Istanbul, which has been inhabited for almost 4,000 years, is a melting pot of rich culture and history. Because of its placement on the border of Europe and Asia, the city is a lovely blend of eastern culture's mysterious beauty with a modern fiesta touch. Istanbul has the character of a novelist who, one by one, reveals its grandeur, individuals, gastronomy, architecture, and tradition. The historical beauty of Hagia Sophia, the gorgeous structure of the Blue Mosque, and magnificent coastlines with nouvelle eateries like Ulus 29 and Mikla showcasing immaculate scenic vistas are just a few of Istanbul's many attractions.Istanbul also boasts several beautiful gardens, such as the Gulhane and the Emirgan, which come to life in the spring when the tulips bloom and the shades begin to bloom.

It was the capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, and many of the kings' churches, mosques, and castles can still be seen around the city. The majority of these stunning constructions may be seen along the Bosphorus Strait, the narrow canal that separates Europe from Asia, as well as European and Asian Turkey. Boats along the strait are quite popular because they provide breathtaking views of the metropolis. With one of the world's first shopping malls,' the Grand Bazaar, and multiple avenues devoted to various sorts of shops and businesses, the city is also a shopper's delight. Then, once you've completed everything, you can unwind at some of Istanbul's top bars.

Things to do at Istanbul

• Cruise along the Bosphorus on a boat trip: Consider taking a boat excursion if you're in Istanbul and don't know where to begin your exploration. Magnificent minarets, mosques, basilicas, and opulent mansions may be seen from the glistening Bosphorus river. Keep an eye out for the historic Bosphorus Bridge, which serves as a vital link between Europe and Asia.
• Admire the Hagia Sophia's colossal dome: The Hagia Sophia is one of Istanbul's most iconic historical structures, and with good reason: its huge, pinnacle dome is stunning and may easily be gazed at for hours. Its walls are covered with Byzantine mosaics displaying portraits of bygone rulers and depictions of Christ, making it an architectural wonder even now.
• Turn tail in time Byzantium at the Basilica Cistern: The cistern is a vestige of the Byzantine Empire's water network that tourists may examine firsthand, with hundreds of old Ionic and Corinthian pillars. The cold, dark underground structure is also an excellent way to chill off during the summer. It has the capacity to retain up to 80,000m3 of water and distribute it to surrounding palaces.
• Be enchanted by whirling dervishes at the Galata Mevlevi Lodge: The museum houses a wealth of antiquities, notably musical instruments, calligraphy, and Mevlevi dress and accessories, but its main attraction is the weekly sema (whirling dervish) event, which attracts big crowds every Sunday at 17:00. The Lodge also offers Ottoman classical music events on occasion.
•  Have a full body scrub at Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı: The hamam tradition is a must-do for anybody visiting Istanbul, and there's no better location to do it than within this half-millennium-old architectural beauty. Women can use the hamam in the morning and males can use it in the afternoon.
• Put on your negotiating cap and head to the Grand Bazaar: The Grand Bazaar is one of the world's earliest and largest covered markets, with thousands of businesses scattered across dozens of lanes. It's a worthwhile excursion even if you don't intend to buy anything, because the ancient ambience of the sprawling complex is its primary draw.
• Mikla- A fantastic spot to wine and dine: Mikla, directed by highly praised Swedish-Turkish chef Mehmet Gürs, is not only one of the best eateries in Turkey, but also one of the best in the world, getting been named one of the top 50 in 2018. Mikla offers panoramic glimpses of Beyolu, the Golden Horn, and the Bosphorus, as well as some of Istanbul's most inventive fine-dining food.
• Enjoy a cup of Turkish coffee: There is one item you must try in Turkey, and that is Turkish Coffee. It takes a lot of effort to prepare this small cup of caffeine, but it's well worth it since it's one of the most delicious and rich coffee blends you'll ever taste.However, don't drink it all the way down because the bottom of the cup is full with coffee grounds.
• Take a stroll down Istiklal Street: Istiklal Street, which is visited by almost 3 million people every day, is Istanbul's throbbing heart. From theaters to nightclubs, stores to cafés, this 1.4-kilometer pedestrian promenade has it all. You may ride the vintage tram all the way to Taksim Square to see the republic memorial if you don't feel like strolling.

Places to visit

• Dolmabahce Palace: The Dolmabahce Palace is a grand palace erected by the Empire's Sultan in the 1800s on the brink of the famed Bosphorus Strait. This opulent castle, which is made up of 16 unique buildings, is rich of paintings, sculptures, and ancient antiques like as teaware and Bohemian crystal.
• Blue Mosque: The Blue Mosque (also referred as the Sultanahmet Mosque), one of Turkey's most prominent tourist attractions, is a must-see in Istanbul. This ancient structure, which was built in the 1600s, mixes Islamic and Byzantine architectural features.
• Topkapi Palace: The Topkapi Palace, which is situated in Istanbul's old town, is a notable architectural site that also contains a significant cultural institution. Over the course of numerous centuries, the palace was ruled by around 30 sultans. Explore an extraordinary array of exhibits from the Ottoman Empire, including relics, books, and scripts.
• Galata Tower: From high up the Galata Structure, a stone tower constructed in Medieval ages, take in 360-degree panoramas of Istanbul. On a clear day, you might be able to see all the way to the Princes Islands. With a height of about 200 feet, you can expect a fantastic view of the city from this historic monument.
• Spice Market: Visit the Spice Market, also called the Egyptian Bazaar, to learn about the gastronomic aspect of Turkish heritage. It is one of Istanbul's top markets. This market, located next to the New Mosque, offers a look into the vibrant and exotic spices utilized in many of Turkey's delectable meals.
• Emirgan Park: Emirgan Park is one of Istanbul's largest public parks, spanning 117 acres (47 hectares) and encircled by a high wall. The lovely park features two attractive ponds and three gorgeous homes, and it is filled with various plant and flower varieties.There are jogging lanes, walking pathways, and venues to eat and drink at this popular recreational site.
• Chora Church: Chora Church / Kariye Museum is built on the site of a significant 4th century graveyard. The stunning paintings are regarded as some of the best frescoes from the Palaiologian Renaissance. After the loss of ancient Constantino, the church was transformed into a mosque, with the pictures buried behind layers of plaster.