Istanbul attractions

The Topkapı Palace, or the Seraglio, is a big museum in Istanbul, Turkey. It is located in the former residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans, in the heart of Istanbul.

1,500 years after being built, Istanbul's architecture still hasn't produced a building to rival the beauty of the Hagia Sophia. Dating all the way back to the Roman Empire, the building has served the city as an Orthodox Church, a secular museum, and once again as a mosque. Alongside the huge dome, the highly decorative interior will leave any visitor awestruck that hands are capable of creating something so impressive. Keep an eye out for early Christian motifs inside the epitome of Byzantine Architecture that is still just as powerful today.

The Basilica Cistern is a chamber built in the 6th century to hold 80,000 cubic meters of water. It is located under the streets of Istanbul, supported by arches and 336 marble columns.

The Galata Tower (also known as the Galata Kulesi Museum) stands as a watchtower in Istanbul, Turkey. Constructed in 1348 and destroyed during the Fourth Crusade, the restored Galata Tower is now a museum with an observation deck that offers visitors panoramic views of Istanbul.

See Istanbul from a new perspective! Cruises along the Bosphorus are a unique way to see the city and avoid the crowded streets. If you want to learn more about the history of Istanbul, a city cruise with an audio guide would be a good fit. Or, if you are seeking a cultural flair, a cruise with live entertainment or dinner served onboard (or both!) may be the perfect option. With day and evening cruises available, sailing along Istanbul's Bosphorus River is sure to be a Turkish delight.