During your stay in Istanbul, you'll have plenty of opportunities to explore the city. From the world-famous Grand Bazaar to the ruins of the Topkapi Palace, you'll have ample time to see some of the city's most beautiful sites. But what is the best way to spend a day in Istanbul?
Topkapi Palace
Located in the Sultanahmet district, Topkapi Palace is a magnificent sultanate palace, which was the power seat of the Ottoman Empire from 1465 to 1830. It is now a museum, which is open to the public. The complex is divided into four main courtyards and several smaller buildings. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Topkapi Palace is a huge, sprawling complex of art and history. You can spend hours exploring it. A guided tour of the palace is recommended. If you don't have time to visit the entire palace, you can also take a guided tour of the museums in the courtyards. The best time to visit is in late May to June.
The First Courtyard houses the Archaeology Museum and Museum of Islamic Art. You will also find a Byzantine structure in this courtyard. You can also explore the garden.
The Second Courtyard contains the Divan Chamber, which was the seat of the Imperial Council. It was also home to the kitchens and confectionaries of the palace.
The Third Courtyard has the Pavilion of the Holy Mantle, which houses interesting religious artifacts. You can also visit the treasury, which contains a collection of imperial weapons.
The Imperial Hall is the largest room in the palace. It is decorated with gorgeous tiles and incredible gold inlay. It used to serve as a reception hall for the sultan. It was also the entertainment hall of the harem.
If you are planning to visit Topkapi Palace, you should know that the sultans were renowned for their extravagant lifestyle. Their favourite concubines were known as the 'favour of the month'. These women were accompanied by musicians during a seductive dance.
Grand Bazaar
Visiting Istanbul's Grand Bazaar is a great way to see the city. The bazaar is home to more than 4000 stores, which sell a wide variety of merchandise. There are also restaurants and cafes. You can spend an entire day here, but it's important to stay organized and save time for the highlights.
The Grand Bazaar is a labyrinth of narrow alleys, market halls and buildings. It's filled with intricately designed works of Turkish artistry. You can find handmade copperware, leather goods, fine jewelry, traditional Turkish rugs, and much more.
The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest covered markets in the world. You can spend an entire day exploring its countless streets. The best time to visit the Grand Bazaar is late in the afternoon.
You should be prepared to haggle. Salesmen will stand outside of each store and try their best to lure you in. It's important to take your time and appreciate the intricate works of art.
You should also make sure you sample Turkish delight, which is made from sesame seeds. If you're not a fan of this drink, don't worry. It's actually very bitter. You can get it in roadside pushcarts. You should also consider buying pomegranate molasses. It's an excellent souvenir to bring back with you.
The Blue Mosque is another must-see attraction in Istanbul. This former Byzantine Empire cultural center is still in use as a place of worship. The building is considered a masterpiece of architecture. You can easily access the mosque from Sultanahmet Station.
The Spice Bazaar is a popular destination for spices. You should also check out the Galata Tower, which is one of the most famous landmarks in Istanbul.
Galata Bridge
During your visit to Istanbul, you should take the time to see the landmarks and historical attractions. A trip to Galata Bridge is one of the most iconic sights in the city. It connects the ancient imperial side of Istanbul with the more modern Beyoglu district. You will be rewarded with views of the Bosporus channel and the city's skyline.
Galata Tower is the oldest tower in Istanbul. This 67-meter high structure was built in the 14th century and served as a fire watchtower. It is situated at the end of Istiklal Street.
It is the tallest tower in Istanbul and provides panoramic views of the city. Visitors can choose to visit the top level or the lower deck. The upper level offers privileged views of the Galata Tower and the Golden Horn. The lower deck has cafes and restaurants.
You can also visit Dolmabahce Palace, which is on the European side of the Bosphorus. It is a short distance from Galata and has a strong influence from the Ottoman Empire. It is a great place to view the sunset.
You can also visit the Blue Mosque. This iconic mosque has a very unique structure. The dome roofs are a beautiful feature, and the interior is decorated with blue tiling. It is open all day except on Fridays. You should check the mosque's prayer schedule for the days you plan to visit.
During your trip to Istanbul, you should try Turkish coffee. The black tea is served in a tulip-shaped glass. It is a popular drink for locals. You can also try apple tea or linden tea.
You can also visit the Suleymaniye Mosque. It was built in the 1500s and provides a look into the culture of the Ottoman Empire.
Taksim Square
During your stay in Istanbul, you may want to consider spending one day in Taksim Square. It's an ideal destination for tourists as it's filled with incredible monuments and cultural centers. You can explore the area by bus or tram.
There are several shops and restaurants in the area, and you can find delicious food around every corner. This is a perfect place to experience Istanbul's local cuisine. You can find a variety of dishes from seafood to traditional Turkish dishes. You can also get your fill of street corn with a variety of toppings.
You can also enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast. It includes white bread, olive oil, cucumbers, tomatoes, menemen (green bell peppers) and jams. You can also try Turkish Ice-cream. The texture and consistency may differ from that of other kinds of ice cream.
You can also enjoy a meal at 360 Istanbul, which has a breathtaking view of the city and the Bosphorus. This restaurant is famous for its exquisite Mediterranean and Turkish dishes. You can also have complimentary tea and dessert when you dine at the restaurant.
Another great option to experience Istanbul is to take a Golden Horn cruise. You can see the city from both the European and Asian sides. You will see mansions and former summer palaces along the coast of the Bosphorus.
If you are interested in shopping, you can take a walk through the Grand Bazaar. The market is filled with shops selling jewelry, spices, carpets, lamps, household goods and more. It's a great place to buy souvenirs.
You can also visit the iconic Blue Mosque. It's open throughout the day except for the five prayers. If you're looking for a different type of mosque, you can visit the Suleymaniye Camii, which is located on a hill.
Street foods
Whether you are looking for a light meal during your stay or a savory snack to cure a hangover, there are plenty of food options to choose from in Istanbul. Here are some of the best street foods you can enjoy in the city.
The kumpir is one of the most popular Turkish street foods. It is a baked big potato filled with cheese and optional toppings. It is very filling and can be a meal in itself. This Istanbul street food is also quite reasonably priced.
Another tasty treat is halka tatlisi, which is a deep fried dough dipped in a syrup. This dessert is made with a simple recipe. It can give you an energy boost. It's a delicious treat that is available throughout Istanbul.
Another must-try is Midye Dolma, a Turkish dish made from a combination of orange, pine nuts, herbed rice, and currants. The dish can be eaten at night or during the day. It is an ideal snack to pair with Turkish Tea.
Other Turkish street foods include doner kebab, lahmacun, and borek. All of these are delicious but lahmacun is a must-try. This is a spicy dish and it is served with lettuce, lemon, and parsley.
While halka tatlisi is a good dessert, you should also check out balik ekmek. This dish is made with grilled mackerel, vegetables, and onion. It is served on white bread. You can find it at the Galata Bridge for about 12 TL.
Finally, don't miss the kokorec. This is a delicious dish made from grilled sheep intestines. It is mixed with red pepper, oregano, and salt. You can eat it alone or put it on top of a kumpir. It's a must-try in Istanbul.
