Istanbul

Temples & religious sites

Sultan Ahmed Mosque

A leading Ottoman-era mosque in Istanbul's historic district, built over seven years in the early 17th century. It's widely known by the nickname Blue Mosque, thanks to the blue tiles that fill its interior.

Museums & galleries

Topkapı Palace

Topkapı Palace sits on a hill in Istanbul's old city and was home to Ottoman sultans for over 400 years. Now a museum, it houses a rich collection of ceramics, jewelry, and weapons.

Temples & religious sites

Süleymaniye Mosque

Süleymaniye Mosque sits atop a hill in Istanbul's old city and was completed in 1557. Regarded as a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, it's a particular highlight for travelers interested in architecture.

Nature

Princes' Islands

A cluster of islands scattered across the Sea of Marmara off Istanbul, including Büyükada and Heybeliada. They offer a peaceful island escape away from the city center.

Shopping & districts

Golden Horn

A narrow inlet that curves around Istanbul, forming the city's peninsula together with the Sea of Marmara. Here you can take in a cityscape framed by open waterways.

Museums & galleries

Galata Tower

Galata Tower is a medieval stone tower in Istanbul's Galata and Karaköy district, standing just north of where the Golden Horn meets the Bosphorus. It is one of the towers that defines Istanbul's old city skyline.

Shopping & districts

Beyoğlu

A lively district on the European side of Istanbul. It's a great place to stroll along historic streets and soak up the city's old-world atmosphere.

Castles & palaces

Dolmabahçe Palace

Dolmabahçe Palace is an Ottoman-era palace in Istanbul, Türkiye, and makes a worthwhile stop on a trip there.