Istanbul is one of the unique cities where history and culture come together. With its enchanting view of the Bosphorus, historical structures, and delicious food, it offers visitors a unique experience. In this guide, we have compiled the most popular and unexplored places in Istanbul for you. If you're ready, let's take a step towards an unforgettable Istanbul experience!

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia is one of the most famous symbols of Istanbul. Its magnificent architecture makes it one of the must-visit places. This unique structure, built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in 537, played a significant role in both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. It continues to enchant its visitors with its traces of different cultures and historical and architectural beauties. Pierre Loti Hill

Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is one of the places in Istanbul that smells of history. This enchanting bazaar, built in 1461 by the order of the famous sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Mehmed the Conqueror, offers visitors a unique shopping experience with its thousands of shops and rich diversity. It creates unforgettable memories for visitors with its historical texture and rich cultural heritage.

Pierre Loti Hill

Pierre Loti Hill, one of Istanbul's historic and scenic spots, is located in the Eyüp district. It takes its name from the French writer Pierre Loti, and can be reached by cable car or on foot. On the hill, you can sip your tea while enjoying the enchanting view of the Bosphorus and experience peaceful moments. With its historical atmosphere and spectacular view, you can enjoy the unique image of Istanbul.

Hoop Stone

The Hoop Stone, one of Istanbul's ancient structures, is located right next to the Aya Irini Museum. It is an old wellhead from the Byzantine period. It offers visitors a sense of time travel with its magnificent mosaics and historical atmosphere. It could be an important stop to visit for archaeology enthusiasts.

Çamlıca Hill

Çamlıca Hill, one of the highest points of Istanbul, captivates with its magnificent panoramic view. It is located at the junction of the European and Anatolian sides. Once you climb up here, you can see the unique view of the Bosphorus Bridge and the Istanbul Bosphorus. While enjoying the green area, you can watch Istanbul and have the opportunity to take photos.

Topkapı Palace

Topkapı Palace, one of the most famous structures in Istanbul and the center of the Ottoman Empire, was built in the 15th century. With its collection of art works from its rich history, magnificent gardens, and view of the Bosphorus, it offers visitors a stroll through history. It is also an important tourist attraction listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Galata Tower

The Galata Tower is located on the historic peninsula of Istanbul. It is a famous tower and a symbolic structure associated with Istanbul. It was built by the Genoese in 1348. With its historical atmosphere and magnificent panoramic view, it offers visitors a unique experience. From the terrace on top, you can enjoy moments of pleasure while watching the beauties of Istanbul from a bird's eye view.

Otagtepe Park

Otağtepe Park is located in the Beykoz district of Istanbul and is within Fatih Grove. It attracts attention with its dominant location over the Istanbul Bosphorus. It was opened to service in the 1970s. It includes viewing terraces, sightseeing areas, an impressive cistern, and a wonderful park. It also contains an artificial pond that enhances the viewing pleasure. It is especially preferred for watching the magnificent view of the Istanbul Bosphorus.

Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern, one of the unique historical sites, was built by the Byzantines in the 6th century. It brings you together with a captivating view with its beauty hidden underground. The reflection of the columns creates a visual feast, providing visitors with unique moments. It embraces you with a mystical atmosphere and arouses curiosity to explore Istanbul's mysterious history.

Bozdoğan Aqueduct

The Bozdoğan Aqueduct, built by the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century to provide water, is about 700 meters long. It attracts visitors with its historical structure, architecture, and beauty. It can be an attractive stop for those who want to explore Istanbul's water distribution system in Ottoman history and embark on a historical journey.

Ahrida Synagogue

Located in historical Galata, the Ahrida Synagogue was built in the 15th century and was used as a Jewish place of worship during the Ottoman Empire period. It brings an impressive atmosphere to its visitors with its historical texture, elegant architecture, and past experiences.

Yoros Castle

Located on the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus, Yoros Castle stands out with its strategic importance during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. It was used to control and protect the Bosphorus. Thanks to its historical texture and magnificent view, it offers its visitors historical and natural beauties together.

Anadolu Hisarı

Anadolu Hisarı, a historic castle and settlement, is located on the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus. It was built by Yıldırım Bayezid in 1395 and was used to control the Bosphorus. It is located at a strategically important point. It also offers an impressive appearance with its historical texture.

Rumeli Fortress

Rumeli Fortress, a castle and military structure, is located on the European Side. It was built by Mehmet II in 1452 and was built for the dominance of the Anadolu Hisarı (Anatolian Fortress). It can offer a great viewing pleasure for those who want to experience its historical atmosphere and magnificent Bosphorus view.

Hippodrome of Constantinople

The Hippodrome of Constantinople, an ancient square and sports field located in the historical peninsula, was used as a hippodrome during the Byzantine Empire. With its historical columns, obelisks, and ruins, it tells visitors about Istanbul's history. It offers its visitors an enjoyable atmosphere with its texture.

Yedikule Dungeons

Yedikule Dungeons, located next to Istanbul's historical walls, is an ancient dungeon construction. It was used as a prison during the Ottoman Empire period. With its historical texture and dark past, it offers visitors a spine-chilling atmosphere. It can be said that it is an important location for those interested in Istanbul's history and one of the places that must be seen.

Haydarpaşa Train Station

Haydarpaşa Train Station is one of the most historic and symbolic structures of Istanbul. It was built in 1908. It has been an important railway hub both during the Ottoman Empire and the Republic of Turkey periods. With its historical texture and striking architecture, it offers visitors a nostalgic experience.

German Fountain

The German Fountain, one of the historical and touristic places, is located in Sultanahmet Square. It is built in a neoclassical style. It was gifted during the visit of the German Emperor Wilhelm II in 1898. With its beautiful garden and elegant design, it provides visitors a pleasant break and photo opportunity.

Heybeliada Seminary

The Heybeliada Seminary is located on Istanbul's Heybeliada Island. With its significant history, it hosts many visitors every year. It was established in 1844. It is affiliated with the Orthodox Church and is used for the training of priests. With its historical texture and stunning architecture, it offers visitors a historical and cultural experience.

Dolmabahçe Palace

Dolmabahçe Palace is located on the Bosphorus shore. It was built during the final periods of the Ottoman Empire and its construction was completed in 1856. It draws attention with its Baroque and Neoclassical style architecture. It has a mesmerizing appearance with its magnificent gardens and rich interior decoration. After the proclamation of the Republic, it witnessed Atatürk's works and his death. With an atmosphere that sheds light on Istanbul's history and culture and gives you goosebumps, it is definitely a place to visit.

St. George's Monastery

St. George's Monastery, a historical and religious structure located on Büyükada Island, was built during the Byzantine period. It provides a peaceful environment with its impressive view and historical atmosphere. It is located at the highest point of the island and offers an impressive experience with both its view and historical texture.

"Fener Greek Patriarchate" The Fener Greek Patriarchate is a historical religious center. It was established in the 5th century and is the spiritual leader of the Orthodox world. It has continued its existence since the conquest of Istanbul by the Ottoman Empire in 1453. Today, it serves as the religious center for Orthodox people living in Turkey. With its elegant architecture and historical texture, it offers visitors an impressive sightseeing pleasure.

Kuleli Military High School

Kuleli Military High School is a historic military school located in the Üsküdar district of Istanbul. This prestigious school, established in 1845 by Sultan Abdülmecid, was an important educational institution where military leaders were trained during the Ottoman Empire. It attracts attention with its historical building and deep-rooted educational tradition. As one of the most established military schools in Turkey, it is among the places that must be seen.

Maiden's Tower

The Maiden's Tower, located in the Istanbul Strait, is one of the historic structures that is synonymous with Istanbul. While it was built in the 4th century BC, it has been used for different purposes in different periods. It has been preferred as a lighthouse, observation tower, and quarantine place. The tower, which is one of the symbols of Istanbul, offers visitors an unforgettable experience with its magnificent Bosphorus view and romantic atmosphere.