Is it worth going to Istanbul?
Is it worth going to Istanbul? Formerly known as Constantinople is Turkey’s cultural capital here and is definitely worth a visit. Famous attractions such as Dolmabahçe Palace, Topkapı Palace, and Hagia Sophia Mosque can be explored by boat tour, bus tour, or walking tour in the Bosphorus straits passing through the city. These tours include food and drink and are accompanied by a guide who will tell you more about the city’s incredible past. You will be amazed by the beauty of the Bosphorus straits and the exquisite architecture of the scenery.
Bosphorus
The Golden Horn is the main entrance to the Bosphorus and the historical Galata Bridge is passed over. The Bosphorus Bridge is one of the three suspension bridges in a modern style that connects Europe and Asia. The Leander Tower or Maiden’s Tower is an islet on the Bosphorus, named after the tragic legend of a man named Leander who drowned while trying to swim to his lover, an Aphrodite nun, and a Byzantine princess who died from a snake bite. . Fishing boats can be seen on the coast of Anadolu Kavağı, a cute little town with its wooden houses. Rumeli Fortress was built next to the strait to protect the city against incoming ships.
Read More – Dinner Cruise on the Bosphorus
Famous Palaces
Dolmabahçe Palace, where Atatürk died in 1938, Çirağan Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, and the magnificent Topkapı Palace are worth seeing.
Shopping and Culture
The Spice Bazaar is a good place to try your bargaining skills and buy a few souvenirs. Istanbul Turkish Night Show is a combination of folk dances, belly dances, and a special traditional play in the form of a dance called the Aşk Masuk show.
Famous Mosques and Other Interesting Places
Hagia Sophia, a church converted into a mosque, one of the world’s most popular museums and currently Turkey’s most important symbol. This magnificent monument dates back to AD 537 and is famous for its architecture and its high dome painted with intricate patterns and images. Besides, there is the spiritual Blue Mosque, whose dome is covered with hand-painted tiles. You will see the fascinating Old Pasha Villas, Çamlıca Hill and the Hippodrome with the Egyptian Obelisk, Çemberlitaş Column, Serpent Column, and German Wilhelm Fountain. The Prince Islands is a unique getaway point where you can ride a horse-drawn carriage, completely free of traffic.
Read More – Istanbul Cappadocia
One and two day trips from Istanbul
There are day trips from Istanbul to nearby Troy, famous for Homer’s Trojan War story dating back to 3000 BC. Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire with its Gallipoli Peninsula and World War I monuments, can be visited from Istanbul in one day. If you want to go further, there are two-day trips to extraordinary places such as Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Göbeklitepe.
