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Opens at 09:001. Hagia Sophia
9.72.8k Reviews
based on 45.5k reviews2025 Global 100 – Best Things to Do
M43***18Hagia Sophia Scenic Spot Reviews
Historical and Cultural Values Architectural Status : Hagia Sophia is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, combining Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman elements, with an iconic dome. It was once one of the largest churches in the medieval world 12.
Religious Changes : It was originally an Orthodox cathedral (537), converted into a mosque after 1453, became a museum in 1935, and restored to a mosque again in 2020, but it is still open to the public, symbolizing cultural integration and historical changes 12.
Naming Origin : The Bulgarian capital Sofia is named after this church, which dates back to the 6th century AD. The existing main hall and tower were built in the Byzantine period 3.
Architectural Features and Interior Landscape Appearance : Typical mosque domes and minarets, with ablution pavilions and carved stone columns at the entrance 2.
Central Hall: Multi-colored marble floors and walls, the dome retains Byzantine murals, and a giant Arabic gold plate (with names) is hung 2.
Special Area:
Emperor's Gate: Among the 9 doors in the antechamber, the middle door is only for the emperor 2.
Second Floor Corridor: Reachable through a spiral passage, it was once the worship area for the nobles 2.
Crypt: Additional fee required for visit, including early Christian mosaic decorations and ancient tombs 3.
Tourist Experience and Evaluation Highlights:
The building is magnificent, the dome and murals are shocking, and the lighting effect is excellent at night 12.
The cultural and historical heritage is profound, suitable for visiting after understanding the background in advance 13.
Disadvantages:
It may appear messy during the renovation period, and the ticket price is high 1.
There are dense tourists and heavy commercialization, and some areas require additional charges 13.
Practical Information Location: Istanbul, Turkey, across the street from the Blue Mosque 2. Suggestion: Combined with a historical tour or audio guide, you can have a deeper understanding of its artistic and religious significance13.
As a world heritage site, Hagia Sophia is a cultural landmark that cannot be missed from the perspective of architecture, history and religion, but you need to weigh the visitor experience and personal interests12.Istanbul457m from downtownFrom £24.38
2. Historic Areas of Istanbul
9.7149 Reviewsbased on 10.7k reviews
NOHA AbdelhadeyIstanbul has many historical places to visit Dolmapahçe, galata Tower, Blue Mosque 🕌 💙, aya Sofia, Sultan ahmet, and so onIstanbul434m from downtownFree entry
Opens at 09:003. Basilica Cistern
9.2733 Reviews
based on 32.4k reviews2025 Asia 100 – Best Things to DoM43***18Comprehensive review of Istanbul Basilica Cistern
History and architectural features
Scale and function:
The Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı) is a giant underground reservoir built in the Byzantine period (6th century). It is 140 meters long and 70 meters wide, with an area equivalent to a standard football field. It has a water storage capacity of 80,000-100,000 tons. It once supplied water to the palace and surrounding areas and had military defense functions12.
336 9-meter-high stone columns support the vault. Most of the columns were transported from temples in Anatolia. The capitals are carved in different styles (such as Corinthian and Doric), showing the wisdom of ancient architecture23.
Mysterious elements:
Tear column: A stone column engraved with teardrop patterns, which is said to commemorate the slaves who died during the construction23.
Medusa head: The head of the Gorgon inverted and sideways at the bottom of the pool, the origin of which is a mystery, may be a symbol of warding off evil or deterring the enemy23. Cultural influence:
Many movies (such as "Skyfall", "The Spy Who Came to the City", and "The Dante Code") were filmed here, adding to its mysterious color12.
Visiting experience
Highlights:
The underground space is magnificent and shocking, and the lights and water reflections create a dreamy atmosphere, suitable for photography and history enthusiasts23.
It is adjacent to Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, and can be visited in series12.
Controversial points:
Ticket price: The ticket price for foreign tourists is about 130 yuan, which is much higher than that for local residents (about 1/5 of the price), and the cost-effectiveness is questioned4.
Visiting time: The whole journey takes about 15 minutes. Some tourists think that the content is thin and only supported by lighting effects and a small number of relics4.
Hidden entrance: The entrance sign is not obvious, and you need to be patient to find it24.
Suggestions
Recommended crowd: Tourists who are interested in history, architecture or movie locations; if there is plenty of time and the budget allows, you can plan it in combination with surrounding attractions12. Tips for avoiding pitfalls: Check the ticket price policy in advance to lower your psychological expectations; choose non-peak hours to avoid crowds4.
Summary: The Basilica Cistern is Istanbul's unique "underground miracle". Its historical value and mystery are worth exploring, but you need to weigh the ticket cost against your personal interests12.Istanbul355m from downtownFrom £27.72
Opens at 09:004. Topkapi Palace
8.7625 Reviews2025 Asia 100 – Best Things to DoM43***18As an iconic attraction in Istanbul, Topkapi Palace combines the glorious history and artistic essence of the Ottoman Empire. The following comprehensive comments are for reference:
History and Cultural Value
Topkapi Palace was the power center of the Ottoman Empire for nearly 500 years (1465-1853). It was home to 25 sultans. It is now the largest museum in Turkey. It houses countless national treasures, Islamic relics and royal treasures. It can be called the "Forbidden City of the Ottoman Empire"12.
It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Its architectural complex includes four courtyards, a harem, an audience hall, etc., showing the perfect fusion of Islamic and Ottoman styles13.
Core Highlights
Treasures and Exhibitions
Jewelry Exhibition Hall: It displays gem-studded sabres, tableware, scriptures, etc. It is especially famous for a giant diamond and a "bed covered with gems", which is described by tourists as "rich and inhumane"2.
Religious relics: It houses Islamic calligraphy manuscripts, Sultan relics, etc. The Holy Relics Hall is an important sightseeing spot13.
Architectural details: Such as the marble-inlaid colonnade of the Baghdad Palace and the inner palace courtyard of the Gate of Auspicious Omens, which are of great artistic value3.
Scenic advantages
The palace is located on the high ground of the Bosphorus Strait, overlooking the Sea of Marmara, the Golden Horn and the Asian area on the opposite bank. The garden has a wide view and is excellent for taking photos34.
Tourist experience
Tickets and time: Tickets are 1,500 liras (about 345 yuan), and at least 3 hours of visit are required. It is closed on Tuesdays. Free Chinese guides require a passport or $100 to be pledged2.
Tourist evaluation:
Positive: Most tourists think it is "superb", with rich exhibits such as "Alibaba Treasures", and the architecture and strait scenery are shocking24.
Negative: The ticket price is relatively high (compared with the Forbidden City), and some facilities such as the guides have typos2. Practical suggestions
Visiting route: Enter from the Imperial Gate (first courtyard), visit the Gate of Reverence (second courtyard), the Gate of Auspicious Omens (third courtyard) and the Treasure House in turn, and finally go to Baghdad Palace to enjoy the sea view3.
Surrounding facilities: There are Western restaurants (such as the popular NUSR-ET steak house) and shopping spots nearby, but please note that the straight-line distance is far4.
Summary
Topkapi Palace is a paradise for history lovers and photographers. Although the ticket price is expensive, its unparalleled treasures and strait views are still worth a special visit. It is recommended to avoid Tuesday and reserve half a day for an in-depth tour12.Istanbul974m from downtownFrom £48.82
5. The Blue Mosque
8.61.9k Reviewsbased on 35.5k reviews2025 Global 100 – Night AttractionsM43***18Comprehensive review of Blue Mosque attractions
Architectural and historical value
Magnificent appearance: The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is famous for its six 43-meter-high minarets and a giant dome with a diameter of 27.5 meters. It is a masterpiece of Islamic classical architecture and is known as "one of the ten wonders of the world"12.
Interior decoration: The walls of the mosque are covered with blue and white Iznik tiles, matched with Arabic calligraphy and geometric patterns. The sun shines through the colored glass to form a dreamy light and shadow, which is full of artistic and religious atmosphere12.
Visiting experience
Advantages: Cultural symbol: As a landmark of Istanbul, it combines Byzantine and Islamic culture and is suitable for in-depth experience of Turkish history2.
Off-peak suggestion: Avoid the five daily prayer times (such as afternoon), when there are fewer tourists3.
Disadvantages: Large flow of people: Long queues are required during popular hours, and the crowds inside affect taking pictures13.
Hygiene issues: You need to take off your shoes to enter. The carpet may have a peculiar smell on rainy or humid days. It is recommended to bring your own disposable socks13. Notes
Dress requirements: Women need to wear headscarves, and blue robes are provided in the mosque (more popular than the pink mosque)34.
Photography suggestions: The fountain square can take panoramic photos, but the interior is limited by light and crowds, so you need to be patient to find the angle34.
Comparison with other mosques
Comparison with the Blue Mosque in Putrajaya: The Turkish version is larger and has a longer history, but there are fewer tourists in Putrajaya and it is more suitable for taking pictures4.
Tourist evaluation is divided: Some people think it is seriously commercialized (such as dense tour groups), but some people praise its faith and architectural beauty12.
Recommendation index: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Suitable for people: History enthusiasts, photography players, it is recommended to avoid the rainy season and peak hours12.Istanbul19m from downtownFree entry
Opens at 08:306. Galata Tower
8.3391 Reviewsbased on 10.2k reviewsNo.6 of Best Things to Do in Istanbul
飞入银河Galada Stone Tower Review ｜ Istanbul must punch in the romantic landmark, worth crying! 💫 Is it worth going? Yu Chong is over! Recommended index: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Sisters, promise me! When you come to Istanbul, you must rush to the Galada Stone Tower! This is not only a fairy seat overlooking the city, but also a great landmark with history and romance! Whether it is a 360° panoramic view of the day, or the Golden Horn Bay under the sunset, or even the magical night view after the night lights are on, you can brush the circle of friends in minutes! Key points: although there are too many people in line (especially during sunset time!), the shock after the summit is definitely worth it! The highlight is the big reveal - why must you go? 1. God's perspective of the intersection of Eurasia 🌍 Standing on the top of the 9-story tower, Bosphorus Strait, Golden Horn Bay, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Cathedral... Istanbul's "Old European City" and "New Asian City" have a panoramic view! Especially at dusk, the sunset dyes the sea into the orange sea, and every shot is a movie! (Remember to bring a wide-angle lens!) 2. The millennium-old time and space shuttle 🏰 This tower has gone through thousands of years from the Byzantine lighthouse to the Genoa fortress, and then to the Ottoman prison! There is also a small exhibition inside the tower, telling how it changed from a wooden tower to a stone tower, and even witnessing the "first flight" of humans - someone glided 6 kilometers from the tower to the Asian area in the 17th century, super cool! 3. Nightlife ceiling 🍸 Do you think it's just a view? The restaurant and nightclub at the top of the tower are hidden games! While eating Turkish barbecue, watching belly dance performances, with the night view of the Strait, the atmosphere is full! It is recommended to climb the tower in the evening, a get sunset + night view double experience ～ 4. The perfect end of Independence Street 🛍️ The tower is located at the end of Independence Street, which is super fire. After visiting the Chao brand store and the retro tram, you can punch in on the way! The surrounding alleys are full of literary cafes and treasure shops. Take pictures and Taoshouxin! - Wear a suggestion: wear a light-colored skirt! The skirt is flying when the wind is strong, and the quaint background of the stone tower is super-matched ～👗 - Photo seat: The tower top terrace is clockwise around, and there are surprises at every angle! The Blue Mosque and the Strait Bridge must be photographed! 🌉 - Avoid the pit guide: Don't wear high heels! The sloped stone road in front of the tower is super difficult to walk, and there is a small fan when queuing (squeezing people in summer) - Ticket guide: It is more cost-effective to buy a joint ticket in advance (Istanbul Museum Pass), buy about 39 euros in a single, and the official website can be booked ～ Summary: Galada Stone Tower is the soul landmark of Istanbul, historical control, Photography parties and romantic stars can't resist! Promise me, put it on the must-go list, feel the wonder of "left-hand Europe, right-hand Asia"! 💙 📍 Address: Bereketzade, Galata Kulesi, Beyo ğlu 🕒 Time: 8:30-22:00 (peak season may be extended) 🚇 Transportation: light rail T1 to Karakoy Station, walk uphill for 10 minutes (just practice hips!)Istanbul2.3km from downtownFrom £29.66
Opens at 09:007. Dolmabahce Palace
8.2392 Reviewsbased on 8.3k reviewsNo.7 of Best Things to Do in Istanbul
320***24The ticket booking system is very convenient. You can enter by simply showing your mobile phone and scanning the QR code. You can also enter another palace by scanning the QR code. The experience is very good. You don’t have to worry about losing the paper ticket, and you don’t have to follow anyone. It’s very free.Istanbul4.3km from downtownFrom £34.79
Opens at 08:308. Grand Bazaar
8.0518 Reviews
based on 12.6k reviewsNo.8 of Best Things to Do in Istanbul
LisliskaOne of the most beautiful and attractive East bazaars. There are many confectionary, spices, teas and things. Must visitIstanbul959m from downtownFree entry
Opens at 09:009. Istanbul Archaeological Museums
7.1159 Reviewsbased on 4.6k reviewsNo.9 of Best Things to Do in Istanbul
_We***60The Istanbul Archaeological Museum is one of Turkey’s most important and outstanding archaeological museums in the world. It is located in the exterior courtyard of the Topkapa Palace, and has a collection of more than 1 million cultural relics, covering many civilizations from Mesopotamia, Egypt, Anatolia, Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome to Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations, and almost zero distance from the relics of ancient civilizations. A time container. # one of my favorite museumsIstanbul803m from downtownFrom £17.26
10. Istiklal Avenue
7.0387 Reviewsbased on 6.0k reviewsNo.10 of Best Things to Do in Istanbul
携Cheng携ChengIstanbul Riverside
I said before that the Grand Bazaar is the big alley in Istanbul, and Istiklal Street is the Istanbul Riverside.
On the first day, we went to Taksim Square with a group tour, and only had one hour to go shopping. Of course, we didn't go shopping enough, so we arranged our time here for the second day's free travel.
We took the bus from the hotel to this area (it is said that the taxi price in Istanbul is expensive and there is traffic jam, because the traffic jam will be more expensive, so we chose to take the bus). We first went to the Rainbow Stairs, and then walked through a residential area to the nearby Carrefour. In the middle, we also went into a drugstore. The owner was very talkative and said that he had been to many places in China, and even to Tianjin and Hohhot. He was very kind. It was a mistake to go to Carrefour first. I bought a lot of things, which caused us to carry these things behind me.
After buying snacks and souvenirs, we came to Istiklal Street, which may be the busiest pedestrian street in Istanbul. There were a lot of people on the day we went. It can be seen that not only foreign tourists came to visit, but also locals came to shop. There are large and small shopping malls, restaurants, jewelry stores, souvenir shops, and clothing stores on the street. The types of shops are very complete. We went to Pandora, Mado, St. Anthony's Church, a baked potato shop, a regular restaurant barbecue shop, a street stall barbecue shop, a candy store, many clothing stores, Watsons, two shopping malls... I don't know if I have said it all. I walked around for a whole day and went back when it was dark. I bought a lot of things and ate local special barbecue. Although I spent the whole day on this street and didn't go anywhere else, there are really a lot of food, drinks and shopping on this street. Although it's a bit tiring, I had a great time. The food is much better when traveling independently than when traveling with a group.Istanbul3.2km from downtownFree entry
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