Istanbul's Absolute Essentials

Istanbul’s historic center contains a high concentration of monuments reflecting its roles as both the Byzantine and Ottoman capital. This collection features the 6th-century Hagia Sophia and the 17th-century Blue Mosque, alongside the sprawling Topkapı Palace complex. Engineering feats like the subterranean Cistern of Philoxenos and Roman-era columns stand near Ottoman landmarks like the Tiled Kiosk and Cağaloğlu Hamam. The list also covers significant public spaces, including the ancient Hippodrome, the Ottoman-style houses of Soğukçeşme Sokağı, and the gardens of Gülhane Park.

The Blue Mosque

Historic Ottoman mosque known for its six minarets and intricate blue tile interior decoration. It is an active place of worship and a significant example of Ottoman architecture.

Hagia Sophia

Historic architectural masterpiece that has served as a church, mosque, and museum, renowned for its Byzantine architecture and cultural significance.

Topkapı Palace

Historic Ottoman palace and former royal residence featuring centuries-old architecture and extensive imperial collections, now functioning as a museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sultan Ahmet Square

Historic square featuring notable monuments and remnants of an ancient sports and social center. It reflects both Byzantine and Ottoman architectural influences.

New Mosque

Completed in the 17th century, this large mosque features 66 domes, a nice courtyard and two minarets.

Cistern of Philoxenos

Byzantine underground cistern featuring 224 columns and notable Byzantine architecture. It serves as an archaeological site and museum showcasing ancient water storage engineering.

Hagia Irene

This former Eastern Orthodox church is part of the Topkapi Palace complex. The name Hagia Irene means "Divine Peace".

Column of Constantine

There used to be a statue of Constantine the Great atop of this Roman column.

Camondo Stairs

This famous stairway was built around 1880 by a wealthy man named Abraham Salomon Camondo. It mixes Neo-Baroque and early Art Nouveau styles.

Sultan Ahmed III Fountain

The Fountain of Sultan Ahmed III is a fountain in the great square in front of the Imperial Gate of Topkapı Palace in Istanbul, Turkey.

Cağaloğlu Hamam

The Cağaloğlu Hamam is a historic hamam in Sultanahmet, in the heart of the historic centre of Istanbul, Turkey.

Gülhane Park

Historic urban park adjacent to Topkapı Palace, featuring gardens, fountains, flowerbeds, and monuments such as the Column of the Goths.

Soğukçeşme Sokağı

Marvel at the beautiful Ottoman-style houses while walking down this pedestrian street.

Tiled Kiosk

The Tiled Kiosk is a pavilion set within the outer walls of Topkapı Palace and dates from 1472 as shown on the tile inscript above the main…

Column of the Goths

A third-century Roman victory column located in Gülhane Park. Carved from a single block of Proconnesian marble and topped with a Corinthian capital, it is the oldest Roman-era monument still standing in its original location in Istanbul.