Istanbul is a vibrant and fascinating city with something for everyone, whether you’re interested in 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 & 4, we continue now with the fifth day. We are sharing the most interesting sites to visit in Istanbul.
Things to do in Istanbul – Day 5.
Çamlıca Mosque
The Çamlıca Mosque is a modern mosque located in the Çamlıca Hill neighborhood of Istanbul, Turkey. It is one of the largest mosques in the city, capable of accommodating over 60,000 worshippers. The mosque was built between 2013 and 2019, and its construction was part of a larger project to improve Istanbul’s infrastructure and public spaces.
The mosque’s design draws inspiration from both Ottoman and Seljuk architecture, featuring six minarets and a large central dome. The interior is decorated with intricate tilework and calligraphy, and the prayer hall is illuminated by natural light filtering through the many windows. The mosque also features several courtyards and gardens, providing a peaceful and serene atmosphere for worshippers and visitors alike.
In addition to its religious significance, the Çamlıca Mosque is also a popular tourist destination due to its location on top of Çamlıca Hill, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of Istanbul’s skyline and the Bosphorus Strait. Visitors can also explore the mosque’s gardens and enjoy traditional Turkish tea and snacks at the on-site cafe.
Overall, the Çamlıca Mosque is a remarkable example of modern Islamic architecture and a significant addition to Istanbul’s cultural and religious landscape.
Bosporus Cruise
A Bosphorus tour in Istanbul is a popular way to experience the city’s unique location between two continents, Europe and Asia, as well as its rich cultural and historical heritage. The Bosphorus is a narrow strait that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, separating the European side of Istanbul from the Asian side. A Bosphorus tour typically involves a boat trip that takes visitors along the strait, offering breathtaking views of Istanbul’s skyline, historical landmarks, and the stunning natural scenery.
There are many different types of Bosphorus tours available, ranging from private boat tours to large-group tours with audio guides. Some of the most popular sights to see along the Bosphorus include the Rumeli Fortress, the Maiden’s Tower, the Dolmabahçe Palace, and the Ortaköy Mosque. Additionally, many Bosphorus tours also offer the chance to experience traditional Turkish cuisine and entertainment, such as live music and belly dancing performances. Overall, a Bosphorus tour in Istanbul is an excellent way to explore the city’s unique location and rich cultural heritage while enjoying stunning views of the city’s landmarks and natural beauty.
What to expect at a Bosporus tour:
- You can explore the highlights between Europe and Asia
- You will be able to discover Istanbul from a different point of view
- You will pass by historical palaces, fortresses and below the Bosphorus Bridge
- And of course, you can capture amazing pictures during the tour
- All the boats are in good condition and equipped with an upper deck for the best views
- Refreshments , coffee, tea are also sold inside the boat
- You will have access to audio guide in 10 languages for your own smartphone:
English, German, French, Russian, Italien, Italien, Polish, Arabic, Chinese, Turkish
Archeological Museum
The Istanbul Archaeological Museums are a collection of three museums located in Istanbul, Turkey, which showcase some of the world’s most significant historical artifacts. The museums are the Archaeology Museum, the Ancient Orient Museum, and the Tiled Kiosk Museum. Together, they house over one million artifacts, including items from ancient civilizations such as the Sumerians, Hittites, and Persians, as well as ancient Greece and Rome.
The Archaeology Museum contains a vast collection of artifacts from ancient civilizations, including sculptures, sarcophagi, and mosaics. The Ancient Orient Museum displays artifacts from the ancient Near East, including cuneiform tablets, jewelry, and pottery. The Tiled Kiosk Museum, located in the gardens of the Topkapi Palace, features a collection of Ottoman tiles, ceramics, and other decorative objects.
Some of the most notable artifacts on display at the Istanbul Archaeological Museums include the Alexander Sarcophagus, a 4th-century BC Hellenistic sarcophagus depicting scenes from the life of Alexander the Great; the Treaty of Kadesh, a 13th-century BC treaty between the Hittite empire and the Egyptians; and the sarcophagus of the Crying Women, a Roman-era marble sarcophagus depicting the mourning of a family for their dead.
Overall, the Istanbul Archaeological Museums are a must-see destination for anyone interested in ancient history and archaeology, offering a unique insight into the cultural heritage of Istanbul and the surrounding region.
Enjoy our discounts in Istanbul
Useful information about Istanbul
Where to find the Çamlıca Mosque?
The Çamlıca Mosque & Complex is located on the Asian side of Istanbul, so you need to cross the Bosporus and head to Üsküdar district, high up on Çamlıca Hill.
Is it free to enter the Çamlıca Mosque?
To enter Çamlıca Mosque is completely free of charge.
When is the best time to visit the Çamlıca Mosque?
The Çamlıca Mosque is open every day of the week from 9.00 am – 5.00 pm. It is closed to the public during prayer hours.
When is the best time to go for a Bosporus tour?
Undoubtedly, around sunset is the best time to get the tour because of the beauty of the strait in light, and night is really exclusive. But, during the day the views are the best and the sunshine makes the whole cruise just lovely.
How long is the Bosporus tour?
The standard Bosporus tour takes approximately 2-3 hours. But of course it depends on the route that you book.
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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