Put these sights at the top of your list while in port in Istanbul
Proper attire for visiting Istanbul’s historic mosques may include long pants or long skirts and head coverings for women.
The sprawling metropolis of Istanbul is far too full to see in just a day or two. This historic city lies on two continents – the only such city in the world – and has served as the capital for the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. With such a past, Istanbul is home to a vast array of cultural and historic treasures. Here are a few of the most spectacular highlights to visit during your time in port.
– The Hagia Sophia: This famous Byzantine structure served as a church and a mosque before being turned into a museum.
– The Blue Mosque: An architectural masterpiece, the Blue Mosque’s vast dome is a stunning spectacle.
– Topkapi Palace: Visit the Treasury, the Harem, and the Hall of Holy Relics at this impressive palace.
– Grand Bazaar: One of the oldest, largest, and most extraordinary in the world, the bazaar is home to some 4,000 stores.
– The Bosphorus: To escape the bustle of the city, take a boat ride on the Bosphorus.
– Dolmabahce Palace: Though newer than Topkapi Palace, this structure is just as stunning.
– Basilica Cistern: Known as the “sunken palace,” this former reservoir can be traced all the way back to 500 A.D.
