Church, mosque or temple · UNESCO
Hagia Sophia
Istanbul, Turkey
A sixth-century domed masterpiece that has been a church and a mosque.
City · Turkey · Istanbul
Istanbul
The city on two continents, with grand mosques, bazaars, palaces and ferries across the Bosphorus.
about 5 h
For storytellers
Why Istanbul matters
Istanbul is a city that was once the capital of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, and it feels like all of them are still here. The old city is crowded with domes and minarets, there are covered bazaars that run on for streets, and the Bosphorus strait separates Europe from Asia right in the middle of town. A ferry ride at sunset, a glass of tea on a rooftop and a long walk from Sultanahmet to Galata make the city unforgettable.
Talking points
- It stands on two continents, Europe and Asia.
- Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi are all within walking distance.
- A cheap ferry ride on the Bosphorus is the best sightseeing trip.
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What to see in Istanbul
Church, mosque or temple · UNESCO
Blue Mosque
Istanbul, Turkey
Sultanahmet Mosque, known for its six minarets and blue Iznik tiles.
Palace · UNESCO
Topkapi Palace
Istanbul, Turkey
The home of Ottoman sultans for centuries, with courtyards, treasure and Bosphorus views.
Historic site · UNESCO
Basilica Cistern
Istanbul, Turkey
A vast underground Byzantine water reservoir with hundreds of columns.
Market
Grand Bazaar
Istanbul, Turkey
A huge covered market of lanes selling carpets, ceramics, jewellery and lamps.
Church, mosque or temple · UNESCO
Suleymaniye Mosque
Istanbul, Turkey
A grand sixteenth-century mosque by the architect Sinan, on a hill above the Golden Horn.
Palace
Dolmabahce Palace
Istanbul, Turkey
A lavish nineteenth-century palace on the shore of the Bosphorus.
Shopping
Istiklal Avenue
Istanbul, Turkey
A lively pedestrian avenue with shops, cafes and a vintage red tram.
Market
Spice Bazaar
Istanbul, Turkey
A colourful bazaar for spices, Turkish delight, tea and dried fruit.
Neighbourhood
Balat Neighbourhood
Istanbul, Turkey
A hillside neighbourhood of brightly painted houses, cafes and old synagogues and churches.
Church, mosque or temple
Chora Church
Istanbul, Turkey
A Byzantine church famous for its gleaming mosaics and frescoes.
Bridge
Galata Bridge
Istanbul, Turkey
A bridge across the Golden Horn lined with fishermen and seafood restaurants.
Neighbourhood
Ortakoy
Istanbul, Turkey
A waterfront village with a mosque beneath the Bosphorus Bridge.
Also nearby
Within about 40 km, closest first.