10 Best monuments in Istanbul

In addition to the excellent food that you can taste in the gastronomic tours of Istanbul and its wonderful Turkish baths, one of the most important activities to see and do in Istanbul is, of course, touring its most important monuments. As you will understand when traveling to a destination so rich in history and traditions options abound, however I have made for you a selection of what I consider essential among the essentials. Enjoy your trip!

You cannot leave the city without seeing this marvelous work of art of Byzantine architecture. Hagia Sophia was built under the orders of the great Justinian during the years 532 and 537; it was for many years a Catholic temple and not just any temple but the official residence of the Pope. Unfortunately, the temple was transformed into a mosque for which the worship of images is forbidden and all the beautiful Byzantine mosaics are kept hidden behind several curtains.

On an artistic and architectural level, the interior of Hagia Sophia is at the very least impressive; its main hall is a staggering 70 x 74 meters in total.

Where it is and how to get there

Located in the Sultanhamet Quarter, in the Sultanhamet Square, this area is the most touristy and easily accessible in Istanbul. The best way to get to Hagia Sophia is to take the T1 Tram, whose route crosses all the important points, the approximate price is 1 €.

Useful information

• Opening hours: Open 24 hours.
• Price: approximately 13,5€.

Among the best mosques in Istanbul, the Blue Mosque is likely to stand out as the most popular and the favorite of architects and historians around the world. Built between 1609 and 1617 under the orders of Sultan Ahmed I, it is considered one of the greatest examples of Ottoman architecture and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

Its impressive interior has a diameter of about 23.5 meters and a total height of 43 meters as seen from the outside. It is estimated that the capacity of the building can accommodate approximately 10,000 people. The name Blue Mosque is attributed to the more than 20 thousand tiles of a beautiful sea blue specially brought from Iznik to adorn the dome of the mosque.

Where it is and how to get there

Located in the central area of Istanbul, in the neighborhood of Sultanhamet; As with Hagia Sophia I consider that the best way to get there is taking the T1 Tram, whose route crosses all the important points, the approximate price is 1 €.

Useful information

• Hours: Open to the public from Monday to Sunday at the following times: in the morning from 8:30 am to 11:30 am; in the afternoon from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm and from 3:30 pm to 4:45 pm.
• Price: It is free, you can make a contribution or donation when approaching the temple.

The Topkapi Palace is a must-see on any trip to Istanbul. When visiting the Topkapi Palace you will find many interesting elements such as the wonderful entrance door to the Courtyard, and the beautiful Library of Sultan Ahmed III; however the most interesting points, and those that I recommend to look first in a quick visit are:

• The Harem space of residence of the sultan together with his more than 500 women.
• The Treasury where objects of high historical and economic value are kept, such as a diamond of 88 carats belonging to Napoleon's mother, called the Dagger of the Dipper, or the Topkapi Dagger made of gold and emeralds.

Where it is and how to get there

The Topkapi Palace is located in the Eminönü neighborhood, belonging to the Fatih district. This is one of the most popular tourist areas of the city so access is really very easy. The best means of transport to get there is the Istanbul Tram route T1 which will offer you a ride with wonderful views of the city.

Useful information about Istanbul

• Opening hours: Every day from 10:00 to 14:00. Closed on Tuesdays.
• Price: You will have to add several prices, the entrance to the palace costs about 11 €, the entrance to visit the Harem costs about 6 € extra, while the entrance to visit the Church of St. Irene, costs 5 € extra. You should budget according to your interests.

Even if your trip in Istanbul contemplates a short visit of 2 or 3 days maximum, I urge you to try to visit the Basilica Cistern; without a doubt an architectural and historical attraction that you will not find anywhere else on the planet. Built in the 6th century during the Byzantine Empire, the space was intended to serve as a temporary water storage resource for the city. The name Basilica is attributed to the fact that it was built underneath the Basilica of Stoa, which would later be destroyed.

The Cistern space is still preserved today and houses a set of 336 columns from different eras that were reused from other buildings and temples in the city; another interesting fact is that it has served as a mysterious setting in big budget movies.

How to get there

It is located in the large district of Fatih, in the very heart of Istanbul. You can get there using the Tram: Sultanahmet, on the T1 line that crosses the most important historical points of the city.

Useful information about Istanbul

• Opening hours: Every day from 09.00 am to 17.30 pm.
• Price: The entrance ticket for adults costs approximately 3 €.

Considered one of the oldest towers in the world, it was built in wood to function as a lighthouse for the city in 528; 820 years later it was rebuilt to give us the structure we know today. It is about 61 meters high, but what is really impressive is its diameter of 16.5 meters, a rather large space considering the initial use that was planned for it.

In addition to its historical, symbolic and cultural importance for the Turkish people, the best part of visiting the Galata Tower is its observation deck, one of the highest points in the city, with an observation deck on the top floor offering panoramic views of Istanbul. Take your camera ready!

Where it is and how to get there

Located in the Neighborhood bearing the same name in the Beyoğlu district, you'll have to cross the Golden Horn over one of the bridges that link areas of the city. The best way to get there is to take the City Tram route T1 Karaköy. From this point the Tünel funicular will take you straight to the Tower.

Useful information

• Opening hours: The attraction with its museum is open daily from 09h to 20h.
• Price: Approximately € 13,5 adult ticket.

The construction of this complex was started in 1843, initially as a new residence for the royal family who wanted a more modern palace. The work of baroque and rococo renaissance style fully complies with the architectural trend and aesthetics prevailing at the time. The visits to the Dolmabahçe Palace are divided into four main parts: Selamlik, where the Crystal Staircase and the Throne Room are located; the Harem, which served as the private residences of the Sultan; the Clock Museum and the beautiful Crystal Pavilion.

Where it is and how to get there

Located in what is known as the European side of Istanbul, in the Beşiktaş district, the Dolmabahçe Palace may be a bit further away than other works on the list. The easiest way to get there from central Istanbul is to take the Kabataş Tram, line T1. You'll need to get off at the last stop on the route and take a 10-minute walk to be at the monument's gates.

Useful information

• Hours: The Palace is closed on Mondays, the rest of the week you can attend from 09h to 16h; in winter time in Istanbul the schedule decreases until 15h.
• Price: The entrance to the area of the complex including the Harem costs about 16 € for the adult ticket.

The Galata Bridge is the most famous bridge in the city; throughout the history of Istanbul it has been built, destroyed and renovated on numerous occasions, which is why it is closely linked to the history and evolution of the city and its people. With a length of 490 meters the bridge is located over the estuary or arm of the sea known as the Golden Horn; and it is the structure that unites the oldest historical center of Istanbul with the modern part of the city.

Two particularities about the bridge: A part of the structure is a bascule bridge that is raised for the entrance of ships to the estuary; under the bridge there are numerous shops and restaurants so you can take advantage of the visit and eat some typical food.

Where it is and how to get there

Due to its proximity to the old part of the city the best way to get to the bridge is walking, however you always have the option of using the T1 streetcar. If you are traveling by streetcar from any other point in Istanbul the closest station to the Galata Bridge is Karaköy, just 4 minutes walk from the starting point of the bridge.

Useful information about the Galata Bridge

• Opening hours: Always open. Shops operate until late at night.
• Price: Not required.

If you like Byzantine art or medieval art in general; if your stay in Istanbul contemplates a visit of three days or four days, you can not miss the Church of St. Savior in Chora. Considered one of the most beautiful Byzantine temples in the world, it is a beautiful brick structure whose construction began in 536. Its Byzantine mosaics are very well preserved; and over the years the temple went through being first an orthodox church, then a mosque and currently a museum since the 1950s.

Where it is and how to get there

St. Savior's in Chora is located in the Kariye Camii Sok area, a bit away from Sultanahmet and the more touristy areas of the city; the easiest way to get there is to take bus 32 from the Eminönü stop (near the Galata Bridge) to get off at the City Stadium stop. From here a 10-minute walk will take you to the gates of the temple.

Useful information

• Opening hours: The space is open for visits every day from 09h to 17h; with special summer opening hours until 19h.
• Price: 9€ approximately for an adult entrance ticket.

Visit Gulhane Park to see two important monuments of Istanbul:

• The Column: an 18.5-meter-high column made of marble and whose capital dates from Roman times, it is arguably the oldest monument in Istanbul. Although the exact date of its construction is not known, it is thought to be older than the founding of Constantinople,
• The statue of Atatürk: The first statue of the former Turkish president and founder of the republic is also located in the park. The work was made by the artist Heinrich Krippel.

In addition to seeing the monuments, it is worth a trip to Gülhane Park to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The name of the park comes from a Turkish word that literally means "house of roses". It is the most important green lung of the center of Istanbul since its construction in 1800; although after its creation it functioned as a park for imperial use, in 1912 it was opened to the public as an official park of the city.

Where it is and how to get there

In the heart of the city right next to the Topkapi Palace, the easiest way to get there is to take the T1 Tram to get off at Gülhane station, right in front of the park entrance.

Useful information

• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 06h to 22:30h.
• Price: Access to the park is completely free of charge.

Its privileged location in the area known as the European part of Istanbul, makes it a must-see tourist destination on any visit to the city. Taksim Square is surrounded by various historical and archaeological sites as well as major hotels, restaurants and shopping centers.

If you visit Istanbul at Christmas time, Taksim Square hosts numerous celebrations including markets, art exhibitions, fairs and children's activities. In the Square you will also find a Turkish Republic Monument around which people often gather and take pictures.

Where it is and how to get there

It is located in the very center of the newest area of Istanbul, in the Taksim neighborhood of the Beyoglu district. The easiest and most convenient way to get there is to take the T1 Tram Line to the Kabatas stop.

Useful Information

• Hours: Always open.
• Price: Free admission.