1.Istanbul’s Symbol Hagia Sophia
Let’s briefly talk about important information about Hagia Sophia, which attracts visitors from all over the world with its historical and architectural importance.
Historical and Religious Change: Hagia Sophia is a church located in the historical peninsula of Istanbul and was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in 537. After the conquest of Istanbul by the Ottoman Empire, it was converted into a mosque by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453.
Hagia Sophia, which was used as a mosque for about five hundred years, was opened as a museum in 1935 by the then President Mustafa Kemal Atatürk as part of Turkey’s secularization policies. Later, in 2020, the museum was converted back into a mosque and opened for worship on July 24, 2020. Currently, while the upper floor is open to foreign tourists, the lower floor is open to worship and visit as a mosque.
Architectural Features: Hagia Sophia attracts attention with its dome, which is about 31 meters in diameter and about 56 meters in height, and its large interior space. This dome is the largest dome built in Byzantine architecture until that period. It is one of the most important examples of Byzantine architecture with its original architecture and large size. Inside Hagia Sophia, especially at the main entrance, there is a mosaic fresco of Christ.
Art and Decorations: The interior of Hagia Sophia is decorated with Byzantine frescoes, rich mosaics, marble work and columns. Most of these mosaics date from the Christian period and depict Byzantine emperors, the life of Jesus and Christian saints. Although the mihrab and pulpit were added to the church during its conversion into a mosque, many of the Christian symbols were preserved. On the exterior, there are four minarets. These minarets were added later.
World Heritage Site: In 1985, Hagia Sophia was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, making it one of Istanbul’s most important tourist attractions for visitors.
Visiting Hours and Entrance Fees: With the summer season application, it can be visited between 09.00-19.00, with the last entry at 18.00. Entrance to the upper floor of Hagia Sophia, which is used both as a museum and a mosque, was paid. It was opened in January 2024 with an entrance fee of 25 Euros for foreign tourists and 850 TL for Turkish citizens. But for your information, Turkish citizens can make a short visit to the place of worship for free.
2.The Palace that was the Center of the Ottoman Empire TOPKAPI PALACE
Topkapi Palace is not only the seat of the Ottoman Empire, but also a cultural and historical heritage recognized worldwide for its architecture and collections. Before we start giving information about Topkapi Palace, we would like to give you an important piece of advice.
Important Information: This place is so big that if you spend the whole day here, it will be almost over… But if you go early in the morning, as we did, as soon as the visiting hours start, you can both visit and shoot comfortably without being crowded, and you can finish in time and go to other locations. For example, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace are very close to each other, right in the same area.
We knew that Topkapi Palace would be very crowded, so we gave it priority and then went to Hagia Sophia. However, if you want, you can also visit Hagia Irene Church inside Topkapi Palace before going to Hagia Sophia. There is a separate entrance fee for this place, Müzekart is not valid, please be informed. At the end of our article, we have prepared a short summary of where we stayed, our 1-day trip order and where and what we ate, you can read it. Now let’s give information about Topkapi Palace:
Location: Topkapı Palace is located on the historical peninsula of Istanbul, southeast of Sarayburnu. It is located in one of the most important historical and touristic areas of Istanbul.
History: Topkapi Palace was used as the center and seat of government of the Ottoman Empire. It was built in the early 15th century by Sultan Mehmed I (Mehmed the Conqueror), son of Osman Gazi, the founder of the empire, and continues to serve as a museum today.
Architecture and Design: Topkapi Palace is an important example of Ottoman architecture. The palace consists of many parts, such as outer walls, inner gardens and large courtyards. Inside Topkapi Palace there are various buildings and rooms, including the harem, the divan-ı hümayun, the circular palace, the Enderun (education and administration area), and private rooms.
➣ Harem: The most famous part of the palace, the Harem includes a private area where the sultan’s family, concubines and court officials lived. The Harem consists of various rooms, apartments, courtyards and gardens. Important Information: You have to pay a small fee to visit this part of the palace known as Harem and Selamlık, Müzekart is not valid, but we strongly recommend you to see it.
Divan-ı Hümayun: This section, which was ruled by the members of the divan convened by the sultan during the period, is where the administrative affairs of the Ottoman Empire were seen.
➣ Circular Palace (Kubbealtı): The Circular Palace is where the sultan conducted his official business. It has a circular structure and was the place where important state decisions were made and official ceremonies were organized.
➣ Enderun: It was the education and administration center of the palace at that time. Here talented young people were trained and prepared for state service.
➣ Collections: Topkapı Palace has a rich collection. These collections include jewelry, weapons, manuscripts, miniatures, costumes of Ottoman sultans and other valuable items.
➣ Inner Gardens and Courtyards: There are various gardens and courtyards inside the palace. These areas were used for rest and recreation and were often decorated with elegant ornaments and fountains.
Visiting Hours and Entrance Fees: The palace is closed on Tuesdays for cleaning purposes, but can be visited between 09.00-18.00 on other days of the week. When you pay 250 TL to enter Topkapı Palace, you will have purchased a combined ticket. This ticket is valid in all courtyards of the palace, the Harem section and the Hagia Irene Museum. Topkapi Palace entrance fee for foreign tourists is 1500 Turkish Liras.
Open all year round, Topkapi Palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul and you can explore the history and culture of the Ottoman Empire. Now we are on the 3rd route that you will enjoy very much 🙂
3.BASILICA CISTERN (YEREBATAN SARNICI), the subject of blockbuster Hollywood Movies
The famous Basilica Cistern, also known as the Basilica Cistern, is an important ancient water cistern located in the historical peninsula of Istanbul. The cistern is a water reservoir built to accumulate water underground to meet the city’s water needs. We have no doubt that you will love its atmosphere. here are the details 🙂
History: The Basilica Cistern was built in the 6th century AD during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. This cistern was built to meet the water needs of Istanbul. At the time it was built, it had a water storage capacity of approximately 80,000 cubic meters.
Architectural Features: One of the most striking features of the Basilica Cistern is its vaulted ceiling supported by large granite columns. The cistern is supported by about 336 columns, which are made up of fragments of old structures excavated in Istanbul. The inside of the cistern is quite large. The sculptures and figures made of iron and concrete, in-mold collapse and hot fusion, together with the lighting, attract a lot of attention. Inside the cistern, there are a total of 336 columns arranged in 12 rows, 4 meters apart, and under 3 of these columns is the head of Medusa made as a pedestal.
Purpose of Use: The Basilica Cistern was used to meet the water needs of Istanbul. At the time it was built, it was of great importance due to the insufficient water resources in the city. The cistern supplied water to the city connected to large aqueducts carrying rainwater and river water.
Touristic Visit The Basilica Cistern is open to visitors every day of the week between 09.00-18:30.00. The entrance fee is 200 TL for local visitors, 800 TL for foreign visitors and 50 TL for students. Since the institution is not affiliated to the Ministry of Culture, Müzekart is not valid. (You can follow the current information and announcements on https://yerebatan.com/). Night Shift events are organized some days between 22:00-00:00.
Online Reservation: To purchase the Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace Tours and Events with Get Your Guide advantages; click on the events article and we can easily take you to that site. Thank you for supporting us at no additional cost by purchasing through our links.
Important Information:
- Basilica Cistern is closed to visitors between 18.30-19.30 due to the session arrangement.
- Entrance with large items such as suitcases is prohibited due to security measures and density.
- Professional shootings and any kind of shooting with a tripod are subject to written permission/fee.
- Food and drinks are not allowed in the cistern.
- Pets are allowed in a carrying bag.
The cistern attracts attention especially with the reflection of the water and the mysterious atmosphere under the columns. You will even see coins in the water or people throwing coins into the water, don’t be surprised, because; it is believed that when you wish and throw coins into the water, these wishes will come true.
The Basilica Cistern is an important part of Istanbul’s historical and cultural heritage and one of the must-visit places in the city. Although it is quite a large area, it is not a place that will take a lot of your time, but if we say that it will take 35-45 minutes on average to visit it properly and take photos etc…. Click here to buy a ticket before you go at an affordable price.
- Before we move on to our route, we have a suggestion for you to rest in a beautiful park that is important in Istanbul. This park even has a song, we recommend you to stop by while you are here and on your way 🙂
Intermediate Route Recommendation GULHANE PARK
Gulhane Park, which was also important during the Byzantine Period and dates back to Byzantium, was used as the garden of Topkapı Palace during the Ottoman Period. Named after a grove and the legendary rose gardens, the park still exists as a green area open to the public. However, it is not only open to the public, as you can see from the countless nests you will see on the trees, it is also home to Gray Heron bird species… We even enjoyed taking photos of a few of them, if you are walking around with a camera, we are sure that you will not be able to stop taking photos 🙂
There is a peaceful path with huge trees on both sides of the park, this park will be enough for you to take a walk or rest and relax. Inside the park there are tea gardens, cafes, gardens and pools with a view of the Bosphorus. There is even a Museum of the History of Islamic Science and Technology inside the park. The artifacts from the period between the 9th and 16th centuries of Islam are predominant. The museum is open every day of the week between 09.00 a.m. and 17.00 p.m. There is a small fee at the entrance, but Muzekart is also valid.
The Importance of Gulhane Park
Many historical events of the Ottoman period took place in this park. For example, one of the most important of these is the reading of the Tanzimat Edict in the garden. The reason why the edict is known as Gulhane Hatt-ı Humayunu is that the edict was read in Gulhane Park,
To give another example; Ataturk made the first introduction of the Latin Alphabet here and received the title of head teacher here. The ceremony for the transfer of Ataturk’s body from Istanbul to Ankara after his death took place on November 19, 1938 on the Sarayburnu side of this park.
Nazım Hikmet is known to have written his poem The Walnut Tree here. Since the name of the park is mentioned in the poem, it became integrated with the poem and was later adapted into a song. As a result; it is a beautiful park and we recommend you to see it, you will have a rest 🙂 we came to our 4th route:
4.When you think of Istanbul, its name immediately comes to mind >> GALATA TOWER
Galata Tower, one of the symbolic structures of Istanbul, is a building that attracts attention with its interesting stories and architecture. After giving you some information about Galata Tower, let’s tell you the legendary stories of Galata Tower.
- History: Although the exact construction date of the Galata Tower is unknown, it is estimated to date back to the early 14th century. It is generally accepted that it was built by the Genoese in 1348.
- Location: Located in the Galata neighborhood of Istanbul, Galata Tower is situated on the northern shore of the Golden Horn, in Galata Square. With this location, it is located in Galata, a neighborhood separate from the historical peninsula of Istanbul.
- Height: The tower has a total height of approximately 67 meters. However, this height may have changed over time with repairs and additions.
- Architecture: Galata Tower has a circular plan and was built using brick and stone materials. It is one of the typical examples of medieval tower architecture. The two-story tower is reached by stairs leading to the upper floor.
- Function: Used for various purposes throughout history, Galata Tower has been used as a watchtower, fire watchtower, lighthouse and even a prison.
- Touristic Interest: Today, Galata Tower is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower and enjoy the magnificent view of Istanbul. It is also very pleasant to relax in the restaurants and cafes in the tower and have a drink against the view.
- Neighborhood and Surroundings: Galata Tower has a historical atmosphere along with the Galata neighborhood around it. With its narrow streets, historical buildings and small shops, Galata gives visitors a sense of the old texture of Istanbul.
- Visiting Hours and Entrance Fee: It used to be open to visitors every day of the week, between 08:30 – 23:00 and entry was possible at 22:00 at the latest. However, it is currently closed for a short period of time due to earthquake retrofitting and exterior repairs. Muzekart is valid. However, price information will be announced after the opening.
Galata Tower is not only one of the symbols of Istanbul with its historical and cultural importance, but also offers an unforgettable experience with its magnificent view. Now let’s tell you the legends of Galata Tower 🙂
One story about the history and legends of Galata Tower is the story of Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi, one of the famous adventurers of the Ottoman period. Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi was an Ottoman scientist and inventor who lived in the 17th century. His story is told through his flight from the Galata Tower, one of the earliest known attempts at flight in history.
The Flight of Hezarfan Çelebi: Living in Istanbul’s historic Galata Tower, Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi had a burning desire to explore the sky. One day, he managed to take off from the top of the Galata Tower wearing his uniquely designed wings. It is said that with the help of his wings, he crossed the Golden Horn and flew all the way to Uskudar. This event symbolizes the courage and imagination of Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi. In the meantime, another story is told about the love between the Galata Tower and the Maiden’s Tower.
There is a strait between the Maiden’s Tower and the Galata Tower. This strait prevents the towers from meeting. The love and longing of both towers for each other increases day by day. The Galata Tower used to write letters to the Maiden’s Tower but could not deliver them.
When Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi took wings and flew from the Galata Tower, he took the letters written by the Galata Tower to the Maiden’s Tower with him and managed to cross the Bosphorus and deliver them to the Maiden’s Tower. After the letters arrive at the Maiden’s Tower, the Maiden’s Tower starts to look more lively and attract attention day by day. According to legend, the reason why they have been standing for centuries is the eternal bond between the two towers.
The Love Story of the Legend of the Galata Tower: Whoever you go up the Galata Tower first, you marry them! According to the legend told by the Romans, if a man and a woman who loved each other climbed the tower together, their marriage would take place. However; these people who wanted to get married must have climbed this tower for the first time in their lives, this spell would be broken for those who had climbed the Galata Tower before.
Here is a clue for you; my cousin got a marriage proposal here. If the legends of Galata Tower sound good to your ears, you can plan a nice dinner by saying that going up to the tower and proposing marriage can also be a romantic surprise. we could not go up the tower, there were renovations, but we still got married 🙂 anyway, we came to our 5th route, our last route in 1 day:
5.ISTIKLAL STREET & TAKSIM SQUARE
You are now in the square of the famous red tram, which you will enjoy walking around, especially in the evenings when it is very lively, everything is sparkling and everyone is taking photos. Welcome 🙂 You are tired after visiting museums and palaces all day. Now, if you want to have some fun, you can relax here. We will also recommend you a very cute place where you can satisfy your sweet tooth, but first let’s give information about our last route:
Istiklal Street is a street of historical and cultural importance in the Beyoglu district of Istanbul. This street, which is approximately 1.4 kilometers long, has been one of the most important shopping, entertainment and cultural centers of Istanbul since the Ottoman period until today.
The history of the street dates back to the 19th century. At that time, the BeyoÄŸlu neighborhood, known as Pera, was an area where foreign embassies, consulates and commercial activities in Istanbul were concentrated.
Today, it is home to countless shops, restaurants, cafes, galleries, cinemas and museums. It is an area of great interest for both local and foreign tourists. The street is visited by thousands of people every day for shopping, dining, sightseeing and entertainment. You will also enjoy walking around.
Walking along the street is a great experience to see the historic buildings of the street, the shops and street performers adorning the shop windows. Also, the historic tramway on Istiklal Street offers a nostalgic atmosphere along the street. We are waiting for beautiful shots from you, those who have read our article and traveled can follow us on instagram (@pathweshare & @meselabizolsak) and tag us in the photos they take 🙂
Taksim Square
All Istanbulites and those who live there know that if a meeting is to take place in Beyoglu, it will definitely be Taksim Square 🙂 This is where all important events take place. It is a large square located at the end of Istiklal Street on the European side of Istanbul. Taksim Square is one of the most important and vibrant squares in Istanbul and an important meeting point of the city:
In the center of the square is the Republic Monument, which was built after the proclamation of the Republic and opened in 1928. This monument symbolizes Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey. It is a very beautiful monument in front of which all local and foreign tourists stop and take photos.
Taksim Square also attracts attention with its hotels, restaurants, shopping centers and cultural venues. The nightlife is also very colorful and many entertainment venues are located in this area.
There are also many public transportation vehicles that provide transportation from Taksim Square to different points in Istanbul. Transportation options such as metro, bus, minibus and nostalgic tram are easily accessible from the square.
Istiklal Street and Taksim Square are an important part of Istanbul’s cultural and social life, they are the first places that come to mind when you think of Istanbul, and they are so integrated with Istanbul that even those who have never been to Istanbul know these places. Now let’s eat sweet and talk sweet 🙂
Intermediate Route Recommendation Hans & Gretel’s Candy Shop 🙂
We have a great suggestion for you where you can eat Tredelnik (Twistter Cake), a crispy Prague dessert, and not only that, but also very nice candies. Hans & Gretel… Even though Honor didn’t eat it, I loved it and of course I was photographed here. Their Twister Cakes tasted amazing, even though I messed up while eating it, it was worth it, bon appetit to everyone who tried it 🙂
1 Day Route Summary in Istanbul
There are many places to visit in Istanbul in 1 day and we made the most of this short period of time. Here is our route:
Route 1: Topkapi Palace
Visit Duration: Approximately 4 hours
Note: It is very important to go early in the morning, otherwise you start to get overwhelmed in the crowd. At the exit, we energized ourselves by buying a bagel from a brother from Tokat.
Route 2: Hagia Sophia
Visit Duration: 45-60 minutes
Note: We coincided with the prayer time, so we did a quick tour. Hagia Sophia has two entrances: Paid for foreign tourists and free for local tourists. The upper floor is open for foreigners, closed for Turks.
Intermediate Route: Gülhane Park
Visit Duration: 30-40 minutes
Note: We came on foot from Hagia Sophia. We took some rest after shooting Gray Heron Storks.
Route 3: Basilica Cistern
Visit Duration: 1 hour
Note: It is humid inside, be careful with electronic devices. Large equipment such as tripods and monopods are taken at the entrance.
Intermediate Route: Bosphorus Tour
Visit Duration: 2 hours
Note: We boarded from Karaköy Pier and had a romantic Bosphorus tour at sunset.
Route 4: Galata Tower
Visit Duration: External photo and video shooting
Note: Closed for renovations.
Route 5: Istiklal Street and Taksim Square
Visit Duration: No specific duration
Note: We sat at the Varuna Traveler Cafe and had something to eat and drink. We returned to the hotel around 10:30 pm.
Important Tips:
Muzekart: Valid anywhere in Turkey, it allows entry to all major tourist attractions and museums.
Google Map: Tips, favorite things to do, accommodation, nature parks, hikes, restaurants and more are available on our Google Map.
End of Day Summary
Total Steps 23,000 steps
Hotel: Barcelo Istanbul Hotel in Taksim
Places Visited: Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Gulhane Park, Basilica Cistern, Bosphorus Tour, Galata Tower, Istiklal Street and Taksim Square
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Goodbye!
