Istanbul is a city with a rich history and a great place to visit. It is known for its food, culture and architecture. The best thing about traveling to Istanbul is that it is a destination for every budget. Even with limited money, you can still get all the sights and sounds of this amazing city. So all you need to do for your trip Get your Turkey visa, pack your luggage and get this handy guide To the best free things to do in Istanbul.
Visit the Sultanahmet District
Sultanahmet District is one of the most well-known districts of Istanbul. It is home to many of the city’s best-known attractions, including the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace.
Surrounded by the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara, this area is a paradise for tourists who want to see some of the best places in Istanbul.
The neighborhood itself is beautiful, too, with its tree-lined streets lined with cafes and restaurants where you can sit outdoors and enjoy delicious Turkish food.
Admire the Blue Mosque
Sultan Ahmet MosqueAlso known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, it is one of the most iconic structures in Istanbul. It was first built in the 17th century during the reign of Ahmed I and remains a major tourist attraction today.
The interior of the mosque is decorated with Iznik tiles made in Turkey during the Ottoman Empire. The tiles are blue because they were made using cobalt pigment.
The Blue Mosque is open from sunrise to sunset every day except Friday, when Muslims gather here for their weekly prayers and rituals.
See the Suleymaniye Mosque
Suleymaniye Mosque is one of the most famous structures in Istanbul. It was built in the early 16th century and remains one of the city’s most famous religious sites.
Although the mosque defies many traditional forms, it is considered a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. It is cylindrical in shape and its dome is covered with lead plates instead of tiles like many mosques.
The area is much more than a mosque; It is a large complex with a medical school, hospital, restaurant and even Turkish baths.
Walking in Gulhane Park
Gulhane Park It is one of the most beautiful parks in Istanbul. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax, have a picnic or spend some time with friends.
Gulhane means “rose house” in Persian, so you will see many rose exhibits and flower gardens as you wander through the many parts of the park.
The park has a playground for children, as well as several outdoor cafes where you can have lunch or a snack. The park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and theatrical productions.
Climbing Camlica Hill
Camlica Hill is famous for its beautiful scenery. Bosphorus and its bridge, which can be admired from the top.
Besides panoramic views of the city, visitors can also find traditional tea houses, cafes, restaurants, flower gardens and fountains.
For those who enjoy hiking, visiting Camlica Hill is a great way to get some exercise while touring the sights. Alternatively, it takes about 30 minutes by car from Istanbul city centre.
Cross the Galata Bridge
If you’re looking for more great views of the city, cross the Galata Bridge. You will be able to see the Old Town and all its famous landmarks, as well as some of the most beautiful architecture in the world.
Galata Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in the city and it is easy to understand why it has been in use for so long: it is beautiful and functional.
The bridge connects Istanbul’s Karaköy district (ancient Galata) and Eminönü district. When you cross the bridge, you can interestingly see both the Asian and European sides of the city.
Explore Markets and Bazaars
Markets and bazaars in Istanbul a great place to see the city in action. You may find yourself wandering for hours and admiring the products on offer.
The Grand Bazaar is one of the most famous bazaars in the world, and it’s not hard to understand why. It’s full of vendors selling everything from gold jewelry to rugs and leather goods.
If you’re looking for something a little more boutique, check out Şişli Çarşı: smaller than the Grand Bazaar but equally interesting, with vendors selling everything from antique books to handmade paintings.