General
5 things you have to see when you visit Istanbul
A few countries have opened up again for tourists. Turkey is one of them, and Istanbul in particular has stepped up their pace again when it comes to welcoming guests. Here are some of the places you simply have to visit if you are going to travel to Istanbul.
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The beautiful historic district of Fatih
You can find some amazing mosques in this district as well as the famous Fatih spice market and the Grand Bazaar. It is truly one of the most impressive bazaars around the world. It has over 4000 shops and you can find literally anything. Just take the blue tram and get off at the Beyazit stop.
https://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/travel-guide/istanbul/grand-bazaar/
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The princess Islands
These nine little islands just off the coast of Istanbul used to be a place of exile for Byzantine princesses hence the name Princess Islands. Only 4 of them are open to the public, but it is most definitely worth visiting These beautiful islands have NO motorized vehicles! You can move around by foot or by horse and carriage.
Click the link to read more about them
https://theistanbulinsider.com/why-and-how-should-you-visit-the-princes-islands-in-istanbul/
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The Whirling Dervishes
The Hodja Pasha Culture center offers a beautiful musical show with local music and the beautiful Mevlevei sema ceremony with the iconic Whirling Dervishes. This cultural center is located in a 550 year old Turkish bath house, definitely an experience you want to have while in Istanbul.
https://www.getyourguide.nl/activity/istanbul-l56/whirling-dervishes-1-hour-show-t21283?utm_force=0
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Cruise the Bosphorus
You can get on a Bosphorus cruise at several pick up points throughout Istanbul, but if you want the full 2 hour cruise to see all of what stanbul has to offer I recommend getting on at the Galata Bridge. If you like a nightclub vibe, you should do a night cruise. on Thursday or Friday evening.
https://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/travel-guide/istanbul/cruise-over-the-bosphorus/
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Ayasofya
This beautiful historic building that was originally built as a church, was later turned into a mosque and a museum. The Ayasofya has collapsed 2 times and was rebuilt three times. The Ayasofya is an iconic sight in Istanbul, and has been a background to many movies. It’s the biggest place of worship in the world and is considered the eighth world wonder
https://istanbeautiful.com/hagia-sophia-istanbul/
If you want to find out more about other destinations let us know in the comments or email us at stephania@howdomagazine.com
