10 Best Monuments in Istanbul
No visit to Istanbul would be complete without a tour of its most iconic monuments. Want to know what they are, how to get there and what to see? Here are all the details and more.
Walking around Taksim Square in Istanbul | ©David Berkowitz
In addition to the excellent food you can sample on Istanbul's gastronomic tours and its wonderful Turkish baths, one of the most important things to see and do in Istanbul is, of course, to visit its most important monuments. As you can imagine, when travelling to a destination so rich in history and traditions, the options are endless, but I have made a selection of what I consider to be the essentials among the essentials. Enjoy your trip!
1. Hagia Sophia
You cannot leave the city without seeing this wonderful work of Byzantine architecture. Hagia Sophia was built under the orders of the great Justinian between 532 and 537; for many years it was a Catholic temple, and not just any temple, but the official residence of the Pope. Unfortunately, the temple was converted into a mosque, which is why the worship of images is prohibited and all the beautiful Byzantine mosaics are hidden behind several curtains.
Artistically and architecturally, the interior of Hagia Sophia is nothing short of impressive; its main hall has an awe-inspiring total area of 70 x 74 metres.
Where it is and how to get there
Located in the Sultanahmet district, in the square of the same name, this area is the most touristy and easily accessible in Istanbul. The best way to get to Hagia Sophia is to take the T1 tram, which passes through all the important points, and costs approximately €1.
Useful information
- Opening hours: Open 24 hours a day.
- Price: approximately €13.50
2. Blue Mosque
Among the best mosques in Istanbul, the Blue Mosque is perhaps the most popular and a favourite among architects and historians around the world. Built between 1609 and 1617 under the orders of Sultan Ahmed I, it is considered one of the greatest examples of Ottoman architecture and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985.
Its impressive interior has a diameter of about 23.5 metres and a total height of 43 metres when viewed from the outside. It is estimated that the building can hold approximately 10,000 people. The name Blue Mosque is attributed to the more than 20,000 beautiful sea-blue tiles brought specially from Iznik to adorn the dome of the mosque.
Where it is and how to get there
Located in the central area of Istanbul, in the Sultanhamet neighbourhood, as with Hagia Sophia, I believe the best way to get there is by taking the T1 tram, which passes through all the important points. The approximate price is €1.
Useful information
- Opening hours: Open to the public from Monday to Sunday at the following times: in the morning from 8.30am to 11.30am; in the afternoon from 1pm to 2.30pm and from 3.30pm to 4.45pm.
- Price: Free, but you can make a contribution or donation when you enter the temple.
3. Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace is one of the must-see attractions on any trip to Istanbul. When visiting Topkapi Palace, you will find many interesting features, such as the magnificent entrance gate to the courtyard and the beautiful Library of Sultan Ahmed III. However, the most interesting features, and the ones I recommend seeing first on a quick visit, are:
- The Harem, the sultan's residence, together with his more than 500 women
- The Treasury, where objects of great historical and economic value are kept, such as an 88-carat diamond belonging to Napoleon's mother, called the Spoonmaker's Dagger, or the Topkapi Dagger made of gold and emeralds.
Where it is and how to get there
Topkapi Palace is located in the heart of the Eminönü neighbourhood, which belongs to the Fatih district. It is one of the most touristy and popular areas of the city, so it is very easy to get to. The best way to get there is by taking the Istanbul Tram T1 route, which offers wonderful views of the city.
Useful information
- Opening hours: Every day from 10:00 to 14:00. Closed on Tuesdays.
- Price: You will need to add up several prices: admission to the palace costs approximately €11, admission to visit the Harem costs an additional €6, while admission to visit the Church of Saint Irene costs an additional €5. You will need to budget according to your interests.
4. Basilica Cistern
Even if your trip to Istanbul is a short visit of no more than 2 or 3 days, I urge you to try to visit the Basilica Cistern; it is undoubtedly an architectural and historical attraction that you will not find anywhere else on the planet. Built in the 6th century during the Byzantine Empire, the space was intended to serve as a temporary water storage facility for the city. The name Basilica is attributed to the fact that it was built under the Basilica of Stoa, which was later destroyed.
The Cistern is still preserved today and houses a set of 336 columns from different periods that were reused from other buildings and temples in the city. Another interesting fact is that it has served as a mysterious setting in big-budget films.
How to get there
It is located in the large district of Fatih, in the heart of Istanbul. You can get there by tram: Sultanahmet, on line T1, which passes through the city's most important historical sites.
Useful information
- Opening hours: Every day from 9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
- Price: Admission for adults is approximately €3.
5. Galata Tower
Considered one of the oldest towers in the world, it was built of wood to serve as the city's lighthouse in 528; 820 years later, it was rebuilt to give us the structure we know today. It is about 61 metres high, but what is really impressive is its diameter of 16.5 metres, a fairly large space considering its initial planned use.
In addition to its historical, symbolic and cultural importance for the Turkish people, the best part of visiting the Galata Tower is its viewpoint. It is one of the highest points in the city, with an observation deck on the top floor offering panoramic views of Istanbul. Have your camera ready!
Where it is and how to get there
Located in the neighbourhood of the same name in the Beyoğlu district, you will have to cross the Golden Horn via one of the bridges connecting the different areas of the city. The best way to get there is by taking the city tram route T1 Karaköy. From there, the Tünel funicular will take you directly to the tower.
Useful information
- Opening hours: The attraction and the museum are open every day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Price: Approximately €13.50 for an adult ticket.
6. Dolmabahçe Palace
Construction of this complex began in 1843, initially as a new residence for the royal family, who wanted a more modern palace. The Baroque and Rococo Renaissance style of the building is fully in keeping with the architectural trends and aesthetics of the time. Visits to Dolmabahçe Palace are divided into four main parts: Selamlik, where the Crystal Staircase and the Throne Room are located; the Harem, which served as the Sultan's private residences; the Clock Museum; and the beautiful Glass Pavilion.
Where it is and how to get there
Located on what is known as the European side of Istanbul, in the Beşiktaş district, Dolmabahçe Palace may be a little further away than other sites on the list. The easiest way to get there from the centre of Istanbul is to take the Kabataş Tram, line T1. You will need to get off at the last stop and walk for 10 minutes to reach the monument.
Useful information
- Opening hours: The palace is closed on Mondays, but the rest of the week you can visit from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In winter, the opening hours are reduced to 3 p.m.
- Price: Admission to the complex, including the Harem, costs around €16 for an adult ticket.
7. Galata Bridge and the Golden Horn
Galata Bridge is the city's most famous bridge. Throughout Istanbul's history, it has been built, destroyed and renovated numerous times, which is why it is closely linked to the history and evolution of the city and its people. With a length of 490 metres, the bridge is located over the estuary or inlet known as the Golden Horn, and is the structure that connects Istanbul's oldest historic centre with the modern part of the city.
Two interesting facts about the bridge: part of the structure is a bascule bridge that lifts to allow ships to enter the estuary; numerous shops and restaurants have been built under the bridge, so you can take advantage of your visit to try some typical food.
Where it is and how to get there
Due to its proximity to the old town, the best way to get to the bridge is on foot, although you always have the option of taking the T1 tram. If you are travelling by tram from anywhere else in Istanbul, the closest station to Galata Bridge is Karaköy, just a 4-minute walk from the start of the bridge.
Useful information
- Opening hours: Always open. Shops are open until late at night.
- Price: Not required.
8. San Salvador Church in Chora
If you like Byzantine art or medieval art in general, and if your stay in Istanbul includes a three- or four-day visit, you cannot miss the Church of San Salvador in Chora. Considered one of the most beautiful Byzantine temples in the world, it is a beautiful brick structure whose construction began in 536. Its Byzantine mosaics are very well preserved, and over the years the temple has been first an Orthodox church, then a mosque, and since the 1950s, a museum.
Where it is and how to get there
San Salvador in Chora is located in the Kariye Camii Sok area, a little way from Sultanahmet and the more touristy areas of the city. The easiest way to get there is to take bus 32 from the Eminönü stop (near the Galata Bridge) and get off at the City Stadium stop. From here, a 10-minute walk will take you to the temple gates.
Useful information
- Opening hours: The site is open to visitors every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with special summer hours until 7 p.m.
- Price: Approximately €9 for an adult admission ticket.
9. The Column of the Goths and the statue of Atatürk in Gulhane Park.
Visit Gulhane Park to see two important monuments in Istanbul:
- The Column: An 18.5-metre-high marble column with a capital dating back to Roman times, it is possibly the oldest monument in Istanbul. Although the exact date of its construction is unknown, it is believed to predate even the founding of Constantinople.
- The statue of Atatürk: The first statue of the former Turkish president and founder of the republic is also located in the park. The work was created by the artist Heinrich Krippel.
In addition to visiting the monuments, it is worth taking a trip to Gülhane Park to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The name of the park comes from a Turkish word that literally means "house of roses". It has been the most important green space in central Istanbul since its construction in 1800. Although it was originally intended for imperial use, in 1912 it was opened to the public as the city's official park.
Where it is and how to get there
In the heart of the city, right next to Topkapi Palace, the easiest way to get there is to take the T1 tram and get off at Gülhane station, right in front of the park entrance.
Useful information
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Price: Access to the park is completely free.
10. Taksim Square and the Monument to the Republic
Its privileged location in the area known as the European side of Istanbul makes it a must-see tourist destination on any visit to the city. Taksim Square is surrounded by various historical and archaeological sites, as well as hotels, restaurants and major shopping centres.
If you visit Istanbul at Christmas, Taksim Square hosts numerous celebrations, including markets, art exhibitions, fairs and children's activities. In the square, you will also find the Monument to the Turkish Republic, around which people often gather and take photographs.
Where it is and how to get there
It is located in the very centre of the newest part of Istanbul, in the Taksim neighbourhood of the Beyoglu district. The easiest and most convenient way to get there is to take the T1 tram line to the Kabatas stop.
Useful information
- Opening hours: Always open.
- Price: Free admission.