Istanbul, a historic city and a meeting point of cultures and different backgrounds throughout the centuries, has proven over the years to be a favourite destination for every travel enthusiast. Situated between Europe and Asia, this mosaic of colours, flavours and aromas invites visitors to explore and be enchanted by its imposing sights and bustling neighbourhoods.
If all of these sound tempting, but your busy schedule doesn’t allow for a multi-day holiday, we have good news for you, as Istanbul also qualifies for a short getaway, ideal for families. ONExchange’s guide is here once again to suggest 4 must-see attractions that you shouldn’t miss the chance to explore if you’re in Turkey for a few days:
- Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)
Hagia Sophia is a majestic landmark of profound cultural significance, which has not been unfairly described as a “masterpiece of architecture”. Having changed its identity several times over the years, at times as an Orthodox church, at other times as a mosque and others as a museum, it is no wonder that travellers from all over the world flock daily to discover its secrets. If exploring by yourself is not your thing, then choose one of the guided tours offered by local professionals. Of course, taking countless photos – although difficult to capture its beauty – is an obvious -yet necessary- activity.
- Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)
Speaking of taking pictures, let us move on to the next must-see spot of Istanbul. We may not be sure whether this is the most photographed attraction, but we are pretty confident that it is the largest and most impressive one in the city. Right next to the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque steals the show with its six minarets, its eminent central dome and stained glass windows. The interior is also breathtaking, as it is decorated with 25,000 blue Iznik ceramic tiles, which makes the visit more than justified. Keep in the back of your mind that women are only allowed to enter wearing a veil, so, don’t forget to get suitably attired. If you fail to do so, the next attraction ought to come first in your tour.
- Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı)
With 11 entrance gates and an area that stretches over 60 streets, we’re not surprised why the third attraction on our list is named after it. The Grand Bazaar will provide you with an unforgettable shopping experience as, in this place, you can find a wide variety of products such as spices, textiles, jewellery, ceramics and traditional Turkish handicrafts. But even if you don’t decide to do any shopping or practice the art of bargaining, as is customary, we suggest that you consciously get lost in the alleys with over 4,000 (!) small shops and immerse yourself into the charm of the innumerable local delights.
- Galata Kulesi (Galata Tower)
And since the magnificent monuments and sights in Istanbul are never enough, we kept the most interesting one for the end. Standing 62 metres tall, the Galata Tower used to be an observation post within the – once existing – city walls and has now been turned into an exhibition space and museum. It offers a panoramic view of the city and is the perfect end to your trip, as if you visit it at sunset, you will enjoy the golden red rays and the magnificent view until the first dusk. The same idea, of course, may be shared by other travellers, so apart from your camera, we suggest you equip yourself with patience.
These proposals demonstrate how the city manages to harmoniously combine the past with the present and the future. The palaces, mosques and every kind of architectural wonder you will encounter there make up a cultural mosaic that enchants visitors. However, what makes this city truly special is its charm, which is not only found in its sights, but also in the daily life, the warmth of its people and their habits. So, make sure you soak up every moment and we promise you will find yourself changed upon your return.
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