Best Things to do in Sultanahmet, Istanbul.
Sultanahmet, located in Istanbul, is a historic district with a rich and fascinating history. It was the heart of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, and its historical significance is evident in the numerous landmarks and monuments found in the area.
Exploring Sultanahmet is like stepping back in time, with its narrow cobblestone streets, traditional Turkish houses, and historical sites at every turn.
Overall, Sultanahmet district offers a captivating blend of ancient history, stunning architecture, and cultural heritage. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the historical treasures of Istanbul.
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The Hagia Sophia Museum, iconic symbol of Istanbul's rich past.
You may not be allowed entry 30 minutes prior to prayer times and not until the afternoon on Friday's prayer
Recently changed to a pay entry for tourists, only allow to enter upper section.
The Hagia Sophia Museum, once a Byzantine cathedral and Ottoman mosque, stands as an iconic symbol of Istanbul's rich past. This architectural masterpiece showcases stunning Byzantine mosaics, intricate domes, and an awe-inspiring interior. Visitors can immerse themselves in the historical significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site and witness the harmonious blend of Byzantine and Ottoman influences. The Hagia Sophia, located in Istanbul, Turkey, is an architectural masterpiece with a rich and complex history. Originally built as a cathedral in the Byzantine Empire, it has gone through several transformations over the centuries. Construction of the Hagia Sophia began in the year 532 under the orders of Emperor Justinian I. It was designed by the architects Anthemius of Tralles and Isidore of Miletus, who created a structure that was groundbreaking in terms of its size and architectural innovation. The building was completed in just five years, a remarkable feat considering the technology and resources available at that time. For nearly a thousand years, the Hagia Sophia served as the largest cathedral in the world and the spiritual center of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Its grandeur and magnificence made it a symbol of Byzantine power and Christianity. In 1453, following the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Empire, the Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque. The interior was modified to accommodate Islamic worship, with the addition of minarets, mihrabs, and a large chandelier. The building underwent further renovations and expansions under different sultans, adding to its architectural beauty. The Hagia Sophia remained a mosque for over four centuries until 1935, when it was converted into a museum by the Republic of Turkey's government. This transformation aimed to preserve the cultural and historical significance of the building while opening it up to visitors from around the world. In 2020, the status of the Hagia Sophia changed once again when it was reconverted into a mosque. This decision sparked international discussions and debates about the preservation of its historical and cultural legacy. Throughout its history, the Hagia Sophia has been a testament to the architectural brilliance and cultural exchange between the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. It stands as a symbol of the rich heritage of Istanbul and continues to captivate visitors with its awe-inspiring beauty and historical significance.
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Topkapi Palace, served as the primary residence and administrative centre of the Ottoman sultans for nearly four centuries.
Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi)
Paid entry
Topkapi Palace Hours Winter: From October 30th to April 15th Museum, Harem and Hagia Irene: 9 AM to 4:45 PM
Summer: From April 16th to October 29th Museum, Harem and Hagia Irene: 9 AM to 6PM
Topkapi Palace is closed every Tuesday. Apart from that, Topkapi Palace is also closed on the following days.
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The 1st of May or Labor day
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The first day of Ramadan
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The first day of the Feast of Sacrifice
Topkapi Palace has a huge complex and you may have to walk long distances within its courtyards.
We recommend keeping aside at least 3 hours to be able to cover the entire monument or half a day to make the most of your visit.
Spread over almost 700,000 square meters, the massive Topkapi Palace lets you take a peek into the luxurious lives the Ottomans once lived. This giant museum is also a World Heritage Site recognised by UNESCO in 1985. Topkapi Palace, served as the primary residence and administrative centre of the Ottoman sultans for nearly four centuries. It was constructed in the mid-15th century and remained the seat of power for the Ottoman Empire until the 19th century. The palace's historical significance is closely tied to the lives and rituals of the sultans and their families. It was a place of intrigue, with harems, private chambers, and secluded gardens where the sultans and their consorts resided. The palace was a hub of cultural and artistic patronage, attracting renowned artists, poets, and scholars of the time. The Topkapi Palace Harem is a section within the larger Topkapi Palace complex in Istanbul must see attraction in Turkey. It was the private living quarters of the sultans, their families, and the concubines of the Ottoman Empire. The Harem served as a secluded and heavily guarded area, inaccessible to the public. Within the Harem, there were various chambers, courtyards, and apartments, each designated for specific members of the Sultan's family and staff. The Harem was a complex social and hierarchical structure, with strict rules and protocols governing the lives of its residents. The most significant residents of the Harem were the Sultan's wives, who held important positions and exercised significant influence over the empire. They lived in luxurious quarters and had their own attendants and servants. The Sultan's mother also held a prominent role within the Harem.
The Blue Mosque Construction aimed to rival the grandeur of the nearby Hagia Sophia.
Blue Mosque - (Sultan Ahmet Cami)
Free Entry
Visitors to the Blue Mosque are required to follow certain guidelines, such as removing their shoes and dressing modestly. Non-Muslims are welcome to enter the mosque outside of prayer times and can marvel at its stunning interior.
The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a historic mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I and constructed between 1609 and 1616 during the Ottoman Empire. The construction of the Blue Mosque aimed to rival the grandeur of the nearby Hagia Sophia. Sultan Ahmed I wanted to create a magnificent place of worship that would showcase the power and splendour of the Ottoman Empire. The mosque is renowned for its impressive architecture and its interior decoration featuring exquisite blue tiles, which give it the nickname "Blue Mosque." It was designed by the architect Mehmet Aga and reflects the classical Ottoman architectural style, with its large central dome, six minarets, and cascading domes. The mosque complex includes a spacious courtyard, a madrasa (theological school), a hospice, and a tomb for Sultan Ahmed I and his family members. The interior is adorned with beautiful blue Iznik tiles, intricate calligraphy, and stained glass windows, creating a serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere.
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The Basilica Cistern, also known as the Yerebatan Sarnıcı in Turkish, is an ancient underground water reservoir located in Istanbul, Turkey. It is a must visit landmark
The Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici)
You must purchase tickets in advance!
Visiting Hours Every Day of the Week
09:00 - 19.00
Paid Entry
The Basilica, built during the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century, it served as a vital source of water for the city.The cistern is named after the nearby Stoa Basilica, which once stood in its place. It was constructed during the reign of Emperor Justinian I to address the water needs of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. The cistern was built using various recycled materials, including columns and capitals from earlier Roman structures. Covering an area of about 9,800 square meters, the Basilica Cistern can hold an estimated 80,000 cubic meters of water. It consists of a vast underground chamber supported by a forest of 336 marble columns arranged in 12 rows. The columns, some of which are topped with Corinthian capitals, add to the mysterious and atmospheric ambiance of the cistern. Throughout history, the Basilica Cistern played a crucial role in providing water for the city's residents, as well as for the palace complex of the Byzantine emperors. It continued to serve Istanbul even after the city fell to the Ottoman Empire in 1453. In the 16th century, during the Ottoman period, the cistern underwent restoration and maintenance efforts. It was rediscovered by chance in the mid-16th century by a French traveler, and since then, it has captured the fascination of visitors from around the world. Today, the Basilica Cistern is open to the public as a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the dimly lit underground chamber, walk along the raised walkways, and admire the captivating atmosphere created by the water reflections and the ancient columns.
The Cistern of Theodosius, was built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Theodosius II in the 4th century AD.
Theodosius Cistern (Şerefiye Sarnıcı)
Great light show
Opening Hours
Open to visitors every day of the week between
09.00 and 22.00
Location: Binbirdirek, Piyer Loti Cd. No:2/1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye. (10 minutes walk to The Basilica Cistern)
Paid Entry
The Cistern of Theodosius, also known as Şerefiye Sarnıcı or Theodosius Sarnici, is an ancient underground water cistern located in Istanbul, Turkey. The cistern was designed to provide water storage and supply for the city of Constantinople (now Istanbul) during that time. The Cistern of Theodosius is one of the largest surviving Byzantine cisterns in Istanbul. It is constructed with a series of vaulted ceilings supported by marble columns. The cistern spans an area of approximately 980 square meters and has a capacity to hold around 100,000 tons of water. The cistern is known for its impressive architectural features, including the columns that were reused from earlier structures, such as temples and palaces. The columns vary in style and material, showcasing the influence of different civilizations and periods in Istanbul's history. Today, the Cistern of Theodosius is not in use as a water storage facility. It has been preserved as an archaeological site and is open to the public as a tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the underground chambers, walk along the raised platforms, and admire the grandeur of this ancient structure. The cistern's atmospheric lighting and the reflection of the columns in the water create a unique and captivating ambiance. The Cistern of Theodosius is an important historical and cultural landmark in Istanbul, representing the city's rich Byzantine heritage. It offers visitors a glimpse into the engineering and architectural achievements of the past, while also providing a tranquil and awe-inspiring setting to experience.
2024 Official Public Holidays in Turkey | Turkiye Ramadan Feast (Eid al-Fitr): April 9, 2024, Eve (Tuesday half-day), Feast on April 10-11-12 (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday) National Sovereignty and Children's Day: April 23, 2024 (Tuesday) Labor and Solidarity Day: May 1, 2024 (Wednesday) Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day: May 19, 2024 (Sunday) Sacrifice Feast (Eid al-Adha): June 15, 2024, Eve (Saturday half-day), Feast on June 16-17-18-19 (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday) Democracy and National Unity Day: July 15, 2024 (Monday) Victory Day: August 30, 2024 (Friday) Republic Day: October 28, 2024, Monday half-day, and October 29, Tuesday full day holiday
The Archaeological Museum houses a diverse range of exhibits, including ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman artefacts
The Istanbul Archaeological Museum.
Opening Hours
Summer Period Hours
1 April - 31 October
Opening time: 09:00
Closing time: 20:00
Winter Period Hours
31 October - 1 April
Opening time: 09:00
Closing time: 18:30
We recommend keeping aside at least 2 hours to be able to cover the entire museum.
The Istanbul Archaeological Museum is a prominent museum located in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul, Turkey. It is renowned for its extensive collection of artefacts from various civilisations and time periods, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region's rich history. The museum was founded in 1891 and is one of the oldest and largest archaeological museums in Turkey. It consists of three main buildings: the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Orient, and the Tiled Kiosk Museum. . Visitors can admire intricate sculptures, intricately designed jewellery, ancient coins, ceramics, and other archaeological finds. One of the most famous exhibits in the museum is the Alexander Sarcophagus, an intricately carved marble sarcophagus depicting scenes from the life of Alexander the Great. The Museum of the Ancient Orient showcases artefacts from ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Anatolia. It features a vast collection of cuneiform tablets, Egyptian mummies, Assyrian reliefs, and other valuable archaeological treasures.
Sogukcesme Street.
(Soğukçeşme Caddesi)
Free
Soğukçeşme Street, is a historic street located in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul, Turkey. It is situated just outside the Topkapi Palace, one of the city's most famous landmarks.
The name "Soğukçeşme" translates to "cold fountain" in Turkish, referring to the ancient fountain that once stood on the street. The street has a long history, dating back to the Byzantine and Ottoman periods.
During the Byzantine Empire, Soğukçeşme Sokağı was part of the main road connecting the city's centre with the palace complex. It served as a bustling thoroughfare, lined with various shops and workshops. The street was a hub of activity and commerce, with people coming and going, and merchants selling their goods. Visiting Soğukçeşme Sokağı provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in the historical and cultural fabric of Istanbul. It offers a glimpse into the city's past while also offering a vibrant and enjoyable experience for visitors.
