Besides the Obvious

Istanbul is a vibrant and fascinating city with something for everyone, whether you’re into history, culture, food, or shopping. In this article we have collected the must-do experiences for 1 week in this beautiful city of Turkey. Let’s continue our Istanbul bucket list, after Day 1 & 2. We continue now with the third day and sharing even more landmarks to visit in Istanbul.

Things to do in Istanbul – Day 3.

The Orient Express Station

The Orient Express was a luxury train service that ran between Paris and Istanbul in the early 20th century. The train’s Istanbul station was located in Sirkeci. Which is a historic neighborhood on the European side of Istanbul, near the Golden Horn. The Sirkeci Station has a second name: the Istanbul Terminal. It was the final destination for the Orient Express. And served as a symbol of modernity and luxury in Istanbul during the early 20th century. The station was designed by German architect August Jachmund and built in 1890. It features a distinctive facade with neo-Baroque and neo-Gothic elements, as well as a clock tower and ornate interior decoration.

Today, the Sirkeci Station is still standing and also opened a museum called the Istanbul Railway Museum. Visitors can explore the historic station and learn about the history of the Orient Express. And the role of the railways in the development of Istanbul and Turkey. The museum also features exhibits on the history of Turkish railways and transportation.

Fishermen on Galata bridge

Fishing has been a tradition on the Galata Bridge for centuries. And you can often see fishermen casting their lines into the water below. They use a variety of fishing techniques, from simple hand lines to more advanced fishing rods and reels. Some of the most commonly caught fish include sea bass, mackerel, and bonito.

The Galata Bridge is a historic bridge located in Istanbul, Turkey, spanning the Golden Horn waterway. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering panoramic views of the city and serving as a gathering place for fishermen.

In addition to fishing, the Galata Bridge is also home to a number of restaurants and cafes, as well as shops selling souvenirs and local handicrafts. The bridge is an important part of Istanbul’s cultural heritage and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the city’s history and traditions.

Galatasaray

Galatasaray is a sports club based in Istanbul, Turkey. The club dates back to 1905 and is one of the oldest and most successful sports clubs in Turkey. Galatasaray is most famous for its football (soccer) team, which has won numerous domestic and international titles over the years. The team plays its home matches at Türk Telekom Stadium, a modern stadium located in the Seyrantepe neighborhood of Istanbul.

In addition to football, Galatasaray has teams in a variety of other sports, including basketball, volleyball, and handball. The club has a large and passionate fan base, known as the “Galatasarayli” or “Cimbom,”. Who are known for their enthusiasm and loyalty to the team. Outside of sports, Galatasaray is also known for its educational institutions, including Galatasaray University, a prestigious university in Istanbul that offers programs in a variety of fields. Overall, Galatasaray is an important part of Istanbul’s cultural and sporting heritage, and its teams and fans have helped to shape the city’s identity over the years.

Kamondo Stairs in Galata 

The Kamondo Stairs are a historic landmark located in the Galata neighborhood of Istanbul, Turkey. They were built in the late 19th century by the wealthy Jewish Kamondo family, who owned a number of businesses in the area. The Kamondo Stairs were designed by an Italian architect named Vitaliano Poselli and feature a unique spiral design. The stairs are made of marble and are decorated with intricate wrought-iron railings, giving them a grand and elegant appearance.

The Kamondo Stairs were once a popular gathering place for the local Jewish community and were often used as a backdrop for important events and celebrations. Today, they are a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage. In recent years, the Kamondo Stairs have undergone restoration efforts to preserve their historic significance and ensure their longevity. They are open to the public and can be visited at any time, offering a glimpse into Istanbul’s rich history and architectural legacy.

Galata Tower

The Galata Tower is a historic tower located in the Galata neighborhood of Istanbul, Turkey. The tower was built in the 14th century by the Genoese, a powerful Italian merchant republic, as part of their fortifications for the city. The Galata Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in Istanbul and is a popular tourist destination, offering panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. The tower stands at 67 meters tall and features a distinctive conical shape, with a stone base and a wooden upper section.

Over the centuries, the Galata Tower has served a variety of purposes, including as a lookout point, a fire watchtower, and even as a prison. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors to the Galata Tower can climb the stairs to the observation deck and enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding area. The tower also features a restaurant and a café on the upper floors, where visitors can enjoy a meal or a cup of coffee while taking in the stunning views.

Istiklal Street Nostalgic Tram

The Istiklal Street Nostalgic Tram is a historic tramway that runs along Istiklal Street, one of Istanbul’s most famous shopping and entertainment districts. The tramway is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage. The tramway was first introduced to Istanbul in the early 20th century and was used as a means of transportation for many years. However, with the rise of automobiles and buses, the tramway fell into disuse and was eventually discontinued in the 1960s.

In the early 1990s, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality launched a project to restore the tramway as part of an effort to preserve the city’s cultural heritage. The restored tramway, known as the Istiklal Street Nostalgic Tram, began operating in 1990 and quickly became a popular tourist attraction. Today, the Istiklal Street Nostalgic Tram runs along a 1.6 km route, starting from the Taksim Square and ending at the Tünel Square. The tramway features historic wooden carriages that have been carefully restored to their original condition, giving passengers a taste of what it was like to ride the tramway during its heyday. Riding the Istiklal Street Nostalgic Tram is a popular activity for visitors to Istanbul, as it allows them to experience the city’s rich cultural history in a unique and memorable way.

Taksim

Taksim is a bustling neighborhood located in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul, Turkey. It is considered the heart of modern Istanbul and is a major commercial and entertainment hub of the city.

Taksim Square is the main square in the neighborhood and is one of the busiest and most famous squares in Istanbul. The square is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike and is surrounded by numerous shops, restaurants, and hotels. One of the most iconic landmarks in Taksim is the Independence Monument, a tall monument commemorating the Turkish War of Independence. The monument features a statue of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey.

Ortaköy Mosque

Ortaköy Mosque, also known as the Büyük Mecidiye Mosque, is a historic mosque located in the Ortaköy neighborhood of Istanbul, Turkey. It is one of the most iconic landmarks of Istanbul and a popular tourist destination. The mosque was originally built in the 18th century, but it was later destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries. The current mosque was built in the mid-19th century during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid I, and it is a beautiful example of Ottoman Baroque architecture.

The mosque is located right by the Bosphorus Strait and features a stunning view of the Bosphorus Bridge and the Ortaköy waterfront. It is also famous for its elegant design, with four minarets and a large dome in the center. Visitors to the Ortaköy Mosque can explore its interior, which features intricate decorations and beautiful stained glass windows. The mosque is open to visitors outside of prayer times, and visitors should dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering.

The Ortaköy Mosque is a popular destination for photographers. Moreover, it is also a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, who come to enjoy the view of the Bosphorus Strait and the lively atmosphere of the Ortaköy neighborhood.

Maiden’s Tower

The Maiden’s Tower is the Kız Kulesi in Turkish. It is a historic tower located on a small islet in the Bosphorus Strait, off the coast of Istanbul, Turkey. The tower has a unique history and is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. The tower was originally built in the 5th century BC by the Athenian general Alcibiades. As a defense against the Persians. Over the centuries, it has served a variety of purposes. Including as a customs station, a lighthouse, and a quarantine station for ships arriving from overseas.

Today, the Maiden’s Tower is a popular tourist destination and a symbol of Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can reach the tower by boat and explore its interior, which features a restaurant and a café on the upper floors. As well as a museum dedicated to the tower’s history. One of the most fascinating legends associated with the Maiden’s Tower is the story of a princess. Who was locked inside the tower to protect her from a prophecy that she would die from a snake bite. Despite her confinement, a snake found its way into the tower and bit the princess, fulfilling the prophecy. Today, the tower serves as a symbol of the power of fate and the unpredictability of life.

Enjoy our discounts in Istanbul

Best experiences in Istanbul

Istanbul has everything a visitor needs to have a great experience. Its natural beauty draws visitors from around the world- along with its numerous important sites and cultural heritage. As far as things to do in the place go, there are plenty of activities available for visitors.

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