Best Places to Visit in Istanbul

Posted on: Dec 6, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Best Places to Visit in Istanbul

Istanbul located at the united line of two continents, Europe and Asia is among some of the most successful travel destinations on earth. This Turkish city is famous for its historical background, colourful culture and energetic vibrations, which tourists can plunge into. Miles of snow-white walls and monuments – Istanbul is a living museum that combines the traditions of centuries. Istanbul is a city that caters for everyone whether you have an interest in history, food or shopping.

Before embarking on your journey, it’s essential to have a Travel Insurance Policy in place. Overseas travel insurance or Travel Insurance For Turkey can safeguard your trip by covering unforeseen expenses such as medical emergencies, lost baggage, or trip cancellations. Now, let’s explore the best places to visit in Istanbul to make the most of your trip!

Best Places To Visit In Istanbul

1. Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)

Hagia Sophia – once the Byzantine imperial chapel- the Ottoman era converted into a mosque and now a museum- is among the city’s foremost symbols. Its apparent size, marvellous mosaic interior, and interesting story of its construction make it essential. It is a historic building embodying Byzantine features and explaining the religious and cultural transformations of centuries in the city.

Tip: One should consider making the visit in the morning so that there are few people around intruding on the sightseeing.

2. Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace is the palace of the Ottoman sultans built on a promontory on the south shore of the Bosphorus where it emerges into the Sea of Marmara. Inside you can visit the harem, Imperial treasures and the precious sword of the prophet Muhammad.

Tip: Take at least 4-5 hours for this attraction especially the treasury and the harem areas.

3. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)

The Blue Mosque is one of the landmarks of the world-famous Muslim architecture of the Ottoman Empire. The stunning blue-tiled interior, six minarets and its striking location make it a magnificent symbol of Istanbul’s skyline. Despite being a functional mosque, it welcomes visitors during non-prayer times.

Tip: Do not wear revealing clothing, and try not to attend during prayer times. Ensure your overseas travel insurance covers personal belongings while you’re out exploring.

4. Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı)

The Grand Bazaar is a historical and one of the largest roofed markets globally dating back to three centuries. It has more than 4000 shops that range from jewellery to spices, carpet and antique shops making it a shopper’s heaven. The market is a network of streets, which is divided into lanes, and a tourist will be able to find almost everything a local produces or transits through here.

Tip: No personal belongings should be left exposed since the area becomes crowded. Having a Travel Insurance Policy that covers theft or loss will give you peace of mind.

5. Basilica Cisterns (Yerebatan Sarnıcı)

If you stand in the middle of the modern city of Istanbul and look at the history of this town then you will find a building buried underground known as Basilica Cistern that was used as a water reservoir during the times of the Byzantine Empire. Among the peculiarities of the gory, and for that reason, attractive, constructions-columns that rise from the water and the Medusa heads.

Tip: Booking a guided tour will provide the extra benefit of gaining more knowledge on the history of this wonder.

6. Galata Tower

You can get one of the best views of Istanbul from the top of the Galata Tower. It is a very tall medieval stone tower that has become one of the symbols of Istanbul’s skyline offering views of the Golden Horn, Bosphorus, and historical peninsula.

Tip: Go in the evening as you will have an awesome view of the skyline.

7. Dolmabahce Palace

Dolmabahce Palace is the third palace of the Ottoman Empire built on the Bosphorus shore and has a rich and luxurious interior, chandeliers and gold and crystal furniture. There were once located the headquarters of the Ottoman Empire in its declining years and is a symbol of the empire’s opulence.

Tip: You should hire a guided tour to be able to understand the history behind the rooms and the things displayed on the walls.

8. Süleymaniye Mosque

Located on one of the uncommon hills of the great Istanbul city, the Süleymaniye Mosque represents one of the most beautiful monuments of the city along with providing its visitors with an opportunity to enjoy the calm and stunning view of the city. it is one of the must-visit architectures designed by the great Ottoman Architect Mimar Sinan.

Tip: Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and the mosque’s garden, which offers stunning views of the Bosphorus.

9. Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı)

An elaborate square of noisy colours and distinct smell, Spice Bazaar is the right place for fans of real Turkish spices, teas, dried fruits and sweets. The market has been existing in this area for locals and tourists since the 17 century.

Tip: Before purchasing local specialities like Turkish delights, nuts and dried fruits make sure that you taste them.

10. Bosphorus Cruise

The most convenient way to understand this aspect is to embark on a Bosphorus Cruise as the city stands on two continents. This boat ride allows you to capture the beautiful images and sights of the skyline palaces and interesting bridges. The cruise will also afford you a novel angle view of landmarks like the Maiden’s Tower and Rumeli Fortress.

Tip: Sunset cruises are particularly popular, offering a mesmerizing view of the city illuminated by the fading sunlight.

Best Time To Visit Istanbul

In the case of Turkey’s city of Istanbul, the favourable months for visiting are during spring, which is in April, May and June in addition to September, October and November. This is the best time for tourists to visit the area enjoying natural beauty without having to endure scorching heat or burdening downpours. Spring comes with activities such as flower blooming, beautiful gardens and autumn which provides an overbearing visibility with a touch of light to the city.

The summer season is between July and August and this season comes with high temperatures and coupled humidity; hence exposure to adventure through tourism becomes uncomfortable. Winter is between December and February, which can be chilly with rare snow; nevertheless, this is a perfect time to visit Istanbul if you don’t mind crowds and you want to avoid too many tourists.

Regardless of when you visit, ensure you have a valid Travel Insurance Policy. Overseas travel insurance for Turkey is essential, especially if you’re planning to explore the city extensively. It may include medical evacuations, trip delays as well as any other incidences that may happen during your stay.

FAQs

1. Do I need travel insurance for Turkey?

Yes, having Travel Insurance For Turkey is highly recommended. This will include medical crises, cancellations of your trip, missing baggage, and any other act of fate that may occur whenever you are on a journey.

2. Is Istanbul costly for tourists or for travelling?

Istanbul is a city filled with exciting things to do. There are also pricey sights and posh hotels as well as there are cheap transportation, inconspicuous hostels and cheap street foods as well.

3. How many days one must spend to rightly explore Istanbul?

On their tour itinerary, the guests can suggest that 4 to 5 days will be enough to comfortably explore Istanbul if focusing only on the key sites. If you feel like you need to explore the culture of the city further or perhaps going on day excursions around other regions then a week would cause more relaxed touring.

Conclusion

Exploring Istanbul as a travel destination is like stepping into a museum and private gallery all rolled into one vacation. And that is not all; Turkey’s ancient marvels of architecture, the Hagia Sophia and the Byzantine Hippodrome are both located here.

Istanbul will enthral your senses whether you're browsing for spices at the Spice Bazaar or taking in the expansive views from the Galata Tower.

Make sure you have international travel insurance or a complete travel insurance policy before you go on your vacation to cover any unanticipated events. Your trip to the top attractions in Istanbul may be a fulfilling and exciting experience if you prepare ahead of time.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

Best Places to Celebrate New Year’s Eve

10 Best Budget Shopping Destinations Around the World

Lake Tahoe to Vienna: Some of the Most Beautiful Destinations to Visit in Winter

Essential Travel Documents Checklist

Are You Traveling to Europe this Winter Without any Insurance?