(content by Aimee)
Istanbul, a remarkable city with breathtaking sights, stuffed with traditional artifacts situated at a unique location, is a perfect destination for your vacations. The city is rich in culture and has so many tourist attractions. You may feel yourself muddled up from where to start and which place to visit first. Here is the top 6 tourist attraction of Istanbul, you can start your visit by heading to these enthralling sights.
The Calming Demeanor of Prince’s Island
Lying in the Sea of Marmara, the intoxicating chain of 9 islands is called Prince’s island. Evolving from being an exiled place in the Byzantine era, the enchanting islands have become one of the main attractions nowadays. The mystifying soul silence is the main feature of the island. All motorized vehicles are banned on the island; the only modes of transportation are horse carts or bicycles. Strolling through the narrow streets, you may find mesmerizing pine tree ranges and Victorian cottages. The way to reach the island is through different ferries. Take my advice and get on the first ferry on any day; thus, you can avoid rushing crowds at the island that is at peak during midday or afternoon. Thus, you can enjoy a calm demeanor all day long.
Galata Tower: A Significant Landmark
Situated in the middle of Istanbul, right after Istiklal street, overlooking the Bosphorus bridge, Galata tower is a bewitching and cozy sight to behold. The Genoese tower was built in the 14th century and has become one of the landmarks of Turkish tourist attractions. The 220-meter tower has nine stories with a restaurant at the top. The restaurant also features Turkish dance performances and traditional cuisines. Also, a panoramic view of the city from the top of the tower is worth watching.
The Glorious Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace, which once served as the Ottoman caliphate’s administrative center, is now the main tourist attraction in Istanbul. The opulent courtyards have sophisticated features that are lined with sumptuously decorated rooms and hand-painted tile work. The palace also comprises harem where the sultan’s concubine stayed and spent their time. The area is also embellished with an imperial treasury, imperial council chamber, and sacred safekeeping rooms.
Mesmerizing Blue Mosque
The blue mosque or the Sultan Ahmet mosque is a marvelous expression of Turkish architecture. The historic mosque has six slender minarets that are blended with excellently curvaceous features. The name blue mosque refers to the blue tiles that embellish its interior. With its breathtaking beauty, the mosque attracts a ton of visitors and is one of the most popular places in Istanbul. This iconic attraction, which reflects the cultural heritage of Muslims, is a must for travelers. The sight provides a perfect chance to soak into the rich cultural tradition of the Islamic Ottoman caliphate.
Hagia Sophia With Ottoman & Byzantine Effects
Within the domed monument, you can see the effects of both ottoman and byzantine eras. The monument was first created as a cathedral, and after witnessing plenty of alterations, it transformed into a museum. The monument features a unique blend of Islamic art and Christianity. You can also pay tribute to the five Ottoman caliphates that are buried on the premises of Hagia Sophia complexes.
Miniature Park
It’s a historic park that displays enthralling artifacts collection and landmark structures. The park provides a mini-tour of turkey as it embellished with miniatures of all the intoxicating landmarks of turkey. The park offers a glimpse of rich culture and tradition prevailing in the country. Spread over the 3 acres, the most extensive park in the city also consists of waterworks and renowned pools of turkey that will make your visit spellbinding.
Bits of Advice
If you are short of time and want to get the most out of your Istanbul visit, I recommend you hire a suitable travel guide. Also, keep the passes of different places with you while visiting them. You can also hang them with the batch holder and get printed or customized lanyards by your own design which can be easily availed at 4inlanyards. Moreover, these customized lanyards can also be used as a camera holder, and if you’re a professional in photography you should consider buying one with your own logo on it.
