Must-See Travel Attractions in Turkey
Turkey has long been recognized as an elite tourist destination. More recently, however, Turkey has also gained prominence as a medical tourism center due to its top-tier private hospitals and their excellent medical services.
Istanbul, which connects Asia and Europe continents, is an incredible travel destination that visitors should not overlook. Here are some of the major travel attractions found within its borders.
Hagia Sophia
Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, enthralls visitors with its unique blend of ancient architecture and traditions. The many museums present offer insights into its rich history and cultural legacy.
Sultanahmet Square is home to the famed Blue Mosque, an Ottoman architectural masterpiece which stands as an icon in Istanbul's skyline. Visitors usually spend between one and two hours visiting this landmark and discovering all its various aspects.
Suleymaniye Mosque is another beloved landmark of Istanbul designed by legendary Ottoman architect Sinan, famed for its exquisite architecture and tranquil environment - both of which make it perfect for photography.
Istanbul's Nisantasi Shopping District boasts luxury boutiques and designer stores, as well as street food vendors and artisanal shops, making this an excellent place to try traditional Turkish fare like simit (sesame bread) or balik ekmek (fish sandwich).
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace is an impressive example of Ottoman artchitecture and one of Istanbul's must-see attractions. Once serving as the residence for Ottoman sultans, this sprawling complex features many fascinating rooms and collections that may take anywhere between one to two hours to fully explore.
Hagia Sophia stands as an architectural masterpiece and one of the world's eight wonders, providing visitors with an incredible glimpse into Turkish history and culture.
Istanbul Archaeology Museums showcase a vast collection of Roman and Byzantine artifacts. Free admission ensures enjoyment by people of all ages. Additionally, Nisantasi Shopping District offers luxury boutiques, restaurants and cafes in an upscale area with great people watching spots - visitors typically spend between two to three hours exploring this district. Yildiz Park provides a beautiful scenic escape from busy city streets featuring walking trails, picnic areas and historic pavilions; offering visitors a tranquil respite.
Basilica Cistern
Istanbul provides visitors with an abundance of cultural and social activities. Home to an abundance of historical mosques, churches, synagogues, palaces, towers and towers; well-known museums like Istanbul Archeology Museum and Basilica Cistern; music and dance concerts by world-famous pop artists at numerous stadiums; plus much more!
The Basilica Cistern is an intriguing underground site featuring an impressive forest of marble columns. Constructed during Emperor Justinianus's rule in Constantinople in the 6th century, this massive cistern serves the Great Palace of Constantinople and ranks as one of the world's largest underground water reservoirs. Additionally, its mysterious atmosphere and two columns adorned with forged Medusa heads draw many visitors each year.
The Blue Mosque is another well-known landmark of Istanbul. Distinguished by its stunning Iznik tiles, this attraction should not be missed for fans of Islamic art and architecture. Tourists should plan to spend 30-60 minutes touring its intricate design; dress appropriately with legs and shoulders covered for optimal experience!
Istanbul Modern Art Museum
The Istanbul Modern Art Museum is an art gallery that exhibits modern works from Turkey and around the world, in an idyllic location overlooking the Bosphorus. Popular with tourists and locals alike, plan to spend 2-3 hours discovering and appreciating its displays and stunning views.
The Crimean Memorial Church, constructed during the 19th century, is a stunning neo-Gothic church located 2.2 km from Citydent Istanbul in Beyoglu district and makes for an excellent spot to view examples of European architecture in Istanbul. Visitors typically spend between 30 minutes to 1 hour exploring this church.
One of the best places to sample Turkish cuisine is Cicek Pasaji (Flower Passage). This historic arcade features restaurants and shops, giving visitors a taste of Istanbul's vibrant history and culture. Plan on spending at least two to three hours exploring and sampling food here.
Experience Turkish culture at its best by visiting Ortakoy Mosque near Bosphorus. This neo-Baroque mosque boasts breathtaking architecture that will leave an indelible mark on you, while its surroundings boast many street food vendors and artisanal stores.
Dolmabahce Palace
Turkey boasts an abundance of incredible places for visitors to discover. From ancient ruins and historic cities to modern business centers, luxury nightclubs, and restaurants - Turkey offers visitors plenty of things to do! Additionally, Turkey provides access to top-of-the-line healthcare facilities; in fact it has become one of the leading medical tourism destinations worldwide.
Dolmabahce Palace, situated around 2.5 km away in Besiktas district of Istanbul, is an amazing Ottoman palace that showcases exquisite architecture and furnishings. Formerly home to both Sultans and Ataturk - founder of modern Turkey - Dolmabahce is an attraction that should not be missed. History buffs as well as anyone interested in architecture must visit Dolmabahce for its rich history and stunning beauty.
Other notable sights of note in Istanbul include the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque), Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern and Egyptian and Grand Bazaars. Visitors may also take a Bosphorus Cruise to view its famed waterfront palaces, fortresses, waterfront mansions of former Ottoman empire - some tours even provide sunset or dinner cruises!
SALT Galata
SALT Galata cultural center is an incredible hidden gem of Istanbul that boasts exhibitions, workshops and events of every variety. Additionally, there's a restaurant, cafe, bookstore and art gallery within its walls; visitors typically spend between 1-2 hours exploring all that awaits them here.
Venue Description: Located within an ornate former Ottoman Bank building featuring ornate "Oriental meets Neoclassical" designs, the Ottoman Bank Museum can be found in its basement, where visitors can explore its labyrinthine rooms and vaults for insight into 19th-century economic activity in Istanbul.
Salt Galata operates two locations, Salt Beyoglu on Istiklal Street in Istanbul and Salt Galata on Bankalar Street in Karakoy. Both buildings provide facilities that host events, conferences and exhibitions by both Turkish and international artists; including research libraries, auditoriums galleries as well as Neolokal Restaurant.
Galata neighborhood's backstreets are packed with restaurants, music stores and shops; visitors should make time to stop at Galata Velvet Cafe and Galata Mevlevi Lodge; these places provide unique and magical dervish shows!
Quincentennial Foundation Museum of Turkish Jews
The Quincentennial Foundation Museum of Turkish Jews is a cultural center that highlights the history and culture of Turkish Jewry. Additionally, it acts as a memorial for those lost during the Holocaust, with exhibitions, concerts, workshops and more taking place regularly at this cultural hub. Most visitors typically spend between one to two hours exploring it all.
Under Ottoman rule, Sephardi Jews primarily resided in European provinces (Constantinople, Thessaloniki and Adrianople), Western and Northern Anatolia as well as western Anatolia. Following 1923 and Turkey's transition into a secular nation state, Turkish Jewish populations decreased dramatically; discrimination became the main impetus for emigration to Israel.
Neve Shalom Synagogue in Beyoglu District is an exquisite and historic Jewish synagogue which was constructed to serve its local community. Since it opened its doors, it has become a symbol of Turkey's religious diversity as an iconic landmark within its region. Additionally, Yapi Kredi Cultural Center can also be found nearby and provides exhibits and workshops.
