The Magical Sights of Istanbul
The only city in the world that sits on two continents, Istanbul provides the perfect fusion of the best of the East and the West. With a rich history dating back to 3000 BC (it has enjoyed world trade since the Byzantine era), and the status of being a true shopping Mecca, what more reason would you need to visit this mystical city? As well, however, the best hotels in Istanbul offer visitors true world-class luxury in their facilities.
While there is so much to see you may feel like your head is spinning, here are a few tops tips of must-see sights in this wonderful city once you have checked into one of the best hotels in Istanbul.
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| Basilica Cistern |
The first place you should visit is the
Basilica Cistern. Surprisingly, this is the city's most unexpected romantic attraction. Here, you will get a deep insight into a complex system that once brought drinking water from Thrace to Istanbul. It was constructed in the 6th century and was forgotten for many centuries. Don't miss out on the "hidden" attraction - the upside-down Medusa head that forms the bottom of one column.
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| Hagia Sophia |
The
Hagia Sophia is a very famous church. At one stage it was turned into a mosque but is now a museum - and a spectacular Byzantine masterpiece. The building is mostly empty on the ground floor; the awesome mosaics can be seen only in the galleries upstairs where you will also see tombs of the early Ottoman sultans and their sons.
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| Topkapi Palace |
The
Topkapi Palace is a must-see attraction within waking distance of many of the best hotels in Istanbul. The palace was the residence of generations of sultans and their multiple wives, all who lived together in the famous harem. Kiosks and lush courtyards, a treasury for the crown jewels, and spectacular views of the Sea of Marmara, Golden Horn and Bosphorus all make this place a top sight to visit. The highlight is the site of the mystical harem, a collection of tiled rooms wrapped around a Turkish bath.
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| Istanbul's Archaeology Museum |
Via the grounds of Topkapi Palace you can take a walk to
Istanbul's Archaeology Museum. Here you can see the glorious sarcophagus of Alexander, which shows the scenes from the likes of Alexander the Great, in 3D. In the children's section you will see a model of the Trojan Horse. Move on to explore the Tiled Pavilion, one of the oldest Ottoman structures in the city.
The restored Chora Church located in the old city walls is another place you should visit, even though it's a bit difficult to get to. It gives you a splendid glimpse of the late Byzantine splendour of the city. With ceilings and walls adorned with mosaics that glitter like gold, and frescoes that will take your breath away, you will be in awe as you take in the scene. The Chora Church - like the Hagia Sophia - has also made its journey from a Byzantine Church to an Ottoman mosque and to now a modern museum.
History, culture, a big dash of shopping and the best hotels in Istanbul make for a perfect holiday.
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