Unmissable Attractions in Istanbul
![The domes and minarets of the Blue Mosque (also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque) are one of the most recognisable outlines on the Istanbul skyline](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/rj71b3.webp)
Once the heart of the Ottoman Empire and residing at the convergence of Europe and Asia, Istanbul is rich with history and pristine architecture. No visit to the city is complete without browsing these landmarks.
Get an authentic taste for Istanbul on a guided Old City tour as part of Culture Trip’s specially curated, small-group Turkey adventure, led by our Local Insider.
1. Dolmabahçe Palace
Museum
![Turkey, Istanbul, Dolmabahce palace,](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/jecwtd.webp)
This palace was the gubernatorial heart of the entire Ottoman Empire in the late 1800s; as a result, it’s, unsurprisingly, the most opulent building in Istanbul, occupying an area of 45,000sqm (484,375sqft) with 285 rooms. Today, it houses two museums, meaning it should be your first port of call if you’re interested in the history of Istanbul.
2. Fatih Mosque
Mosque
![Fatih Mosque, Fatih Camii or Conquerors Mosque, Fatih district, Istanbul, European side, Turkey](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/e6985f.webp)
Exterior design doesn’t get more flooring than with the Fatih Mosque, which pierces the Istanbul skyline with towering spires and that imposing dome. Step inside and you’ll find the tomb of Sultan Muhammad, who conquered the city in 1453, at the age of 22.
3. Theotokos Pammakaristos
Church
![Ancient mosaic depicting Jesus Christ in Theotokos Pammakaristos Church at Fethiye Camii in Carsamba vicinity of Fatih county of Istanbul,Turkey.15 Oc](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/m084hj.webp)
A former Greek Eastern Orthodox church in the heart of the city, Theotokos Pammakaristos is today a museum. Visit to be wowed by fine mosaics and ancient Byzantine-era architecture.
4. Phanar Greek Orthodox College
School
![istanbul, Turkey - March 2018: Exterior view of the Phanar Greek Orthodox Collage in Balat, Istanbul, Turkey](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2c71919.webp)
It may look like a fortress looming above the historic neighbourhood of Balat and Fener, but this is actually the oldest Greek orthodox school in Istanbul. It was built in the early 1880s and still teaches a small body of around 50 students.
5. Kalendarhane Mosque
Church, Mosque
![Kalenderhane Mosque, a former Byzantine cross-in-square or crossed-dome church from the 12th century, Vefa neighbourhood in the](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/dgphb8.webp)
Another beautiful but largely unknown landmark, Kalendarhane stands out thanks to the red brick interior and was originally an Eastern Orthodox church. Later, it was converted into a mosque.
6. Beylerbeyi Palace
Museum
![Turkey, Istanbul district of Beylerbeyi, the Palace of Beylerbeyi neoclassical style built in 1865 for Sultan Abdul Aziz on the](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cn58j9.webp)
One of the many beautiful palaces around Istanbul that served the leisure of the Ottoman sultans, Beylerbeyi is often overlooked because of its location on the Asian side. However, the embellished architecture, lavish décor and beautiful garden make it very much worth a visit.
7. Ortaköy Cami
Mosque
![Ortakoy mosque and Bosporus bridge on European side in Istanbul, Turkey](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/gpb93p.webp)
If you’ve ever crossed the Bosphorus Bridge and taken a long gaze at the city, then you’ve probably seen the beautiful Ortaköy Cami. It stands right next to the edge of the water and was built in 1721.
8. Zeki Paşa Yalısı
Building
![Old historic waterfront mansion called Tophane Musiri Zeki Pasa Mansion under Bosphorus Bridge, Bosphorus Strait - Istanbul](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2a3d9cy.webp)
The best way to see the Bosphorus mansions of Istanbul is by taking a boat tour that goes up and down the strait. On your way past the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, make sure to take a good look at this beautiful mansion that was built by French architect Alexandre Vallaury.
9. Bulgarian St. Stephen Church
Church
![Bulgarian St Stephen Church also known as the Bulgarian Iron Church, is a Bulgaria](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2fm8p0a.webp)
One of the last churches in the world to be made entirely of prefabricated cast iron, the Bulgarian St Stephen Church was recently renovated and revealed to the faithful in all its ornately beautiful glory.
10. Çağaloğlu Hamam
Health Spa
![Cagaloglu Hamam in Sultanahmet, Istanbul was built by Sultan Mahmud I in 1741 to provide revenue for the Haghia Sophia Mosque.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cn2b0a.webp)
No visit to Istanbul is complete without experiencing the Turkish Bath and the historic Çağaloğlu Hamam is the perfect place to do so.
11. Grand Post Office
Building
![Istanbul, TURKEY - July 17, 2019 : PTT, with history of over 170 years is one of Turkeys oldest state institutions. PTT MUSEUM located at Sirkeci](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/wmxhem.webp)
Many people who wander the historic quarter often walk past this building without a second look, but this gorgeous structure, built by architect Vedat Tek in the style of the First Turkis National architectural movement, is a gem from 1905.
12. Vefa Bozacısı
Cafe, Turkish
![Boza at the Vefa Bozacisi in Istanbul, Turkey](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/bb0hmk.webp)
Boza is a traditional Turkish drink made from fermented wheat or millet that is topped with chickpeas and the best place to try it is at Vefa Bozacısı, which has remained largely unchanged since opening in 1876.
13. Tophane-i Amire
Building
![Istanbul, Turkey - FEBRUARY 27, 2017: Visitors in Tophane-i Amire, a modern exhibition hall, former cannon foundry. Victor Vasarely Retrospective exhi](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/hrgk9y.webp)
A former armoury built during the reign of Ottoman sultan Mehmed II, Tophane-i Amire is where cannons and cannonballs were manufactured; it’s also why the neighbourhood is called Tophane (dwelling of the cannons). The structure now serves as an art centre, run by the Minar Sinan Fine Arts School, where exhibitions and events are held frequently.
14. Yanaros Mansion
Building
![Büyükada Leon Trotskys House Yanaros Mansion](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/gettyimages-1070696644.webp)
Even though the Yanaros Mansion on Büyükada has largely surrendered to the forces of nature, it’s a very important sight due to the fact that it served as the home of Leon Trotsky between the years of 1929 to 1933.