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Istanbul is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Not just because of its long and tumultuous history, but because it lies on the border of two continents; Europe and Asia.
It’s home to stunning palaces, incredible mosques, and warm, hospitable people. With so many historical landmarks to explore, you’ll never run out of things to do in Istanbul, Turkey.
If you’re planning a trip to the former ancient capital of the Ottoman Empire, and you’re wondering what attractions in Istanbul to add to your itinerary, then you’ve come to the right place.
This guide features all the unmissable things to do in Istanbul as well as a few hidden gems, so you can be sure to have a wonderful trip to the city and come away feeling like you’ve seen it all.
1.Visit the Hagia Sophia
One of the most unmissable attractions in Istanbul is the historic Hagia Sophia.
The Hagia Sophia is one of the oldest buildings in Istanbul. It was a former Byzantine church but later became a mosque after the Ottomans took over Constantinople (the name given to the city by the Romans).
It was completed in 537 AD by Emperor Justinian I and is one of the largest surviving churches from the Middle Ages.
It was designed by the Greek architects Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles who decorated the building with mosaics and marble reliefs.
However, the most famous feature of the church has to be the dome, which was the second largest in the world at the time it was built, just after the Pantheon in Rome.
When we visited, a guide told us an Ostrich egg was incorporated into the dome to keep spiders out, but we couldn’t see it with our own eyes.
The church was converted into a mosque after the Ottomans seized Istanbul in 1453. It remained a mosque until 1935 when it was converted into a museum and eventually returned to an active mosque in 2020.
- Hours: 24 hours
- Address: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul
Top tip: Make sure you check the prayer times before visiting, so you don’t visit during times of worship. These times change daily.
2. Marvel at the Mosaics of The Blue Mosque
Another one of the most popular things to do in Istanbul is to visit the Blue Mosque.
The Blue Mosque,…
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