20 of the Most Beautiful Places in Istanbul, Turkey

20 of the Most Beautiful Places in Istanbul, Turkey! Istanbul is a famous city in Turkey and is said to be a bridge between Europe and Asia. Its past was very rich and today it is slowly becoming one of the top places to visit in Europe. If you are on your way to Istanbul, or just planning your trip, or just would like to see how it looks like there, check these Most Beautiful Places in Istanbul.

Most Beautiful Places in Istanbul

1. Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)

Hagia Sophia is a former church which was later converted into a mosque. Then years later, this was again changed into a museum.

Although it may lack the type of artistic works and artifacts that we see today in modern day museums, the designs of the pillars and the interior of the building are simply remarkable.

Hagia Sophia, Most Beautiful Places in Istanbul, Turkey by Dennis Jarvis

Hagia Sophia – interior, Most Beautiful Places in Istanbul, Turkey by Marco Zanferrari

2. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii)

Blue Mosque may not reflect to have a color of blue, but this mosque has earned its reputation because of the perception that its walls are indeed colored blue.

It is among many of the mosques in all of Istanbul. What makes this different is the architectural design and the fame it gathered because of that.

Blue Mosque, Most Beautiful Places in Istanbul, Turkey by Alexxx Malev

Blue Mosque interior, Most Beautiful Places in Istanbul, Turkey by Christian Perez

3. Topkapi Palace (Topkapı Sarayı)

Topkapi Palace is one place that should not be missed on any visit to Istanbul. This served as the residence of sultans and their wives and children.

From generations to generations, this palace served as their home. It is situated in an area where you will be amazed by the view of the Sea of Marmara.

Topkapi Palace, Most Beautiful Places in Istanbul, Turkey by Harold Litwiler

Imperial Hall with the throne of the sultan, Topkapi Palace, Most Beautiful Places in Istanbul, Turkey by Karen Green

4. Haseki Hürrem Sultan Hamamı

If you feel that you need to take a bath because you have gotten sweaty in all that walking and tour you have been doing in Istanbul, you should definitely try Haseki Hürrem Sultan Hamamı (Bath-house of Haseki Hürrem Sultan) to take a bath.

Not only will you have a clean bathhouse, but you can experience the treatment that is given to royalties that uses this place.

Haseki Hürrem Sultan Hamamı, Most Beautiful Places in Istanbul, Turkey by Gryffindor

5. Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi)

If you want to see the real beauty of Istanbul then you must climb to higher places. Visiting Galata Tower is among must do things in the city as it is here where you will be given the chance to view many parts of Istanbul and see their beauty from above.

Galata Tower, Most Beautiful Places in Istanbul, Turkey by lensnmatter

Istanbul as seen from Galata Tower, Most Beautiful Places in Istanbul, Turkey by Juraj Patekar

6. Istanbul Archaeology Museums (İstanbul Arkeoloji Müzeleri)

Istanbul has also plenty to boast when it comes to archaeological findings and all of them can be found in Istanbul Archaeology Museums.

Enjoy seeing relics that dates to thousands of years ago that are already homed and kept secured in this museum. Learn a lot about the possible histories of Istanbul.

Ancient Greek exhibition in Istanbul Archaeology Museums, Most Beautiful Places in Istanbul, Turkey by Nevit Dilmen

7. Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum (Türk ve İslam Eserleri Müzesi)

In Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum you will find a lot of giant carpets and a lot of things that have been restored such as tents and many more in order to be shared to the public.

This and many other works of art from Turkish and Islamic artists rest in this place. Enjoy drinking coffee in nearby coffee shops while trying to see everything that is displayed in this museum.

Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, Most Beautiful Places in Istanbul, Turkey by Dave Proffer

8. Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii)

If you are on a tour in Istanbul, take some time to visit what is said to be one of the 42 remaining mosques that were designed by the renowned Ottoman Architect, Sinan.

Süleymaniye Mosque is regarded as the best of them, although this is mainly because of the restoration efforts made for this kind of structures.

Süleymaniye Mosque, Most Beautiful Places in Istanbul, Turkey by Kemal Cenk Sarioglu

Süleymaniye Mosque – interior, Most Beautiful Places in Istanbul, Turkey by Saskia Heijltjes

9. Chora Church (Kariye Camii)

If you are not fond of entering into mosques, then perhaps you would want to visit the Chora Church which depicts Byzantine influence.

Your breath will be taken away by the amazing architecture designs that put this former church into one of the most beautiful places in Istanbul.

Chora Church, Most Beautiful Places in Istanbul, Turkey by Gryffindor

Chora Church – interior, Most Beautiful Places in Istanbul, Turkey by Guilhem Vellut

10. Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayı)

Basilica Cistern is a romantic attraction in Istanbul. However, its history tells you it is hard to believe that it is for romantic moments. In reality, this was once a structure that brought potable water into the heart of Istanbul from the Thrace.

Today, the area is filled with lights and music for romantic atmosphere. The big inverted statue of Medusa inside this place is also a sight to see.

Basilica Cistern, Most Beautiful Places in Istanbul, Turkey by artorusrex

11. Istiklal Street (İstiklâl Caddesi)

Istiklal Street is a pedestrian zone with the old tram running right in the middle. During the day it can be very busy with millions of people going there and back during the single day!

A busy day in Istiklal Street, Most Beautiful Places in Istanbul, Turkey by Zumrasha

12. Valens Aqueduct (Bozdoğan Kemeri)

Remnants of the Valens Aqueduct are most apparent near Şehzade mosque. It is a 2 floors aqueduct spanning across a small valley, which is now not very noticeable.

It was completed in the 4th century AD during the reign of Roman Emperor Valens.

Valens Aqueduct, Most Beautiful Places in Istanbul, Turkey by Robert Raderschatt

13. Walls of Constantinople

Istanbul was a fortified city and you can still see the Walls of Constantinople around the city. While there are some parts that already need some restoration, other parts of the walls including city gates look really amazing!

Walls of Constantinople, Most Beautiful Places in Istanbul, Turkey by Bigdaddy1204

14. Gülhane Park (Gülhane Parkı)

Once you would want to find some place to relax and rest in a bit of greenery, then Gülhane Park with many benches is the place to go.

It is ideal to sit for a while in the shadow of trees and fill some energy before you go to explore the city further. The park is situated near the Topkapi Palace.

Gülhane Park, Most Beautiful Places in Istanbul, Turkey by Harold Litwiler

15. Dolmabahçe Palace

Dolmabahçe Palace is a magnificent palace, the main center of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th and 20th centuries. It is situated at the shores of the Bosporus Strait, only about 500 meters from Taksim Square.

Here you can take a guided tour, which is definitely worthwhile, because its halls and rooms are really amazing. In the central hall you can see one of the largest chandeliers in the world, made of the famous Czech glass.

Gate of the Treasury, Dolmabahçe Palace, Most Beautiful Places in Istanbul, Turkey by Guilhem Vellut

Dolmabahçe Palace, Most Beautiful Places in Istanbul, Turkey by DavidConFran

16. Ortaköy Mosque

Ortaköy Mosque is not a large Mosque but it is very nice and is situated in the nice part of Istanbul, known here as Ortaköy. It was built in Neo-Baroque style in 18th century at the bank of the Bosphorus strait.

Ortaköy is one of the most beautiful places in Istanbul and is full of shops, boutiques, restaurants and pubs or art galleries.

Ortaköy Mosque, Most Beautiful Places in Istanbul, Turkey by Dietmar Giljohann

17. Bosphorus strait and Bosphorus bridge

Bosphorus is a strait that separates Europe from Asia but it is very important to say that Bosphorus bridge above the strait is what connects them back together. Actually there are two bridges connecting Europe with Asia, but this was built as the first one.

The strait can be compared to Grand Canal in Venice because it is full of boats and ships and features amazing palaces and waterfront houses on both banks.

Bosphorus strait, Most Beautiful Places in Istanbul, Turkey by FatihGumus

Bosphorus Bridge, Most Beautiful Places in Istanbul, Turkey by baris karadeniz

18. Eyup Sultan Mosque (Eyup Sultan Camii)

Eyup is the Istanbul’s district situated at the end of the Golden Horn. You can visit it when you already feel that you have seen everything in Istanbul. In Eyüp, you can see a highly-visited Eyüp Sultan Camii mosque with tall trees in the courtyard.

Eyup Sultan Mosque (Eyup Sultan Camii), Most Beautiful Places in Istanbul, Turkey by Qudsiya

19. Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı)

There are many things in Turkey that are significantly cheaper than in Europe, so a lot of tourists are coming here for shopping. And Grand Bazaar is perhaps the best place to go in Istanbul when it comes to shopping.

Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Most Beautiful Places in Istanbul, Turkey by Christopher

20. Miniatürk

Take a walk along the Galata Bridge and stop at the Miniatur Park to explore its tiny artifacts. There are almost all well-known Turkish and Istanbul’s popular tourist sites in a small miniature form.

Miniatürk, Istanbul, Turkey by Alexxx Malev

How to get to Istanbul?

To find a cheap flight to Istanbul, you can search on our partner’s website Skyscanner.

Where to stay in Istanbul?

Istanbul is truly a very well provided city when it’s time to talk about housing. There is a very large choice of accomodations that you can find in the different districts of Istanbul. Thus, you’ll benefit the hotels competition, if you book in advance. You can find an cheap hotel in Istanbul by searching on this hotel aggregator.