Istanbul Tours

Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople, was the capital of the Byzantine Empire for over a thousand years. During this time, the city developed a rich cultural and architectural heritage that can still be seen today. Among these are: The Hagia Sophia — a stunning example of Byzantine architecture with its massive dome and intricate mosaics; The Basilica Cistern — a vast underground water reservoir built in the 6th century; and The Chora Church — featuring stunning mosaics and frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Jesus.

During the Byzantine rule, Istanbul turned into the religious capital of Orthodox Christianity and stayed so after the Ottoman conquest. The Fener Patriarchate is the spiritual centre of the Eastern Orthodox Church and the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarch, who is considered to be the 'first among equals' of the Orthodox bishops.

Istanbul was the capital of The Ottoman Empire for 400 years and they left a lasting impact on the city's architecture, art, and culture. Many of their most famous monuments can still be seen today: The Topkapı Palace, The Süleymaniye Mosque, The Blue Mosque, The Galata Tower, The Grand Bazaar, and The Cağaloğlu Hammam are a must-see for anyone interested in history, architecture, and culture.

Istanbul offers a unique shopping experience that combines traditional Turkish crafts and souvenirs with modern international brands. Whether you're looking for traditional textiles, handmade ceramics, or the latest fashion trends, you're sure to find something that suits your taste and budget in this vibrant city.

The Grand Bazaar is one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, with over 4,000 shops selling everything from textiles to jewellery to spices. The Spice Bazaar (also known as the Egyptian Bazaar) is a colourful indoor market that sells a wide variety of Turkish sweets, spices, teas, and other culinary delights.

Istiklal Avenue is a lively pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants — a popular destination for fashion-conscious shoppers. Nisantasi is an upscale neighbourhood known for its high-end fashion boutiques, trendy cafes, and chic restaurants. Popular shopping malls include Zorlu Center (Besiktas — luxury brands, theatre), Istinye Park (Sariyer — international and local brands), Kanyon (Levent — award-winning architecture), Cevahir (Sisli — one of the largest malls in Istanbul), and Galataport (Karaköy — waterfront destination and home of Istanbul Modern museum).

Istanbul offers a diverse range of entertainment options that reflect its rich cultural heritage and cosmopolitan spirit. The Istanbul International Music Festival, Istanbul International Film Festival, Istanbul Biennial, and Contemporary Istanbul Art Fair are the most important cultural events.

The Beyoğlu Cultural Heritage Road, which starts from the Galataport and ends in Atatürk Kültür Merkezi (AKM), provides a short but comprehensive pedestrian tour of the inner city. AKM and Zorlu Performance Center are popular venues for concerts, theatre performances, art exhibitions, and conferences.

Notable museums include: Istanbul Archaeological Museums (ancient civilizations including Ottoman, Mesopotamia, and Egypt); Hagia Sophia (Byzantine mosaics and Islamic calligraphy); Topkapi Palace Museum (Ottoman-era artefacts — weapons, ceramics, textiles, jewellery); Istanbul Modern (contemporary art); Pera Museum (Ottoman-era art and European paintings); Chora Museum (Byzantine mosaics and frescoes); and the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts.

For nightlife, Beyoğlu is the centre of Istanbul. You may have a laid-back dinner in Nevizade or Çiçek Pasajı, then visit the bars in Asmalı Mescid, listen to live music in Nardiss Jaz Club, Hayal Kahvesi or Babylon. For a view, City Lights Bar on the roof of the InterContinental Hotel and 16 Roof in the Swiss Hotel Bosphorus may be tried. Other trending hotspots are Bomonti, Bebek and Yeniköy districts on the European Side.