Top 10 Things to Do in Istanbul for First-Time Visitors
The alluring city of Istanbul, which is divided between the two continents, Europe and Asia is a cultural and historical resource that leaves no visitor uncharmed. Istanbul, the heart of the Ottoman and Byzantine empires, is a pot of history, architecture and art and all the colorful street life. The city is a stunning mix of Eastern mystique and Western modernity, which makes it an unforgettable place to visit especially by the first-time travelers.
Be it the old mosques and lively bazaars or the beautiful rides in the ferry and delicious Turkish foods, Istanbul offers a lot to satisfy the tastes. When it is your first trip, selecting the right itinerary may seem difficult. It is then when the convenience of curated Istanbul Tour deals comes in handy, and gives you the best of the city without any fuss. So here we go with the top 10 things you must do in Istanbul as a first time visitor.
Here are the Top 10 Things to Do in Istanbul for First-Time Visitors
1. See Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important buildings of Istanbul that shows the layered history of the city. The Hagia Sophia was originally constructed as a cathedral in the year 537 AD and was converted to a mosque and then a museum but is once again operating as a mosque. Its huge dome, beautiful mosaics, and spectacular architecture make all visitors gasp. It is an obligatory visit site in all Istanbul Tour Packages.
2. Visit Blue Mosque
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also popularly referred to as Blue Mosque because of its blue tile interiors is only a stone throw away the Hagia Sophia. Its six lofty minarets and its large courtyard form a very tranquil and magnificent environment where visitors can absorb the spiritual spirit of Istanbul.
3. Stroll Topkapi Palace
The Topkapi Palace is a visit that will give one a close experience of the rich life of Ottoman sultans. Look through its beautiful courtyards, treasury and harem quarters and have panoramic views over the Bosphorus. In Istanbul Tour Packages, you will find that most of them have a guided tour of this grand palace so that you can understand its rich history and secrets.
4. Sail through Bosphorus Strait
The best experience of seeing the geographic beauty of Istanbul is by taking a cruise in Bosphorus. During your cruise between Europe and Asia, you will see the magnificent waterfront mansions, ancient fortresses, and other famous sights such as the Maiden Tower. Choose a sunset or dinner cruise and take it to the next level, which is usually a part of high-end Tour Packages to Istanbul.
5. Find out about the Grand Bazaar
Enter the Grand Bazaar, the largest and oldest covered market in the world. Having more than 4,000 shops on 60 streets, you can buy everything including handmade carpets and antiques, Turkish delights and spices. Being a shopper or a simple local ambience sucker, this bazaar is a cultural experience by itself.
6. Savor True Turkish Food
Istanbul is a taste heaven to food lovers. Be sure not to miss kebabs, baklava, simit, and Turkish tea or coffee in one of the numerous restaurants and street food stands in the city. To get a local feel, take a local food tour or cooking lesson, both of which are common in Go Kite Travel Istanbul Tour Packages.
7. Be awed by Basilica Cistern
The mystical Basilica Cistern is a place of unknown secrets, hidden in the busy streets of Istanbul and located underground as an ancient water reservoir built in the 6 th century. It provides a curious and somewhat spooky diversion to the regular sights of the city with its atmospheric lighting, its large columns and the sculptures of a Medusa head.
8. Potter around the Spice Bazaar
The Spice Bazaar, or the Egyptian Bazaar, is another colorful market where you may buy spices, dried fruits, teas, and local sweets. It is an excellent place to buy souvenir and have fun in the colorful atmosphere. Put it in your shopping destinations when arranging your Tour Packages to Istanbul.
9. Go up the Galata Tower
To get a beautiful panorama of Istanbul, visit Galata Tower, an ancient tower, which is situated in the Karakoy district. It was initially constructed as a watchtower during the 14 th century but today it presents a 360-degree view of the Golden Horn, Bosphorus and historic peninsula. It is a heaven of a photographer particularly in the sunset.
10. Pamper yourself in a Traditional Turkish Hammam
Following all the sightseeing, nothing can be more relaxing than to spend some time in a Turkish hammam (bath). Try the ancient cleansing process of steam, exfoliation and massage in exquisitely tiled bathhouses dating back to centuries. This health practice gives some luxury to the majority of Istanbul Tour Packages.
Conclusion
Istanbul is a city that tells stories of centuries ago at every street corner, east meets west and tradition blends well with modernity. Visiting splendid mosques, tasting a tasty meal, or simply riding the Bosphorus, each and every thing in this city is a memory in the making.
First-time visitors can get overwhelmed by the choices, but with expertly crafted Tour Packages to Istanbul from Go Kite Travel, you can discover the city’s best attractions without missing a beat. Let your first Istanbul adventure be seamless and unforgettable with customized Istanbul Tour Packages that cater to your preferences, pace, and passions.
