Istanbul Airport to Taksim / Sultanahmet Metro Route
Istanbul Airport Metro Route Map
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Galata Tower
The Galata Tower is a medieval stone tower located in the Galata district of Istanbul. It was built in 1348 as part of the fortifications of the Genoese colony in Constantinople. The tower stands at a height of 63 meters and offers stunning views of the city.
The tower has been used for various purposes throughout history, including as a watchtower, a prison, and a fire lookout. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and features a restaurant and observation deck on its top floor.
Galata Tower has been a major tourist attraction in Istanbul and in recent years, the tower has undergone renovations and restoration work. In 2020, the tower was closed for restoration work and reopened in October 2020.It is an important cultural and historical landmark in Istanbul and is widely recognized as a symbol of the city. It is visited by millions of tourists every year.
Galata Tower Location
Some Famous Dishes to Try when Visiting Istanbul
Top 7 Places for the Best Views of Istanbul
1- Çamlıca Tower
Çamlıca Tower officially became the tallest building in Istanbul and all of Turkey after its opening in May 2021. It quickly became a popular tourist destination as a result of its fantastic location on a high hill with a stunning view of Istanbul. On the top floor, you can enjoy a cup of coffee in the restaurant.
2- Grand Çamlıca Mosque
Istanbul’s Grand Çamlıca Mosque is located at Çamlıca Hill, undoubtedly one of the most well-known and popular locations in the city. It is situated on the Asian side of the city. The view of the city’s other side, the European Side, is straightforward from the mosque’s terrace. Grand Çamlıca Mosque opened in March 2019 and currently, it is the largest mosque in Turkey with 63,000 worshipers at a time. Using public transportation, you can get to Çamlıca mosque from Kadıköy and Üsküdar.
3- Galata Tower
The magnificent Galata Tower, one of Istanbul’s top tourist attractions and a constant feature of the city’s silhouette, is situated in the city’s center, you can go up to the tower to see the Golden Horn. You can take the M2 metro line, T1 tram line, or any of the city’s numerous buses to get to the tower.
4- Pierre Loti Hill
The historic Eyüp Sultan Mosque and Cemetery in Istanbul’s top part is known as Pierre Loti Hill. A cable car departs from the area immediately outside of Eyüp Sultan Mosque and takes passengers to the hill from where they can view the city and the Golden Horn. One of the most popular tourist destinations is the hill with its numerous cafes and eateries.
5- Süleymaniye
The best place to view historical Istanbul is Süleymaniye. It is one of the best places to observe the city and take pictures because of the Süleymaniye Madrasa, where the Süleymaniye Mosque is located, and its terrace. Using the M2 metro line or the T1 tram line will get you to the Süleymaniye Area.
6-Rumeli Fortress
One of the city’s castles, Rumeli Hisarüstü, is a great place to take in the city and the Bosphorus while also making some memories. For your photo shoots, the hill provides a panoramic view of the Bosphorus. By bus, it’s simple to travel to Rumeli Hisarüstü from Beşiktaş.
7- Sapphire Observation Deck
Sapphire, Istanbul’s second-tallest tower and the city’s tallest shopping center, also features a sizable viewing terrace. This is going to be an excellent choice for an Istanbul experience where you can feel the ground beneath your feet on the observation terrace on the 54th floor. To get to Istanbul Sapphire, you can take public transportation M2 metro line.
8- Nakkaştepe Park
One of the highest points from which to view Istanbul is Nakkaştepe, which is situated in Kuzguncuk, the city’s historic district on the Asian side of the city. You can spend hours admiring the European side of the city, the Çırağan Palace, Yıldız Park, Ortaköy, and more. You can easily reach Nakkaştepe from Üsküdar.
Eyüp Sultan Mosque
After Mecca and Medina, the Eyüp Sultan Mosque in Turkey is one of the most revered places among Muslims.
The mosque is titled after Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari, whose tomb is located in the same place. He was one of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Companions. The Place of the Grave was determined by Akşemsettin, the master and mentor of Mehmed the Conqueror, in 1453, right after the conquest of Istanbul and five years later, the mosque was built there.
Since its build, the mosque has maintained its significance. In the Ottoman era, the coronation ceremony took place here, and most sultans visited the Eyüp Sultan tomb as their final stop before engaging in combat. Today, both locals and tourists frequently visit the mosque.
Eyüp Sultan Tomb Visiting Hours and Days: The tomb is open to visitors between 09:30 and 16:00 every day.
Pierre Loti Hill:
During your visit to Eyüp Sultan Mosque, there is a cable car and stairs that run from the Golden Horn’s shore to the top of the Pierre Loti Hill, and also by drinking a Turkish coffee and Golden Horn view you can get rid of your tiredness.
How to get to Eyüp Sultan Mosque using public transportation:
- You can use 99A and 33ES bus lines (Eyüpsultan Stop) or T5 tram line from Eminönü.
- You can take 55T bus line (Eyüpsultan Stop) from Taksim or 55 (Eyüpsultan Stop) bus line from Şişli.
Eyup Sultan Mosque Location:
Pierre Loti Cable Car Location:
Best Walking Routes of Istanbul
Ortaköy is one of the most popular districts in Istanbul. It also has one of the best views of Bosphorus Bridge. You can walk around Ortaköy Mosque and enjoy eating Ortaköy’s famous dish; kumpir (staffed baked potato) at the coast. We recommend walking the coastline towards Bebek.
Stroll along Emirgan Park. With its walking tracks, restaurants, picnic areas, playgrounds, festivals and an amazing Bosphorus view through centuries old trees, Emirgan Park has everything you need for a sunny Istanbul afternoon. The park is especially lively during annual Tulip Festival, held in April each year.
Çamlıca Hill is one of the highest hills in Istanbul and has a breathtaking view. If you want to spend a day in a calm and green atmosphere Çamlıca Hill is the great choice.
Üsküdar coast walkway offers a great view of the famous Maiden’s Tower.
If you have plans to visit Topkapı Palace, make sure to have a walk in Gülhane Park and Sarayburnu coast afterwards.
Take a walk through the famous old bazaars of Istanbul in Eminönü district.
Walk down Istiklal Street to explore historical buildings like Narmanlı Han, Flower Passage…
Karaköy is one of the most historical districts in Istanbul. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists with its third wave coffee shops, art galleries, restaurants and cool designer shops.
Princes’ Islands is the perfect destination when you want to escape hustle of the city. Since they are car-free, they make the best place in İstanbul to explore on foot.
Shopping Malls in Istanbul
| EUROPEAN SIDE: | ||
| Mall Name | Location | Public Transportation |
| 1- Cevahir Shopping Mall | Şişli View on map | M2 Metro Line Şişli Station |
| 2- Özdilek Park Shopping Mall | Levent View on map | M2 Metro Line Levent Station |
| 3- Metrocity Shopping Mall | Levent View on map | M2 Metro Line Levent Station |
| 4- Kanyon Shopping Mall | Levent View on map | M2 Metro Line Levent Station |
| 5- Sapphire Shopping Mall | 4. Levent View on map | M2 Metro Line 4. Levent Station |
| 6- Istinye Park Shopping Mall | İstinye View on map | M2 Metro Line İTÜ Station + Taxi |
| 7- Vadi Istanbul Shopping Mall | Ayazağa View on map | M2 Metro Line Seyrantepe Station |
| 8- Historia Shopping Mall | Fatih View on map | M1 Metro Line Aksaray Station |
| 9- Forum Istanbul Shopping Mall | Bayrampaşa View on map | M1 Metro Line Kocatepe Station |
| 10- Marmara Forum Shopping Mall | Zeytinburnu View on map | M1 Metro or T1 Tram Line Zeytinburnu Station |
| 11- Olivium Outlet Center | Zeytinburnu View on map | Marmaray Line Kazlıçeşme Station |
| 12- Carousel Shopping Mall | Bakırköy View on map | Marmaray Line Bakırköy Station |
| 13- Aqua Florya Shopping Mall | Florya View on map | Marmaray Line Florya Akvaryum Station |
| 14- Venezia Mega Outlet | Küçükköy View on map | M7 Metro Line Karadeniz Mah. Station |
| 15- Isfanbul Shopping Mall | Alibeyköy View on map | M7 Metro Line Akşemsettin Station |
| 16- Mall of Istanbul | İkitelli View on map | Taxi |
| 17- Galataport Istanbul | Tophane View on map | T1 Tram Line Tophane Station |
| ASIAN SIDE: | ||
| 18- Capitol Shopping Mall | Altunizade View on map | M5 Metro Line Bağlarbaşı Station |
| 19- Akasya Shopping Mall | Acıbadem View on map | M4 Metro Line Ünalan Station |
| 20- Emaar Square Shopping Mall | Ünalan View on map | M4 Metro Line Göztepe Station |
| 21- Buyaka Shopping Mall + Meydan Istanbull Mall | Ümraniye View on map | M5 Metro Line Ihlamurkuyu Station |
| 22- Optimum Outlet Mall | Kozyatağı View on map | M4 Metro Line Kozyatağı Station |
| 23- Viaport Asia Outlet Shopping Mall | Pendik View on map | Taxi |
Istiklal Avenue
Istiklal Avenue is one of the best places to see and feel the spirit of İstanbul. It is a pedestrian street located in Beyoğlu district; between Taksim Square and Galata and a great attraction for tourists and a favourite meeting spot for locals. That is why it is almost always filled with crowds.
With its modern shops located in 19th century Neo Classical and Art Nouveau buildings and nostalgic trams actively carrying passengers up and down the street all day; Istiklal is a spot where you can witness the fusion of old and new in İstanbul.
Here are some spots you shouldn’t miss:
Museum of Illusions, Madame Tussauds, Historical Çiçek (Flower) Passage, Saint-Antoine Church, Church of the Holy Trinity, Pera Museum, historic Atlas and Beyoğlu Cinemas. A ride on the Nostalgic Tram is also highly recommended. From art galleries, historical buildings and churches to lively cafes, restaurants, shops and cinemas İstiklal Avenue has it all. So make sure you make a visit and enjoy both the culture and liveliness of the city.
Related Post: Beyoglu, Taksim Museums
Istanbul Grand Bazaar & Old Local Markets
The Grand Bazaar (Covered Bazaar)
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 3,000 shops which attract between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily.
Mahmutpaşa Bazaar
Mahmutpasa Bazaar is a shopping street in Istanbul, Turkey. It is located in the area between The Grand Bazaar and Eminönü. This market area, with copious small shops on both sides of the main street, is a symbol of cheap shopping in Istanbul. The bazaar hosts 256 shops.
The Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar)
The Spice Bazaar is one of the largest bazaars in the city. It is the most famous covered shopping complex after the Grand Bazaar. Spice Bazaar has a total of 85 shops selling spices, Turkish delight and other sweets, jewelry, souvenirs, and dried fruits and nuts.
Eminönü
This is the heart of the walled city, the focus of a history of incredible richness. Eminönü covers roughly the area on which the ancient Byzantium was built. The Galata Bridge crosses the Golden Horn into Eminönü and the mouth of the Bosphorus opens into the Marmara Sea.
Istanbul Museums & Places for Families & Kids (UPDATED: January 2023)
| 1- Miniatürk (Miniature Turkey Museum) | |
| Location: | Sütlüce, Golden Horn |
| Closed Days: | Open everyday |
| Visiting Hours: | 09:00 – 18:00 (9:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.) |
| Museum Pass Card: | Not Valid |
| Entrance Fee: | 150 TL |
| 2- Rahmi Koç Museum | |
| Location: | Hasköy, Golden Horn |
| Closed Days: | Mondays |
| Visiting Hours: | 09:00 – 17:30 (9:00 A.M. – 5:30 P.M.) |
| Museum Pass Card: | Not Valid |
| Entrance Fee: | 300 TL |
| 3- Panorama 1453 History Museum | |
| Location: | Topkapı |
| Closed Days: | Open everyday |
| Visiting Hours: | 08:00 – 18:30 (08:00 A.M. – 6:30 P.M.) |
| Museum Pass Card: | Not Valid |
| Entrance Fee: | 150 TL |
| 4- Vialand Theme Park | |
| Location: | Yeşilpınar, Alibeyköy |
| Closed Days: | Open everyday |
| Visiting Hours: | 10:00 – 18:00 (10:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.) |
| Museum Pass Card: | Not Valid |
| Entrance Fee: | 900 TL |
| 5- Sea Life Aquarium | |
| Location: | Forum Istanbul Shopping Mall |
| Closed Days: | Open everyday |
| Visiting Hours: | 10:00 – 20:00 (10:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.) |
| Museum Pass Card: | Not Valid |
| Entrance Fee: | 325 TL |
| 6- Istanbul Aquarium | |
| Location: | Aqua Florya Shopping Mall |
| Closed Days: | Open everyday |
| Visiting Hours: | 10:00 – 19:00 (10:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M.) |
| Museum Pass Card: | Not Valid |
| Entrance Fee: | 350 TL |
| 7- Pelit Chocolate Factory & Museum | |
| Location: | Esenyurt |
| Closed Days: | Open everyday |
| Visiting Hours: | 10:00 – 17:00 (10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.) |
| Museum Pass Card: | Not Valid |
| Entrance Fee: | 150 TL |
| 8- Museum of Illusions (Istanbul Istiklal) | |
| Location: | Istiklal Avenue |
| Closed Days: | Open everyday |
| Visiting Hours: | 11:00 – 21:00 (11:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M.) |
| Museum Pass Card: | Not Valid |
| Entrance Fee: | 235 TL |
| 9- Madame Tussauds Istanbul | |
| Location: | Istiklal Avenue |
| Closed Days: | Open everyday |
| Visiting Hours: | 11:00 – 19:00 (11:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M.) |
| Museum Pass Card: | Not Valid |
| Entrance Fee: | 325 TL |
| 10- Naval Museum | |
| Location: | Beşiktaş |
| Closed Days: | Mondays |
| Visiting Hours: | 09:00 – 17:00 (9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.) |
| Museum Pass Card: | Not Valid |
| Entrance Fee: | 100 TL |
Istanbul Insider TV 