16 Most Beautiful Places In Istanbul Turkey

Istanbul is beautiful! There’s no doubt about that. And the list of the most beautiful places in Istanbul is endless.

Whether you’re exploring the rich history of the Sultanahmet district, strolling through the buzzing Istiklal Street, or discovering hidden gems in the Balat neighborhood, you’re sure to come across many charming places that are paragons of beauty.

Istanbul (erstwhile Constantinople) is one of the world’s oldest cities. Here, you’ll find ancient Byzantine monuments, stunning Ottoman mosques and palaces, and Europe-inspired baroque masterpieces.

Therefore, it goes without saying that Istanbul is a place of beauty and a rich treasure trove of gorgeous places that you need to have on your Istanbul bucket list.

It doesn’t matter if you are visiting Istanbul for a day or a week; this list of beautiful places in Istanbul will definitely wow you.

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Beautiful Places in Istanbul I – Mosques

Hagia Sophia

My list of beautiful places in Istanbul is incomplete without the most iconic gem – Hagia Sophia.

The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is one of Istanbul’s longest-standing monuments, with a rich and complex history. In the 6th century, Byzantine Emperor Justinian built Hagia Sophia as an Eastern Orthodox Church. Later, it became a Latin Catholic church, a mosque, a museum, and a mosque again in 2020.

Grand Christian mosaics and stunning Islamic calligraphic inscriptions adorn Hagia Sophia, giving us a peek into its turbulent past and present!

The faint pink dome and minarets of Hagia Sophia dominate Sultanahmet Square. As soon as you enter the mosque, you are greeted with a wave of calmness. Almost everyone looks up, fascinated by the beauty of the mosaics. Hagia Sophia has the power to spellbind, and that makes it one of the most formidable monuments in the entire world.

Blue Mosque

Istanbul is full of beautiful mosques, and the Blue Mosque is one of the most remarkable ones. It is called so because of the more than 20,000 splendid blue tiles that decorate its interior.

The Blue Mosque, dating to the 17th century, was constructed to rival Hagia Sophia. And so it did, at least in scale. It was a unique combination of Ottoman architecture and Byzantine traditional styles, thus making it one of the nicest places to visit in Istanbul.

Today, as you stand at Sultanahmet Square, it is a wonderful sight to see both Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque facing each other, vying for attention.

Suleymaniye Mosque

Suleymaniye Mosque is an imposing landmark that sits atop one of Istanbul’s seven hills and dominates the entire skyline. The scale and beauty of the mosque are impressive.

Suleyman, the Magnificent, commissioned the Suleymaniye Mosque in the 1500s. Mimar Sinan, the greatest Ottoman architect of all time, built it. So, basically, the mosque was the coming together of the visions and ideas of two great Turks of all time! And that shows!

The courtyard of the Sulemaniye Mosque is majestic. Built-in a peristyle and surrounded by marble columns, it has a central dome adorned with stained-glass windows, mother-of-pearl, and Iznik tiles arranged carefully to create a floral pattern.

The Suleymaniye is one of the grandest mosques that I visited in Istanbul. The amazing views of the Golden Horn that I got from behind the mosque only added to my experience of seeing one of the most beautiful places in Istanbul.

Ortakoy Mosque

The Ortakoy Mosque is usually absent from Istanbul’s beautiful places lists on the internet, which is a gross injustice because it is easily one of the city’s most charming places.

Located on the waterside, right before the Bosphorus bridge, this stunning white mosque is absolutely one of my favorite places to visit in Istanbul.

The Ortakoy Mosque was built in the 19th century by architects from the famous Balyan family. Therefore, it represents a harmonious blend of Ottoman and European Baroque architecture. The mosque’s rich decorations, exquisite carvings on its columns, and magnificent reliefs make it one of Istanbul’s most photogenic places.

Beautiful Places in Istanbul II – Palaces & Parks

Topkapi Palace & Harem

If we are talking about beautiful Istanbul, then we cannot miss the iconic Topkapi Palace.

Topkapi Palace is one of the oldest residences and administrative centers of the Ottoman Sultans. It was built in the late 15th century by Sultan Mehmed II, 6 years after he conquered Constantinople.

Built in traditional Ottoman style, Topkapi Palace was home to several sultans until it was abandoned in the 19th century when the royal family moved to the more European-looking Dolmabahce Palace on the Bosphorus.

Today, Topkapi Palace is a museum with several interesting sections to explore. The Harem, where the female members of the family lived, is the most resplendent part of the palace. It boasts more than 300 rooms, two mosques, and nine bathrooms. Beautiful Iznik tiles dot each corner of the harem, making it an unmissable sight.

There are several other exhibition halls, a treasury, a library, palace kitchens, and smaller pavilions to explore. Be sure to have at least a couple of hours when you visit Topkapi Palace because anything else will fly by.

Dolmabahce Palace

Over time, sultans of the Ottoman Empire were inspired by European architecture and built spectacular palaces in the neo-Baroque style. The most impressive among them was the Dolmabahce Palace.

Located on the Bosphorus Strait, the Dolmabahce is the largest palace in Turkey. It was probably THE MOST OPULENT endeavor of the Ottomans. Therefore, Dolmabahce is literally dripping in gold and crystal.

Built in the 19th century, the Dolmabahce Palace has 250+ rooms, 46 halls, and multiple baths and toilets. The Sultan lived in the Selamlik, and his family resided in the Harem.

The rooms and halls are opulently decorated with crystal chandeliers, oil paintings, handmade carpets, and gilded ceilings. Can you believe that the Ceremonial Hall at Dolmabahce Palace is home to the world’s largest Bohemian crystal chandelier? Apparently, Dolmabahce has the largest collection of crystal chandeliers in the world!

Galata Tower

The Galata Tower is a unique historical landmark and a must-visit place in Istanbul. Emperor Justinian built it in 508 CE, making it one of the oldest monuments in Istanbul today.

When Emperor Justinian built the Galata Tower, it was called the Great Tower and sometimes the Tower of Christ. It started looking like this only during Genoese rule.

Over centuries, the tower has served many purposes, including being a lighthouse, a prison, and a fire observatory. But most importantly, it has always been there, watching over the people of Istanbul.

Galata Tower’s long and interesting history, unique architecture, and panoramic views from its observation deck make it one of Istanbul’s most iconic attractions.

Gulhane Park

Gulhane Park is often overlooked but this beautiful, green oasis right next to the Topkapi Palace is a true hidden gem. It is one of the nicest places in Istanbul to relax and rewind after a busy day in the city.

Gulhane Park is one of the largest and oldest parks in Istanbul. For a very long time, the park was used by the Ottoman Sultans and their families. It was opened to the public in 1912.

The park has tall trees, flowering plants, and water fountains. The name “Gulhane” literally translates to the “House of Roses,” and thousands of roses bloom here in spring. In March – April, Gulhane Park is also the venue for the colorful Istanbul Tulip Festival.

Kucuksu Pavilion

Istanbul is full of beautiful palaces and pavilions, and one of my favorites is the Kucuksu Pavilion. It is a beautiful, 19th-century Baroque-style summerhouse that was used as a hunting lodge by the Ottoman sultans. The exquisite detailing on the exterior walls and pillars and the elaborate gilded work in the interior are worth seeing.

Kucuksu Pavilion is located on the Bosphorus, away from the prime tourist trail in Istanbul. Therefore, tourists often just pass by this little palace on their Bosphorus cruises. However, this place, with its ornate reliefs, decorated ceilings, marble fireplaces, and cast iron balconies, deserves so much more than that.

Located off the beaten path in Istanbul, Kucuksu Pavilion is usually empty except for a few souls interested in Ottoman history and architecture.

With its pristine beauty and the sparkling background of the Bosphorus, Kucuksu Pavilion makes an amazing photo spot in Istanbul.

Beautiful Places in Istanbul III – Markets & Neighborhoods

Balat & Fener

Balat and Fener are among Istanbul’s liveliest neighborhoods. Rows of vibrantly colored buildings and an eclectic collection of religious monuments dot these exotic districts, which aptly represent Istanbul’s diverse population and interesting history.

For a long time, Balat was a traditional Jewish neighborhood, while Fener was home to Greek Christians. The majestic red building of the Phanar Greek Orthodox College is one of Istanbul’s most impressive landmarks. The Bulgarian Orthodox Church in Balat is a stunning example of great engineering design.

That said, tourists usually flock to Fener and Balat for the rows of colorful houses, painted stairs, and myriad opportunities to click a perfect gram-worthy picture. This place is truly a photographer’s delight.

Grand Bazaar

Istanbul is famous for its medieval bazaars, and Grand Bazaar is the most popular one.

Most tourists head to Grand Bazaar to shop for authentic Turkish souvenirs. Yet, very few know that this place is a treasure trove of old Turkish art and patterns, which makes it one of the most beautiful places in Istanbul.

The Grand Bazaar is nearly 600 years old and one of the oldest and largest covered marketplaces in the world. Inside the Grand Bazaar, you’ll find 50 streets and 4000 shops selling everything from inexpensive fridge magnets to luxurious Turkish carpets.

Apart from the fascinating shopping experience it offers, Grand Bazaar is also home to amazing decorations on its ceilings and floors. The patterns on the wall are more than 250 years old and tell us a lot about Turkey’s rich Ottoman history. Shopping in this beautifully adorned medieval marketplace is one of the best experiences in Istanbul.

Spice Bazaar

Not as popular and much smaller in size than the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar in Eminonu is yet another delightful place to visit in Istanbul.

The Spice Bazaar, or the Egyptian Bazaar as it is often called, dates back to the late 17th century and has impressive ceiling frescoes. Nearly 100 shops sell spices, Turkish delights, dried fruits, and vegetables. This place is an absolute riot of colors, making it one of the best things to add to your Istanbul itinerary.

Istiklal Street

Istiklal Street is the most happening place in Istanbul. With a plethora of shopping malls, popular cafes, cool bars, and lots of nice restaurants, Istiklal Street is always buzzing with people and activity.

Yet, it is also one of the most beautiful places in Istanbul because of all the little treasures that this street houses.

First, a nostalgic, red tram snakes its way through Istiklal Street, giving it the most picturesque look ever.

Second, hidden gems like the Church of St. Anthony of Padua dot every turn and corner.

Third, as you amble the side lanes of Istiklal Street, you’ll stumble upon numerous postcard settings. All this, in my opinion, makes Istiklal Street a truly mesmerizing place to visit in Istanbul.

Rooftop restaurants & bars

Some of the best views of Istanbul are from rooftop restaurants and bars spread all over the city. You are really missing out if you are not eating at a rooftop restaurant with a gorgeous view! because those are truly the best places to be in Istanbul.

One of my favorite rooftop restaurants in Istanbul that also serves the best Moroccan food is Al Khayma Lounge & Restaurant, located right next to Suleymaniye Mosque.

The views of the Galata Tower and the Golden Horn that you get from Al Khayma are gorgeous. Other great rooftop restaurants and bars include Spago, Mikla, and Balkon.

Bosphorus cruise

When visiting Istanbul, don’t miss a Bosphorus cruise, which will show you some of the best places in the city.

Whether you sign up for a sunset cruise on a luxurious yacht or opt for a dinner cruise accompanied by a professional dance performance, you’ll see some of Istanbul’s prettiest places on your ride.

A typical Bosphorus cruise will take you on an enjoyable sightseeing excursion of all major Istanbul landmarks, including the Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy Mosque, Beylerbei Palace, Rumeli Hisari Fortress, Kucuksu Pavilion, and so much more.

Princes Islands

This beautiful place in Istanbul is an archipelago of 9 islands located in the Sea of Marmara.

Collectively known as the Princes Islands of Istanbul, these small islets are famous for their Victorian-style villas, horse-drawn carriages, and gorgeous sea views. It goes without saying that the Princes Islands are the perfect Instagram spot in Istanbul.

Only four of the nine islands are open to the public. They are Buyukada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, and Kinaliada. 

Buyukada is the largest and has charming wooden houses and quaint alleyways filled with boutiques and cafes.

Motor vehicles are not allowed on these islands. Therefore, they are quieter and prettier without all the traffic, noise, and exhaust!