Straddling between Europe and Asia, visit the city where East meets West...
Standing in front of the Hagia Sophia
Istanbul is a major city in Turkey, now officially called Turkiye, that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. The old city in particular reflects many different cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled there, from the Ottoman empire, to the Roman empire. During the time of the Ottoman empire, Istanbul used to be called the city of Constantinople.
The Hagia Sophia:
One of the most famous sites in Istanbul and one of the most iconic buildings in the world, the Byzantine Hagia Sophia features a soaring 6th Century dome with rare Christian mosaics, housing both Christian and Islamic styles. Since it is a mosque, the Hagia Sophia is free to enter and it is open 24/7, however it was only opened to the public about 2 years ago. To discover more information, click below: ayasofyacamii.gov.tr
(Centre) Exterior of the Hagia Sophia, (Left & Right) Inside the Hagia Sophia
The Blue Mosque:
Another site to see is the Blue Mosque, also known by its official name, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. Located just opposite the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque with its 6 minaret towers can be seen from many parts of the city. It is also free but unfortunately when I was there it was not possible to enter due to renovations but still it was a sight to see even from the outside.
If you’re interested in knowing more, click here: www.bluemosque.co
Topaki Palace:
Just behind the Hagia Sophia is the Topaki Palace. Now this attraction is probably one of the most expensive places to visited in Istanbul with tickets costing €32, which is about 650 TL (Turkish Lira). This ticket does include entry not only to the palace but also to the Hagia Irene and to the Harem. If you wish to know more click on the links provided, they also show information on another one of Istanbul’s palaces, the Dolmabahce Palace:
(Left) Entrance to Topaki Palace, (Centre Left) the Harem complex, (Centre Right) from the courtyard looking to the new city, (Right) the view of the Bosphorus and the Anatolian side
Basilica Cistern:
A labyrinth of underground caverns, the Basilica Cistern is definitely worth it. In Istanbul the water only used to come from the sea and therefore was salt water, until the Romans came along with their aqueducts and cisterns to bring freshwater from the mountains. The Basilica Cistern is one of the storing places which used to hold all of this freshwater. Tickets cost €15 (300 TL) to enter. There are similar places like this to visit in Istanbul for example the Binbirdirek Sarnc and Cistern of Theodosius, but this one is the main one and is better to visit. Take a look at: www.serefiyesarnici.istanbul
Galata Tower:
The Galata Tower stands tall at 180ft (60m) and definitely makes up part of the city’s skyline. It is definitely worth to visit here and enjoy the view around sunset. The tower is open Monday-Sunday from 08:30-23:00, so feel free to go up during the day and during the night! Tickets for the Galata Tower cost about €9 (175 TL). For more information, click on the following link: muze.gov.tr
The Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar:
If you feel like getting lost and you can manage the haggling, brave yourself and enter into the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar: a huge complex of small individual shops and markets. Smell the many different spices and even try some of their famous Baklava and Turkish Delights!
Why not take a cruise on the Bosphorus?
The Bosphorus Straight stretches from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea. Istanbul is split up into 3 parts: the Old City and the New City, both located on the European side, and the Asian side or Anatolian side. To travel from each of these places you will have to cross the Bosphorus. There are many ferries which allow you to do so but to truly explore the waters, take a cruise! I recommend the Istanbul Lunch Cruise: Long Circle Bosphorus Cruise up to Black Sea. This cruise lasts approximately 4 hours and costs around €75 per person.
Enjoy incredible views of Istanbul sailing between two continents towards the Black Sea as you enjoy a delicious two-course lunch onboard a lovely boat. Spend a pleasant afternoon exploring the Bosphorus Strait during this spectacular 4 hour lunch cruise. Take in the iconic sights along the way and stop for a visit in the fishing village of Anadolu Kavagi and discover the old fortress remnants on a hill with breath-taking views of the Bosphorus and the Black Sea. Climb aboard a gorgeous boat and forget your worries as you enjoy a relaxing half-day cruise down the Bosphorus Strait. Admire the views of beautiful castles, palaces, old mansions and the minarets of the city’s mosques. During the cruise you will have plenty of time to relax, sit back and indulge in a two course lunch that offers a variety of delicious dishes and fresh seasonal fruits.
As you sail, savour a 2-course lunch with coffee, tea, water, snacks and fruit: alcoholic drinks are available for an extra charge:
• See more of Istanbul on a longer circuit Bosphorus lunch cruise
• Feast on a 2-course sit-down lunch, with snacks, water and hot drinks
• Comfortable modern craft features both air-conditioning and outside space
• Travel all the way to Anadolu Kavagi for Black Sea views
To find out more information and to book your tickets, click on the link below:
This blog is dedicated to all those who lost their lives in the Turkiye-Syria 2023 Earthquake. If you wish, donate here, everything little helps and is always appreciated.
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