Istanbul is not only a place that is adorned with beautiful natural views, it also home to a number of historical and cultural landmarks. If you want to travel to Istanbul, it would be great to drop by the famous spots in this city and make the best out of your trip. Traveling to Istanbul would not be complete without photographs that would serve as proof of your Istanbul adventure. To start your Istanbul travel escapade, here are some famous places that you ought to see.
Hagia Sophia- this is a basilica that dates way back the time of Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I. It exudes the exquisite craftsmanship of Roman engineering. It has huge domes that Istanbul is truly proud of. Today, it now stands as one of the museums in Istanbul that houses great mosaic art.
Topkapi Palace- this has been the enclave of emperors of Ottoman. If you are to travel to Istanbul, you have to stop by this place. It has a lavish decoration and houses a total of four courts. You can take a guided tour around the place and discover unique weaponry, Christian relics or get to see the belongings of the Prophet Mohammed.
Sultanahmet Mosque- this place has one of the grandest architecture in Istanbul. You can check out this mosque at no cost but you have to follow strict dress codes. Short and sleeveless are not allowed. You may have to wear shawls and you have to remove your shoes or sandals before you can go in. Traveling to Istanbul and being in these places can give you a glimpse of their culture and tradition.
Basilica Cistern- this is a unique tourist spot for those who travel to Istanbul. It is a gigantic underground cistern. You can find wooden walkways and hear piped music that can really bring you chills. Istanbul travelers are also intrigue by the magnificent statue of Medussa and enormous fishes that are in this place.
Galata Whirling Dervish Hall- If you want to travel to Istanbul and want to witness sema dervish ceremonies, Istanbul’s traditional ceremonies, you can go Galata Whirling Dervish Hall. You can also find the Museum of Divan Literature in this place. You can buy tickets in advance and reserve a seat before hand because space is very limited.
Ortaköy- if you are an art lover who wishes to travel to Istanbul, the Ortaköy is an artsy neighborhood that you should definitely check out. You can chat with the locales in one of its café and enjoy some quiet time and be awed with the view of Istanbul.
Museum of Archeology- a huge collection of Sumerian artifacts, Babylonian and Roman statues abound this place. If you have a great interest on human history this place is a must see in Istanbul.
Museum of Modern Art- if you have an exquisite taste for good food and the arts, you would love this one museum in Istanbul. You can find a number of contemporary works of art and installations that are simply breathtaking.
Galata Tower- for the perfect picturesque view of Istanbul, you can go all the way to the top of the Galata Tower and be captivated with the amazing view of Istanbul. You would definitely fill your camera with beautiful shots so be prepared to free up some space on your digicam!
Finally, if you want to get a good look of what traveling to Istanbul has to offer, you can drop by the Miniaturk which is a miniature park of the beautiful city of Istanbul. You can find icons of the cultural museums, palaces and famous places that you can find in Istanbul.