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.

Istanbul's Absolute Essentials — Harita

travisreitter / CC BY-SA 2.0

A

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.

Myrabella / Public domain

B

Hagia Sophia

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

Gryffindor / Public domain

C

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.

Gryffindor / Public domain

D

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.

Jiri Parimucha / CC-BY

E

New Mosque

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

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

F

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.

Alexxx1979 / CC BY-SA 4.0

G

Hagia Irene

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

Bollweevil / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Column of Constantine

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

VikiPicture / CC BY-SA 3.0

I

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.

Serhinho / CC BY-SA 3.0

J

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.

Rose28357 / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

Cağaloğlu Hamam

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

Jiri Parimucha / CC-BY

L

Gülhane Park

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

Gryffindor / Public domain

M

Soğukçeşme Sokağı

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

Gryffindor / Public domain

N

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…

Alexandr Klepikov / CC BY-SA 4.0

O

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.