Istanbul Travel Guide - Attractions

Galata Tower: dating back to the mid-1300s, Galata Tower is one of the most memorable landmarks in Istanbul, a large, conical tower close to the Golden Horn on the European side. The interior has been somewhat commoditised in recent years with the addition of a cafe, restaurant and even a nightclub; however, the rather steep entrance fee is worth it for the views over the Bosphorus.

Hagia Sophia: now a museum, this iconic Islamic-looking structure was once a basilica and later a mosque. The main central-lying building was first constructed in the 6th century and then 900 years later the Ottomans decided to turn it into a mosque by adding the missile-looking minarets at each corner. The inside of this cavernous Byzantine structure is even more impressive with its high, domed ceiling and stained-glass, which all add up to create an Istanbul institution that should not be missed.

Ortakoy Mosque: with its detailed neo-Baroque architectural style and position right on the banks of the Bosphorus, the Ortakoy Mosque has become one of the most popular attractions in Istanbul. Compared to other mosques in the city, it is not as old, having been built 150 years ago; but its position by the water makes it all the more special.

Sultan Ahmed Mosque: easily confused with Hagia Sophia, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque is a large domed structure with four pointy minarets. It is a little older than Hagia Sophia at nearly 400 years and remains one of the premiere tourist attractions in Istanbul. The roof is made of a series of concentric domes that rise 43 metres at their highest point, creating a huge interior area decorated with lights and stained glass.

Even much of the kitchenware can be viewed, including the intricate Chinese crockery, swords used by the sultan and his guards, and many royal jewels, as well as the throne itself.

Walls of Constantinople: built as a line of defence during the Roman era nearly 2,000 years ago, the wall is still intact in many places and a renovation programme is underway to return the whole structure to its original condition. There are many sections to view, some of the most impressive being the Gate of Belgrade or the Selymbria Gate.