Istanbul Essentials For First Timers

Highlights

Leistungen

Ablauf

1. Once part of Topkapi Palace, this relaxing and beautiful public park is more than a recreational area. This area played a very crucuial role in the history of Istanbul, but also of Turkish Republic. In April, it is full of tulips. In May, roses replace tulips. Every seasons, it looks amazing in its own way.

   20 Min.

2. The first-of-its-kind, Sultan Ahmed Fountain in front of Topkapi Palace is an elegant monument in itself. Surrounded by Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia, this Fountain rarely gets the attention that it deserves. We will examine its Tulip Period ornaments with a special attention and understand its impact to the city.

   10 Min.

3. Yerebatan (Basilica) Cistern is a 6th-century Roman water structure and the largest of its kind in Istanbul. With endless rows of columns, its has a unique appearance. It is considered as a top sight in Istanbul. There may be a 30-minute waiting time on busy days.

   1 Std.

4. This 17th-century masterpiece of Ottoman architecture is one of the top sights in Istanbul. Its interior provides one of the most glamorous examples of Ottoman mosques. It is decorated with thousands of tiles and extensive penwork. Starting from its outer courtyard to the inner corners, this mosque provides several elegant examples of the Turkish artistic taste of the 17th century.

   1 Std.

5. Sultanahmet Square is the ancient Roman Hippodrome and contains some of Istanbul's oldest and most important sights. The Egyptian Obelisk, Serpent Column, Masonary Obelisk and German Fountain are among those sights. Each of them has its own fascinating stories and not-easy-to-notice aspects, which I will happily share during our visit.

   1 Std.

6. The Hagia Sophia Mosque in Istanbul is one of the masterpieces of world architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 6th-century building contains artistic items and architectural features from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations. It is a must-see in Istanbul, but for that reason, there are long queues which may result with 1-2 hours of waiting time. (If my guests prefer to see the building only from outside in order not to wait in a long queue, an alternative destination can be added)

   1 Std.

7. As a key city of the Silk Road and the Spice Road, Istanbul boasts the presence of some of the best medieval bazaars in the world. The Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar are still some of most lively commercial buildings in Istanbul. Depending on the personal preference of my guests, we can visit one or both of them. Grand Bazaar is closed on sunday.

   1 Std.

8. Although Blue Mosque is the most visited Ottoman mosque in Istanbul because of its location at the heart of Old City, several other mosques are worth visiting because of their historical significance and architectural aspects. Beyazit Mosque in particular contains very interesting features that are unique in Istanbul. We will take a look at its colorful decoration dated 1505.

   1 Std.

Stornierung

Kostenlose Stornierung bis 24 Stunden vor Beginn, mit voller Rückerstattung.

Bewertungen

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Gut zu wissen

How it compares in Istanbul

• Its from-price is 28% below the median of the 530 stadtbesichtigungen we list in Istanbul.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 124 of 530.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Istanbul

Istanbul liegt am Bosporus in Europa und Asien: byzantinische und osmanische Bauten, lebhafte Basare und Fähren zwischen zwei Kontinenten.

Auf der historischen Halbinsel stehen die größten Sehenswürdigkeiten. Hagia Sophia, Blaue Moschee und Hippodrom liegen sich in Sultanahmet gegenüber, die Basilikazisterne erstreckt sich unter den Straßen, und der Topkapı-Palast breitet sich auf dem Hügel über dem Goldenen Horn aus. Wenige Schritte entfernt sind der Große Basar und der Gewürzbasar seit Jahrhunderten Handelsplätze, und die Süleymaniye-Moschee des großen osmanischen Baumeisters Sinan krönt einen der sieben Hügel der Stadt.

Top-ranked sights in Istanbul: Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi), Bosphorus, Bosphorus Bridge (Bogazici Koprusu).

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