Yusuf's MUST SEE Guide to Istanbul
Sightseeing
Places you MUST visit if you come to Istanbul!
The Sultanahamet Mosque was built between 1609 and 1616 and is often called the Blue Mosque because of all of the hand painted blue tiles inside. It has 6 minarets and sits next to the Hagia Sophia. It is one of the most popular attractions in Istanbul and can be visited any day of the week except during pray time. You must remove your shoes and women must cover their head, but scarves are provided.
803 locals recommend
The Blue Mosque
No:10 Atmeydanı Cd.The Sultanahamet Mosque was built between 1609 and 1616 and is often called the Blue Mosque because of all of the hand painted blue tiles inside. It has 6 minarets and sits next to the Hagia Sophia. It is one of the most popular attractions in Istanbul and can be visited any day of the week except during pray time. You must remove your shoes and women must cover their head, but scarves are provided.
Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror built this palace that became home to the Ottoman Sultans until 1853. It is now a Museum that you can visit on any day, except Tuesday. It is worth paying extra to visit the Harem, the private residence of the Sultans.
717 locals recommend
Topkapi Palace
Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror built this palace that became home to the Ottoman Sultans until 1853. It is now a Museum that you can visit on any day, except Tuesday. It is worth paying extra to visit the Harem, the private residence of the Sultans.
You will find Taksim Square at the end of Istikal Caddesi, Istanbul's main pedestrian street. It is a great area for shopping, dining and night life.
1705 locals recommend
Taksim Square
You will find Taksim Square at the end of Istikal Caddesi, Istanbul's main pedestrian street. It is a great area for shopping, dining and night life.
The largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lay beneath Istanbul. The entrance is just across the street from the Hagia Sophia. It is a wonderfully cool escape on a hot summer day. Head to the back corner to see the Medusa column. If the lineup is long, you can head over a few blocks to the lesser known but very beautiful Serefiye Cistern.
638 locals recommend
Basilica Cistern
1/3 Yerebatan Cd.The largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lay beneath Istanbul. The entrance is just across the street from the Hagia Sophia. It is a wonderfully cool escape on a hot summer day. Head to the back corner to see the Medusa column. If the lineup is long, you can head over a few blocks to the lesser known but very beautiful Serefiye Cistern.
Built in 537 as a church, it became a mosque after the fall of Constantinople. In 1935 it became a museum and in July 2020 it once again became a mosque, which means you can visit it for free outside of prayer time. This nearly 1500 year old building is remarkable and is a must visit for anyone coming to Istanbul.
1014 locals recommend
Hagia Sophia
No:1 Ayasofya MeydanıBuilt in 537 as a church, it became a mosque after the fall of Constantinople. In 1935 it became a museum and in July 2020 it once again became a mosque, which means you can visit it for free outside of prayer time. This nearly 1500 year old building is remarkable and is a must visit for anyone coming to Istanbul.
Situated just outside the city walls, you will feel like you are right beside Mehmed the Conqueror, the 21 year old Sultan who brought the end of the Byzantine Empire and created modern day Istanbul. It is just 3 tram stops away from our Airbnb and a wonderful place to learn about the history of this city.
18 locals recommend
Panorama 1453
Topkapı Kültür Park İçi YoluSituated just outside the city walls, you will feel like you are right beside Mehmed the Conqueror, the 21 year old Sultan who brought the end of the Byzantine Empire and created modern day Istanbul. It is just 3 tram stops away from our Airbnb and a wonderful place to learn about the history of this city.
In a city filled with amazing mosques, this might be the most beautiful. Commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent, it was designed by the imperial architect Mimar Sinan, whose tomb is just outside the grounds. If you are able to wake up early, this is the perfect place to watch the sunrise.
211 locals recommend
Suleymaniye Mosque
No:1 Prof. Sıddık Sami Onar Cd.In a city filled with amazing mosques, this might be the most beautiful. Commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent, it was designed by the imperial architect Mimar Sinan, whose tomb is just outside the grounds. If you are able to wake up early, this is the perfect place to watch the sunrise.
The Galata Tower is one of the most striking sites in Istanbul and dominates the skyline. It was built in 1348 and was once the tallest building. Today you can go up to the observation deck for wonderful views of the city and the Bosphorus.
1235 locals recommend
Galata Tower
The Galata Tower is one of the most striking sites in Istanbul and dominates the skyline. It was built in 1348 and was once the tallest building. Today you can go up to the observation deck for wonderful views of the city and the Bosphorus.
Shopping
Bring home some of Istanbul's treasures and delicious treats!
It is impossible to visit Istanbul without someone asking to show you a carpet. The Red Apple Art Gallery is a friendly place where you can shop without pressure. Just down a side street (Ebussuud Cd.) near Gulhane tram station, you can see beautiful carpets, jewellery., towels, ceramics and more, all made in Turkey. Tell them Yusuf sent you for a special discount.
Red Apple - Art Gallery
It is impossible to visit Istanbul without someone asking to show you a carpet. The Red Apple Art Gallery is a friendly place where you can shop without pressure. Just down a side street (Ebussuud Cd.) near Gulhane tram station, you can see beautiful carpets, jewellery., towels, ceramics and more, all made in Turkey. Tell them Yusuf sent you for a special discount.