in Kadıköy, which we've named one amongst the best neighbourhoods within the world. From tasting the forgotten delights of Anatolian cuisine to getting a deluxe scrub inside a historic hamam, here's what to not miss in Istanbul.

Whirling Dervishes

The Whirling Dervishes may appear as if a tourist attraction, but it’s an actual worship service of Mevlana’s followers. During the ceremony the Dervishes become a bridge between God and humans through a prayer-induced trance.

Although high on many visitor’s Istanbul to-do-list, people often had to skip it within the end because seats were sold out. Don’t make the identical mistake and reserve your seats well beforehand.

Hagia Sophia

This splendid church-turned-mosque-turned-museum and recently mosque again, is among the world’s greatest architectural achievements. After years of restoration works, the Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) is finally scaffolding free, enabling you to soak up its splendor because it was meant to be.

Standing within the middle of the staggering spacious nave under the 43 meter wide dome 65 meters above your head defies belief – and physics for that matter. Climb up the spiral ramp to induce to the gallery and watch the luxurious Byzantine mosaics, including Christ flanked by Emperor Constantine IX and his wife Empress Zoe.

Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayı) is rightfully a sight you can’t afford to miss while in Istanbul. This complex of kiosks and pavilions contained by four lush green courtyards is where generations of sultans had their principal residence for nearly half a century.

Top attractions at Topkapi Palace are the Harem, an adorned ‘cage’ of the sultan’s women, the treasury storing the crown jewels (containing the famous Topkapi dagger), and also the weapon’s room boosting the Ottoman’s fine craftsmanship even when it came to creating swords and bows.

Also, don’t forget to steer all the way till the tip for breathtaking views of the ocean of Marmara, Bosphorus and Golden Horn.

Stroll the Hippodrome

The ancient Hippodrome was begun by Septimius Severus in CE 203 and completed by Constantine the good in CE 330.

This was the middle of Byzantine public life and therefore the scene of splendid games and chariot races but also factional conflicts.

Today, there is not much of the Hippodrome left to determine, aside from alittle section of the gallery walls on the southern side, but the At Meydanı (park), which now stands on the location is home to a spread of monuments.

On the northwest side may be a fountain, presented to the Ottoman sultan by the German Emperor King of Great Britain in 1898.

Then, heading southwest are three ancient monuments: a 20-meter high Egyptian obelisk (from Heliopolis); the Serpent Column brought here from Delphi by Constantine; and a stone obelisk that originally was clad in gold-covered bronze plating until they were stolen by the soldiers of the 4th Crusade in 1204.

Bosphorus Cruise

A trip to Istanbul isn't complete without a Bosphorus cruise. Not only provides it a pleasant overview of the town, both the eu and Asian shores of the famous waterway have lots to supply – century old palaces and mansions galore.

There are several cruises you'll take: a brief one (to the second bridge and back), a protracted one (all the thanks to the Black Sea and back), and a sunset tour in summertime.

The latter accustomed be my favorite, but became victim of its own success. nowadays I favor to take the complete Bosphorus day tour, or the shorter version if you're pressed for time.

Galata Tower

The Galata Tower is one amongst the simplest spots in town to induce a 360 perspective of Istanbul. On a bright day you'll even spot the Princes’ Islands from this 60 meter high tower. there's also a restaurant/cafe at the ninth floor, but be at liberty to skip that entirely.

Instead, walk around within the cozy streets of Galata surrounding the tower and have a drink or some food on one in all the various terraces. Not only will you enjoy it rather more, you’ll also get a way better deal.

Bebek and Ortaköy

Bebek and to a lesser extend Ortaköy are two village by the Bosphorus worth visiting, yet lesser known among tourists.

Bebek may be a lively, green and wealthy neighborhood by the Bosphorus. It’s well-known and often visited by locals during the weekends. It’s a neighborhood all-time favorite to possess a (late) breakfast with a surprising view followed by a pleasant stroll on the boardwalk, topped with a steep one among the numerous cafes. Other come later, and revel in the buzzing nightlife.

If you took a Bosphorus tour, it’s hard to miss Ortaköy. Its cozy mosque by the shore just before the primary bridge stands out. Another thing that attracts lots of attention is that the Sunday crafts market, also because the many car-free cobblestone streets stuffed with restaurants and cafes.

Getting Scrubbed in a very Hamam

There is nothing better to rejuvenate your body than getting scrubbed in a very hamam. Just picture this after a protracted day of walking: wearing nothing but a cloth, first relax in an exceedingly steamy room contact hot marble, being attentive to the echoes of running water. Then a brisk soapy body scrub, followed by a sultan’s massage until your skin is smooth and soft.

There are several hamams available within the city. Among the oldest are the (recently renovated) Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamam and Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamam. the primary is correct on Sultanahmet Square, the latter is in Tophane-Karaköy, shortly from Istanbul Modern.

Chora Church / Kariye Museum

The Chora Church, Church of St Savior, or Kariye Museum could be a bit off the beaten track, but well worth a visit. Located in Chora/Edirnekapi, next to the old city walls, it's one amongst the foremost amazing religious building Istanbul should offer.

The walls and ceilings of this church are adorned with stunning Byzantine mosaics and fabulous frescoes. Some are considered because the most important within the Christian world.

And while you’re there, enjoy the remains of the fifth century city walls and therefore the wooden Ottoman houses.

Shop within the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı)

For many visitors, sightseeing in Istanbul is the maximum amount about shopping as museums and monumental attractions, and therefore the Grand Bazaar is where everyone comes.

This massive covered market is largely the world's first store, usurping an entire city quarter, surrounded by thick walls, between the Nuruosmanıye Mosque and Beyazıt Mosque.

The Beyazıt Mosque (built in 1498-1505) itself occupies the location of Theodosius I's Forum and has architecture inspired by the Hagia Sophia.

Entrance to the bazaar is thru one in all 11 gates from where a maze of vaulted-ceiling laneways, lined by shops and stalls selling every Turkish souvenir and handicraft you may imagine, cover the world.

The various trades are still mostly segregated into particular sections, which makes browsing easier.

Near the bazaar's Divanyolu Caddesi entrance is that the Burned Column. This stump (still 40 meters high) of a porphyry column was founded by Constantine the nice in his forum. Until 1105, it bore a bronze statue of Constantine.

Süleymaniye Mosque

Instead of the long-lasting Blue Mosque, I prefer the less famous Süleymaniye Mosque. i believe it’s the nicest and most impressive Istanbul mosque, and not invaded by thousands of tourists a day.

The Süleymaniye Mosque was designed by the famous architect Sinan for Süleyman the Magnificent, and may be a great tribute to both. It’s actually way more than an area of worship. It’s a fancy of buildings containing a hospital, a kitchen, a school, etc.

Don’t forget to go to the tombs of Süleyman and Roxalana behind the graveyard, the tomb of Sinan outside the complex, and eat kuru fasulye (haricot beans) in one in every of the numerous restaurants within the Alley of Addicts.