Istanbul: 10 Places to See - Galata Tower to Grand Bazaar
Explore Istanbul's most significant landmarks on this 10-point route covering the city's rich Byzantine, Ottoman, and Islamic heritage. From the medieval Galata Tower and the ancient Hagia Sophia to the opulent Dolmabahce Palace and the sprawling Grand Bazaar, this interactive map guides you through Turkey's largest city's architectural and cultural treasures.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Galata Tower
- End
- Hagia Sophia
- Stops
- 10
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Galata Tower — 219 feet high, rules over the Istanbul skyline
- Istanbul Archaeological Museum — One of the most important museums in Turkey
- Topkapi Palace — Historic palace grounds in Istanbul
- Chora Church — Off the beaten tourist path, historic church
- Basilica Cistern — Water supply system since the sixth century
- Dolmabahce Palace — Luxurious palace built along the Bosphorus coastline
- Suleymaniye Mosque — Built in 1550 on the Third Hill, known for beauty and spirituality
- Grand Bazaar — Major shopping destination for travelers
- Blue Mosque — Built in early 17th century, active house of worship
- Hagia Sophia — Built in 537, served as Greek Eastern Orthodox basilica and house of worship for multiple religions
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Time your visit to the Blue Mosque carefully, as it is closed to sightseers during the five daily prayer times for Muslims.
- Tip
- When visiting the Blue Mosque, remove your shoes and women must cover their hair.
- Tip
- The Galata Tower's restaurant and night club are reached by elevator in the nine-story building and offer stunning vistas of the city.
- Tip
- Visit the Topkapi Palace, which is situated on a hill overlooking the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. You can view the harem's quarters, palace kitchens with porcelain collection, and treasury with jewels and clocks.
- Tip
- The Grand Bazaar has 5,000 shops and receives more than a quarter-million visitors daily. It features jewelry, carpets, spices, antiques, hand-painted ceramics, and a dedicated jewelry market for rare and valuable items.
- Tip
- The Chora Church may be off the beaten tourist path but features beautiful Byzantine mosaics and frescoes depicting the life of Jesus and Mary.
- Tip
- The Basilica Cistern, known as the Sunken Palace, demonstrates advanced Roman engineering from the sixth century and was a filming location for the James Bond film From Russia with Love.
- Tip
- Dolmabahce Palace was built in the 19th century using 14 tons of gold leaf and blends Ottoman architecture with European Neoclassical, Baroque and Rococo styles along the Bosphorus coastline.
Video on this route
10 Top Tourist Attractions in Istanbul - Travel Video