When it comes to vacation planning, everyone wants to indulge in activities that they enjoy doing, especially when you’re going to one of the most beautiful and colourful countries!
Yes, it’s Istanbul, a vibrant city in Turkey! From feasting on street food, visiting the city’s greatest places to casually roaming around its lively streets filled with historical evidence, Istanbul is an attraction in itself. You’re in for a real treat, if Istanbul is on your travel bucket list!
The fate of Istanbul, formerly called Constantinople, has been sealed for over 1,500 years due to its strategic location. It was the capital of three historical empires – Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman. The old walled city of Istanbul stands tall on a triangular peninsula between Asia and Europe. Its magnificent monuments became a metropolis where diverse cultures mingled and formed the mosaic of Istanbul.
Here are some of the best things to do in Istanbul, Turkey
Hagia Sophia
One of the most glorious architectural heritage sites in Byzantine Empire is the Hagia Sophia. Also known as the 8th Wonder of the World, this historical beauty has aged far more than 1,500 years old. Much like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Hagia Sophia which name means “holy wisdom” is a symbol of the city of Istanbul. When it was about 1,400 years old, Hagia Sophia served as a cathedral, museum and now as a mosque, within its 1,400 year life-span. The first Hagia Sophia featured a wooden roof before it was burned to the ground in 404 A.D. (in the 5th century). Now Hagia Sophia is famous for its mosaics that dates back to the beginning of the ninth century, which is a reflection of the Byzantine art of the 9th to 12th centuries.
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar, boasts nearly 4,000 shops in a 45,000 square metre area, is one of the world’s oldest malls that spreads like a maze-like street. Grand Bazaar was initially designed to be an economic and finance hub for the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Now, this historical bazaar attracts shoppers from all around the world. The goods sold along the main streets are souvenirs such as Nazar amulets, mouth-watering Turkish delights, textiles, leather goods, kitchenware, Anatolian carpets, and fragrant selections of spices that simply excite locals and tourists alike.
If you’re a pottery lover, visit Iznik Works or Iznik Gift Shop to buy some exquisite pottery that were first created in the Northwest Anatolian town of Iznik in the 15th century.
KumKapi
Kumkapı (Sand Gate) is located near the Sea of Marmara Shore towards the south of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. The district of Kumkapı is at the center of a small plaza where six streets meet at a point. It’s surrounded by amazing seafood restaurants that would instantly make your mouth water as you walk through the plaza. Restaurants are open throughout the year, but during the warmer months which is usually from April through October, tables are set outside and you get to enjoy the night view. You can hail a taxi or the Bağcılar-Kabataş tram to Grand Bazaar stop, then walk downhill for about 10 minutes.
Basilica Cistern
Istanbul is a stunning city not only above ground but also underground. The Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan) located towards the southwest of Hagia Sophia is an underground cistern that was built by Justinian I, Byzantine Emperor, during (527-565) and was named Yerebatan Palace due to its marble columns rising from the water. As you tread along the walkways under the dimmed light while classical music serenades your journey, you’re able to hear the sound of dripping water and watch fishes swim between the 336 columns that support the ceiling. Walk a little further till the end to see Medusa’s head that has been placed upside down as the base of one of the columns.
Night Haunts
We propose that you take a night off from your planned schedule to experience the beauty of Istanbul’s nightlife. Whether you want to enjoy a live performance by the locals, enjoy a rooftop view of 360 degrees or dance the night away in open air venues by the Bosphorus, a natural navigable waterway that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, as you sip on your favourite drink is definitely an interesting way to end the night. !
Sources: The Istanbul Insider, Lonely Planet, History
