Church, mosque or temple · UNESCO
Hagia Sophia
Istanbul, Turkey
A sixth-century domed masterpiece that has been a church and a mosque.
Palace · Turkey · Istanbul
Topkapi Palace
The home of Ottoman sultans for centuries, with courtyards, treasure and Bosphorus views.
UNESCO World Heritage Paid entry about 3 h
For storytellers
Why Topkapi Palace matters
From this hilltop, the sultans ruled an empire. The palace is a sequence of courtyards and pavilions, with an imperial treasury, painted tiles and views across the Bosphorus. The Harem, a separate section, shows another side of palace life. Allow plenty of time.
Talking points
- The treasury holds jewel-covered objects.
- The Harem needs a separate ticket.
- The terrace views are stunning.
Free to read aloud or adapt in your video. Check facts that matter to you against an official source before you publish.
More in Istanbul
Church, mosque or temple · UNESCO
Blue Mosque
Istanbul, Turkey
Sultanahmet Mosque, known for its six minarets and blue Iznik tiles.
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.
Also nearby
Within about 40 km, closest first.