Istanbul, Marmara Region
Where East meets West across the Bosphorus, Byzantine domes & spice bazaars
About Istanbul
Straddling two continents across the shimmering Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul is a breathtaking tapestry of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman history with vibrant bazaars, historic ferries, and modern culinary culture.
Top Places to Visit in Istanbul
Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)
The 6th-century architectural masterpiece with soaring Byzantine domes, Christian golden mosaics, and Ottoman minarets.
Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet)
Iconic 17th-century imperial mosque featuring six slender minarets and over 20,000 hand-painted blue Iznik tiles.
Grand Bazaar & Spice Market
One of the world's oldest covered markets with 61 labyrinthine streets and 4,000 shops selling Turkish lamps, carpets, and spices.
Bosphorus Strait Sunset Cruise
Public ferry or private yacht cruise between European and Asian shores passing Ortaköy Mosque and Dolmabahçe Palace.
Recommended 4 - 5 Days Itinerary
Imperial Sultanahmet — Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Basilica Cistern
- Marvel at the gilded calligraphic discs and high dome inside Hagia Sophia
- Walk across Sultanahmet Square into the serene courtyard of the Blue Mosque
- Descend beneath the streets into the subterranean illuminated Basilica Cistern
- Evening rooftop dinner overlooking the illuminated minarets
Bazaars, Galata Tower & Karaköy Street Food
- Lose yourself in the colorful labyrinth of the Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Spice Market
- Walk across Galata Bridge watching local fishermen and head up to Galata Tower
- Sip Turkish coffee in a historic cobblestone cafe in Karaköy
- Stroll down Istiklal Street to Taksim Square on the historic red tram
Two Continents Bosphorus Cruise & Kadıköy (Asian Side)
- Board the morning public ferry across the Bosphorus to the Asian continent at Kadıköy
- Explore the Moda seaside park and artisanal bakeries of Kadıköy food market
- Sunset Bosphorus ferry ride passing Maiden's Tower as the city skyline lights up
- Farewell dinner featuring Bosphorus meze and Turkish baklava
What to Eat in Istanbul
Traditional Istanbul Balık Ekmek (Grilled Fish Sandwich)
Freshly caught mackerel fillet grilled on bobbing boats and served in crusty bread with onion and lemon.
Authentic Turkish Mezze & Adana Kebap
Hand-minced spicy lamb skewered over hardwood charcoal, served with roasted peppers and warm lavash.
Pistachio Baklava with Maraş Dondurma
Layers of crisp phyllo pastry soaked in light sugar syrup and layered with Antep emerald pistachios.