Populer Visiting Points in Istanbul
The Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia, which was converted into a mosque again in 2020, is a structure that was built in the same place three times in total.
While serving as a cathedral during the Byzantine period, the building, which was converted into a mosque with the conquest of Istanbul in 1453, could be visited as a museum from 1935 to 2020. Today, it is open to worship as a mosque.
Hagia Sophia, one of the oldest cathedrals in the world, is one of the cathedrals whose construction was completed in the shortest time. When you examine the interior decoration, you will be surprised how harmonious every detail is! Hz. Jesus and St. Mary figures, apostles, angels, Ottoman tugras…
Hagia Sophia has many mosaics worth seeing. One of them that should not be overlooked is the apse mosaic, the first figured mosaic of Hagia Sophia. In this mosaic, Hz. Mary and baby Jesus in her arms.
Other famous mosaics you should check out in Hagia Sophia are the Deisis mosaic, VI. Leon mosaic, offering mosaic, Zoe and Komnenos mosaic. Seraphim angels, located in every corner of the pandifs of Hagia Sophia, are also one of the important details that are integrated with Hagia Sophia and are always included in Hagia Sophia promotions.
Basilica Cistern
There are many artifacts from the Byzantine Empire to the present day. One of the most important of these is the Basilica Cistern, the largest closed cistern in Istanbul.
The Basilica Cistern, which is known to have worked around 7000 slaves in its construction, was completed in 38 years and many slaves lost their lives during the work. For this reason, the wetness on the columns is still referred to as "slaves' tears".
One of the things you should not miss during your visit to the Basilica Cistern, which is the subject of Dan Brown's novel Hell, is the Medusa Head, one of the best sculptures of the 4th century Roman Period.
The Basilica Cistern, which has survived since 527, hosts national and international events at various times of the year. If you wish, you can spend an unforgettable night by attending concerts or recitals in this mystical atmosphere.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace is indisputably one of the most beautiful palaces in Istanbul. Located at the far end of the region known as the "Historical Peninsula", the building was built after the conquest of Istanbul.
There are many sections that can be visited in Topkapı Palace, which was the center of administration of the state for 400 years and was also the center of life for the Ottoman sultans.
In the palace, which consists of two main parts as Birun, known as the service area, and Enderun, where the internal organization is located, the Justice Tower, Sacred Relics, Palace Kitchen, Zülüflü Baltacılar Furnace, Hagia Irene Church, III. There are many different areas such as Ahmed Library and Baghdad Mansion. The most interesting and most visited point of Topkapı Palace is the Harem.
For more detailed information about Topkapi Palace, you can take a look at this article.
Hagia Irene Church
Hagia Irene Church, located in the courtyard of Topkapi Palace, is the first church in Istanbul. This building, known as the Church of Hagia Eirene (St. Iren) and also known as the Church of Holy Peace, is a structure that has survived from the Byzantine period.
Hagia Irene, which was built on the pagan Jupiter temple, never loses its church character, although many churches were converted into mosques with the conquest of Istanbul in 1453; only before the first museum in Turkey was opened, it is used as a place where the weapon collection and antiquities collection are exhibited and can be entered with special permission.
Concerts have been held at the Hagia Eirene Church since 1973, within the body of the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV). If you wish, you can follow these events and have a different concert experience in the Hagia Irene Church, which has survived from Byzantium to the present day.
Grand Bazaar
Grand Bazaar, or as foreign tourists call it, is the world's largest bazaar and one of the oldest covered bazaars, located in the heart of Istanbul.
The Grand Bazaar, where approximately 4 thousand shops are located, continues to be one of the most colorful spots of Istanbul at all hours of the day.
In the Grand Bazaar, there are all kinds of tradesmen you can think of, from jewelry to antique items, from lighting to carpets and rugs, from shopping for clothes to eating and drinking.
You can easily understand where and what you can find in the bazaar by looking at the names of the streets. In the Grand Bazaar, which has various street names such as Spinners, Kürkçüler, Takkeciler, Terzibaşı, Yorgancılar, Altuncular, you can see the most beautiful rugs and jewelry of Turkish art, and buy items made of various materials such as ceramics, leather or bronze.
During your visit to the Grand Bazaar, don't forget to drink a foamy coffee at the Feraceciler Street after turning the streets upside down; tell us!
A little note: The Grand Bazaar does not serve on Sundays, it is closed.
The Egyptian Bazaar, Spice Bazaar
Spice Bazaar, also known as Spice Bazaar, is located right behind the Yeni Mosque in Eminönü, right next to the Flower Market. The Spice Bazaar, which was built to generate income for the New Mosque, takes its name from the spices brought from Egypt.
In addition to the spices brought from Egypt and India, the Spice Bazaar, which used to serve as a grocer and butcher, now has only spice and dried fruit sellers. You can find all kinds of spices, flower seeds, rare plant roots and shells you can think of in the Spice Bazaar.
Good news: Spice Bazaar is open on Sundays, unlike the Grand Bazaar.
Sultanahmet Square
Sultanahmet Square is Istanbul's most popular tourist attraction. Taking its name from the Blue Mosque located in the square, this square was known as Hippodrome during the Byzantine Empire and Atmeydanı during the Ottoman Empire.
There are many must-see places in Istanbul around Sultanahmet Square, where you can trace both Constantinople and the Ottoman Empire. In addition to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, Basilica Cistern, Obelisk, Serpentine Column and German Fountain are among the must-see spots around Sultanahmet Square.
Don't forget to eat the famous Sultanahmet Meatballs during your visit to Sultanahmet Square!
A little note: The horse sculptures in Sultanahmet Square at the time were built in 1204 by IV. It was brought to Venice during the Crusades and is now on display in St. Mark's Basilica.
Sultan Ahmet Mosque
The Blue Mosque, one of the most beautiful mosques in Turkey and even in the world, is located in the square it gives its name to -Sultanahmet Square.
Known as the Blue Mosque in the West due to the colorful tiles inside, the Blue Mosque is also the first and only mosque with 6 minarets in the Ottoman Empire.
You can find detailed information about the Blue Mosque, which was built by architect and mother-of-pearl master Sedefkar Mehmet Ağa, one of Mimar Sinan's favorite students, in a grandeur that can be seen from many points of Istanbul by the order of Sultan Ahmet I.
Istanbul Archeology Museums
Located on Osman Hamdi Bey Slope at the entrance to Gülhane Park, Istanbul Archeology Museums is the first museum opened in Turkey with the initiatives of Osman Hamdi Bey.
The works that were first exhibited in Hagia Eirene are moved to the Tiled Kiosk, thus turning the Tiled Kiosk into a museum. The building, which serves as Müze-i Hümayun, which means Imperial Museum, became insufficient in size after a while, and a new Neo-Classical style building was built in front of it; This building is today's Istanbul Archeology Museum.
Today, Istanbul Archeology Museums is a complex consisting of three main units: the Archeology Museum, the Museum of Ancient Oriental Works and the Tiled Kiosk. You can see many artifacts from the Archaic Period to Rome in the complex, which you can enter from both Gülhane Park and Topkapı Palace.
The most important artifacts of the Istanbul Archeology Museums are the Alexander Sarcophagus brought from the city of Sidon in 1887 (a replica is also in the Skopje Archeology Museum) and the Crying Women Sarcophagus.
Gulhane Park
Gulhane Park, which was used as the outer garden of Topkapi Palace during the Ottoman Empire, is a garden where roses were grown for the Topkapi Palace in its time.
Gulhane Park, which takes its name from the rose gardens, is not only a park, but also a place that has witnessed many important historical events, celebrations and holiday ceremonies.
This area, where military warehouses and barracks were located during the Byzantine period, is the place where the Tanzimat Fermanı was read during the Ottoman Empire.
In Gülhane Park, which was opened to the public in 1912 after leaving the palace, you can sit under a tree and take a breather and commemorate Nazım Hikmet with the poem "Walnut Tree". Those who wish can spend time in the tea gardens located in the garden of the park.
Don't forget to visit the Islamic Science and Technology History Museum located in Gülhane Park and the Istanbul Archeology Museums, Turkey's first museum consisting of three main units at the entrance of the park.
Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum
The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, as the name suggests, is a museum with a detailed collection collected from different points of the Islamic world.
The museum, where you can see many important pieces from the carpet collection to manuscripts and terra cotta works, is also known as one of the museums with the best carpet collection in the world.
Artifacts collected from the Islamic world were first exhibited in the soup kitchen of the Süleymaniye Mosque Complex, and then moved to the İbrahim Pasha Palace in Sultanahmet Square in 1983.
About the Ibrahim Pasha Palace: One of the most important structures of Ottoman civil architecture, it was repaired by Suleiman the Magnificent in 1520 and presented to his son-in-law Ibrahim Pasha by the sultan. This building is then known as the Ibrahim Pasha Palace.
Suleymaniye Mosque
Süleymaniye Mosque, one of the most beautiful examples of classical Ottoman architecture, was built by Mimar Sinan by Suleiman the Magnificent and is known as one of the most successful works of Mimar Sinan.
The building, which was used not only for religious purposes but also for educational purposes in its period, consists of a total of 15 sections, including madrasah, library, hospital, primary school, Turkish bath, treasury and shops.
The most well-known architectural feature of the Süleymaniye Mosque is that the 4 minarets of the mosque represent the 4 sultans who came to the throne after the conquest of Istanbul and there are 10 balconies on the minarets due to the fact that Kanuni was the 10th sultan of the Ottoman Empire.
During your visit to the Süleymaniye Mosque, you can visit the tombs of Suleiman the Magnificent and Hürrem Sultan, as well as the tomb of Mimar Sinan, who left hundreds of important works behind.
Eyüp Sultan Mosque
Eyüp Sultan Mosque, one of the holiest places in Istanbul, is a place of worship that welcomes thousands of people throughout the year, especially those who come to breathe the spiritual air of this place and pray during the month of Ramadan.
It is rumored that Eyüp Sultan Mosque, which is known to have been built in 1458, has more than one architecture.
You can take a breather under the great plane trees in Eyüp Sultan Mosque, which also has sarcophagi and tombs in its garden, and visit the tombs of many names such as Necip Fazıl, Ahmet Haşim, Ziya Osman Saba, Fevzi Çakmak and Sokullu Mehmet Pasha.
Pierre Loti Hill
Almost every point of Istanbul hosts beautiful landscapes. Those who want to look at Istanbul from a different perspective can choose Pierre Loti Hill for a magnificent view of the Golden Horn.
Pierre Loti Hill, named after the French writer Julien Viaud (alias Pierre Loti), who loves to spend time here, welcomes many local and foreign tourists at all times of the year.
Those who want to drink foamy Turkish coffee with the view of the Golden Horn or those who want to have breakfast with the view can come to Pierre Loti Hill.
Miniaturk
Miniatürk Turkey Park and Museum, known as Miniatürk, is an open-air model museum in Sütlüce.
Spreading over an area of 60,000 square meters, the museum offers visitors models of Turkey's important historical and cultural buildings made in miniature scales.
It is possible to take a small tour of Turkey in Miniatürk, which includes more than 100 miniature models, 62 pieces of Istanbul Artifacts, 60 pieces of Anatolian Artifacts and 13 pieces of Ottoman Artifacts Abroad.
Offering pleasant moments to its visitors by offering various activities such as chess, maze, go-card, boat tour, Miniatürk creates a great activity area especially for families with children.
Cibali – Fener – Balat
Cibali, Fener and Balat are among the most enjoyable and worth seeing spots of Istanbul.
The synagogues, churches and mosques that still exist in these three regions, which hosted people from different cultures and religions living in Istanbul during the Ottoman period, transport us to the multicultural times of the Ottoman Empire.
You can wander the historical streets of the region, examine the old buildings and try the dozens of cafes and restaurants.
To talk about the points that should not be overlooked in the three regions, we can start with Fener Greek Boys High School in Balat, which is built with red bricks and rises like a castle, adding a different character to the region. This magnificent building, which is one of the old education centers of Istanbul, provides education to a small number of Greeks under the Ministry of National Education and is almost the symbol of the region.
During your visit to the region, the Old Tobacco Factory, which has been serving as Kadir Has University since 1997, the Cibali Police Station, which is the subject of theater plays, the Merdivenli Yokus Street in Balat, which is famous for its colorful houses reminiscent of a movie set, Yıldırım Street and Camcı Çeşmesi Street, Demir Church or Also known as the Bulgarian Church, Sveti Stefan Church and Ahrida Synagogue are among the must-see spots.
Taksim Square
One of the first places that comes to mind when Istanbul is mentioned is Taksim Square. Taksim Square, which is the center of many celebrations and political actions, is also a gateway to entertainment, as well as hosting many movies and TV series.
You can take a souvenir photo at the Republic Monument and Taksim Mosque, which is located in the middle of the square, which has remained the iconic structure of Taksim Square from 1925 to the present day, and participate in various cultural activities at the Atatürk Cultural Center, which reopens in October 2021, You can get off to Karaköy with the Tramway departing from the square.
Istiklal Street
Istiklal Street, where life continues at every hour of the day, is one of the indispensable points of both locals and foreign tourists in Istanbul. Located between Taksim Square and Tünel Square, this 1.4 kilometer street has a unique history dating back to the end of the 19th century.
There are many cafes, restaurants, bars, taverns and shops for shopping and souvenir shops on Istiklal Street and its side streets.
You can eat profiteroles at İnci Patisserie, which was integrated with Beyoğlu, founded in 1944, try various hard candies at the historical Üç Yıldız Confectionery, which has been serving in the same place for more than 90 years, and stop by Beyoğlu Chocolate.
One should not forget the centuries-old structures and inns on Istiklal Street. Among them, not to be overlooked are buildings such as Mısır Apartment, Botter Apartment and Ravouna, and various churches.
While taking a pleasant walk on Istiklal Street, St. Antuan Catholic Church, Crimean Church, Panayia Isodion Church and Aya Triada Church.
You can visit various passages such as Narmanlı Han, Avrupa Passage, Syria Passage, Aznavur Passage; You can have a nostalgic feast at Çiçek Pasajı.
Those who want to know more about Turkish Cinema and cinephiles should not forget to visit the Istanbul Cinema Museum, which was opened in 2021 after being defeated! You can find detailed information about Istanbul Cinema Museum in this article.
Galata
Walks from Istiklal Street to Tünel always lead to Galata, the liveliest point of Beyoğlu.
The region, which presents the traces of the multicultural structure of Istanbul, truly succeeds in bringing the past and the present together. Design shops, cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, churches and synagogues serving in historical buildings…
The first thing that comes to mind when Galata is mentioned is, of course, the Galata Tower. When you climb to the top of the Galata Tower, you can imagine Hezârfen Ahmed Çelebi, who made the first intercontinental flight and also featured in Evliya Çelebi's Travel Book; You can attend the Sema show by visiting Istanbul's first Mevlevi Lodge, Galata Mevlevi Lodge.
One of the oldest synagogues of Istanbul, which serves as a cultural center today, is located in Galata. The Tofre Begadim Synagogue, founded by the Tailors Guild, is among the must-see spots in Galata.
In the region that brings the past and the present together, you can visit the left and right music shops on Galip Dede Street, wander around Serdar-ı Ekrem Street, one of the most photographic streets of Istanbul, Mavra Kafe-Design Shop, which serves in historical buildings in Galata, Lunapark, You can browse design shops like Contemporary Crafts ever.
While you're in the Galata region, Post Office, one of the newest points of SALT Galata and Istanbul, is a common production area serving at the historical British post office!
Ortakoy Mosque / Great Mecidiye Mosque
The Büyük Mecidiye Mosque with its Bosphorus view or more commonly known as Ortaköy Mosque, which is frequently featured in Istanbul promotions, is one of the best Neo-Baroque mosques in Turkey.
Büyük Mecidiye Mosque, which was built by Nigoğos Balyan, a member of the Balyan family, one of the most famous architects of the time, by Sultan Abdülmecid in 1853, attracts not only those who come to the mosque for worship, but also many local and foreign tourists, thanks to its unique view.
Do not forget to examine the white cut stone walls and pink mosaic dome of the Büyük Mecidiye Mosque, which is one of the must-see places in Istanbul during your visit to Ortaköy.
Dolmabahçe Palace
Witnessing the modernization of the Ottoman Empire and the first years of the Republic, Dolmabahçe Palace was built on one of the most beautiful points of the Bosphorus by the famous Armenian architects of the time, Garabet Amira Balyan and his son Nigoğos Balyan.
Abdülmecid, Abdülaziz, V. Murat, II. Abdulhamid, V. Mehmet Reşad and VI. Dolmabahçe Palace, which was used by Mehmed, i.e. Vahdettin, started to serve as Atatürk's Presidential Residence with the proclamation of the Republic.
Dolmabahçe Palace, the place where Atatürk passed away in his last years, serves as a museum today and welcomes many tourists throughout the year.
In Dolmabahçe Palace, you can see many furniture and decorative pieces from the Ottoman period, as well as examine the room where Atatürk passed away.
During your visit to Dolmabahçe Palace, you can take a closer look at the art of painting in Turkey by visiting the National Palaces Painting Museum located just behind the palace; You can take a breather at Şeker Ahmet Paşa Tea Room in the entrance hall of the Painting Museum or at Limonluk Cafe located in the garden.
Beylerbeyi Palace
Beylerbeyi Palace, one of the most beautiful structures of the Bosphorus, which greets us on Bosphorus tours, is located in the Üsküdar district of Istanbul.
Beylerbeyi Palace, which was built at the request of Sultan Abdulaziz at the time, not only serves as a summer resort for sultans, but also serves as a guesthouse where important people such as Napoleon's wife and foreign government officials are hosted.
You can examine historical items and eye-catching marble workmanship in Beylerbeyi Palace, where there are set gardens and additional pieces such as Marble Kiosk (Serdab Kiosk), Sarı Kiosk, Has Ahır Kiosk; If you wish, you can have breakfast in the garden.
Yıldız Palace
Yildiz Palace, which hosts one of the most beautiful gardens of Istanbul, was built by Sultan III. It is a historical building built in the name of Mihrimah Sultan, the mother of Selim.
II. Yıldız Palace, which was actively used by Abdülhamid Han for 33 years, is a very pleasant complex to visit. During your visit to Yıldız Palace, you can visit a total of 9 different structures such as Malta Mansion, Sultan's Office, Little Mabeyn Mansion, and Big Mabeyn Mansion.
Kucuksu Pavilion
Küçüksu Summer Palace, also known as Göksu Summer Palace, is one of the Ottoman palaces located within the borders of Üsküdar, overlooking the Bosphorus.
The building, which was built by Nigoğos Balyan by Sultan Abdülmecit, is used as a guest house in the Republican period.
You can see fireplaces made of Italian marbles, ornate parquets, hand-woven carpets and beautiful paintings in the Küçüksu Pavilion, which dates back to 1856 and makes visitors feel like they are walking in an art museum; You can choose this place for breakfast by taking in the Bosphorus air overlooking the sea.
Maiden's Tower
Located off the coast of Salacak and being the only artifact from the Byzantine era in Üsküdar, the Maiden's Tower is a symbol of Üsküdar. The history of the tower, which is engraved in the minds as the subject of legends, dates back to BC. It goes up to 24.
In the museum section of the Maiden's Tower, which you can visit with the boats departing from Salacak or Kabataş, you can have close information about the history of the tower and have a delicious feast accompanied by the sea view.
Let's not forget that the Maiden's Tower is preferred for birthday celebrations, marriage parties, marriage proposal and other special occasions.
Rumeli Fortress
Located between Bebek and Emirgan, just across Anadolu Hisarı, Rumeli Hisarı is being built in a short period of 4 months against the dangers that may come from the Black Sea, in preparation for the conquest of Istanbul in 1452.
Spreading over an area of approximately 30 decares, Rumeli Fortress hosts one of the most beautiful views in the world with its three viewing terraces and continues to host many tourists throughout the year.
During your visit to Rumeli Fortress, besides a unique view of Istanbul, you can see the historical balls displayed in the garden of the fortress, and take a walk among the rose gardens and redbud trees.
A little note: Rumeli Fortress was built in such a way that when viewed from afar, it can be read as Muhammad in Arabic letters.
Rahmi M. Koç Museum
Established in 1994 in Hasköy with the support of Rahmi Koç, the Rahmi M. Koç Museum serves as a museum dedicated to Turkey's transportation, industry and communication history.
During your visit to the museum, you can examine transportation vehicles such as submarines, ferries, airplanes, ships, locomotives and trams; You can closely follow workshops and training programs specially designed for children.
You need to spare at least half a day to visit the museum, which consists of three parts as the Open Air Exhibition Area, Historical Hasköy Shipyard and Mustafa V. Koç Building and covers an area of approximately 27,000 square meters.
Sakip Sabanci Museum
Sakıp Sabancı Museum, which has been serving under Sabancı University since 2002, welcomes visitors in the Atlı Köşk located in Emirgan, overlooking the Bosphorus.
In addition to its rich calligraphy and painting art collection, which includes works in the Sabancı family's collection since 1998, temporary exhibitions are also held at the museum.
During your visit to the Sakıp Sabancı Museum, you can have breakfast or dine at the MSA's Restaurant, located within the museum, against a delicious view.
Panorama 1453 History Museum
Panorama 1543 History Museum, located in Topkapi Park of Istanbul's Zeytinburnu district, is a museum founded on the conquest of Istanbul by Fatih Sultan Mehmet.
There are approximately 10 thousand figures in the museum, which has been serving since 2009 under the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.
The most impressive aspect of Panorama 1453 History Museum, where you can get extensive information about Istanbul and its history, is the huge panoramic painting drawn by eight artists in about three years.
Kuzguncuk – Çengelköy- Kanlıca
Let's talk about three regions on the Anatolian side where you can meet with greenery and stay away from the "neighborhood" atmosphere: Kuzguncuk, Çengelköy and Kanlıca.
Kuzguncuk is the place where you can spend the longest time among the three regions. You can take pictures by walking among the colorful historical houses of Kuzguncuk, try various coffee shops, visit Kuzguncuk Orchard and examine the historical houses right next to it.
In Kuzguncuk, which serves as the setting for many films, you can see Perihan Abla Street, where the Perihan Abla TV series was filmed, and Ekmek Teknesi on İcadiye Street, which hosts the Ekmek Teknesi series.
While you are in Kuzguncuk, you can see historical mansions such as Cemil Molla Mansion and Marko Pasha Mansion, and visit religious structures such as Beth Yaakov Synagogue, Beth Nissim Synagogue, Surp Krikor Lusavorich Armenian Church, and Hagios Panteleimon Church.
You can wander around the cobbled streets of Çengelköy and try various chocolates at Çengelköy Chocolate Shop, and have breakfast with cheese and the famous Çengelköy cucumber against the Bosphorus.
In Kanlıca, you can try Kanlıca yogurt made from buffalo, cow and sheep milk, explore the cafes, restaurants and tea gardens in the vicinity (the most famous is İsmail Ağa Kahvesi, which has been serving since 1970), and visit the Mihrabat Grove.
Emirgan Grove
Offering a breathtaking atmosphere throughout the year, Emirgan Grove is one of the first spots that come to mind, especially when the Istanbul Tulip Festival is mentioned.
You can come to Emirgan Grove, which is located between Emirgan and İstinye districts in greenery, for a walk or for a picnic, and you can have breakfast at the Sarı Köşk located inside the grove.
In Emirgan Grove, there are three typical Ottoman mansions, which were used by the sultans for viewing at the time: Yellow Kiosk, Pink Kiosk and White Kiosk. Of these, only Sarı Köşk offers breakfast service.
Anadolu Kavağı
Anadolu Kavağı, located in the Beykoz district of Istanbul, is a touristic and very cute fishing area.
Anadolu Kavağı, named after the poplar trees that once stood here, is now famous for its Yoros Castle from the Eastern Roman period, its nature and restaurants serving seafood.
During your visit to Anadolu Kavağı, you can have breakfast with a breathtaking view, eat the famous mussel pans, and visit Yoros Castle.
Mihrabat Grove
Mihrabat Grove, located in Kanlıca, was built by Damat İbrahim Pasha during the Ottoman period and was built by III. It is given to Ahmet.
Mihrabat Grove, which is the right spot to meet nature on the Anatolian Side and watch the unique view of Istanbul, has recreation areas, a 3-kilometer jogging track and children's parks.
In Mihrabat Grove, you can have breakfast by watching Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, Ortaköy, Rumeli Fortress and İstinye Bay.
Vialand Theme Park
Vialand Theme Park, formerly known as İfsanbul, has been serving since 2013 as Turkey's first theme park between Eyüpsultan and Gaziosmanpaşa.
Vialand Theme Park, which is shown among the top 10 theme parks in Europe, is spread over an area of 120 thousand square meters and offers an atmosphere where both adults and children can have a pleasant time.
Vialand Theme Park also includes a shopping center, concert venues, cinema, cafes and restaurants.
Istanbul Aquarium
Serving as one of the largest thematic aquariums in the world, Istanbul Aquarium is a recreation area that started to serve on Florya Street in Bakırköy in 2011.
Covering an area of 100 acres, Istanbul Aquarium hosts more than 1,500 species and more than 15,000 species from the Black Sea to the Pacific Ocean.
Offering a fun activity especially for families with children, Istanbul Aquarium also includes a science center, activity areas, children's sections, a movie theater, cafes and restaurants.
In Istanbul Aquarium, where you can easily spend 3-4 hours, there are also fish feeding hours, 5D cinema, simulation areas and various activities.
Prince Islands
The Princes' Islands, or Istanbul Islands, with its other name, are among the romantic weekend routes that create a holiday feeling in Istanbul.
Prince Islands, which are among the places to visit in Istanbul, cover five islands in total: Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, Kınalıada and Sedef Island. While there is a regular life on the four islands, Sedef Island comes to life only in summer and welcomes visitors who want to swim.
Kınalıada, which is the closest to Istanbul, is relatively less wooded and green compared to other islands; but it is a place preferred by those who want to spend quiet time and take a bicycle tour.
On Burgazada, the third largest island of Istanbul, you can go to Bayrak Hill, swim in Kalpazankaya or Madam Martha Bay, and take a bicycle tour.
Heybeliada and Büyükada are the islands where you will spend the longest time among the Prince Islands. Sea High School in Heybeliada and Heybeliada Sanatorium, Clergy School and Greek Boys' High School, which were used by tuberculosis patients for treatment, are among the important historical places of the island. On Heybeliada, you can see Hüseyin Rahmi Gürpınar and İsmet İnönü Houses, visit the Aya Nikola Greek Orthodox Church or watch the view from the Aya Yorgi Cliff Monastery.
Büyükada is the largest and most crowded of the islands. You can take dozens of photos and visit many historical spots by wandering among the beautiful mansions on Büyükada. Things that should not be overlooked in Büyükada: Büyükada Greek Orphanage, Aya Yorgi Hill, Anadolu Club, Reşat Nuri Güntekin House, Büyükada Splendid Palace Hotel and Anastasia Meziki Mansion, which has hosted TV series and movies.