Things to do in Istanbul
Istanbul caters well for the culture loving visitor, offering a wealth of attractions reflecting its rich heritage. A vast number of mosques and other historic buildings jostle for travellers' attentions, while it is easy to waste a day wandering around the many bazaars and public areas.
The TopKapi Palace dominates the city and visitors can easily spend an entire day of their stay exploring the huge building. People are advised to get there early as the attraction inevitably becomes crowded, with the infamous Harem particularly popular. Built shortly after 1453, the palace was home to a series of Sultans during the Ottoman Empire as well as the Imperial Council Chamber, Imperial Treasury, Sacred Safekeeping Rooms and Tower of Justice, all of which are open to visitors.
Equally important to Istanbul's past is the Byzantium hippodrome, where Ben Hur style chariot races were held to decide political decisions. The fates of emperors could be decided here as the Green and Blue political parties battled it out, while the Sultans watched public gatherings at the hippodrome for any signs of growing dissent. Unfortunately many of the hippodrome's artefacts were destroyed during the crusades but its many charms are still worth exploring.
Despite Istanbul's turbulent history, the city has an impressive number of archaeological museums which have managed to maintain much of its heritage. Foremost among these are the Museum of Ancient Orient, Archaeology Museum and the Tiled Kiosk, all of which are popular with tourists.
You cannot visit Istanbul without exploring a selection of its many mosques. In total the city is home to too many to mention, but highlights include the Ayah Sofya and Blue Mosque. The Ayah Sofya, also known as Church of Divine Wisdom, was previously regarded as the largest church in Christendom, but was converted into a mosque after the fall of Constantinople. Now, with its impressive domes and mosaics it continues to attract visitors of all faiths. The Blue Mosque, so named because of its stunning blue interior, is one of the largest and most popular in the city. Laid out in traditional Ottoman style with a series of gates and domes, it has been described as a "triumph of harmony, proportion and elegance".
Finally, one of Istanbul's most unique charms is its position straddling two continents, with the city divided by the Bosphorous Strait. Cruises across the strait are popular, with ferries taking tourists back and forth between the Asian and European continents. Travellers are advised to board a tour, enjoy the view and relax as waiters serve them tea. One of the most attractive routes is the ferry from Eminonu to Uskudar, the latter lying on the Asian mainland. Less popular with tourists than the other routes, it offers a fantastically relaxing break on a balmy Istanbul evening.
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Things to do
