In this post I will share the places and monuments that I would like to see again the next time I visit the European part of Istanbul. Which does not mean they are the most beautiful, which is already known to depend on the eyes of the beholder.
This may seem obvious, but recommending what places to visit in a city as impressive and vast as Istanbul is really complicated.
In total I will share 3 post about Istanbul:
- Trip to Turkey # 1 Sutanahmet
- Trip to Turkey # 2 Istanbul (European area)
- Trip to Turkey # 3 Istanbul (Asian area)
Galata Tower
Built in 1348, the Galata Tower, with its 60 meters, is the tallest building in the homonymous neighborhood. Therefore it is an ideal option to enjoy spectacular views of Istanbul.
gif by @jduarte
Near the current tower there was another "Galata tower" that was destroyed during the Sack of Constantinople in 1204. This fact leads to confusion and you may read in some other blog that Galata tower is one of the oldest towers in the world, but it is not like that. Such a pity.
From time to time it's worth traveling with a tripod
Another great idea is to have a coffee/tea in one of the terraces located on the rooftops
Views from the Galata Tower
Tip: If you want the visit to the tower to be totally unforgettable, make it coincide with one of the prayer calls.
Basilica Cistern
Located very close to the Saint Sophia Cathedral , the Cisterna Basilica is a different place, worth visiting and even has a romantic atmosphere. However, we must bear in mind that the most usual thing is that you are not the only one who is going to take advantage of the visit to the **Santa Sophia Cathedral** to see it, so do not be surprised if you end up standing in line. If you want to avoid it, it is advisable to avoid the busiest hours (before 12 or after 16, according to Google). The attraction consists of a huge rectangular structure, surrounded by 336 columns, which hold a ceiling similar to that of a cathedral. This aspect explains why the place is also known as the "Submerged Palace". Built at the beginning of the 6th century to store and provide drinking water to the city, it fell into disuse at the end of the 14th century, when the Ottomans improved the water supply system.
Later it was conditioned in the tourist attraction that it is today. And as many tourist attractions it has what can be called a "selfie point", in which everyone wants to take a picture. In the case of the Basilica Cistern it is the inverted head of Medusa that forms the lower part of a column. There is no single explanation of why the head is upside down and depends on the guide they will give you a different explanation. Some examples are that upside down it loses the powers or that it was simply a disregard. What do you think? Why is the head inverted? The funniest answer (published before May 10, 2018) will receive 0.5 SBD and just for participating I will upvote your comment. You may also resteem this post if you liked it.
The Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar of Istanbul is one of the oldest markets in the world and the best-known attraction in the city. In its interior there are 58 "streets", some 4000 stores and hundreds of sellers ready for the second national sport after the Turkish fight: the bargaining. In summary the Grand Bazaar is both the dream come true of some and a nightmare for others (for example for me). But yes, I think it is a "must see".
Keep in mind that the Grand Bazar is one of the most visited attractions in the world and it is very busy at any time . In fact, if you visit Istanbul traveling on a cruise ship, in the Grand Bazar you'll even meet the boat's cook.
The Egyptian Market or Spice Bazaar
About 10 minutes from the Grand Bazaar, the Egyptian Bazaar it is in my opinion more authentic and a better place to take a walk. It is an ideal market to buy typical products at a good price (after bargaining of course).
In this colorful and aromatic market you will meet more autochthonous buyers than in the Gran Bazar.
Video in ▶ ️ DTube:
Suleymaniye Mosque
It is not known exactly how many mosques there are in Istanbul. There are those who calculate that 3000. Therefore, you will have to spend a little time if you want to see all of them, something that I hope is not your intention. However, many tourists try to visit the most important and spectacular ones. We decided to visit The Blue Mosque and The Mosque of Süleymaniye.
Suleymaniye Mosque
It's worth going to The Suleymaniye Mosque even if it's simply because of its location on a hill that dominates the city.
Suleymaniye Mosque
Other places of interest
Istikla Avenue and Taksim Square.
If you visit Istanbul, you will almost inevitably stroll through Istiklal Avenue, since it is one of the main avenues. At the end of this avenue is Taksim Square. In both places you will find restaurants of all kinds and you will appreciate the "most modern Istanbul".Topkapi Palace. Although many guides propose the Topkapi Palace as one of the city's must-see visits, we decided to leave it for the next trip. In this way we have a good excuse to come back to Istanbul.
This is a post translated from the original post in Spanish with a lot of love. My English is not native, but I try my best and Google algorithms translate better every time. Any correction in this regard is welcome.
Thank you for reading the post, I hope you liked it and you can be useful if you visit Turkey.
If you are preparing the trip and have any questions, do not hesitate to leave a comment.
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Did you buy any spice at the bazaar? which was the spice more strange that you saw? I love the spices 😍
I would be so happy buying there 😄
The only spice we bought was saffron .
We also bought some "lokum" and pistachio sweets 😊.
Pistachio are cheap and delicious in Turkey.
I've heard about saffron but I've never tried it, but pistachio itself is very popular in Venezuela, and I love it.
About "Lokum", I had never heard so far; I was finding out about them and they look delicious, I hope to taste them soon.
Thank you! 😋
Hey, I notice you've mentioned Steemit Worldmap on your profile, why don't you pin this on the map?
I do it once every city/place... do you think I should do it in every post? 🤔
It'd be "a copy paste"
If the content is different in each post I don't see why not, the worse is that it won't get curated but you can keep a collection of all your own post on the map. To give you some idea for the post we normally curate, they need to have English and at least a few good photos and of course be of good quality!!
You are totally right
Done
Thanks @livinguktaiwan!
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Welcome to my country ;) I was just in Istanbul last month and I visited Blue Mosk and Grand Bazaar and Basilica Cistern :) It seems that we took the same direction :) How did you find Istanbul?
I think Istanbul is for sure one of the most amazing cities in the world!
Are you turkish? I will be posting a series of post about our trio to Turkey and it would be great if you comment on them!
Yes I am Turkish.. I will be looking at your post 👍🏼
I like the post & information. Upvote.
Thanks for sharing
Thanks to you @manavmalik!