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 & 3, we continue now with the forth day. We are sharing the most important things to see in Istanbul.

Things to do in Istanbul – Day 4.

The Aqueduct of Valens

The Aqueduct of Valens is an ancient water supply system located in Istanbul, Turkey. It dates back to the 4th century CE during the reign of Roman Emperor Valens. To provide water to the city of Constantinople (now Istanbul). The aqueduct spans approximately 971 meters and was using a combination of brick and stone.

The aqueduct was designed to carry water from a source located approximately 100 kilometers away in the Belgrade Forest. Using a series of arches and channels to transport the water over a long distance. The system also included several underground tunnels and vaults. In order to support the weight of the water and maintain a consistent flow. Today, much of the aqueduct still stands and is considered an impressive feat of engineering from the ancient world. Although it is no longer used to supply water to the city. It serves as a popular tourist attraction and a reminder of Istanbul’s rich history.

Yavuz Sultan Selim Mosque

The Yavuz Sultan Selim Mosque, also known as the Selim I Mosque, is a historic mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It is named after Sultan Selim I, who ruled the Ottoman Empire from 1512 to 1520. The mosque was commissioned by his son, Suleiman the Magnificent, and completed in 1522. The mosque is one of the most impressive examples of Ottoman architecture. Featuring a central dome surrounded by four semi-domes and two minarets. The exterior of the mosque is adorned with intricate tilework and calligraphy. While the interior features ornate decorations including stained glass windows, marble columns, and intricate carvings.

The mosque is also notable for its location on a hill overlooking the Bosphorus Strait. Providing stunning views of the surrounding area. In addition to serving as a place of worship, it played an important role in the cultural life of Istanbul. By hosting a variety of events and activities throughout the year. Today, the Yavuz Sultan Selim Mosque remains an important symbol of Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage. And attracts visitors from around the world. Who come to admire its impressive architecture and historical significance.

Fener

Fener is a historic neighborhood located on the European side of Istanbul, Turkey, near the shores of the Golden Horn. The neighborhood is known for its rich cultural heritage, including its historic Greek Orthodox community and its well-preserved Ottoman-era architecture. One of the most notable landmarks in Fener is the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate. Which is considered the spiritual center of the Orthodox Christian world. The patriarchate is housed in a large complex of buildings. That includes a cathedral, chapels, administrative offices, and residences for the patriarch and other clergy.

Fener is also home to several other historic churches and monasteries, including the Church of St. Mary of the Mongols, which is believed to be the only Byzantine church in Istanbul that has remained in continuous use since its construction in the 13th century. In addition to its religious significance, Fener is also a popular destination for tourists interested in exploring Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage. The neighborhood is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as several museums and cultural centers that showcase the history and traditions of Istanbul’s diverse communities.

Balat

Balat is a historic neighborhood located on the European side of Istanbul, Turkey, on the southern shore of the Golden Horn. The neighborhood is known for its colorful houses, narrow streets, and diverse cultural heritage. Balat was once home to a large Jewish community, and today it is still possible to see remnants of this heritage, including several synagogues and Jewish cemeteries. The neighborhood is also home to several historic churches and mosques, including the Bulgarian Orthodox Church of St. Stephen and the 15th-century Balat Mosque.

One of the most notable features of Balat is its colorful houses, which are painted in a variety of bright colors including yellow, blue, green, and pink. The neighborhood’s narrow streets and alleyways are also lined with traditional Ottoman-era houses and storefronts, creating a unique and charming atmosphere that is popular with tourists and locals alike. Balat is also home to a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, offering visitors a chance to sample traditional Turkish cuisine and shop for local crafts and souvenirs. The neighborhood’s proximity to the Golden Horn and the historic Sultanahmet district also makes it an ideal base for exploring Istanbul’s many cultural and historical attractions.

Dolmabahçe Mosque 

Dolmabahçe Mosque is a historic mosque located in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the mid-19th century during the reign of Ottoman Sultan Abdülmecid I as part of the larger Dolmabahçe Palace complex.

The mosque is considered one of the finest examples of Ottoman Baroque architecture, featuring a large central dome surrounded by four smaller domes and two minarets. The exterior of the mosque is decorated with intricate stone carvings and tilework, while the interior is adorned with elaborate frescoes, stained glass windows, and ornate chandeliers.

In addition to its architectural significance, Dolmabahçe Mosque is also notable for its location on the Bosphorus Strait, providing stunning views of the water and the surrounding hills. The mosque is located within the larger Dolmabahçe Palace complex, which was the main residence of Ottoman sultans from 1856 to 1922 and is now a popular museum and tourist attraction.

Dolmabahçe Palace

Dolmabahçe Palace is a historic palace located in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the mid-19th century during the reign of Ottoman Sultan Abdülmecid I as a replacement for the Topkapi Palace, which had served as the main residence of Ottoman sultans for centuries. The palace is considered one of the finest examples of Ottoman Baroque architecture, featuring a blend of European and Ottoman design elements. It is also notable for its sheer size, covering an area of more than 45,000 square meters and featuring more than 285 rooms, 43 halls, and 6 hamams (Turkish baths).

One of the most impressive features of Dolmabahçe Palace is its grand ceremonial hall, which is decorated with crystal chandeliers, intricate frescoes, and ornate furnishings. The palace also boasts several other impressive rooms, including the harem, the crystal staircase, and the reception hall.

In addition to its architectural and historical significance, Dolmabahçe Palace is also known for its beautiful gardens and its location on the Bosphorus Strait, providing stunning views of the water and the surrounding hills. Today, Dolmabahçe Palace is open to the public as a museum and tourist attraction, offering visitors a chance to explore its many rooms and learn about the history and culture of the Ottoman Empire.

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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