Istanbul may not be the capital, but it is undoubtedly the most beautiful city in Turkey. With its unparalleled attractions on a global scale, this city captivates every tourist. Throughout history, Turkey, due to its exceptional geographical location, has been the focus of powerful empires such as the Romans and the Ottomans, and Istanbul was the crown jewel of those eras. Today, you can witness the masterpieces left by the various dynasties that ruled this vast land. In addition to its unique historical and cultural attractions, Istanbul offers distinctive Turkish entertainment and cuisine that are renowned worldwide and can only be truly experienced in Turkey, especially in Istanbul.
By the end of this article, you’ll come to the conclusion that Istanbul is one of the best cities you can travel to, and we will provide you with 15 reasons to visit Istanbul in the following sections.
Reading Suggestion: Hottest cities in Turkey
is Istanbul Worth Visiting?
Istanbul is one of the most tourist-attractive cities in the world, drawing millions of visitors each year to explore its beautiful landscapes. However, before traveling, one question often occupies travelers’ minds: Is Istanbul worth visiting? Undoubtedly, yes! This unique country showcases a combination of history, culture, natural beauty, and modern attractions that appeal to everyone. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a lover of diverse cuisines, Istanbul is undoubtedly the place for you. In the following sections, you will understand why Istanbul is worth seeing.
But why is Istanbul Worth Visiting?
- Unique foods that you can only savor in Istanbul, such as kebabs, baklava, and Turkish delight, along with a heavenly Turkish breakfast.
- It is a budget-friendly destination compared to other European touristic cities, with affordable accommodations, food, transportation, and attraction costs, making it an excellent option for tourists.
- The warm and unparalleled hospitality of the Turkish people ensures that you won’t feel out of place in this country.
- The stunning and captivating architecture, featuring attractions like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Buyukada Island, Galata Tower, Istanbul Miniaturk Park, and the Grand Bazaar, is just a small glimpse of the beauties of this city.
15 Reasons Istanbul is Worth Visiting
1. Sultan Ahmet
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, which if you are a fan of Turkish films, you have undoubtedly seen this magnificent mosque as a symbol of political power and an architectural masterpiece in Turkish movies. Experts consider this structure to be one of the last examples of classical Ottoman architecture, famously known as the Blue Mosque due to its interior blue tiles and unique design, attracting millions of tourists every year. It was built between 1609 and 1616 AD under the order of Sultan Ahmed I.
Address: 34110 Fatih/Istanbul Province
Entry Fee: Free
2. Topkapi Palace
It is located in the city center, near the Sea of Marmara, and was built in the 15th century during the Ottoman Empire. Today, it serves as a famous historical and cultural museum in Istanbul and is considered one of the pristine tourist attractions in the region.
This palace showcases three independent architectural styles, consisting of three sections: the Outer Palace, the Inner Palace, and the Harem. It is composed of four separate courtyards and is surrounded by high walls, each section featuring its own unique architecture and design. It is one of the must-see attractions in Turkey, well worth a visit.
Address: Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Entry Fee: $55.56
3. Hagia Sophia Mosque
Hagia Sophia is another one of the most important tourist attractions in Istanbul, Turkey, located in the Sultanahmet area, near the Sultan Ahmed Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Most tourists who visit this city consider this mosque a symbol of Turkey, with its towering minarets showcasing its grandeur to visitors.
This mosque reflects the architectural artistry influenced by early Christianity in the Eastern Roman Empire until the 6th century and was constructed during the reign of Emperor Justinian. It is considered the most significant surviving structure from the time of Justinian in Istanbul, featuring four grand and majestic columns, four arches, and a large dome alongside 40 windows that allow sunlight to pass through, making it one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Turkey.
Address: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Entry Fee: $25
4. Galata Tower
One of the historical symbols of Istanbul and one of the most magnificent tourist attractions in Turkey worth visiting is the Galata Tower, which is extremely popular among tourists and locals alike. It is an exceptional spot for a 360-degree panoramic view, allowing you to observe half of Istanbul’s tourist attractions, such as the Bosphorus Bridge, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque, from this beautiful tower. At night, it becomes even more stunning with its extraordinary lighting. With over 700 years of history, it is also recognized as the tallest building in Istanbul.
One of the interesting features of this tower is the Galata Tower Restaurant, located in the tallest historical tower of Constantinople. Here, you can fully experience Turkish architecture and culture, and despite the high prices, you can enjoy one of your meals in this majestic tower with a breathtaking view.
Address: Bereketzade, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
Entry Fee: $30.97
5. Basilica Cistern
One of the most strange and fascinating tourist attractions you can visit in Istanbul is the Basilica Cistern, renowned for its numerous marble columns underground and its magnificent architecture. Known among the locals as “Yere batan Sarnıcı” it was built in the 6th century under the order of the Roman Emperor and has been supplying water to the residents of Istanbul since that time. It has the capacity to store 8.2 million cubic feet of water. An interesting fact about this place is that it was used as a filming location for scenes from a James Bond movie. You need to descend 52 steps underground to witness this cistern with its 336 columns.
Address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Entry Fee: $22.22
6. Dolmabahce Palace
This Ottoman-era palace is another reason why Istanbul is worth visiting, with its 600-year history serving as the residence of the last six sultans of the Ottoman Empire. This magnificent palace consists of 44 halls, 285 rooms, and 68 bathrooms. To decorate the ceilings of this palace, over 14 tons of gold leaf were used, and more than 131 handmade silk carpets adorn its floors. The world’s largest chandelier, gifted to the palace by Queen Victoria of England, is one of the most attractive features of this grand palace.
In addition to the famous chandelier, the Russian Tsar gifted bear fur rugs, and other notable leaders from around the world presented this palace with expensive and valuable gifts, making it one of the most luxurious and magnificent tourist attractions in Istanbul.
Address: Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe Cd., 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye
Entry Fee: $41.67
7. FenerBaghche Park
We’ve talked a lot about the historical attractions and sites of Istanbul, but Istanbul is not only worth visiting for its historical landmarks. The city also boasts remarkable recreational spots that make it even more worthwhile to explore. Fenerbahçe Park, with its stunning nature, badminton courts, tall trees, and a variety of cafés and restaurants, is another part of Istanbul’s beauty. As one of the largest parks in Anatolia, it offers a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding islands. Visiting, enjoying meals, and watching the sunset over the sea in this park are some of the most delightful activities you can experience there.
Address: Fenerbahçe, Fener Kalamış Yolu, 34726 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye
Entry Fee: Free
8. Istanbul Miniaturk Park
Do you need more reasons to understand why Istanbul is worth visiting? Then, continue to explore the world’s first miniature park, one of Istanbul’s tourist attractions, featuring over 130 models of historical landmarks, including the Bosphorus Bridge, Beylerbeyi Palace, Anatolian Fortress, Haydarpaşa Train Station, and other beautiful sights of Istanbul, all spread throughout this miniature park.
Of course, the features of this park don’t end there. It also offers facilities such as an amusement park, boat rides, a museum, cafés, restaurants, shops for shopping, a theater, and more. By visiting this park, you can explore Turkey in just a few hours. Dining, strolling, boating, and walking can also be part of your options in this park.
Address: Örnektepe, İmrahor Cd. No:7, 34445 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
Entry Fee: $17.22
9. Istanbul Dolphinarium
Watching, playing with, and taking photos with these lovable sea creatures, dolphins, is one of the most enjoyable activities you can experience in Istanbul. This place is also home to the largest dolphinarium in Europe, where you can enjoy the park’s entertainment every day from 9 AM to 6 PM. Additionally, there is a concept known as dolphin therapy available at this location.
Address: Silahtarağa Mh, Silahtarağa Cd. No:20, 34050 Eyüpsultan/İstanbul, Türkiye
Entry Fee: $36.12
10. Spice Bazaar
How can we possibly forget the traditional bazaars among the attractions of this beautiful city? One of the most fragrant and aromatic places in Istanbul is the Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, which is world-renowned. Many tourists come to visit and shop here.
The best and highest-quality spices in the world undoubtedly belong to the spice market, where the most professional and skilled chefs from around the globe travel to Istanbul to purchase their ingredients. In this market, in addition to food items such as dried fruits, nuts, dried goods, various teas, honey, herbal teas, olives, oils, and incense, you can also buy a wide range of spices of the utmost quality.
Entry Fee: Free
11. Grand Bazaar
If you’re looking for unique places or special attractions, the Grand Bazaar is definitely one of those special places in Istanbul. It is recognized as the oldest shopping center in the world and is also considered a historical landmark. It features delightful cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy your time.
This bazaar was built in the 15th century after the conquest of Constantinople by Sultan Mehmed the Ottoman. Initially, it was a market for fabrics and jewelry, but over time it expanded to include goldsmiths, textile shops, silverware, leather clothing, shoes and bags, antiques, spices and medicinal herbs, carpets, rugs, and copperware. While exploring the bazaar and visiting its cafes and restaurants, you can also enjoy shopping in this historic market.
Address: Beyazıt, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Entry Fee: Free
12. Buyukada Island
Another attraction in Istanbul that is worth visiting is Büyükada, the largest of the Princes’ Islands in Turkey. It is one of the most beautiful scenic spots in Istanbul, where you won’t encounter air pollution or overwhelming traffic. In fact, apart from police and municipal vehicles, no cars are allowed on the island!
Accessible by ferry, Büyükada boasts stunning green landscapes and beautiful villas built on the hills. Activities you can enjoy on the island include cycling, horse-drawn carriage rides, indulging in cafes and ice cream shops, and leisurely strolls along the cobblestone streets.
13. Besiktas neighborhood
The Beşiktaş neighborhood is one of the most beautiful and oldest areas of Istanbul, definitely worth a visit. Located on the European side of the city, it borders the Bosphorus Strait and stretches from Taksim Square to the Bebek Pier.
The bustling and lively streets of Beşiktaş are filled with a mix of small and large shops selling a variety of goods, including clothing, cosmetics, unique souvenirs, handicrafts, and more. Additionally, a wide range of restaurants and cafes await you, offering delicious Turkish cuisine. This area is also home to the Dolmabahçe Palace Museum, a major attraction that draws the attention of many tourists.
Address: Cihannüma, Beşiktaş Cd., 34353 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye
Entry Fee: Free
14. Chora Church
One of the most important and beautiful places to visit in Istanbul, which attracts tourists, is the Chora Church. Originally established as a Byzantine church, it was later converted into a mosque and is now used as a museum.
This church is renowned for its unique architecture, stunning mosaics, and paintings depicting the life of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. Its design and Byzantine artistic style have made it a notable attraction. If you find yourself in Istanbul, be sure not to miss the chance to visit this beautiful church.
Address: Derviş Ali, Kariye Cami Sk., 34087 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Entry Fee: $21
15. Yedikule Fortress
This fortress alone is one of the reasons you should travel to Istanbul to experience this magnificent castle up close, which is one of the most valuable attractions in the city. Its history dates back to 390 AD when one of the Roman emperors ordered the construction of an arch without walls, naming it the Arc of Triumph, so that after each battle, he could proudly return to his land, Constantinople, through this gate.
Over time, this structure became not just a gate, but a castle with several towers that were used for observation. More importantly, it served as a place for holding prisoners and carrying out executions. After Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror captured the city, he added several more towers, transforming it into the fortress known as the Seven Towers, which is located by the Sea of Marmara and is one of the most magnificent tourist attractions in Istanbul.
Address: Yedikule, Yedikule Meydanı Sk. No:9, 34107 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Entry Fee: $6.95
Conclusion
Is Istanbul worth visiting? Absolutely! Istanbul is a city that has something to offer everyone—from historical sites to food lovers, natural landscapes to vibrant markets, and charming neighborhoods that captivate every tourist. With its rich culture and history, Istanbul has become a popular destination for travelers and is truly worth visiting. Coupled with the warm hospitality and excellent amenities, this beautiful city guarantees a positive experience for visitors. So, get ready to explore one of the most fascinating cities in the world!
Have you visited Turkey? Share your favorite experiences in the comments below!
FAQ
Is Istanbul safe for tourists?
Yes, Istanbul is generally safe for tourists, but it’s always wise to stay updated on travel advisories and follow local guidelines.
What is the best time to visit Istanbul?
The best time to visit Istanbul is during spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) when the weather is pleasant.
How expensive is Istanbul for tourists?
Istanbul is relatively affordable compared to many European destinations, with budget-friendly accommodations, food, and transportation.
