Istanbul tours & Sight seeing

Where to Visit Istanbul
If you plan to stay five days in Istanbul and want to spend it as efficient as possible, here are my suggestions for you. You can change the ranking of days upon your request.
After a relaxing day, now you can go back on the track and spare a day for the Topkapi palace and surrounding structures. Take a tram and get off at Sultanahmet station, when you walk to the Square, you will see St Sophia on you left and Blue mosque on your right. Turn left to the backside of St Sophia. This road will lead you to the Palace.

Before reaching the palace two important sights are the Fountain of Sultan Ahmed III and the "Sogukcesme Sokagi". You can easily catch the fountain with its attractive motives and nice Dom. "Sogukçesme Sokagi" with the old Istanbul houses, lays on the other side of the Fountain. Make a short walk in the street and watch for the renovated old Istanbul houses on the Edge of Istanbul Walls. Now you can lead to the big door where is the opening to the first courtyard. In the first court yard on the left side is the St Irene Church. To visit this church is under the admission of St Sophia museum, however I could only find a chance to visit once.

When you enter the Church there is a stone ramp, which descend s a long to the level of the interior. When you reach the interior you will see the semicircular front with semi-domed above and there are seats for the clergy. In the semi-dome, there is an ancient mosaic of a simple cross in a black border.

After your tour in the St Irene Museum, now lead to the entrance of the Topkapi palace. You will see a crowd waiting in front of the ticket offices. And you will easily catch the gate of Topkapi palace. Topkapi palace is open from 9:00 to 16:00 except Tuesdays. Entrance tickets are obtained from the gateway. There are different parts in the museum and each of them has a different entrance fee. The entrance to the Topkapi museum is 10 YTL, (~ 7,5 USD ) Entrance to the Harem is 10 YTL . Harem is inside the palace and has a separate entrance. In order to visit the Harem you need to wait for the tours, there are tours in every half an hour and Harem is closing at 15:30 hrs. (Closing hours represent last entrance time). I would suggest touring the palace first and visiting Harem later. Topkapi palace is probably one of the best palaces you can see on earth. You will definitely be impressed, one missing thing in the palace for me is as everything is on an exhibition you don't see a real reflection of how people were living in the past. Topkapi Palace could take your whole day, but you should spare some time for some other places. After Topkapi palace you can visit the Archeological museum . When you reach the first courtyard outside the palace, you will see the signs showing the Museum. Archeological museum is on the right side below the road. The entrance fee is 5 YTL (3 USD) Open all day except Monday, from 9:00 to 17.00.
When you are finished with the Archeological museum, just walk down the road and you will reach the entrance of Gulhane Park. If you want to relax a bit, a walk in the park will be very nice. Park has been re-organized recently and has a very nice looking with so many nice and colorful flowers. The day is not over yet. One more activity can fit for this day and this is a visit to Miniaturk. Miniaturk is a mini model park of Turkiye.
The park is open from 09:00 to 17:00. And in summer it is open till 20:00 hrs. So a late visit is still possible in summer days. On miniaturk Turkey's rich historical and cultural heritage is being displayed with their Marquet te's. If you plan a visit to Istanbul, this is a must see event, you should put in to your agenda. You can have snap to all main structures in Turkey in such a short time. After the Park or skipping the park after the museum, you shall w alk or take the tram to eminonu, to reach to Miniaturk I advice taking a taxi from Eminonu. It shall cost 9 -10 YTL (~ 6-7 USD) The entrance fee to the park is around 10 YTL (~ 7 USD). .

The park is located over on a 56-hectare area along the coast of the Golden Horn. Hagia Sophia, Aspendos Theater, Suleymaniye Mosque, Sumela Monastery, Fairy Chimneys, Mount Nemrud and the ancient city of Ephesus are some of those among the historical and cultural works of art in the park. There is also a small bridge, which is copied from the Bosphorus Bridge between Europe and Asia.
After Miniaturk you can again take a taxi to Eminonu and back to your hotel. Or since you are in Golden horn, a visit to "Cibalikapi" fish restaurant will be favorable.

Another Day in Istanbul. Dolmabahce Palace , Taksim Square, Istiklal Street and Galata tower are the sights of the day's program. Now we are going to take a bus from Eminonu to go to Dolmabahce Palace. In front of the ferry port, buses leaves to various parts of Istanbul. If you get on the Bus from Eminonu to Besiktas, you will pass in front of the Palace. You need to get a ticket for the bus and it costs 1,3 YTL, (1 USD). After 3-4 stops you will see a place where Sea buses and Ferries port (Kabatas), you need to get off from here if you happen to pass this stop do not mind you can get off the next stop and walk back.. When you stopped at Kabatas walk to the front and after 200 meters you will see the Dolmabahce palace on the Right side at the seaside. Dolmabahce palace is closed on Monday and Thursdays and open for public from 9:00 to 16:00. There are two parts on the palace "Selamlik" and "Harem", and both have different entrance fees. Fees are for Selamlik 12 YTL (~9 USD) and for Harem is 10 YTL. You can have a ticket for both of them for 18 YTL. On the entrance there are tour guides arranged by the palace and they are gathering people and you are touring the palace with small groups. You need to wear blue plastic covers to your shoes. Palace itself could remind you of the Versailles palace in Paris, however for me it is more elegant. During your visit you will stop inside the room of Ataturk, founder of the Turkish republic. He has passed away in this palace and his room is still kept in the same order. Note: Video Cameras and Photos are subject to an extra fee.

After your tour at Dolmabahce palace, you can visit the Taksim Square. you need the climb up the hill and reach the Taksim Square, a tough walking or you better take a taxi, should cost 3-4 USD max... Taksim square is the biggest square in Istanbul, many events are being celebrated on this square and it is always crowded. You can see the Ataturk statue at the end of the square and also you can see the nostalgic tram of old Istanbul. Tram operates at the Istiklal Street, which is one of the main pedestrian streets in Istanbul. The street, houses many restaurants, consulates, shops and fair grounds. It is a good alternative for shopping. And the atmosphere is very nice. I advice you to walk on this street till the end of it. You will enjoy this street and it may become one of your favorite places in Istanbul. This street is also nice at nights but could be dangerous after very late hours (2 am or so). At the end of the Istiklal street you will see an old metro which is coming from the 19 the Century. However you can keep on walking to the Galata tower. Where you can have a wonderful view of Istanbul. Galata tower was built in 1348 as a watchtower for fires. And today it's a favorable touristy place. After your tour at Galata tower, you can walk down the road and reach Karakoy, other side of Eminonu. Just pass the bridge and you are back to Eminonu.

Ortaköy is the place to visit on your last day. Ortakoy District is very favorable on sundays. If you are lucky and the sun is also shining, then you will definitely have memorable moments at Ortaköy. Ortaköy is one of the must see places at Istanbul and if you happen to be there on a Sunday, than you will enjoy more. A small part of the city, on the Bosphorus shore, hosts a Sunday market and weekend attractions for Locals. However it's attractive for Tourists also. You can find very interesting handmade stuffs as well as paints and silver accessories. The historical houses and streets are under protection and most have been restored. You can see people gathered around the Ibrahim Pasha fountain every day. Watching the sail boats docked at the wharf is an interesting sight also.. There are many coffee and teahouses, restaurants, fast-food shops in Ortaköy. Eating authentic Turkish food such as gözleme or eating Baked potato is a favorite thing.
Walking distance from Besiktas (A tough one). There are buses and regular taxis passing from the Region. Just at the edge of the Bosphorus Bridge (1st one). The buses that leaves to Ortakoy from Eminonu are 22, 22 RE And 25.

After Ortakoy, you can have a snap to Bebek also . Once, the Bay was for the fishing boats to secure themselves, now hosts the Ultra yachts and speed boats. Probably one of most elegant district of Istanbul with so nice houses and best view of Bosphorus. Bebek is also one of the richest districts of Istanbul. In the center of Bebek stood the Bebek mosque. Also the entrance of the Bosphorus University is nearby. If you have the courage to climb all the way up. The view from the top is enormous. Bebek is so nice to walk around. Walk on the coast and walk in the Bebek Park. Sit on a Bank and enjoy the beauty and silence. If you like desert, try he "Bebek Badem Ezmecisi", a delicious Turkish desert. Also there are very nice Cafes at Bebek. How to reach Bebek: There are regular buses from Eminonu, Besiktas & Taksim

Istanbul City Hotels, Turkey

The city of Istanbul, Turkey, is divided into two parts; the old city peninsula and the new city area. Consequently, all the hotels of mentioned in this web site have been classified accordingly.

Both districts certainly have their own advantages. Staying in accommodation in the Old City allows you to be within walking distance to most of the main touristic attractions - among cobbled streets, beautiful buildings accompanied by a very quiet nightscene. On the other hand, staying in accommodation in the downtown area presents you with a multitude of entertainment and nightlife possibilities - at your doorstep, should you prefer to be at the center of the more modern, multicultural and faster-paced side to Istanbul.

The Istanbul hotels that have been selected are a limited number of the more exclusive hotels, which reflect our personal favorites only, for upholding high quality and service.

istanbul city tour

Istanbul city tour. The approaching summer these days, it is beautiful istanbul. After a few days, we will continue to Istanbul. the interesting places in istanbul, location for tourists. You'll see them all on our site

St. Saviour Church of Chora

The present day St. Saviour Church of Chora dates back from the late 11th century and originally this was a church outside Constantine's original city walls and so it was named the Church of St Saviour in Chora... this literally means in the country side.

The Church was converted into a Mosque in 1510 by the grand vezier of Beyazid II and there after bore the name Kariye Mosque and now it is called KARIYE Mosque & Museum (Kariye Cami ve Müzesi).

The museum offers the finest example of Byzantine mosaic work in the city, as well as superb fourteenth-century frescoes depicting the Genealogy of Christ, the Life of the Virgin and Christ's Ministry.













This complex is often passed over because of it's inconvenient location in Istanbul's western edge near remnants of the old Constantinian Walls, built by Emperor Theodosius II in AD 413.

At Church of St.Saviour in Chora walls protected Constantinople from numerous onslaughts and were breached only twice: by the crusaders in the 1200s and by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453.













Even though the Church was converted to a Mosque after the Conquest, the mosaics were merely whitewashed over and thus have been preserved for display in this secular museum, no longer used for any religious purposes.

St. Saviour Chora (Kariye Mosque & Museum ) is open everyday (except Tuesday) from 9:30 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon. Ph.(212) 631 92 41

istanbul museums

THE MUSEUM OF TURKISH and ISLAMIC ART(Türk Islam Eserleri Müzesi)
The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art has an impressive collection of Islamic Art, housed in Ibrahim Pasha's old Palace. The building of the museum build in 1524 for Ibrahim Pasha, who's was the Grand Vizier of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent. Museum is located aside of Topkapi Palace. Historical building of this museum is one of the private residence that survived from Ottoman time to actual days. The Museum Of Turkish and Islamic Arts offers collection of 40 thousand items which are very rich and eclectic array of Islamic artifacts from different epochs and civilizations. Korans and Koran stands from all over the Islamic world and beautiful works of fine oriental rugs and kilim, tiles, wood carvings, ceramics, calligraphy pieces, Turkish folk life clothing, glassware and clayware. The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art is the place where you can learn about the lifestyles of Turks at every level of society, from the 8th century to the present.

MOSAIC MUSEUM (Mozayik Müzesi)
Mosaic Museum tucked behind the Blue Mosque in Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul. This Museum was built to preserve exceptionally fine mosaic pavements from the 5th and 6th centuries (from the reign of Justinian, 527-565), which were in the Great Palace of the Byzantine Emperor. Beautiful mosaics above depict mythological and hunting scenes including that of two men subduing a tiger. Museum open every day of the week, except Tuesdays.Ph:212-5181205

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM (Arkeoloji Müzesi)
Museum is located in Topkapi Palace complex and displays archeological pieces from the period 2500 B.C. to 500 A.D.Items on display are antiquities from the Sumerian, Babylonian, Assyrian, Hattie and Hittite civilizations and Greek, Roman, Byzantine architecture and sculpture, clayware, bronze, glassware plus coins and medallions. Museum open daily, except Mondays. Ph. 212-5207740

MILITARY MUSEUM (Askeri Müze)Museum is located In the north-western corner of Yildiz Park in Besiktas district of Istanbul.Items on display are a number of the weapons, flags and banners plus honor medals and decorations from Ottoman army and Turkish Republic. And some personal artifacts belonging to Atatürk from the 1915 Gallipolis campaign. Also this museum offers royal tents which used for the meeting of the 'Divan' and another to house the Sacred Relics.During summer months old Janissary Band present a show every afternoon, don't miss it! Ph. 212-2321698

ATATÜRK MUSEUM (Atatürk Müzesi)Istanbul Atatürk Museum is located in Sisli district of Istanbul (20-30 minutes drive from Taksim square). A beautiful three storied building was residence for Ataturk and his mother after his return from the Syrian front. Earlier years in this museum this Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and friends held the secret meetings and conferences before he left Istanbul for Samsun, where he started the war of Independence. The Museum contains Ataturk's some of personal belongings, plus historical pictures.

AVIATION MUSEUM (Havacilik Müzesi)Museum Located in Istanbul's Atatürk Airport area. This Museum traces the development of flight technology in Turkey. The museum which covers nearly 12.000 square meters of open and 3000 square meters of indoor space which displays a collection of war planes, cargo planes, helicopters, anti air craft artillery, missiles and radar items used in the Turkish Air Forces.

The MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS (Güzel sanatlar Müzesi)(Open everyday except Monday & Tuesday) One of the best museums in Turkey for painting and sculpture, dating back to the late 19th century. Located at the Crown Prince Apartments of the Dolmabahce palace in Besiktas. The Museum of Fine Arts displays Turkish paintings and sculptures from the end of the 19th century to the present day.

CALLIGRAPHY MUSEUM (Kaligrafi Müzesi)This museum is located at Beyazit Square... which is very near to Sultanahmet Square. The building of this museum originally was a medrese (religions school) and was used also as municipality library up to 1945, then it became museum. Of the Ottoman arts, Calligraphy was the most important. Such mundane items as tax reports, property deeds and imperial edicts became exquisite works of art. Each of the sultans had their own monogram in stylized script, called a tugra. Sultan Ahmet III and Sultan Bayazid II were skilled calligraphers. Museum has an amazing collection of Korans, Tugras, Imperial orders and Seals, Hilya-i-Sherif ( description of the Mohammed), equipment and apparatus for calligraphic writing, miniatures, holly relics and samples of book binding. Museum open daily, except Sundays and Mondays. Ph. 212-5275851

istanbul pictures

pictures of istanbul

Yerebatan sarayi, byzantine cistern


Topkapi Palace


the blue mosque and st. sofia


the bosphorus


Rumeli hisari

Suleymaniye Mosque (Sultan Suleyman the Magnificient

Suleymaniye Mosque (Sultan Suleyman the Magnificient)

Suleymaniye Mosque is the second largest but finest and most magnificent of the imperial mosque complexes in the city. It’s as magnificent as its founder Suleiman the Magnificent and a masterwork of the greatest Ottoman architect, the incomparable Sinan. Suleiman the Magnificent is the 10th Sultan of Ottoman Empire who expanded the boundaries of the Empire far to Vienna’s City Walls. Conquering Vienna was his ultimate aim but he could not succeed.

The construction of the Suleiman’s Mosque began in 1550 and the mosque itself was completed in 1557. The mosque is actually a complex building with the tombs of Suleiman and his wife, Hurrem Sultan(Roxelana). The other buildings were finished some years later. The mosque is preceded by a courtyard with columns of the richest porphyry, marble and granite. At the four corners of the courtyard rise the four great minarets. The four minarets are said to signify that Suleiman was the fourth sultan to rule in Istanbul and the 10 balconies denote that he was the 10th Sultan of the Ottoman Dynasty.

Interior of Suleiman's MosqueEntering the mosque, there is a vast room, almost square in plan surmounted by a huge dome. The dome is 47 m., 150 feet and its diameter is 27.5 m, 87 feet. The stain coloured windows are lovely, the sunlight diffuses inside very nicely. The mihrab where the imam(priest) stands and the pulpit are Proconassian marble. There is also a marvellous woodwork inlaid with mother of pearl and ivory of the doors, window shutters and the preacher’s chair. There are also impressive calligraphic inscriptions by the most famous calligrapher of Ottoman Empire, Ahmet Karahisari and his pupil Hasan Celebi. The mosque is all carpeted with red prayer rugs all pointing South where Mecca is located. Next to the mosque are the turbes, the tombs of Suleiman and his wife, Hurrem(Roxelana). The tomb of Suleiman is revetted with beautiful Iznik tiles and quite impressive. There is also the tomb of great architect, Sinan in the same complex. According to the story, Sinan was the only architect who had the honour of opening an Imperial Mosque because Suleiman gave the key to Sinan which was given to him to open the mosque. Another saying says Sinan trusts the quality of the mosque so much that if there is any big earthquake happens, this mosque will never collapse, it will fall into the waters of Golden Horn as one piece, not in small pieces…