Flights to Istanbul

Quick facts about Istanbul

Arguably the most impressive Istanbul Mosque, the Süleymaniye Mosque was designed for Süleyman the Magnificent by the famous architect, Sinan. A complex of buildings which contain a kitchen, hospital, a school and more, the Mosque is much more than a place of worship.

Visitors to this expansive location can expect to see the tomb of Sinan, which lies outside the complex, and the tombs of an and Roxalana situated behind the graveyard.

Also don’t forget to visit the Alley of Addicts where you can have a taste of local dishes like fasulye (haricot beans) in one of the many restaurants that line the alley.

One of the world’s greatest architectural achievements is the Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya), a church turned mosque, and now museum. Stand under the splendor of a 65 meters high and 43 meter wide dome. Climb up to the gallery where you can gaze at magnificent Byzantine mosaics of the Christ, Emperor Constantine IX and also his wife, Empress Zoe.

The Hagia Sophia was first built in 537 AD and is one of the most famous former houses of worship in the world. You can catch beautiful views of the also famous Blue Mosque through its second story windows.

For the best view of the city, make sure to climb the Galata Tower. Built since the 14th century, the tower gives you magnificent views of Sultanahmet, the Bosphorus Strait Topkapi Palace and even the Blue Mosque.

A visit to the tower shows the very colourful and picturesque nature of the city of Istanbul. Visitors do not have to do much climbing as an elevator has been installed to carry tourists most of the way. There is also a restaurant on the top floor for those who want to relax more and enjoy the scenery while having a meal.

A perfect day trip while still in Istanbul is a visit to the Prince Islands, a small archipelago of islands situated just outside the city. It offers a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and is especially fun in the summertime.

Go back in time as you visit a place where cars aren’t allowed, only horses and carriages; it’s like the stuff of movies. There are ferries to and from Prince Islands daily on both the European and Asian sides; so whenever you choose to visit, it will be as easy as getting on board.

The underground Basilica Cistern also known as Yerebatan, is a fascinating piece of Byzantine engineering. The cistern used to transport drinking water through aqueducts from Bulgaria to Istanbul. Spooky to some and romantic to others, Yerebatan is a must-visit with its ambiance of classical music and dimmed lights integrating with the constant sound of dripping water.

Watch fish swim between the over 300 columns, which support the ceiling, and tread the walkways all the way to the end where you will find the Medusa head lying upside down on the base of a column.

An experience like no other is the Turkish Hammam which involves a scrub down, rinse and massage from a masseur usually the same sex as you. This relaxing experience, which usually takes place in a steamy room, is unique and leaves your skin feeling silky smooth as the procedure helps to remove a lot of dead skin.

There is usually a separate area for men and women since traditional hammams usually involve nudity. A hammam is a fine way to end a long day of walking and exploring the city of Istanbul.