What to do in Istanbul?

1. Galata Tower

Category: €/Cultural

Description: Galata Tower, or "Galata Kulesi" in Turkish, offers a breathtaking view of Istanbul and is known as one of the oldest towers in the world. Originally, it was built in 528, initially made of wood, as it was the strongest material available at the time. Then, several centuries later, in 1548, it was completely rebuilt by the Genoese people, under the name "Tower of Christ". What makes it unique? The higher you go, the more the wall thickness decreases until reaching only 20 centimeters at the top. At 61 meters high, it's a robust monument that has managed to remain in good condition despite its antiquity. If you're a bit lucky, you might spot the famous "Princes' Islands" in the distance! Located in "Büyük Hendek", Galata Tower is open from 8am to 11pm every day.

2. Saint Savior in Chora Church

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: The "Kariye Müzesi" is one of the few remaining churches that exemplifies Byzantine art in the world. It is the pride of the city's inhabitants and constitutes a must-see in terms of visits. Having been built during the "Ottoman Empire", it was renovated for a time to become a mosque. Its magnificent Byzantine mosaics and frescoes were therefore covered with plaster, which particularly helped preserve them well. It was only after World War II, in 1948, that it was restored as a museum and opened to the public a few years later. Saint Savior in Chora Church is open every day from 9am to 5pm, and until 7pm in summer. You can see it on "Kariye Camii Sok" street.

3. Egyptian Bazaar

Category: €€/Cultural/Gastronomic

Description: It's not every day you get the chance to visit an Egyptian bazaar, right? Istanbul being a cosmopolitan city, standing right between the border of East and West. The one nicknamed "spice bazaar" (Egyptian bazaar) is located right next to Galata Bridge, towards "Misir Carsisi", and is one of the oldest markets in Istanbul. As soon as you arrive within a few meters of the different stalls, you'll already be won over by the enticing smell of a thousand and one flavors escaping from them. Built in 1660, the bazaar has been restored over time, to finally in 1943, welcome (in addition to food merchants), other businesses, particularly jewelers. It's the ideal place to stroll, wander, and treat yourself: cheeses, nuts, spices, cosmetic products, bird market... Open every day from 9am to 7pm, except Sunday, you'll love it!

4. Topkapi Palace

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: The construction of this illustrious residence began right after the conquest of Constantinople by Mehmed II. Consequently, it reflects well the image of the Imperial era that Istanbul experienced. Behind its 700,000 m² are hidden four courtyards and several buildings that are equally fascinating: for example the royal stables and the armory. One of the rooms happens to be one of the most precious places on Earth, the "Treasury": there you'll find notably the famous 88-carat diamond once worn by Napoleon's mother, Letizia Ramolino. The aura emanating from this room is electric and mysterious, it's a place like no other. Going up behind Hagia Sophia, it's possible to reach Topkapi Palace via "Eminönü" street, it's open Wednesday to Monday from 9am to 6pm, and closed on Tuesdays.

5. Blue Mosque

Category: Cultural

Description: The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, more commonly called "Blue Mosque", due to the color of the Iznik tiles inside the domes, is a pure architectural blend of Byzantine Christian and Ottoman Islamic styles. You won't find any similar monument anywhere else in the world. Its construction having lasted several years, from 1609 to 1616, it's easily recognizable thanks to its six distinctive minarets. With its luxurious carpets and stained glass windows filled with colors, the Blue Mosque is a work of art, a jewel of Istanbul. The visit being free entry, it's open every day from 8am to 6pm, and is located in the "Sultanahmet" district.

6. Basilica Cistern

Category: €/Cultural

Description: Nicknamed "the Sunken Palace", the Basilica Cistern is located in Istanbul's underground. Originally, cisterns functioned as "water reserves" for the city's inhabitants, in case of shortages or enemy attacks. Very ancient, its construction dates back at least to the era of "Justinian I", to supply the Byzantine palace with water. Having in total 336 columns nearly 9 meters high, it's a unique place, whose soft lighting illuminates the Medusa heads (mythological figure) present on two of the columns. You can visit the Basilica Cistern every day from 9am to 7pm, west of Hagia Sophia, towards "Yerebatan".

7. Visit the Bosphorus (by boat)

Category: €€/Unique

Description: Setting sail is always captivating! You'll be happy to cruise along both Asian and European shores while discovering the city from a completely different angle. Short visit of a few hours, or long visit all day, know that prices are generally reasonable, and it makes an excellent family activity. You'll be able to discover the "channel" and its palaces, not forgetting the "Leander's Tower". This will allow you to learn more about the strategic and commercial role of the Bosphorus that separates two seas and two continents. This passage and communication route is endowed with a tumultuous history that has never ceased to captivate Istanbul's inhabitants throughout the centuries. Welcome aboard...