"Istanbul is a central land of dream and happiness." - I have read this sentence in one Turkish article, and I have been impressed a lot. I agree with it: Istanbul has such a great charm that could touch numerous lives. Many people choose this city for the beginning of their travel history, and they are not only from Turkey but also from different parts of the world. On the other hand, combining modernity and history, admirable nature, being embraced by two seas, this city cannot be out of the attention of the visitors. Tourists who travel to Istanbul at least once decided to come back again. So, we can say that travel to Turkey cannot be realized without this marvellous city. In my opinion, everyone should visit the places to see in Istanbul. Before speaking about the Instagrammable places in Istanbul, I will provide a little information on the matter "Where is Istanbul?". The most famous city of Turkey, Istanbul, is situated in the northeastern part of the country surrounded by the Bosphorus strait, the Black Sea, and the Marmara Sea. On the other side, Istanbul connects Asia and Europe. This is incredible that you can feel the atmosphere of both continents by being in one city. This big city is one of the most important economic centres in the world. In my opinion, only this minimum information is enough to encourage someone to travel to Istanbul. But, of course, the fascinating properties of this city do not consist of just these facts. After clarifying where is Istanbul, I would like to give some information about the places to visit in Istanbul or, in other words, to help you in listing Instagrammable places in Istanbul.
1. Hagia Sophia
Firstly, we should begin with Hagia Sophia, as one of the most Instagrammable places in Istanbul. This remarkable building is included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in the 6th century as an Eastern Orthodox cathedral, then became a Roman Catholic cathedral and finally, turned into a mosque. As a result of these historical changes, this place maintains a mix of three different religions. The high gorgeous domes, marvellous lighting, tiles, calligraphy, gold elements attract people who want to visit all the main places to see in Istanbul. Wonderful blossoming trees during spring and covered by snow in winter make Hagia Sophia one of the Instagrammable places in Istanbul.
2. Dolmabahce Palace
Another great addition to the places to visit in Istanbul is the Dolmabahce Palace. This magnificent building belongs to the 19th century, located in the Besiktas District, and it is easy to get there by tram. The largest palace in Turkey, Dolmabahce, was designed by the combination of eclectic elements from the Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical styles, Ottoman architecture. Its beautiful gates and impressive white facade are evidence that Dolmabahce Palace is one of the most Instagrammable places in Istanbul. So, if you want to take distinctive, nice photos during your trip when you travel to Turkey, you should visit this palace for sure.
3. Maiden’s Tower
If you are looking for interesting places to travel to Istanbul, Maiden's Tower would be a great choice. It is called due so according to the legend. This incredible tower is situated at the southern entrance of the Bosphorus, in the Uskudar district. It is accessible by boats from the Salacak and Kabatas. If you are at sunset there, you will never regret selecting this direction among the places to see in Istanbul.
4. Taksim
The most popular square in Istanbul, Taksim, is an appropriate place for people who like shopping. You can find anything such as souvenir shops, bars, and clubs. It is also famous for its tram. You can have a fine quick tour by this tram inside the Istiklal Caddesi (Street). If you are wondering, is it safe to travel to Istanbul? You can feel comfortable because this tram can ease your commuting somewhere much more safely. And with this tram, you can feel a nostalgic atmosphere and consequently get vintage photos during your travel to Istanbul.
5. Topkapi Palace
If you want to explore historical places to visit in Istanbul, you should see Topkapi Palace. Topkapi was the home of Sultan Kings for a long time. Also, it was a centre of art, education, and politics. It is not only an important historical spot among the palaces to see in Istanbul, but it also has a great structure. The interiors with colourful mosaic tiles and Ottoman architecture are the best example of it. One of the great parts of this palace is the Harem. An important point which you should consider, it is a very large place, and it may take you almost one day to explore and enjoy it fully. It's getting more interesting, isn't it? Apply for a Turkey visa now and make this jpurney happen!
6. Sultan Ahmet Cami
In my opinion, Sultan Ahmet Cami should also be on your list of historical places to see in Istanbul. Due to the colours of its walls, this mosque is also called the "Blue Mosque". It was built thanks to Sultan I Ahmet, and he participated in its construction personally. Sultan Ahmet Cami consists of the cami, madrasa, shops, bathroom, fountain, school, rented rooms, but, unfortunately, some of them are destroyed. However, it still has a remarkable look, so you can add it to your list of Instagrammable places in Istanbul.
7. Galata Bridge
One of the most Instagrammable places in Istanbul is the Galata Bridge. It was constructed in 1845 from wood. So, it must be protected seriously from the fire, and there is no permission to smoke inside. Additionally, the bridge is situated in a nice location, so there is a very beautiful panorama from it which lets you take impressing Instagrammable photos for your feed.
8. Galata Tower
After Galata Bridge, you should visit the Galata Tower, which also has an admirable view for Instagram worthy photos. This tower was built in the 14th century. From there, you can see the bridges, mosques, the Bosphorus. The magnificent thing about this place is that you can see its black spot at night, and its lighting look with the dark blue sky can give you an unforgettable frame. On the other hand, you can get great shots of Galata Tower with a good zoom lens from the Sultan Ahmet side of Galata Bridge. So, there you can find a lot of options to take different amazing photos.
9. Princes’ Islands
If you want to feel yourself in a fairy tale, then visit Princes’ Islands. This is an archipelago that consists of nine small islands and is situated in the southeast of the centre of Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara. Today, the four of them, which are Boyukada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, and Kinaliada, are summer resorts. They are accessible by ferry from Besiktas, Eminonu, and Kabatas from the European part and Kadikoy and Bostanci from the Asian part of the city. Their landscapes look like a small haven in Istanbul where you can forget all your problems for a few days.
10. Rumeli Castle
Rumeli Castle is one of the greatest places to visit in Istanbul. Ottoman Sultan Mehmet II built this fortress in 1452. It is located in the narrowest part of the Bosphorus Strait. It is so interesting that it took only four months for construction, and it has been standing for more than five centuries. Rumeli castle consists of three large towers, one small tower, and thirteen smaller towers, and each of them is not in bad condition. The castle went through enormous earthquakes but was always restored. Another interesting fact is that Rumeli Castle has been used as a location for many local and international films, which makes it even more exciting for movie fans. So, it can be an amazing spot among the places to see in Istanbul.
11. Grand Bazaar
If you are looking to distinguish places to see in Istanbul, Grand Bazaar will be a perfect choice. It is the largest and the most famous tourist market hall, which maintains different handicrafts like lanterns, tiles, rugs, carpets, evil eyes, and so on. The colourful windows, products can be a great shot for you. Also, bargaining customers are an essential characteristic there, and they can be a part of the amazing photos of one of the most Instagrammable places in Istanbul. The fact that the James Bond movie was shot in Grand Bazaar has made this place admirable for fans of the film.
12. Basilica Cistern
One of the most mystical places of Turkey for me is the Basilica Cistern. This historical building is situated southwest of Hagia Sofia. It is a big underground water reservoir, and it has a lot of marble columns. It's called Basilica Cistern as there used to be a basilica at the place of a cistern. There are two Medusa heads inside as a great example of Roman art. They are used as additional support under two columns at the northwest edge of the Cistern. Their look is so incredible that it increases the interest of visitors for Cistern. So, if you want to get irreplaceable shoots from your travel to Istanbul, you should see Basilica Cistern as well. At last, I would like to relieve the concern of people who think is it safe to travel to Istanbul? As a megapolis, Istanbul is a very crowded city, but visitors can be calm because of the security system created by the Turkish Police; this system is very attentive to tourists. On another side, it can be one of the main concerns, is it safe to travel to Istanbul during the COVID-19 period? According to my research, the Cororonavirus situation has been stabilized there thanks to specialized doctors. In conclusion, I would like to mention that no words or photos can describe the beauty of Istanbul fully. You should see it in life if you want to learn anything about this legendary city. So, do not stop, get information, where is Istanbul, how to get there, then travel and take lifelong Instagrammable photos in Istanbul!
