If you are booked into one of the best hotels in Istanbul, the cultural and economic heart of Turkey, then it is an absolute sin not to explore in depth and immerse yourself in the beautiful history of this great ancient city. Consider a visit to these excellent world famous sites.
Hagia Sophia (also known as Holy Wisdom, also known as Ayasofya)
If there is one place you must visit on your trip to this ancient city, it is the iconic Hagia Sophia. Hagia Sophia started out as a beautiful Christian cathedral that housed many holy relics, but the Ottoman Turks captured it and turned it into a great mosque. It then became a national museum in 1935, displaying many works of art with both Muslim and Christian roots. Museum hours are from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, so be sure to keep this in mind when you visit.
The Blue Mosque (also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmet Camii)
The Blue Mosque is directly inspired by Hagia Sophia, but in itself is a masterful work of art. More than 20,000 ceramic tiles in vibrant shades of blue decorate the interior of the mosque, hence its name. However, the most striking piece of art in the Blue Mosque is the mihrab it contains. The finely carved marble decoration, surrounded by exquisite windows, adds a layer of solemnity to this great ancient mosque. The Blue Mosque itself is located near some of Istanbul’s best hotels and is easily accessible on foot or by car.
Istanbul Modern Art Museum (also known as Modern Istanbul, also known as Istanbul Modern Sanat Muzesi
If you want to learn more about modern Turkish art, you’ll definitely want to visit one of the city’s most prominent museums. Istanbul Modern features a wide range of pieces by local Turkish artists, from photographs containing their own narratives to sculptures expressing the creative impulses born from the city’s rich past. The Istanbul Modern is conveniently located near some of Istanbul’s best hotels, making it accessible to anyone visiting the city.
The Grand Bazaar (also known as Buyuk Carsi)
The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, housing more than 3,000 shops spread across 61 covered streets. This is a great place not only to shop for local souvenirs and delicacies, but also to breathe in much of the history behind the bazaar. While it’s located near many of the best hotels and comes with plenty of modern fixtures, the history behind the roofs and walls of the Grand Bazaar can still touch people in many subtle ways.
Remember that while many of the best hotels in Istanbul offer accommodations to make you feel comfortable and pampered, you can only say you know the city after visiting these important historical sites.