If you are visiting Turkey, Istanbul gives you the big city rush. The city boasts with interesting history, plenty of tours and excursion options, and numerous quaint and hidden districts to explore. Since it is a big city, it is recommended that tourists use public transportation for convenience and cost effectiveness. We traveled by tram and explored the city by foot. It was super easy to get from the airport to all the popular sights. If you are planning a quick stop in Istanbul, here are five items to add to your itinerary.

Visit the Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque is a grand and beautiful functioning mosque that was built in the early 1600s. The mosque attracts locals and tourists alike. There is a park with benches that surrounds the stunning mosque, so it is the perfect spot to rest and take in the views. If you want to enter inside, visit this website to read the rules and guidelines for entering respectfully. You can book guided tours through the mosque if you desire as well.

Walk the Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is a giant market that dates back to 1461 and has been famous for trading in the Middle East. You can purchase classic souvenirs, spices, clothing, woven rugs, and art to name a few of the items. This market is covered as it is inside. It is a popular spot for tourists to stop. It was cool to see, but I didn’t spend too much time here as there were many people smoking indoors and there was no breeze. The vendors will eagerly try to get tourists to look at their items and barter with them as well.

Explore Balat District

Balat district is one of the many hidden gems in Istanbul. To reach this district by foot, you need to hike uphill a bit. Then, you are welcomed by cobblestone streets and lines of colorful homes making it a popular photoshoot location. You can find quaint cafes and boutiques in this area. This district has been home for Jewish, Armenian, and Greek communities and is full of history. I walked around to all of these sights in Istanbul. We walked for a couple hours total, and Balat district is in a quieter area outside of the city, so it is a wonderful place for slowing down and enjoying the atmosphere.

Find Galata Tower

The Galata Tower is a quick stop while you are exploring the city. You shouldn’t miss it as it stands tall and proud over the surrounding buildings. This tower has become a museum, and you can enter the tower for a panoramic photo of the city. Interesting enough, the tower served as a prison during the Ottoman era. A trip to Europe isn’t complete without seeing the staple architectural sights.

Conclusion

Istanbul is a huge city full of history and activities. Personally, I am not a city person, so I preferred the coastal towns of Turkey like Kaş and Alaçatı, but the public transportation options in Istanbul are very convenient and there are plenty of areas to explore.

Thanks for stopping by! Cheers to visiting iconic cities and making connections around the world! To read my other blog posts, check out the destinations tab on my website.