|
Topkapi Palace
The Topkapi Palace served as a residence for sultans for nearly 300 years. The Palace is
actually a huge complex of several courts and living quarters within each one. In its heydey,
the palace held a population of over 3,000, from servants to concubines to officials, and was
the absolute last word in lavish luxury and opulence.
|
|
|
Details
|
Opening
Hrs:
|
Open daily except Tuesdays from 9am to 5pm
|
|
Pricing:
|
USD 10, concessions available.
|
|
Contact:
|
Telephone: (212) 512 0480, or 522 4422; E-mail: topkapisarayi@atlas.net.tr |
|
Getting
Here:
|
Topkapi Sarayi, Sultanahmet
|
|
|
|
Hagia Sophia
This incredible building was the greatest church in Christendom until the fall of Constantinople,
then the finest mosque in Islamdom until it was declared a museum. The fantastic dome and
interior must be seen to be believed.
|
|
|
Details
|
Opening
Hrs:
|
Open daily except Mondays from 9.30am to 4.30pm
|
|
Pricing:
|
15 YTL
|
|
Contact:
|
Telephone: (212) 518 1802 |
|
Getting
Here:
|
Sultanahmet Square. Tram: Sultanahmet tram stop
|
|
|
|
The Blue Mosque (Mosque of Sultan Ahmet)
The city's largest and busiest mosque was meant to surpass the Hagia Sophia, and it comes
close to succeeding, with its breathtaking interior of blue tiles and its motif of elegant domes drawing the eye skyward.
|
|
|
Details
|
Opening
Hrs:
|
Mosque: Open daily, access restricted during prayer times, especially at midday on Fridays. Museum: Tuesday to Saturday, 9am to 4pm
|
|
Pricing:
|
There is no charge for visiting the mosque, but the museum has a small entrance fee
|
|
Contact:
|
Telephone: (212) 518 1319 |
|
Getting
Here:
|
Hippodrome, Sultanahmet; Tram: Sultanahmet tram stop
|
|
|
|
Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsi)
Tales of the Arabian nights come to mind in this colossal bazaar under one roof, where anything
and everything under the sun is on sale.
|
|
|
Details
|
Opening
Hrs:
|
Daily except Sundays, 8.30am to 7pm
|
|
Pricing:
|
Free admission
|
|
Getting
Here:
|
Kapali Çarsi, Beyazit to Eminönü Harbour. Tram: Beyazit, Üniversite or Sirkeci stations
|
|
|
|
Istanbul
Archaeological Museum
In a city filled with so much history, the easiest way to approach the matter is to browse through this comprehensive museum.
|
|
|
Details
|
Opening
Hrs:
|
Open daily except Mondays, 9:30am - 5pm
|
|
Contact:
|
Telephone: 90-212-5207740
|
|
Getting Here:
|
Osman Hamdi Bey
Yokusu, Sultanahmet
|
|
|
|
Turkish Bath (Cemberlitas Hamami)
A thoroughly respectable bath house in the city's oldest hamams. There are separate sections
for men and women for the enjoyment of the famed Turkish bath.
|
|
|
Details
|
Pricing:
|
90 212 522 79 74
|
|
Getting
Here:
|
Vesirhan Cad, No 8, 34440 Cemberlitas.
|
|
|
|
The Hippodrome (Atmeydani)
The scene of many Imperial Games and counterpart to the famed Coliseum of Rome, this
elegant structure still holds many carvings testifying to the grandeur and beauty of the
Byzantine Empire.
|
|
|
Basilica
Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici)
An incredible
Byzantine relic, which once stored the drinking water of the
city. The construction incorporated many leftover elements of
ruined buildings, lending an eclectic, occasionally bizarre
appearance.
|
|
|
Details
|
Opening
Hrs:
|
Open daily except Mondays, 9am - 6pm ( October to March :
9am -5pm ) |
|
Contact:
|
Telephone:
90-212-5221259
|
|
Getting Here:
|
Yerebatan Caddesi,
Sultanahmet |
|
|
|
