A busy city with millions of inhabitants. The old Constantinople, the famous Bosphorus river that divides the city into two continents. A unique mix of cultures with influences from the east and west; The Christian and Islamic world. Conservative and modern at the same time. That’s the bustling city of Istanbul, but what to do if you are in this city for the first time? This is a list with things to do and see when you are visiting Istanbul for the first time.
Istanbul is a city that stimulates all your senses. A place where Europe and Asia meet, and ancient history merges with modern city life. As you walk along the banks of the Bosphorus, you hear the call to prayer, smell the scent of fresh simit and see the minarets of old mosques rise above the skyline. Istanbul is a city of contrasts and charm, where every district tells a new story. Here are my tips for viisting Istanbul for the first time.
Sultahnamet, also known as Anatolian Istanbul, with its bazaars and famous monuments, such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and the Topkapi Palace, is an area you can’t miss. Istanbul was the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empire and walking in this area makes you feel going back into these times, just as in Rome.
Unfortunately as with all tourist attractions, you will not be the only one here. However, you shouldn’t miss these places at your first time in Istanbul, even if you only observe them from the outside. When I’m short of time, I always choose to enter one or two sites and try to have a look at the other sights from the outside. With the idea of coming back one day.
The Blue Mosque is stunning to observe from the outside. But you do not pay admission to enter the blue mosque, so make sure you also have a look inside and observe the mosque life. There is a separate entrance for visitors. Of course you have to take off your shoes.
Hagia Sophia was built as a Byzantine cathedral, later it became a mosque and nowadays it’s a museum. It is beautiful to admire this immense structure from both inside and outside. The incredible mosaics can be observed well from the corridors (go upstairs when you are inside). Down in the middle of the church, you realize how big this building actually is.
The basilica cistern was built in the 6th century, during the Byzantine empire. This underground water reservoir has been used as a backdrop for feature films several times, including James Bond’s, “From Russia With Love”. Once inside, certain pieces are beautifully highlighted. The columns and decoration make it look like a basilica, hence the name. Personally I was not blown away by this visit but of course it is still a unique place and the history in particular is special.
For beautiful pictures and an amazing view, look around for a nice rooftop restaurant, such as the Seven Hills Restaurant. Here you can have a delicious lunch or Turkish tea and enjoy the view without the tourist crowds.
Read more about the nicest restaurants and hotspots in Istanbul.
A visit to a Bazaar shouldn’t be missed during your first visit in Istanbul. Sultahnamet has three large bazaars and a lot has been written about them: The Misir Carsisi, or the Egyptian spice market with countless herbs and spices, the Kapali Carsi or Grand bazaar, a maze of shops, galleries and crafts and the Arasta Bazaar, located near the Blue Mosque. It is always nice to stroll through a bazaar, do some shopping but especially to observe the local daily life.
One of the highlights is a place called the “secret rooftop” because of its outstanding view. It is called that way, since it is not an official place, not indicated anywhere and you have to look for it very well.
The Galata bridge is an icon for Istanbul. This bridge connects the European part, Beyoglu with the Anatolian Sultahnamet. On both sides of the bridge you will find a pedestrian zone wich offers beautiful views. Underneath the bridge there are plenty of fish restaurants, with many waiters inviting you over.
The Galata tower is an important monument for Istanbul and can be seen from almost the entire city. The tower offers a panoramic view of the two continents. However, you have to pay for it and make a long line. The other option is to just have a look at the tower from the outside and find a different viewpoint, with less people, such a the secret rooftop.
Cihangir is also called the French Quarter, Curkucuma the antique district. These two neighborhoods, both located in the Beyoglu district, merge into each other and consist of small little streets, squares and alleys, often connected by stairs, with beautiful houses and local mosques on the left and right hand side. The neighborhood hasn’t lost its local character.
In addition to hip little stores, coffeeshops and terraces, there are local shops where you can buy herbs, spices or drink a local tea. Along the way you come across street art. Also, the cutest street-cats are part of daily street life.
Karaköy is the former redlight district and is located between the Kemaralti Caddesi and the water. It is described as the place for hip Istanbul. This area has a lot of cool street art, shops, nice food and coffeeshops. When the weather is nice, it is recommeded to walk along the water or take the boat to Asian Istanbul.
Curious to discover Istanbul’s neighborhoods? Read here about the nicest neighborhoods in Istanbul.
The Taksim Square and the famous shopping street, Istiklal Caddesi are the center of Beyoglu. And you should definitely visit it. The Taksim square is an important place, that you often see in television programs and newspapers when it is about Turkey. Like in every big city, Istanbul also has a main shopping street, called Istiklal Caddesi, with shops and main stream restaurants. There is also an antique tramway running through the street, the Beyoglu tram. It is especially nice to observe people as all kind of people come together in this area wich makes it an interesting reflection of society. From very modern to very conservative.
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul? Located in a nice area, around the corner from Taksim Square and the main street Istiklal Avenue you will find Room Mate Emir Hotel, a great base to explore Istanbul, its sights and neighborhoods. Besides the uber cool design, it is a nice and quiet place in the busy city.
Do you want to stay at Room Mate Emir Hotel? Check out the latest prices and availability here. Looking for more hotels in Istanbul? Here’s an overview.
Looking for things to do and tours in Istanbul? Get inspired by the next tours.
Did you enjoy reading this artile with tips for things to do in Istanbul and do you want to read more? Have a look in the next articles.
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