Are you looking to explore the history of Istanbul through the ages? There are a number of historical destinations in Istanbul including the time-honored buildings, monuments, palaces, and parks where you can learn about the glorious past of Istanbul. The presence of these historical sites and museums will take you on a walk through Istanbul ‘s rich history.
If you are willing to have an in-depth historical information about Istanbul, we recommend that you take a wonderful guided tour to cover the major historical attractions. Also, check the opening and closing time for each so that you can organize your time. Make sure that you go through the complete list of historical places in Istanbul for a great trip!
Top Historical Places in Istanbul
Let's witness the history of Istanbul with these top historical places - monuments and landmarks:
-
Topkapi Palace
(7446 Votes)
This was the promary residence of the Ottoman Kings for 400 years during their six century reign, as well as an important dimplomatic royal entertainment hub. People are drawn here primary by exhibits of items belonging to Prophet Mohammed himself. There’s a room displaying finely crafted Ottoman clocks and watches. Also visit the Treasury, the Kitchen and the Harem rooms. The audio guid...Read more -
Hagia Sophia
(9329 Votes)
Through its history, the Hagia Sofia has seen several changes like being converted from an Orthodox Church to a mosque and then finally being converted into a museum. It is as stunning from the inside as it is from the outside. A must visit indeed! It is advised to buy tickets for Hagia Sofia in advance as a lot of people usually visit it. Get Hagia Sofia tickets from our ticket section and co...Read more -
Basilica Cistern
(7219 Votes)
The Sunken Cistern is an ancient water reservoir built during the 5th century on the site of what used to be a famous basilica. It’s said over 7000 slaves were used in the construction of this cistern. Its capacity is if of roughtly 100000 tonnes of water. It has been featured in the James Bond movie “From Russia With Love”. Of special interest are its two base columns featur...Read more -
Dolmabahce Palace
(5174 Votes)
Constructed in the 1850’s at a cost of 35000 tonnes of gold at the time of its construction, this palace had been home to six sultans over the years. It’s the biggest palace in the city, covering over an area of about 110000 square metres. Visit to appreciate the sheer opulence of the palace. The world's largest Bohemian crystal chandelier is here. Rooms are lavishly decorated in g...Read more -
Chora Church
(2546 Votes)
This well reserved Byzantine Church is perhaps the most beautiful of it’s kind still existing. It was built originally in the 5th century and then underwent extensive renovations in the 11th century. Its fine mozaics and frescoes were decorated in the 13th century. The mozaics tell apocryphal stories of Christian history, so research beforehand if you want to make a sense of this at...Read more -
Galata Tower
(6618 Votes)
This striking tower is one of Istanbul's best known landmarks. It is 67 metrers tall and 35 metres high from sea level. It’s almost 700 years old and was used to spot fires within the city. From the restaurant and cafe on it’s upper floors, one can enjoy stunning views of the Bosphorus waters, a sight that is even better at sunset. At night, belly dancing and other authentic shows ...Read more -
Emirgan Park
(4081 Votes)
Take a trip to the pristine Emirgan Park and have a thorough experience of the park with the help of Emirgan Park tickets. While the entry to the park is absolutely free and there are no tickets for Emirgan Park, the reason for the Emirgan Park ticket prices provided in the tours section is because the tours offer a complete experience of Istanbul. So without wasting time, buy tickets for Emir...Read more -
Rumelihisari
(2187 Votes)
Built about the 1490’s, this place has been used as fortress, a prison, a customs checkpoint and a monastary. It’s high position allows a view of the whole city. It has an open air theatre inside where they conduct dance, music, theatre performances, all to make you aware about the old Turkish culture. In summers many of these shows are performed in large auditorium. There is also ...Read more -
Aynalikavak Palace
(1418 Votes)
Also known as the Aynalikavak Pavilion, this a lavish palace. On the ground floor there is a study centre for Turkish historic musical instruments, it is a must visit. Aynalikavak Palace on the Golden Horn is a great example of old Turkish architecture. It is also known as the “Mirrored Popular”. During the Tulip season the decorations takes you back to the Ottoman traditions and l...Read more -
Balat And Fener
(1386 Votes)
This is also one of the beautiful places of Istanbul that has remained home for the Jewish and Greek population for many years. However, this place fell under the victimization of disrepair as well as the pollution for the several years but, after sometime the huge camp force was put into the action for the cleanup operation. This resulted into the demolition of many old houses and renovation ...Read more -
Though little of the original structure remains, one can still see the ruins that commemorate what was once Istanbul’s social and sporting centre. These ruins include the Serpent Column, the Obelisk of Thutmose and the Staties of Porphyrios. Though chariot races are no longer held here, one can still stroll along the now paved racecourse. The government has renovated and preserved this p...Read more -
Edirnekapi
(769 Votes)These walls are covered in the area of approximately six kilometers from the Marmara Sea to Golden horn. These walls kept the people of constantanipole safe from the foreign invasion. These walls were able to safeguard the people for more than thousand years however they failed when the Ottoman Empire came with canons. A walk along these walls will give you a different historic experience all ...Read more -
Sultanahmet District
(671 Votes)
There is something fascinating about the old quarters and narrow lanes of Istanbul. The Sultanahmet district in Istanbul is located in the historic Old Istanbul, what was fondly called as “Stambol” by the 19th-century travelers. While walking down the lanes of this beautiful and nostalgic part of the city, you will come across Topkapi Palace, Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia), the Blue Mosqu...Read more -
Kadikoy Boga Meydani is one of the most well-known ancient districts of Istanbul. Located on the northern shore of the Sea of Marmara, facing the historic city centre on the European side of the Bosporus, this district looks lively with its numerous bars, cinemas and bookshops. Owing to this reason, this can be considered as the cultural centre of the Anatolian side of Istanbul. The center of a...Read more -
Beylerbeyi Palace
(52 Votes)
Beylerbeyi Palace was supposed to be the summer residence of the Sultans, located at Asian shore of the Bosphorus. Built between 1861-1856, this palace was ordered by the sultan Abdulaziz and was given shape by the architects Sarkis Balyan and Agop Balyan who were the imperial architects of Armenian origins. The palace has been built in French neo-baroque style along with a traditional Ottoman ...Read more
