Top Sights in Istanbul

Also popularly known as the Blue Mosque. The Blue Mosque is situated in Sultanahmet. You can enter for free when you dress appropriately (see 8 Lessons learned in Istanbul). The mosque is closed during the prayers.

The Hagia Sophia just opposite the Blue Mosque became a museum in 1935. Since then you do not have to dress as in a normal mosque. To enter the oldest and largest cathedral in the world, you have to pay 25 TL or possess a Museum Pass.

The third popular mosque is situated at the Bosporus, opposite the Galata Bridge. The mosque with its nice surroundings creates a unique photography spot.

The Basilica cistern is situated right next to the Hagia Sophia and opposite the police station. This cistern was used for the provision of water for the Great Palace in earlier Constantinopel. Right above the cistern was a basilica that’s why it’s called like this. The water within the cistern was brought from Belgrade back then and provided the emperor’s family and household. Sights in istanbul The cistern consists of twelve rows of 28 columns and can store up to 80,000 cubic metres of water. In the back of the cistern you can find two heads of medusa. The entrance fee is 15 TL.

The Topkapi Palace was the primary residency of the sultans. It is a complex with heaps of buildings a huge garden area overlooking the Bosporus. I was impressed when I entered the first room and couldn’t believe that the rooms were getting more impressive the more you see. There are classy decorated domes and mosaics, simply splendid! The entrance fee is 25 TL for the palace complex. If you want to visit the Harem as well which is the area were the sultan’s family and their servants lived undisturbed, you have to pay another 15 TL. Both is included in the Museum Pass.

The Galata Tower is on the other side of the city. From up there you have a stunning view of the Bosperus, a lot of sights in Sultanahmed and of course the area around the Galata tower. The entrance fee amounts to 20 TL which is a bit much in my opinion and another negative fact is that there is not much space up there and you always have to squeeze by the other people.

Of course being in a city on two continents, a trip in between the continent shouldn’t be missed. You can do a two hours Bosporus Cruise for 10 TL plus 7.5 TL for a guide. If you are very much into history, please get the guide but if not it is not necessary in my opinion cause we were overstrained with finding out what the guide is talking about (which building) and actually it’s more important to enjoy the cruise and enjoy the areas you’re passing.