Known in history as the great city Byzantium or Constantinople, Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey. A city that is both beautiful and historically rich, Istanbul is the perfect place for a holiday, with several sites to visit as well as things to learn. Here are some suggestions on Istanbul: things to see and do to make your trip a memorable one.
Discover the History of Istanbul
During your trip to Turkey, it is but necessary to have list of Istanbul: things to see and do so as not to waste time figuring out where to go or what to do next. Learning about the history of Istanbul should be included in your to-do list so that you can gain a better understanding of the city, the people and the country as a whole. Discovering the history is way better than sitting in a class listening to a boring lecture, for you get to visit the different historical landmarks while learning about them.
The Topkapi Palace is the best place to start when you want to learn about the Byzantine history. This was the home of the Ottoman sultans for over 400 hundred years. You can see here different collections of swords, royal clothes, textiles, jewelry and a lot more as well as the amazing gardens and architecture. Afterwards, you should visit the Church of St. Savior which is located in Chora. This is well known for its Byzantine splendor where you can find beautiful frescoes and mosaics that are the perfect examples for that particular era. For a collection of mosaic walls, vaulted chambers and other structures that depict the glory of the Byzantine Empire, visit the breathtaking Haghia Sophia, which is one of the best museums worldwide. And of course, you should not miss on your Istanbul: things to see and do the Blue Mosque, the largest one in the whole of Turkey.
Cruise through the Bosphorus
If you are fond of boat trips, then a cruise through the Bosphorus should be included in your Istanbul: things to see and do. There are guided tours that are offered at this wonderful river which is best done during the early evening for a fantastic view of the city. The trip will take you to the Galata Bridge and the Black Sea where you will pass along amazing mansions, the Rumeli Hisan fortress, the Oratjoy Mosque and a lot more.
Shop and Dine to your Heart's Content
Every holiday is not complete without the shopping and the dining, thus should be included in your Istanbul: things to see and do list. The Grand Bazaar, is the perfect place where you can shop for everything that you might need. This was first opened way back in 1461, and is one of the largest covered marketplaces worldwide. You can find here antiques, Oriental rugs, jewelry, ceramics, souvenirs and a lot more. There are around 4000 shops here so be ready for some serious shopping.
It is a sin not to try the local cuisine in Istanbul since you are already in the city and this is considered to be one of the best in the whole world. You can find here posh restaurants and small diners where they serve kebabs, baklava, lahmacun or the tasty flatbread and a lot more. For beverages, you can try out the traditional wines such as the Raki which is made of grapes and anise. For coffee lovers, the Turkish coffee is a real treat for you so you should not miss it.
Try the Famous Turkish Baths
You might have heard of Turkish baths or you may have already tried them somewhere. But isn't it better to try it while you are in the city of its origin? In your Istanbul: things to see and do list, be sure to include a trip to the hamam or the Turkish bath. You will be treated like a queen or king here for you get to have the best treatment. You will enjoy a steam bath, your dead skin will be scrubbed and you will be treated to a whole body stretching and kneading for you to relax.
Whether you are a first time visitor or not, these should be included in your plan for your Istanbul: things to see and do. When you do that, your trip will definitely be the best that you have ever had.
