Most tourists, before embarking on any wanderlust, always seek out reasons why they should visit the place. Aside security, cost of travel and how easy visa is to visit some countries, places to see will stand out. If there aren’t much fun things to do on a trip, then it is as good as just taking a break from everything and find some private places in your home country. .
Vacations are more fun when you get to rest, explore activities and enjoy companies of the locals in the country you are visiting. Hence, if Istanbul, Turkey has been on your list for a while, let’s explore some of the top attractions in this country in no particular order.
#1. Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is the largest covered market in Turkey. According to guidebooks, it claims it has about 4000 shops which includes restaurants and shopping centers. While shopping, you may decide to take a break and treat yourself to some local and international cuisine. The Bazaar is where shoppers will find old coins, jewelry with precious gems, inlaid weapons and antique furniture.
One of the most fascinating look out for most tourists is a shopping center and this is what the Grand Bazaar offers under one roof.
#2: Getting a Hamam Scrub
A trip to turkey cannot be complete without a Hamam scrub or bathe. Just visualize yourself soaked while getting an exfoliating bubble bath in a steamy room. And this is followed by a sultan’s oil massage until your skin feels so soft and your body relaxed. This is definitely a Turkish experience you must enjoy before leaving Istanbul.
#3: Bosphorus Cruise
If you are traveling to Istanbul between May and September, you should remember to add Bosphorus Cruise to you itinerary. This cruise provides you a nice overview of the city. You get to see both the European and Asian shores of the famous waterway and this have a lot to offer – century old palaces and mansions galore. There are quite a number of ways to enjoy this cruise and at different times of the day. Get more information on which boat cruise to take in Istanbul here.
#4: Galata Tower
This is one of the most populated tourist attractions in Istanbul and to get a good glimpse of it, it is advisable to come early or be patient enough to wait in line. Galata Tower gives 360-degree magnificent view of Istanbul and the panorama of Istanbul’s historical peninsula.
At night, it is such a beautiful view to behold as it stands high amidst other buildings with interesting lighting around it. Today, its upper reaches include a café, restaurant and a night club, both reached by elevator in the nine-story building, where one can find the stunning vistas.
#5: Suleymaniye Mosque
The Süleymaniye Mosque is also one of the most important cultural heritage buildings in Turkey. It is always opened between 9am and 6pm daily except during prayer times. It is also a no gate fee place but voluntary donations are welcome. Within the mosque complex, there are also many attractions to look out for like medrese (religious school), soup kitchen, hospital, caravanserai, library, bazaar and several tombs. The mosque, indeed, is magnificent, blending the best of Islamic and Byzantine architecture.
#6: Dolmabahce Palace
The Dolmabahce Palace is known to have housed 6 sultans between 1856 to 1924, it also is home to the world’s largest Bohemian crystal chandelier, a gift from Queen Victoria. The beauty of the Palace cannot be overemphasized and visitors have always described it as breathtaking, plush and luxurious. No cents was spared in ensuring the palace is tastefully furnished with a rich blend of traditional Ottoman architecture with the European styles of Neoclassical, Baroque and Rococo.
Every traveler who enjoys learning more about culture and heritage will definitely find Dolmabache Palace fascinating.
Looking forward to exploring your travel lust this season, kindly check out our group travel packages. You can also send us a chat on Whatsapp if you would love to visit Istanbul, Turkey.
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