Turkey
Istanbul Travel Guide
Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, and tea on the Bosphorus
HistoryArchitectureFood & DiningArts & Culture
Top Attractions in Istanbul
Highlights included in EME itineraries
Architecture1h
Basilica Cistern
A subterranean Byzantine cathedral of water built in 532 AD, with 336 marble columns rising from still pools — two reused Medusa-head column bases lurk in the far corner.
Architecture1h
Blue Mosque
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque with six minarets and 20,000 hand-painted İznik tiles in impossible shades of blue — Istanbul's most recognizable silhouette
Nature & Outdoors3h
Bosphorus Cruise
Ferry between two continents — pass Ottoman palaces, wooden waterfront mansions, and fishing villages on the strait connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara
Food & Dining2.5h
Grand Bazaar
One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world — 4,000 shops selling spices, Turkish delight, ceramics, carpets, and gold in a labyrinth of vaulted streets
History2h
Hagia Sophia
Built as a cathedral in 537 AD, converted to a mosque, museum, and mosque again — the most important building in Istanbul with its massive dome and golden mosaics
Architecture1.5h
Süleymaniye Mosque
Sinan's 1558 masterwork crowns Istanbul's third hill with a 53-metre dome, stained-glass qibla windows by Ibrahim the Drunkard, and a tranquil courtyard garden overlooking the Golden Horn.
Planning Your Istanbul Itinerary
Istanbul is one of Turkey's most compelling destinations, known for its History、Architecture、Food & Dining. Use EME's free itinerary builder to plan day by day — add Istanbul to a multi-city route, set your interests, and get a personalized schedule with attractions and travel times built in. No paywall, no sign-up to start.
Currency
TRY
Language
Turkish
Visa
E-visa available for most nationalities. 30-90 days.
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