Istanbul Vacation Guide 2023: Top Attractions and Best Places to Stay

0 123 8 minutes read

Istanbul is the second largest city in Turkey and the cultural capital of the country. It is a city with a unique location, located on the border of two continents: Europe and Asia. It has a lot of unique attractions, which attract millions of tourists. Istanbul was the capital of four empires: the Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman. Here are the pearls of culture, unique constructions with great historical and cultural value. To see all the sights in 1 day is simply impossible, so you want to come back here again and again.

Istanbul is really a unique city, so many people consider it the capital of Turkey, although in fact it is Ankara. And Istanbul can be considered the cultural capital of the country.

Istanbul on the map

Istanbul airports on the map

Istanbul weather

Time in Istanbul

Top Sightseeing in Istanbul
Photo of Istanbul

Istanbul on the map of Turkey

Istanbul airports on the map

Ataturk Airport

Official name: İstanbul Atatürk Airport
Airport code (IATA): IST
ICAO code: LTBA
Official website: http://www.ataturkairport.com

Sabiha Gokcen Airport

The official name: Sabiha Gokcen International Airport
Airport code(IATA): SAW
ICAO code:LTFJ
Official website: https://sabiha-gekchen.aeroport.website

Istanbul’s new airport

Official name: Istanbul New Airport
Airport code(IATA): ISL
ICAO code: LFTM
Official website: https://www.istanbulhavalimani.com/en

Weather in Turkey in Istanbul

The weather in Istanbul is comfortable for excursions and walks around the city all year round. The warmest time of the year is from May to September. During this time, the air warms up to 17-23 degrees. In winter, the temperature rarely drops below zero, usually the coldest months are January, February and March. At this time the temperature reaches 6-7 degrees above zero. Spring begins in April and the air warms up to 12 degrees. And the fall is very warm, with an average temperature of 13 to 15 degrees Celsius.

Weather in Istanbul now

Time in Istanbul

The time in Istanbul is the same as Moscow time. Therefore, to know the time in Istanbul, it is sufficient to simply believe with the Moscow time.

Istanbul sights

The main attractions of the city are Aya Sofia, the Pale Palace, Sinan Pasha Mosque and the Blue Mosque. In Emirgan Park you can enjoy beautiful views of the Bosphorus, and in the Grand Bazaar you can buy local souvenirs and goodies.

Do not miss the opportunity to try traditional Turkish dishes such as doner, baklava, lahmajun and mantu. And of course, buy carpets and jewelry.

To get around the city it is best to use public transport – subways, streetcars, buses and ferries that connect the two parts of the city. You can also take a cab, but it is better to ask the driver about the cost of the trip in advance.

Süleymaniye Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Istanbul and one of the main attractions of the city. It was built in the 16th century by order of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and is a fine example of traditional Turkish architecture. The Süleymaniye Mosque has a large central part with a marble imambar, a prayer hall and a platform for sermons. It also includes a madrasa and a library with ancient manuscripts and books. One of the most impressive features of the mosque is its courtyard, which is decorated with fountains and huge trees. From this side, the mosque offers a beautiful view of the Golden Horn River and the cityscape. Sulaimaniye Mosque is open to the public daily and free of charge for all guests. However, before visiting, you must make sure that you are dressed appropriately – women should cover their heads and wear a long skirt or pants, and men should cover their shoulders and legs. Do not miss the opportunity to visit the Süleymaniye Mosque during your trip to Istanbul to learn more about the traditional Turkish religion and enjoy the beauty of its architecture.

Hagia Sophia (Hagia Sophia Cathedral) is one of Turkey’s most famous landmarks and an iconic symbol of Istanbul. This famous church-mosque was built back in the 6th century and has been used in various religious cultures for many centuries. Now the Ayia Sofia is a museum open to the public and amazes visitors with its incredible architecture. It has a majestic dome over 50 meters high, topped with a golden cross, as well as beautiful mosaics and frescoes. In addition, various artifacts and art can be seen in the Ayia Sophia, displaying its rich history and related events.

The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet) is one of the most recognizable and beautiful buildings in Istanbul. It was built in the 17th century and is one of the main attractions of the city. The main feature of the mosque is its main hall, which is decorated with blue and white tile tiles, which gave it its name. The mosque also has 6 minarets, which symbolize that the Blue Mosque was built after the Holy Mosque in Mecca. The Blue Mosque is actively used for prayers, so visitors can visit it only at certain times of the day. To enter the mosque, you must remove your shoes and wear a headscarf (for women).

The Bosphorus Strait is a narrow, long body of water that divides Istanbul into two parts: European and Asian. It is an important part of the waterway linking the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. The length of the Bosphorus is about 30 km, and the width is only about 700 meters at its narrowest point. Along the Bosphorus there are many famous landmarks, including the Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Hisar Fort and Kadıköy. In addition, the Bosphorus is also a popular spot for boat rides, from where you can enjoy beautiful views of Istanbul and its attractions. At the same time, the waters of the Bosphorus are not only beautiful but also dangerous, so you should not forget about safety rules and observe them while boating or ferrying.

Galata Tower is a historic structure in Istanbul which was built in the 14th century by French and Italian engineers for the reign of Emperor Theodosius II. The tower is over 60 meters high and is located on Galata Hill, making it one of the highest points in the city. The Galata Tower was originally used as a lighthouse and signal bridge, but since then it has served many different purposes such as a prison, observatory and fire station. Nowadays the Galata Tower is open to tourists who can climb to the top of the tower to enjoy a beautiful view of Istanbul and the Bosphorus. The Galata Tower is located in the historic Karakoy neighborhood and is a popular place for walks and photos. There are many restaurants and cafes near the tower where you can taste local cuisine and enjoy the views of the city from your terrace.

Maiden Tower (Kiz Kulesi) is a historical monument located on an island in the Sea of Marmara in Turkey, near the city of Istanbul. The tower was built in the 5th century by a Byzantine emperor and has since been used as a monastery, lighthouse, customs office, and then as a museum. Today, the tower attracts tourists from all over the world with its unique architecture and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Topkapi Palace is a beautiful and historically significant palace located on the peninsula of Istanbul in Turkey. It was built in the 15th century and served as the residence of the Ottoman sultans until the mid 19th century. Today the palace is a museum open to tourists. It offers a fascinating tour of Ottoman life and culture and houses a rich collection of art, architecture and religious relics. Among the exhibits are famous jewels and gems, including the famous “Caspian Jewel”.

The Dolmabahce Palace Complex is a beautiful historical complex located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the mid-19th century and served as the residence of the Ottoman sultans. Today the complex is a museum and is open to tourists. It is famous for its luxurious architecture and magnificent interiors including crystal chandeliers, marble columns and a rich collection of antiques. Inside the complex there are more than 285 rooms, including palace chambers, reception halls, chapels and mosques. In addition, the complex is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parks, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy the unique atmosphere of ancient Istanbul.

Beylerbey Palace is a historic palace located on the slope of Hilci-Ali Pasha in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built during the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century and was the residence of Beylerbey, the police chief of the capital. Today the palace is a museum and is open to tourists. It attracts attention with its beautiful architecture and decor, including marble columns, mirrored halls, luxurious curtains and crystal chandeliers. Inside the palace is a museum that houses rare collections of images and artifacts related to Turkish history. In addition, the terrace of the palace offers a magnificent view of the Bosphorus and the city, making it one of the most popular tourist spots in Istanbul.

Turkey in Miniature (Miniature Park) is a unique theme park-museum in Istanbul, Turkey, featuring miniature replicas of famous landmarks and architectural sites from all regions of Turkey, as well as from many countries around the world. The park was opened in 2003 and has since become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul. It has an area of approximately 60,000 square meters on which there are more than 100 miniature objects. All the miniatures are made with a high degree of detail and precision, making them very realistic. Miniature Park Museum allows tourists to see Turkey in miniature, explore its cultural heritage and have a unique and unforgettable experience.

Kariye Museum (Chora Monastery) is a historical museum located in Bodrum, Turkey. The museum was opened in 1962 and is located in the building of St. Peter’s Fortress built during the Byzantine Empire. The museum features artifacts and exhibits relating to the culture and history of Caria, which once confronted the Persian Empire and the conquests of Alexander the Great. The museum’s collection includes ancient statues, mosaics, religious artifacts, ancient coins and everyday objects that depict the life and culture of the ancient Karians. Kariye Museum is one of the most significant cultural attractions in Turkey and attracts tourists from all over the world with its unique history and collection of exhibits.

The Aqueduct of Valenta is a historical aqueduct located in Turkey, in the province of Antalya. It was built during the Roman Empire in the second century and was used to transport water to the city of Perge. The aqueduct was built in two tiers and was about 10 km long. Nowadays, the Aqueduct of Valenta is considered one of the most remarkable historical structures in Turkey. It attracts tourists from all over the world with its unique architecture and history as well as beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The locals consider it a true engineering marvel and one of the most important historical structures in Turkey.

The Basilica cistern is an ancient underground reservoir in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the 6th century AD during the Byzantine Empire. The reservoir has an impressive area of over 9,000 square meters and can hold about 100,000 tons of water. Inside the tank you can see 336 marble columns, each about 9 meters high. The Basilica cistern was forgotten for many years, but in the 16th century it was restored and used to store water for the palace gardens. Today the Basilica Cistern is a popular tourist spot and is in great demand because of its historical and architectural value.

Gulhane Park is a famous city park in downtown Istanbul, Turkey. It was created in 1912 and has been one of the popular places for recreation and walks ever since. The park is home to many historical monuments, including Topkapi Palace, the Main Mosque, and the Ruins of the Byzantine Wall. The park also has a large number of green spaces, ponds and fountains where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and scenery. Gulhane Park is also known for its cultural events and museums where visitors can experience the history and culture of Turkey.