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Things to Do in Istanbul

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #1 of 128 attractions in Istanbul

This architectural marvel displays 30 million gold tiles throughout its interior, and a wide, flat dome which was a bold engineering feat at the time it was constructed in the 6th century.

Attraction type: Architectural building; Religious site; History museum; Historic site
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #2 of 128 attractions in Istanbul

This enormous palace was the Imperial residence of Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years. Although much of the palace is not accessible, the daily tours of the Harem are of great interest to tourists.

Attraction type: Architectural building; Historic home; Museum complex; History museum; Art museum; Historic site
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #3 of 128 attractions in Istanbul

Called the Blue Mosque because of the color of its interior tiles, this masterful building with its many domes and six minarets was built to compete with the Hagia Sophia across the street.

Attraction type: Religious site; Architectural building; Flea/street market
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #4 of 128 attractions in Istanbul

Known as Yerebatan Sarayi or Sunken Palace, this giant well once held water for the city residents. Today, it is a major tourist attraction, complete with piped-in music and pulsing lights.

Attraction type: Historic site; Waterway; Landmark/point of interest
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #5 of 128 attractions in Istanbul

This body of water that passes along the shores of Istanbul is 20 miles in length and is the physical divider between the continents of Europe and Asia.

Attraction type: River; Waterway; Landmark/point of interest
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #6 of 128 attractions in Istanbul

The old section of Istanbul where you can find many attractions including Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque.

Attraction type: Neighborhood; Historic walking area
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #7 of 128 attractions in Istanbul

This 11th-century church was noted for its remarkable mosaics illustrating scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary. It has since been converted into a museum.

Attraction type: Art museum; Architectural building; History museum
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #8 of 128 attractions in Istanbul

Bargaining for goods is standard practice at the largest covered market in Turkey, rumored to contain over 4,000 shops.

Attraction type: Flea/street market
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #9 of 128 attractions in Istanbul

Besides its importance as the first Turkish museum, it remains one of the world's largest museums with over one million works. Opened to the public in 1891, it houses a collection of Greek, Roman and Byzantine artifacts.

Attraction type: History museum
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #10 of 128 attractions in Istanbul

Spices, dried fruits, nuts and seeds are among the many treasures to be found at this bazaar also known as the Spice Market.

Attraction type: Flea/street market
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #11 of 128 attractions in Istanbul

Built in 500 A.D., Galata Tower is one of the dominating landmarks of Istanbul. It was used as a watchtower to help defend the city.

Attraction type: Observation deck/tower; Historic site
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #12 of 128 attractions in Istanbul

Temporary and permanent exhibition halls, photography gallery, cinema hall, video art area and new media art area make up the platform that presents diverse forms of art that can be experienced at Istanbul Modern in addition to an arts library, a shop that combines design with art and its cafe and restaurant that offers its visitors a fantastic view of Istanbul.

Attraction type: Art museum
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TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #13 of 128 attractions in Istanbul

This neighborhood in the modern section of the city is home to many foreign consulates, and is popular for its restaurants and nightlife.

Attraction type: Neighborhood
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #14 of 128 attractions in Istanbul

According to Turkish legend, a princess was locked in this tower to protect her from being bitten by a snake. Over the years the tower has been used as a customs station, lighthouse and a residence for retired naval officers.

Attraction type: Historic site; Landmark/point of interest
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #15 of 128 attractions in Istanbul

This mosque stands outside the city walls at the location where Hz Eyyubu El-Ensari, a noted Islamic individual, died in the assault on Constantinople in 670 AD.

Attraction type: Architectural building; Religious site; Historic site
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #16 of 128 attractions in Istanbul
Attraction type: Bar/club
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #17 of 128 attractions in Istanbul

Great old Hamam! Ideal to unwind after a long day of meetings (or sightseeing) for a bit over an hour. There's a separated male and female section. Main entrance hall holds a small cafe, on the upper...

Attraction type: Spa
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TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #18 of 128 attractions in Istanbul
Attraction type: Bar/club; Jazz bar
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #19 of 128 attractions in Istanbul

This charming neighborhood of renovated old buildings is home to many restaurants, shops and artist galleries.

Attraction type: Neighborhood
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #20 of 128 attractions in Istanbul

The Suleymaniye Mosque was built by the famous Turkish architect Sinan.  Aghia Sophia was built much earlier by two architects, Anthemios and Issidoros.  The reason why the Suleymaniye Mosque...

Attraction type: Religious site; Architectural building
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