Istanbul is an extraordinary city. It is a mixture of history, architectural monuments and endless bazaars and shops, a mixture of east and west, Europe and Asia. It contains many beautiful places that you need to visit in order to get a complete picture of this huge city.
Symbols of Istanbul
The Hagia Sophia (532-537) and the Sultanahmet Mosque (1609-1616), facing each other, are the real symbols of Istanbul. They are located in the very center, and tourists, as a rule, begin their acquaintance with the city from here. The huge Blue Mosque amazes with its beauty, weightlessness and energy. You don't need to be a Muslim to feel her special spirit. Ayasofia, in a sense, inspired the construction of this mosque. By design, it was supposed to surpass the Christian cathedral. Hagia Sophia changed several statuses: a cathedral, a mosque, and the decree of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk turned it into a museum. Here, in addition to the majestic structures themselves, you have to stroll along the central square, enjoy the beauty and coolness of a huge fountain and be sure to taste a handful of fried chestnuts. Entrance to the Hagia Sophia Museum: 25 TL. The entrance to the mosque is free. Please note that visiting the mosque in miniskirts, shorts, T-shirts and shoes is prohibited. Shawls and shoe bags are handed out to visitors free of charge at the entrance.
Topkapi Palace
If you are already in the center, it is very easy to get to the palace from Ayasofia. Literally 5 minutes walk, and you are already in the Sultan's garden. Recently, thanks to the TV series "The Magnificent Century", this place has gained particular popularity. It is best to be here in spring, when tulips are in bloom. The most sophisticated varieties of these flowers add a special charm to the buildings of the palace. In addition to visiting the luxurious chambers of the Turkish padishahs and walking through the harem, you will get acquainted with exhibitions of jewelry, weapons and attire of the Ottoman rulers. The queue for tickets usually looks intimidating, but next to the cashier there is a modest ticket ATM, which many in vain ignore. Ticket price: 30 liras. Harem ticket: 15 TL.
Boat trip along the Bosphorus
The Bosphorus is the pearl of Istanbul. For just 12-15 liras, you can go on an hour and a half cruise. Stock up on fresh simit bagels and boiled corn on the beach. Take good seats and keep your camera ready. Many ships, boats and yachts, famous bridges, palaces, mosques, villas of local millionaires, and, of course, the legendary Maiden's Tower - you will see all this while drinking hot tea from the deck of the ship.
Rahmi Koç Museum
If you are not the first time in the former Constantinople and want to visit a place that is not known to everyone, head to the Rahmi Koç Museum. Here are collected old cars, ships, planes, there is even a submarine. The museum is located on a vast territory, which includes many corners full of romance and breath of bygone times. Toys, the first bicycles, strollers and cradles, mock-ups of trains and railways, motorcycles, mini-factories - all this you want to photograph and look at for hours. Ticket price: 12 liras, a trip on a ship, a steam locomotive and a visit to a submarine are paid separately.
