What is your travel guide in Istanbul during your tourist visit? And does travel in Istanbul require a comprehensive program?
Certainly, visiting Istanbul requires a comprehensive tourist guide. Istanbul is a vibrant city filled with amazing landmarks and captivating tourist destinations. When you visit Istanbul, you’ll find dozens of tourist attractions, historical landmarks, traditional markets, malls, luxury hotels, fantastic restaurants, and beautiful cafes.
Our guide will help you quickly take advantage of Almatar offers to book your ticket to Istanbul and experience its attractions.
When to travel to Istanbul?
The best time to travel to Istanbul depends on what you are looking for in this city. If you are a fan of swimming and beaches, summer is the best time for tourism in Istanbul. The city is full of charming beaches and resorts that offer excellent service. Istanbul’s summer temperatures are considered moderate, especially for visitors from Gulf countries, where a temperature of 30°C is considered mild and manageable, allowing you to engage in outdoor activities.
If you enjoy strolling, hiking, and visiting Istanbul’s charming landmarks, traditional markets, museums, and the Bosphorus promenade, then autumn and spring will be ideal for such activities. The weather is very pleasant, with occasional scattered rain that won’t hinder your plans.
In winter, Istanbul can be very cold, with occasional snowfall. Therefore, this season limits outdoor activities. However, if you enjoy New Year’s celebrations, you will have a wonderful time in Istanbul in December during this festive season.
Tourist attractions in Istanbul
You won’t find a city like Istanbul in terms of the abundance of tourist spots. Historically, Istanbul was a bridge between Europe and Asia, making it a meeting point for civilizations and a passageway for many countries, kingdoms, and empires.
Here are some of the most prominent tourist attractions and historical landmarks in this magnificent city:
Sultan Eyüp Mosque
Sultan Eyüp Mosque is the first mosque built in Istanbul after its conquest, located in the famous Eyüp area. This mosque is the burial place of the revered companion Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, attracting visitors from around the world. The mosque is notable for its authentic Islamic architecture and overlooks the Golden Horn, making it one of the city’s most important historical and religious landmarks.
Galata Tower
Galata Tower is one of Istanbul’s most famous historical landmarks. It is located in the Galata district on the European side of the city and is known for its height, offering a panoramic view of the Golden Horn and the entire city. The tower combines Byzantine and Ottoman architecture and has served various purposes throughout history, from a watchtower to a prison and a lighthouse.
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is an architectural masterpiece in the heart of Istanbul, symbolizing the intersection of civilizations and religions. Initially built as a church, it later became a mosque and is now a museum. It features a massive dome and intricate designs that reflect the grandeur of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires, symbolizing Turkey’s and the world’s rich cultural history.
Rumeli Fortress
Rumeli Fortress is an Ottoman architectural gem located on the shores of the Bosphorus. Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror built it to control the Bosphorus before the conquest of Constantinople. The fortress is known for its massive walls and multiple towers, offering panoramic views of the Strait and the city. It stands as a testament to the military power of the Ottoman Empire and is now a popular tourist destination.
Beylerbeyi Palace
Beylerbeyi Palace is an architectural jewel on the shores of the Bosphorus in Istanbul. Built in the 19th century by Sultan Abdulaziz as a reception palace for foreign guests, it combines Ottoman and Baroque architectural styles. The palace is now a museum, housing a stunning collection of furniture and artworks reflecting the life of the Ottoman court.
Maiden’s Tower
The Maiden’s Tower, also known as “Kız Kulesi,” is a famous historical landmark located on a small island in the Bosphorus Strait. Legends swirl around the tower, which originally served as a lighthouse to safeguard ships. It offers panoramic views of the Bosphorus and Istanbul, making it a popular tourist destination for those wanting to enjoy both the natural beauty and the history of the area.
Best shopping places in Istanbul
Here are some of the best shopping spots in Istanbul, along with their addresses and locations:
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Istinye Park Mall
Address: Pinar, Katar Caddesi No. 11, 34460 Sarıyer/ Istanbul, Turkey.
Location: İstinye Park Alışveriş Merkezi
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Vadistanbul Mall
Address: Ayazağa, Azerbaycan Street No.3/C, 34396 Sarıyer/ Istanbul, Turkey.
Location: Vadistanbul Shopping Mall
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Galata Mall
Address: Kemankeş Kara Mustafa Pasha, Kemankeş Street No. 40/A, 34425 Beyoğlu/Istanbul, Turkey.
Location: Galata port mall
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Historia Mall
Address: Akşemsettin, Vatan Street No. 62/A, 34080 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey.
Location: Historia
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Mall of Istanbul
Address: İkitelli Organized Industrial Zone, Süleyman Demirel Street No. 7, 34490 Başakşehir/Istanbul, Turkey.
Location: Mall of Istanbul
Best restaurants in Istanbul
Below are some of the best restaurants in Istanbul that offer Turkish cuisine, and we’ve highlighted five samples:
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Söğüt 1299 Restaurant
Features: Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, suitable for vegetarians.
Address: Riva, 658X+CP, 34829 Beykoz/ Istanbul, Turkey.
Location: Söğüt 1299 Restoran
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Seagull Seafood and Sushi Terrace
Features: Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, specializing in seafood, international dishes, Turkish grills, and Middle Eastern meals.
Address: Cankurtaran, Akbıyık Street No. 17A 34093 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey.
Location: Seagull Seafood And Sushi Terrace
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Havana Restaurant & Disco Bar
Features: Serves steakhouse, seafood, grills, and Turkish dishes.
Address: Yunus Neighborhood, Industrial Street, Economic Street No. 1, 34000 Kartal, Istanbul, Turkey.
Location: Havana Restaurant Disco Bar
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Seabreeze Lounge Rooftop Restaurant
Features: Serves seafood and Turkish dishes, suitable for vegetarians.
Address: Sultan Ahmet, Sultan Ahmet Coast, Kennedy Street No. 44, 34120 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey.
Location: Seabreeze Lounge Rooftop Restaurant
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Istanbul Kebab Cafe Restaurant
Features: Serves delicious Turkish grills, steak, and seafood.
Address: Alemdar, Beyzıt Student Dormitory Street No. 5, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey.
Location: İstanbul Kebab Cafe Restaurant
Top 5 hotels in Istanbul
Category: 5 stars.
Address: Cihannuma, Saray Street No. 5, 34353 Beşiktaş/ Istanbul, Turkey.
Location: Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus
Category: 5 stars.
Address: Şenlikköy Neighborhood, Yeşilköy Halkalı Street No. 95, Florya, 34290 Bakırköy/Istanbul, Turkey.
Location: Crowne Plaza Istanbul – Florya
Category: 5 stars.
Address: Vişnezade, Acısu Street No. 19, 34357 Beşiktaş/Istanbul, Turkey.
Location: Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul
Category: 5 stars.
Address: Hacı Ahmet, Kurtuluş Deresi Street No. 23, 34440 Beyoğlu/Istanbul, Turkey.
Location: Sheraton Istanbul City Center
Category: 5 stars.
Address: Hobyar, Hoşhanı Street No. 10, 34112 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey.
Location: Demiray Hotel
Tips for using the metro in Istanbul
The Istanbul metro is an efficient and convenient way to explore the city, connecting many tourist spots, residential neighborhoods, and commercial areas. The network reaches most parts of Istanbul and undergoes constant updates.
Here’s how to use the Istanbul metro effectively:
- Make sure to get a Metro map before starting your journey, or use the Moovit app.
- Avoid using the metro during rush hours (morning and evening) as it gets crowded.
- Most metro announcements are in both Turkish and English.
- Pay attention to the signs inside the stations.
- Keep your valuables safe, and be mindful of others by maintaining proper etiquette.
Conclusion
Book your trip today through Almatar and get ready for an unforgettable experience in the vibrant heart of Istanbul. This wonderful city awaits you with its vast markets, luxurious hotels, captivating landmarks, excellent weather, and restaurants offering the most delicious Turkish dishes.