Best excursions in Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It's a city that has something for everyone, from historic sites to shopping streets and beautiful coastline.

The city is full of exciting things to do, so here are some of our favorite excursions in Istanbul:

Explore the underground cisterns of Istanbul

The underground cisterns of Istanbul are a popular tourist attraction, and they're easy to see on your own if you have the time. The cisterns were built by the Byzantines as a way to store water during sieges, but today they're used as public baths and restaurants.

If you're interested in seeing them for yourself, head over to Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici) on Aksaray Square or Underground Basilica Cistern (Yerli Baslica Sarnici) near Topkapi Palace.

Ride an open-top bus tour

If you are only in Istanbul for a short time and want to see as much of the city as possible, an open-top bus tour is an excellent option. You can get a tour of all the major attractions in Istanbul in just one day. It's also a good way to get acquainted with your surroundings if this is your first time visiting Turkey or Europe.

Go to a Turkish bath

Turkish baths are a great way to experience Turkish culture and get some relaxation, too. They can be combined with other activities like going to the aquarium or getting a massage at one of the spa facilities on site. You'll want to make reservations in advance if you want to take advantage of these options. The best part about Turkish baths is that they're open 24/7, so you can visit anytime--even if it's late at night!

Shop at the Grand Bazaar

If you love shopping, the Grand Bazaar is a must-see. It's one of the largest covered markets in the world and home to over 4,000 shops. The bazaar is open every day except Sunday--and its labyrinthine layout can be confusing if you don't know what you're doing or where to go. If this is your first time visiting Istanbul and exploring its many attractions, we recommend hiring a tour guide who will lead your group through the maze of stalls selling everything from Turkish coffee makers to leather jackets.

The Grand Bazaar was originally built by Mehmed II (known as "The Conqueror") in 1455 as part of his plan for rebuilding Constantinople after conquering it from Byzantine Greeks during Ottoman rule in Turkey; today Eminonu district where it stands remains one of Istanbul's oldest neighborhoods with plenty more history still waiting for visitors who want something more than just shopping here!

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia is a former Christian cathedral, later a mosque and now a museum. It was built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century CE. When you visit the Hagia Sophia museum, you will see many mosaics and artifacts from different eras of its history. The most famous mosaic is located on the south wall of the nave (main area) above an archway that leads into one of two side chapels called "prothesis" (where religious services took place). This is known as "Christ Pantocrator" or Ruler of All Things because it shows Christ with his right hand raised in blessing while holding a book with his left hand which has been translated into various languages including Arabic, Hebrew and Greek depending upon when each section was added during different periods over time; this helps us understand how important religion was back then too!

Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque is a popular tourist destination and one of the most important mosques in Istanbul. It's named for its interior decoration, which includes blue tiles that cover much of its walls and dome. The mosque has six minarets and was built between 1609 and 1616 by architect Mimar Sinan on orders from Sultan Ahmed I (who was also known as "the Lawmaker").

The Blue Mosque is one of many examples of Ottoman architecture--a style that developed during the empire's golden age during the 16th century--and it's still used today as a place of worship by Muslims around the world.

Bosphorus Cruise

The Bosphorus Cruise is a must-do in Istanbul. You will see the city from a different perspective, and you can enjoy the sunsets or views of the city at night. In addition, there are many cruise options available to you depending on your budget, so you can choose one that suits your needs best!

Byzantine Museum

The Byzantine Museum was built in 1891 as the Imperial Museum, and it's located in the Istanbul Archaeology Museums on Tophane Avenue in Fatih, on the historical peninsula of Istanbul. It houses thousands of artifacts from ancient Greece and Rome, including marble statues and jewelry. You can also find works by famous artists like Michelangelo or Raphael here!

Hippodrome of Constaninople (At Meydan-i Ev)

The Hippodrome of Constantinople (At Meydan-i Ev) is the site of many important events in Byzantine history. It was the center of Byzantine Constantinople and used for chariot races and other games. In fact, it's where Emperor Constantine I established his capital city in 324 CE. The hippodrome also hosted the first ecumenical council, which took place in 381 CE; this council set out rules for Christian practices that have lasted to this day. The church built on top of this historic site marks its significance as one of the oldest churches in all of Turkey. Additionally, there was once a public library near here--the second-oldest library after Alexandria's!

Istanbul is a city that has so much to offer. With its history and culture, there are many things you can do while you're here. The best way to experience all that Istanbul has to offer is by taking an excursion!