Report Title: "Istanbul... Where History Whispers in Your Ear"
When you walk through the streets of Istanbul, you're not just walking on land—you're stepping through the pages of history, where civilizations meet and ancient landmarks breathe.
In this report, we review with you the 10 most famous archaeological places in the charming city of Istanbul.
- Hagia Sophia
Built in 537 AD during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, Hagia Sophia was originally a cathedral, then became a mosque, a museum, and was reopened as a mosque in 2020.
It is a masterpiece of Byzantine and Islamic art, with a vast dome and intricate mosaics.
It receives around 6 to 7 million visitors annually. Admission is free.
Located in Sultanahmet; accessible via Tram T1, Sultanahmet station.
Map Link
- Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque)
Constructed between 1609 and 1616 by order of Sultan Ahmed I, the mosque is famous for its six minarets and stunning blue interior tiles.
Still an active place of worship, it draws millions of visitors each year. Free entry.
Located in Sultanahmet; accessible via Tram T1, Sultanahmet station.
Map Link
- Topkapi Palace
Commissioned by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in 1459, it served as the main residence of Ottoman sultans for over 400 years.
It features royal chambers, the Harem, and the Imperial Library.
Receives about 3 million visitors annually. Entry fee is approximately 320 Turkish Liras, with an extra charge for the Harem.
Located in Gülhane; accessible via Tram T1, Gülhane or Sultanahmet station.
Map Link
- Grand Bazaar
Established in 1461 under Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, it's one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, featuring over 4,000 shops.
Attracts around 91 million visitors annually. Free entry.
Located in Beyazıt; accessible via Tram T1, Beyazıt – Kapalıçarşı station.
Map Link
- Galata Tower
Built in 1348 by the Genoese, this medieval stone tower once served as a watchtower.
Today it offers panoramic views of Istanbul. Receives about 1.5 million visitors annually. Entry fee is around 175 Turkish Liras.
Located in Beyoğlu; accessible via Tram T1 to Karaköy station, then a short uphill walk.
Map Link
- Dolmabahçe Palace
Constructed between 1843 and 1856 by order of Sultan Abdülmecid I, the palace showcases a blend of European and Ottoman architectural styles.
It served as the administrative center in the late Ottoman period.
About 1.5 million people visit annually. Entry fee is approximately 300 Turkish Liras.
Located in Beşiktaş; accessible via Tram T1 to Kabataş, then a short walk.
Map Link
- Basilica Cistern
Built in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian I, this underground cistern stored water for Byzantine palaces.
It features ornately carved columns and an atmospheric setting.
About 2.2 million people visit each year. Entry fee is around 900 Turkish Liras.
Located in Sultanahmet, near Hagia Sophia; accessible via Tram T1, Sultanahmet station.
Map Link
- Chora Church (Kariye Museum)
Founded in the 4th century and rebuilt several times, notably in the 11th century, it is famed for its breathtaking Byzantine mosaics and frescoes.
Attracts around 300,000 visitors annually. Entry fee is around 100–150 Turkish Liras.
Located in Edirnekapı; reachable by bus from Eminönü to Edirnekapı.
Map Link
- Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisarı)
Built in 1452 by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror to aid in the siege of Constantinople, the fortress overlooks the Bosphorus and is a prime example of Ottoman military architecture.
Attracts about 500,000 visitors annually. Entry is free.
Located in Sarıyer; accessible by bus from Beşiktaş to Rumeli Hisarı.
Map Link
- Hippodrome of Constantinople
Originally constructed in the 3rd century and expanded by Emperor Constantine, it was the heart of sports and political life in Byzantine times.
It now houses monuments like the Egyptian Obelisk and Serpent Column.
Receives around 2 million visitors annually. Entry is free.
Located in Sultanahmet; accessible via Tram T1, Sultanahmet station.
Map Link
Amazing Istanbul
