Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul. A few names that this city has been called throughout the history. Not only the name changed multiple times, the city has been in the hands of the ancient Greek, the Romans and the Ottomans, to name a few. It’s colorful, modern city with a rich history that is still visible today.

MY TOP 5 PLACES TO VISIT IN ISTANBUL

1. Ayasofia – It was built in 6th century by a Byzantine emperor as a church, but with the fall of constantinople (the rise of the Ottoman empire) in 1453 it became a mosque and in 1935 it became a museum. I visited the museum in 2016 but I read online that since 2020 it has again become a mosque. You can still see the influences from the different religions.
2. Sultanahmet – Blue Mosque Just across the street from the Ayasofya you find the incredible Blue Mosque. The inside is breathtaking, full of blue mozaics. Next to the Sultanahmet Mosque there is the Dikilitaş, an ancient Egyptian Obelisk.
3. Yerebatan Sarnici – Close to the Ayasofia you find this huge underground water reservoir with beautiful pilars and lights.
4. Mısır Çarşısı – Egyptian Bazar: spices, lamps, everything you’d imagine for an Egyptian Bazar, giving complete 1001 or Aladdin vibes!
5. Tarihi Eminönü Balık Ekmek – Go there for dinner: It’s the freshest fish you can imagine, it’s actually sold directly from the boat! A very nice atmosphere on the square in front where everybody is enjoying the food!

Extra tip! You can take the Eyüp Teleferik To Piyer Loti for a nice view over the city and the Golden Horn (inlet of the Bosphorus)