Trying to think out how to fill less than two days in Istanbul left me feeling absolutely overwhelmed. One of my objectives was to make use of the city’s abundant cultural offerings.
By carefully planning my routes and putting in a lot of walking time, I was able to see all of Istanbul’s top sights in a single day. Specifically, it’s around 20 kilometers away.
Check out the best accommodation options for international students in Istanbul.
Must Visit Blue Mosque
One of the most popular and widely-used names for one of Istanbul’s most popular and widely-recognized tourist destinations is “Blue Mosque,” however other names are also in common use.
Many visitors to Istanbul confuse the Blue Mosque with the Hagia Sophia, yet these two attractions are actually rather close to one another. It was built in 1616, and it has over 20,000 ceramic tiles that were all made by hand.
Here you can check the 3 most famous and beautiful mosques to visit in Turkey.
The World-Famous, Grand Bazaar
Without a sure, the Grand Bazaar was one of the most fascinating destinations I’ve ever explored. It’s one of the oldest and largest covered marketplaces because it was built in 1461, spans 61 streets, and is home to more than 3,000 shops and restaurants.
Apply for a Turkish Visa
To begin your journey in Turkey, you must first obtain a tourist visa. With a valid visa, you’ll be able to explore not just Istanbul’s top attractions but also Turkey’s ancient landmarks.
If you are a Canadian national, you can apply for a Turkey visa for Canadian citizens.
If you are an Australian citizen, you can obtain your Turkey visa for Australian citizens by applying online.
Observing Istanbul from Rooftop
You can get some of the best views of Istanbul from high up in one of the city’s many towers, and the city’s architecture makes this possible in a variety of ways.
Most rooftops are occupied by residents who are responsible for their safety, so the chance to have one all to myself was once in a lifetime.
Hagia Sophia
It has been more than 1,400 years since the Hagia Sophia was initially built. In 1453, the mosque was constructed at the order of Sultan Mehmed II of the Ottoman Empire, who was instrumental in the city’s conquest.
Before that year, it served the local community as an Orthodox Christian cathedral. Some of Turkey’s most fascinating ancient sites include Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
Instead of removing religious symbols during conversion, the Sultan opted to hide them. So today people from all walks of life may visit a truly one-of-a-kind structure that unites different faiths and eras.
Take a Break for Some Turkish Coffee (Turkish Coffee Stop)
Visiting a cafe for a traditional cup of Turkish coffee is a must on every trip to Istanbul. Coffee from Turkey is often regarded as among the strongest coffees in the world.
The cardamom flavor is strong, and the texture is between espresso and a little thicker.