00:00 INTRO
We've made a list of the top 10 must-see attractions that you won't want to miss on your first visit to Istanbul
00:22 GALATA TOWER
Galata Tower is a medieval stone tower offering panoramic views of Istanbul. Reach the summit for sweeping views of the Bosphorus shoreline and Istanbul's skyline, which stretches from the ancient peninsula.
www.galata-tower.com/it/produ...
00:46 SULEYMANIYE MOSQUE
The Suleymaniye Mosque, commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16th century, is a stunning architectural marvel in Istanbul. Designed by Mimar Sinan, it features a grand courtyard and towering minarets. In the past the complex included a hospital, library, school, and kitchen for the poor. The interior is captivating with stained glass windows and Iznik tiles and calligraphy.
01:18 DOLMABAHCE PALACE
Admire its European-inspired design, which has over 280 rooms split across three floors decorated with crystal chandeliers, gilded ceilings, and exquisite furnishings. The palace hosted the world's biggest Bohemian crystal chandelier, a gift from Queen Victoria!
www.dolmabahce-palace.com/
01:44 MAIDEN'S TOWER
The Maiden's Tower, located at the southern entrance of the Bosphorus, represents Istanbul's rich history and mythology. Built in the 5th century, it worked as a lighthouse, defensive tower, and quarantine post. These days, it houses a restaurant and café with expansive city and Bosphorus views.
02:16 GRAND BAZAR
One of the biggest and oldest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar is a maze-like place where you may let your inner adventurer go. It's a sensory explosion with more than 4,000 stores selling everything from jewels to carpets to spices.
02:39 TOPKAPI PALACE
Admire the opulent courtyards of Topkapi Palace, complete with gushing fountains and lush gardens. Discover the palace's vast treasure and experience the majesty of the Ottoman Empire. Take your time visiting the Harem, which will provide you with insight into the sultans' and families' private life.
topkapi-palace.com/plan-your-...
03:08 BASILICA CISTERN
Discover the ancient Basilica Cistern, an underground reservoir that formerly provided water to the city, and delve into its rich history. Wander around its gloomy passageways with tall columns lining them, and look out for the fabled Medusa heads at the foot of two columns, which are said to ward off bad spirits. Legend has it that 7,000 slaves worked for just three months to build the Basilica Cistern!
www.basilicacistern.gen.tr/
04:04 BOSPHORUS CRUISE
Explore history by setting sail over the fabled Bosphorus Strait, which unites Europe and Asia. Take in the breath-taking vistas of Istanbul's famous skyline as you cruise by palaces, castles, and waterfront villas.
For ages, the Bosphorus Strait has been an important waterway connecting the Black Sea to the Mediterranean.
istanbul-tourist-information....
04:25 BLUE MOSQUE (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)
Admire the Blue Mosque six imposing minarets and the interior's sea of blue Iznik tiles, which give the building a captivating shine. The mosque got its name from the 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles that cover its walls, providing a magnificent blue tint that bathes the interior in ethereal light.
sultanahmetcami.org/k/15/engl...
04:54 HAGIA SOPHIA
Step inside the Hagia Sophia, where history whispers around every corner. Built as a church in the sixth century, it was subsequently converted to a mosque and later turned into a museum. Since 2020, it has been functioning as a mosque again, but it remains open to visitors. The building displays the fusion of Byzantine and Ottoman architectural styles. Don't miss the opportunity to look at the ancient Viking graffiti engraved into the marble banisters, which attests to the Hagia Sophia's continuing appeal. Keep an eye out for the mesmerizing mosaic of Empress Zoe, whose gaze appears to follow you wherever you go.
www.ktb.gov.tr/EN-113776/ayas...
We hope you enjoyed our countdown of the top 10 must-see places on your first visit to Istanbul.
This City between East and West has so much to offer and we're thrilled to have been able to share some of our favorite spots with you.
USEFUL LINKS:
istanbul-tourist-information....
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