What to see in Istanbul in three days: options for routes around the city. Four magical days in istanbul

This guide will help you navigate largest city- Istanbul for every tourist who visits this eastern city for the first time.

How to get to Istanbul on your own

Now it will not be difficult for a traveler to get to it on their own. Freely available are sold to Istanbul for any date. You can fly without transfers on an Aeroflot aircraft, Turkish Airlines, Transaero. It is cheaper to fly, but with a transfer you can on board the Air Moldova airline.

Insurance

Before you go on vacation, do not forget to take out travel insurance. You can do this without leaving your home, on the website of the insurance company. In addition to accidents, you can insure against the loss of luggage.

Where to stay in Istanbul

If you do not want to overpay for food in restaurants and want to avoid a huge crowd of tourists, then we recommend staying in one of the Istiklal Street area in Beyoglu. Here, mostly local residents relax and spend their free time in cafes and restaurants, so prices are lower than, for example, in the center. If you want to stay in close proximity to the main attractions, then we recommend that you choose the Sultanahmet area. Another of the most popular places to stay are Aksaray and Laleli. If you are buying a tour, then the agent will most likely offer you accommodation in one of these areas.

Preparing for sightseeing

You will have to pay for the entrance to one or another attraction of Istanbul. In addition, you will have to stand in a long queue to buy a ticket. In order not to waste time that can be devoted to more enjoyable activities, we recommend that you prepare in advance and purchase a museum card - Museum Pass on the website muze.gov.tr/buy_e_ticket. The card allows you to visit the main museums of Istanbul once within 72 hours. Also, the card allows you to skip the line.

Getting Around Istanbul

If you plan to travel by metro and other public transport, consider buying transport card istanbulkart. You can buy it from a vending machine near the metro. Before departure, the card can be handed over and you will be refunded its cost. To replenish the card, attach it to a special terminal and insert banknotes into the bill acceptor. Everything can be used.

The first day

After the suitcase is unpacked after the flight and accommodation in the hotel, you should not stay in the hotel room. Where better to immediately go to get acquainted with Istanbul!

The Sultanahmet Mosque deserves attention in the first place. It was built in the distant 17th century and has recently been restored. This mosque is also called the Blue Mosque. This name was fixed due to the fact that the tiles of the mosque are sky-blue. This building is truly majestic. Inside the mosque there are a huge number of windows through which the sun's rays penetrate. Reflecting from the blue tiles, they create the effect of an immense space. Despite the fact that thousands of Muslims and tourists come here, the mosques are quiet and calm. When planning to visit this place, there are a few things to consider. binding rules. It is forbidden to enter the mosque with shoes on. You must either leave it near the entrance, or put it in a specially designated place.

The fair sex is not allowed to enter with bare shoulders and without a headscarf. A mannequin, dressed according to all the canons of Islam, was even placed near the mosque. Throwing a cursory glance at him, it immediately becomes clear to tourists what they are supposed to wear. You can not make noise, eat inside the mosque. Taking photographs is allowed, but it is forbidden to direct the lens towards the worshipers.

Next, you should go to the Carpet Museum. It is located near the Blue Mosque, on the territory of the Hagia Sophia mosque. The museum has three galleries. Here are collected carpets woven back in the Ottoman Empire, carpets from various mosques, including from Sultanahmed. The collection also includes prayer rugs. After that, it would be nice to have a bite to eat somewhere or drink a cup of the famous Turkish coffee. You can do this in Taksim Square, which is the busiest and noisiest in Istanbul. There are many cafes and eateries, which are constantly inhabited by a myriad of visitors.

Keep in mind that the choice of a place for a snack should be taken carefully. Take the time to read reviews and recommendations on sites like TripAdvisor or Foursquare first. In dubious cafes, you can easily become a victim of scammers and dishonest owners of establishments. For example, ordering food and drinks from the menu at one price, they will be included in the bill at a different, higher price. When asked to bring a menu for comparison, you will be provided with another one that you have never seen before. Therefore, since you have wandered into an unfamiliar place, do not be too lazy to take a picture of the menu on your phone or tablet. Another option for "divorcing" tourists is to bring food and drinks that you did not order. They can be very expensive. We recommend that you immediately refuse them if you did not order them to the waiter.

Walking along the square, you can’t help but walk along Istiklal Street. You can walk or ride the tram. There is no transport on the street, as it is pedestrian. Here you can also go to famous stores: H&M, Mango, Adidas. Why waste time and a great opportunity to buy a quality item? There are bookstores on Istiklal Street where you can find many useful and interesting books. There are also sellers of musical masterpieces and novelties. It will not be superfluous to look into the cinema - you can have a good time watching a movie. Gourmets in Istiklal are always waiting for cozy cafes and restaurants. Here you are happy to offer dishes of Italian, Chinese and even Ottoman cuisine. The chance to try something unusual should not be missed in any case. Here you can even go to concert hall or in art gallery! As they say, anything for your money.

Istiklal is a kind of Arbat. Throughout this street you can find various temples and embassies. Istiklal is full of life around the clock. Rallies and protests are taking place on the street. Football fans follow sports events in the evening and celebrate the victories of their team on a grand scale. At night, you will not meet anyone here!

Second day

Today you should definitely look at the "Istanbul Strait" - the Bosphorus. It conditionally divides Europe and Asia. It is used by large and small ships from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. To swim along the Bosphorus, it is enough to take a pleasure boat at the Galata Bridge. Tourists can look at bridges, fortresses, and a fish market during a water tour. If you don't have the time or desire to ride a pleasure boat, you can pay for a short tour. Its duration is two hours. During this time, you can get acquainted with the main views of Istanbul from the water expanses. If there is a financial constraint, then there is no better option than to take a ferry, sail on it to the Asian side and return to Istanbul. The waters of the Bosphorus can be admired, of course, standing on the shore. Time flies by here. At any time of the day, it remains an attractive place for connoisseurs of beauty. Either the sunset is reflected in the water surface as if in a transparent mirror, then fog rises above the water, enveloping the entire water surface like a fluffy blanket, then sea vessels appear sailing from afar. You can admire the Bosphorus for a very long time.

After enjoying the magnificence of the Bosphorus, you can look into the fish restaurant Sultanahmet. Here you can taste freshly prepared fish. The menu is not very extensive, but the taste of the dishes is amazing. In the evening, they arrange a fire show right next to the tables. The interior of the restaurant is memorable: the designers have added details with a marine theme to it. The walls are decorated with marine instruments, models of ships. And the ceiling generally deserves a separate discussion. There are so many lanterns hanging on it that it is difficult to count them. In the evening, they all glow, thereby creating coziness and a wonderful fairy-tale mood.

In the afternoon you can go to the Istanbul Dolphinarium. If children travel with their parents, then the trip here should be in entertainment program at the first place. The dolphinarium has seven pools, where trained dolphins, white whales, seals and walruses perform. Here you can even pay for a dolphin therapy session. Its duration is 10 minutes. Children and adults will be wildly delighted with such a pastime. The Dolphinarium is located on the shores of the Golden Horn Bay.

Smotriny marine life you can continue in the Turkuza Zoo aquarium. In terms of total area, this is one of the largest aquariums in Europe. Here you can get acquainted with the numerous inhabitants of the deep sea. A walk through the tunnel 80 meters long will leave an indelible impression in the memory of every visitor to the aquarium. What kind of fish and sea creatures you will not see here!

In the evening it would be nice to go to a kebab shop. For example, in Zinhan Kebap House. From its windows overlooking the Spice Market. You can see ships heading towards the Golden Horn Bay. In the evenings, the panorama fascinates with its splendor: burning lights are reflected on the water of the bay, sailing ships flicker like moths in the dark. To all this, you can add excellent food and live music. Kebab here can be tasted from several varieties of meat.

Day Three

Start the day with a tour of the unique architectural structures. These are the Galata Tower and the Galata Bridge. You can enter the tower in two directions: passing through the tunnel or along the path of Galip Dede street. The tower is the symbol of Istanbul. The entrance to it is located near the Galata Bridge. It consists of two levels. On the top floor there is transport, and on the bottom there are restaurants and shops. The top floor also sells fresh fish.

Then you can look at the tallest building in the whole - the Istanbul Sapphire skyscraper. The viewing terrace is open from 10 am to 10 pm. The first floor of the skyscraper is a shopaholics dream. There are enough shops and boutiques here to spend all the money you earn. On other floors there is a golf course, a swimming pool. Great for inclement weather active rest. There is also parking here. And in the 4D cinema they will offer to look at Istanbul from a bird's eye view. Flying on a non-existent helicopter will bring a lot of positive emotions. At night, if you wish, you can visit a nightclub. There are more than enough of such establishments in Istanbul.

Day four

This day should start with a trip to Hagia Sophia. The church was built in the sixth century. On its dome stood an Orthodox cross. Later, the church became a mosque, minarets were added to it. Some time later, it was turned into a museum. Entering Hagia Sophia, one gets the impression that one is not in a bulky building, but in a light and weightless creation of inhuman hands. It was originally planned that the church would be like an immense space. Hence the special atmosphere here. Thanks to the numerous windows, light enters the building and creates a wonderful glowing effect. Initially, the windows were larger in size. The Turks laid some of them with stone. At the entrance, you must be prepared for the fact that the guards will conduct a thorough inspection (as at the airport).

Another attraction of Istanbul is Gulhane Park. Landscape designers did their best. It is very cozy and calm here. Many beautiful roses grow in the park, a fountain of stunning beauty works. Walking along the shady alleys and bridges will not hurt any tourist who has come to Istanbul.

If you follow the guide, you won't have to rack your brains about what to do in a far eastern country. There are many places in Istanbul that will surprise you with their splendor.

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Tours to Istanbul, Byzantium, Tsargrad, Constantinople

A unique city steeped in polar cultures, traditions and architectural styles, beautiful Istanbul is one of the most interesting on the planet. For my centuries of history the metropolis was the capital of several states. Each new government started a grandiose construction, each new era gave birth to its outstanding architects, and the architectural collection of the city was replenished with amazing monuments that can be seen during tours to Istanbul from Moscow.

He leads his chronicle from 658 BC. Then it was called Byzantium, and in Russian literature - Constantinople. At the turn of the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, it became part of the Roman Empire and became Constantinople. And after the capture in 1453 by Sultan Mehmed II, the city acquired its modern name - Istanbul. The capital of the Ottoman Empire, stretching from Algiers to Basra and from Budapest to Mecca, was the center of the entire Islamic world and gave impetus to the creative flourishing of Koji Mimar Sinan, the author of 360 magnificent mosques, madrasahs, palace complexes and other structures.

Today, Istanbul is the most populous and commercial center of Turkey, which carefully preserves its museum treasures. They are located right under the open sky and generously give their beauty to all travelers who buy tours to Istanbul.

Treasures of three eras

Istanbul is the only city in the world connecting Europe and Asia. The European half of the city is cut by the Golden Horn Bay. Eminonu - the Old City - still breathes the Middle Ages today, which you can also feel during sightseeing tours to Istanbul in narrow streets and in ancient mosques. Beyoglu - New City - includes a commercial port area, as well as a business and cultural center. A smaller part of Istanbul is located on the Asian side - Uskudar. Communication between areas on different banks of the Bosphorus is carried out by means of ferries and bridges.

In the Sultanahmet area, the density of attractions exceeds all wildest expectations. Going on tours to Istanbul for the weekend, you are unlikely to have time to see even half. All three eras - Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman - chose them as a place for the construction of luxurious buildings. The uniqueness of Hagia Sophia lies in the fact that it was originally built as a Christian temple, but after the conquest of Constantinople, it was supplemented with minarets, mosaics and panels with Arabic script, after which it turned into a mosque. Nearby is the Blue Mosque, open to tourists, the only religious Muslim building in the world with six minarets. Between them lies the area of ​​the ancient Hippodrome, and in a twenty-minute walk, the largest and one of the most ancient bazaars in the world, Kapala Charshi, rustles.

Istanbul tour operator "Vand" also advises you to visit the Topkapi Palace with a rare collection of treasures, the Church of St. areas. And be sure not to miss the opportunity to look at the historical center of the city from the observation deck of the Galata Tower, which is located on the shores of the Golden Horn Bay.

ocean of entertainment

Before the holidays, many people think about where to spend these few free days. And then tours to Istanbul for 3 days become a real find. The absence of a visa, a short flight, a large selection of air carriers and hotels will also be nice bonuses.

Istanbul is a boring city in every way. So if you are thinking of buying tours to Istanbul on New Year, you will have an ocean of opportunities to spend time in a way that will be remembered for a long time. For example, splash in the Aqua Marina and Aqua Dolphin water parks, admire the frolicking marine life in the Istanbul Dolphinarium or the representatives of the terrestrial fauna in the Baromoglu Zoo. At any time of the year, guests are invited by the Ice Museum - Magic Ice. Thematic route more than a kilometer long from the Black Sea to Pacific Ocean you will pass in the Istanbul Aquarium, and you will see dinosaurs in the Jurassic Land Amusement Park.

You can spend your time in an unconventional way by fishing on the Galata bridge, taking a boat ride along the Bosphorus in the evening or wandering around Nevizade and Istiklal streets, where you will not only see a lot of interesting things, but also make a lot of bargain shopping. And by all means devote the evening to the study of Istanbul nightclubs, narghile and jazz cafes. It’s also a good idea to celebrate the New Year in Istanbul with a visit to the famous Turkish hammam.

A separate topic in Istanbul's history is the Princes' Islands, which are reached by sea ferry. Cars are prohibited here, so it is always quiet, clean and fresh. While relaxing in Istanbul, you can sunbathe here, rent a bicycle or ride in a horse-drawn carriage.

Discover and fall in love with this ancient and at the same time extraordinary modern city. In the metropolis from which the Christian faith came to us, at the junction of Europe and Asia, everyone will be able to sort out his soul and understand what remains a mystery for many forever.

Founded on the site of ancient Constantinople, at the very intersection of two continents, it boasts amazing historical and cultural sights and a unique centuries-old past. Eras, names and rulers changed, but the soul of the city remained unchanged, hidden in the shining domes of temples, colorful oriental bazaars, paved roads and aromas of Arabic coffee.

Tours to Istanbul is a journey to the most luxurious of all the tales of the East. During the day, travelers are waiting for a walk between the ancient palaces of Constantinople, where the mysterious spirit of the past hovers, through magical gardens, colorful squares and squares. And in the evening - exciting cruises on a yacht along the Bosphorus with an exquisite dinner, the dishes of which will delight even the most sophisticated gourmet.

Holidays in Istanbul in 2015 will appeal to lovers of thousand-year-old sights, connoisseurs of measured secular pastime and couples come here. In one of the most romantic cities in the world, newlyweds will be able to spend an unforgettable honeymoon and experience the thrill of fans active species sports.

Seasonality and climate. When is the best time to go on holiday to Istanbul?

Istanbul is a coastal city with a unique location on two continents at the same time, which has left its mark on its subtropical climate. In the northern part of the city it is more humid, and even at the height of summer it is rather damp and rainy. Western - characterized by snowy and cold winters. The most favorable for recreation is the area of ​​the Golden Horn Bay, where the Mediterranean warm climate reigns. In general, the weather in Istanbul is very changeable even within one day, and in different parts of the city it can be completely different.

Prices for tours to Istanbul

The majestic and diverse Istanbul attracts tourists from all over the world with its unique location, developed infrastructure and huge selection educational excursions to historical monuments. And although the city is visited by hundreds of thousands of visitors all year round, the summer months are the most popular. The cost of a seven-day tour in 2015 at the height of the tourist season reaches 55-65 thousand rubles for two people with a flight from Moscow. This includes accommodation in 4-5 star hotels and breakfast. You can stay cheaper in 2-3 star hotels - the same ticket will cost 40-45 thousand rubles.

Save from 7 to 30% of the initial price of the tour to Istanbul will help the method of early booking - redemption of tickets a few months before departure. Haven't decided on a travel date yet? in a great way to reduce vacation expenses will be the purchase of a last-minute tour on the eve of the trip.

Types of recreation. Things to do?

Istanbul - a prime example how harmoniously a beach holiday can be combined with the busy bustle of a multi-million metropolis. Located on the two banks of the Bosphorus and washed by the Marmara and Black Seas, the city is inextricably linked throughout its history with the fleet and the sea.

beach holiday

Although Istanbul has a long coastline, the most comfortable and suitable areas for swimming are located in the regions of Jaddebostan and Fenerbahce. There is a very shallow depth and a gentle approach, and the water temperature is several degrees higher than in other areas of the resort. On the Black Sea coast best beaches are concentrated in the Sariyer region. bathing season starts already in June, when the water reaches a comfortable +20°C. Sea areas offer a wide range of water activities: fishing, boating water skiing diving, boat trips, etc.

Excursion tours to Istanbul are like a colored mosaic, the pictures of which change at a great speed, more and more surprising with beauty and luxury. Each district of the city is unusual, filled with unique charm and color. Tourists are waiting for the legendary Hagia Sophia, built in the era of the Byzantine Empire, the majestic Blue Mosque, the Church of Hagia Irene and the lively Grand Bazaar. They will be able to see the bewitchingly beautiful Basilica Cistern, the Maiden Tower - one of the symbols of the city, the most beautiful Suleymaniye Mosque in the city, as well as the real shrine of the Turks - the Eyup Sultan Mosque.

Shopping tours

Istanbul is a true Mecca of Eastern trade. Along with traditional bazaars and markets, the city has many modern shopping centers, where the products of the world's leading brands are presented. favorable prices. Luxurious Turkish carpets, bright, hand-painted ceramics, smoking pipes, copper mirrors and souvenirs, as well as sweets, spices and spices are popular with guests of the country. Turkey is famous for its inexpensive jewelry, textile and high quality leather products.

Beaches and their types

Istanbul provides a unique opportunity to plunge into the waters of two seas in one vacation. The beaches within the city are usually very crowded, and, according to experienced tourists, it is better to go to the Asian coast of the Marmara Sea - to the Princes' Islands and Kadika, where there is everything you need for a quality beach holiday on the sandy beach. On the European coast of the Sea of ​​Marmara, the areas of Florya and Yesilköy are interesting, which can be reached by commuter train. On the Black Sea coast, beaches in Šile, Agva and Kilyos are especially popular.

Attractions

In terms of the number of attractions, Istanbul can compete with the largest European cities- Rome, Paris, Athens. Moreover, most of the architectural and historical monuments are located within the city and are available to anyone who is interested in oriental culture.

Blue Mosque

As a symbol of Istanbul, the Blue Mosque will captivate with its grace, luxury and grandeur. During its construction, the best examples of classical Ottoman and Byzantine architectural styles were used, and the chief architect was called a jeweler for a reason - the interiors of the mosque amaze the imagination with richness and beauty. Thanks to the use of white and blue paints for painting ceramic tiles, which decorate the building, it looks blue.

Topkapi Palace

Main residence Turkish padishahs until the 19th century, today Topkapi Palace is one of the richest museums in the world. It is a grandiose complex of 700 thousand square meters. m., and during the time of Sultan Mehmed, only the attendants here numbered over 5 thousand people. Among the most famous expositions of the museum are a unique collection of porcelain, decorations of sultans and their wives, luxurious thrones made of valuable wood - more than 60 thousand exhibits in total.

Saint Sophie Cathedral

Hagia Sophia is a stunning example of Byzantine architecture, which was originally an Orthodox church. Its history goes back over a thousand years, during which the building was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. The magnificent Hagia Sophia reflects all the wealth and power of Byzantium, and the best architects of their time worked on its construction. The best materials were brought from all over the world, for which an amount equal to two annual budgets of the country was spent.

Dolmabahce Palace

The grandiose Dolmabahce Palace was erected in the 19th century by Sultan Abdul-Mejdid in order to compete in luxury and pomp with the best palaces of European rulers. He succeeded with brilliance, because more than 14 tons of gold alone were used to decorate the interior. The total area of ​​the premises is 4.5 hectares, and most of of which is open to tourists.

The Turkish metropolis of Istanbul, diverse and noisy, stretching along both banks of the Bosphorus Strait, was founded almost 3 thousand years ago. It was the capital of the Roman Empire under the name of Constantinople in honor of Emperor Constantine (330-395). For more than 1000 years, the city served as the capital of the Byzantine Empire, and since the 15th century. became the center of the Ottoman Empire and later (until 1923) of Turkey. Istanbul, which embodies the features of three world empires, is a huge museum of unique monuments of architecture, religion and culture. It takes a lot of time to get to know them. This recommendation article suggests what to see in Istanbul in 4 days and an itinerary through the city.

You can get from Ataturk Airport to the center of Istanbul by taxi ($25-30), bus TN1 (11 lira, first flight at 4 am) or on the red line of the Havalimani metro, where signs lead from the arrivals terminal. For travel, a one-time coupon or an Istanbul card is purchased. 6 stops by metro, then transfer to the T1 light rail going to the center. From Sabiha Gokcen Airport to the center of Istanbul, only ground vehicles run - taxis (about 45 €) and Havabas buses (15 lira, 1.5 hours on the way, depart every half hour).

Where to stay

If you do not want to overpay for food in restaurants and want to avoid a huge crowd of tourists, then we recommend staying at one of the hotels or hostels in the area of ​​Istiklal Street in Beyoglu. Here, mostly local residents relax and spend their free time in cafes and restaurants, so prices are lower than, for example, in the center. If you want to stay in close proximity to the main attractions, then we recommend that you choose the Sultanahmet area. Another of the most popular places to stay are Aksaray and Laleli. If you are buying a tour, then the agent will most likely offer you accommodation in one of these areas.

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1 day

Finding yourself in the center of Istanbul, you immediately feel its many voices, the bustle of the city and noise, crowds and diversity. Slender towers of minarets alternate with avant-garde skyscrapers made of glass and concrete, ancient cathedrals - with entertainment centers, ancient narrow streets - with modern wide boulevards. A motley crowd of people “flows” in a stormy stream in different directions in a multi-colored stream.

Hagia Sophia Mosque

The most famous religious monument Turkey Hagia Sophia (Hagia Sophia), in fact, is now a popular museum of Byzantine architecture, symbolizing the "golden age of Byzantium. For more than 1 thousand years, the cathedral remained the most grandiose Christian church (537-1626). Erected on the site of former basilicas destroyed by fires, the cathedral was intended to symbolize the power of the Byzantine emperors.
The unique church was erected at the cost of painstaking daily work of 10 thousand people.

The walls are finished with white marble, delivered from the island of the same name, green marble columns - from the Ephesian temple of Artemis, porphyry columns - from the Roman temple of the Sun. Several times the cathedral, which suffered from earthquakes, survived. It was thoroughly plundered by the crusaders (1204), and after the conquest by the Ottomans, after partial reconstruction, it was converted into a mosque - an undoubted decoration of Istanbul and a popular tourist facility. 4 minarets, a rich library, a madrasah, a shadyrvan make it popular with local residents.

Blue Mosque

The modern cosmopolitanism of Istanbul is not able to overshadow the unique Islamic flavor, the symbol of which is priceless architectural masterpiece, captivating beauty and grace of forms. The eye-catching Blue Mosque is visible from afar - it is impossible to pass by it indifferently. The grandiose religious object was erected by decree of Sultan Ahmed I as a sign of his prayer for God's help in defeating his enemies. For 7 years, the construction of a masterpiece of stone of expensive breeds and valuable varieties of marble went on. Byzantine and Ottoman features merged in the architectural style of the building, creating a unique appearance of the mosque.

Virtuoso engineering solutions, the original decor of the building gave the right to call the project manager a jeweler. The prayer niche (mahrib) is carved from a monolithic piece of marble. The walls and ceilings inside are decorated with highly artistic tiles of blue and white shades (20 thousand pieces), which gave the mosque its name. The pulpit for prayers (minbar), also carved from a single piece of marble, is covered with filigree carvings. Gold paintings, black and red ornaments on the walls, magnificent stained-glass windows complement the rich and magnificent decoration.

Topkapi

The pompous, majestic Topkapi Palace, built at the behest of Sultan Mehmed, was a luxurious haven for 25 Turkish sultans for 4 centuries. Occupying an area of ​​more than 170 hectares, it is the personification of the unlimited power of the sultans and their untold wealth. Under the first president of Turkey, who liberated the people from the power of the Sultanate, the palace became a museum. A massive entrance building, called "cannon gates" (this is how top caps are translated) leads to the palace. Each entry or exit of the sultans was accompanied by a cannon shot, hence the name. In fact, it was a mini-state: mosques, hospitals, Janissary barracks, workers' and ceremonial offices.

The decoration of the palace amazes with luxurious decoration and grandeur of 4 expositions-courtyards, acquainting tourists with the life of the sultans. 1st courtyard - various service premises; 2nd - Sultan's office, treasury; 3rd - Sultan's chambers, harem premises; 4th - thematic pavilions. Among the exhibits are the richest collections of porcelain and jewelry.

Mosaic Museum

Excavations carried out in the 1920s 20th century near the Blue Mosque, they uncovered a platform among the ruins, surrounded by a destroyed colonnade (peristyle) - the remains of a Byzantine palace. The most valuable find was the mosaic covering (2,000 sq.m.) that adorned the palace and the portico of the gallery. Archaeologists were shocked by the extraordinary preservation of the mosaic and artistic expressiveness. A museum was organized at the excavation site (1953), which was first part of the Museum of Archeology, and then - in the Museum of St. Sofia. Mosaic panel "covered" wooden building, poorly protecting the rarity from humidity and temperature contrast. Then a stone building was built (1987), modernized in 2012 in order to better preserve the mosaics.

The virtuosity, incredible talent and painstaking work of the ancient mosaic masters stagger the imagination and delight with maximum realism. Numerous scenes of everyday life and mythical subjects are widely introduced to the life and worldview of prehistoric ancestors: feeding a baby, hunting, everyday affairs, mythological animals, etc. - a total of 90 genres.

Bayezid Mosque

Located in the center of the historical part of Istanbul, the Bayazid Mosque is the 2nd largest domed mosque in the city, built at the direction of Sultan Bayazid II in the 16th century. instead of the Byzantine forum of Theodosius. During the demolition of the latter, all valuable materials: marble columns, colored stone, marble decorations - were used in the construction of the religious complex. Since Bayazid conceived not just a mosque, but a whole complex, this also affected the unusual architecture of the building. The high minarets are located at a distance of 100 m from each other; early Ottoman and Western styles are mixed in the appearance of the buildings.

The central dome and 2 semi-domes on which it (the main dome) rests are provided with a large number of windows (34). Massive porphyry columns support the domed group, the entire courtyard is lined with marble slabs. Now the buildings that were part of the religious complex have different purposes: the library is located in the former caravanserai and canteens, and the unique Museum of Calligraphy is located in the religious school. The remains of Bayazid are buried in one of the mausoleums. A book market is regularly held on the territory of the mosque, where tourists buy rare books.

Aqueduct of Valens

Looking at the grandiose structure located in the Fatih district, the Valens aqueduct, one involuntarily recalls Mayakovsky's catchphrase "worked by the slaves of Rome." A traditional Roman aqueduct of colossal proportions built in the 4th century BC. AD, shakes with its giant arches of gray stone. Named after the emperor Valens, under whom it was built, the aqueduct was an important part of the water supply system of Constantinople. The length of the structure, made of gray stone taken from the walls of Chalcedon, was 1 km, the height was 26 m. Everyone who has the opportunity to contemplate the monumental ancient structure is shocked by the technological capabilities of the ancient builders who did not have any heavy vehicles. Surprising is the excellent preservation of the arches and the fact that the aqueduct functioned until the 19th century. Now it is another symbol of the city.

Suleymaniye Mosque

The largest and 2nd most important mosque in Istanbul - Suleymaniye is located in the Vefa district, being its main decoration and famous landmark. Within its boundaries lie the remains of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent (the initiator of the construction) and his legendary wife Hürren (Roksolana).
According to legend, the architect Sinan, the author and executor of the project, exclaimed at the celebrations in honor of the opening of the object: “This mosque will stand forever!” The past centuries confirm his prophecy: the brainchild of Sinan, having survived 96 earthquakes, withstood almost without destruction. The architect complied with Suleiman's requirement to make the mosque seismically stable.

The basis of the mosque is a powerful foundation (60X57 m) with a reliable fastening system that does not allow the building to slide down the hill and is resistant to shaking. The moat, after being laid with stones, was filled with water, the foundation stood for 3 years, forming a monolith, and then the walls were erected. 4 slender minarets, located in the corners, proudly look up, the ascetic beauty of the walls and domes delights and fascinates.

Rustem Pasha Mosque

A true pearl among its "sisters" the Rustem Pasha Mosque is not as accessible to tourists as others, because it is located in a remote corner of the Old City. This is another brainchild of the architect Sinan (author Suleymaniye), his poetic touch in construction (1561-1562). All visitors leave the mosque in complete admiration. The majestic domed building in the Ottoman style was erected on a square podium. Numerous entrance arches, vaults, columns and pillars decorating the podium securely support the dome decorated with lattice windows. Mighty gray walls bear the stamp of past centuries and the embodied hard work of thousands of workers.

It is impossible not to freeze with delight, going inside the sanctuary - everything here is so beautiful and solemn, rich and artistic! The decoration of the walls is amazing with expensive Izmir tiles with floral patterns in white and blue, blue and brown tones. The floor, finished with slabs of warm orange shades, seems to illuminate the space from below. Garlands of teardrop-shaped glass lights decorate the top like raindrops.

2 day

If after the first day of traveling around the city it seems to someone that everything interesting is behind, then this will be an erroneous opinion. It is worth sleeping well, gaining strength and continuing to explore the unique sights of the heir to Constantinople. Walking around the city on the 2nd day will reveal new secrets of Istanbul, introduce you to more modern buildings, and allow you to penetrate the rhythm of life of the metropolis and its inhabitants.

Dolmabahce

In one of the most colorful districts of the city, there is the largest palace, or rather, the Dolmabahce palace complex, which boggles the imagination with its beauty and size. Built in the middle of the 19th century. (1843-1856) as the new residence of the sultans, the palace symbolizes the unprecedented luxury and wealth of the Ottomans.
Sultan Abdulmecid I, who decided to "surpass" the luxury of European monarchs, ordered the construction of a monumental palace in the Baroque style. A colossal sum was spent on its construction - 5 million pounds of gold. Decoration of buildings required 14 tons of pure gold and 40 tons of silver.

Tourists who actively visit the architectural gem of Istanbul are amazed at the scale of wealth and luxury in the decoration of palace buildings. They are surprised by the clock showing the same time - 9. O5 (the moment of Ataturk's death). Now the palace has been given the status of a museum and a national heritage site, which, in grandeur and beauty, can compete with the outstanding palaces of the world.

Taksim

A modern type of high-speed transportation in Istanbul - an underground funicular, the entrance to which is located next to the Kabatash stop (tram - T 1), will allow you to quickly get to Taksim Square. This is the legendary place of the city, associated with the most fateful events of the country, around which the famous sights of the city are located. It is here that the conditional border between the old part of Istanbul and the new one is located. "Taksim" in translation means "distribution", as for many years the square served as a point for the distribution of water through the city's water supply system.

In addition, many transport lines and tourist routes around the city originate from here. Celebrations, festive processions and protests have been and are being held here. Tourists are interested in the majestic monument of the Republic (1928), with sculptural images of Ataturk and his associates. A visit to the Church of the Holy Trinity leaves a deep impression as an island of Orthodoxy in the Muslim faith. The pedestrian street starts from the square. Istiklal, ending with the ancient Galata Tower ( business card Istanbul).

Istiklal

The former main avenue of Constantinople, Grande Rue de Pera, became known as Istiklal (“independence”) since 1928, when on the square. The monument "Republic" was erected in Taksim. Now a stormy democratic life is in full swing here: crowds of tourists, local residents walk along numerous establishments, street musicians surprise with their skill. In the street infrastructure, at every step you can feel the two-facedness of Istanbul - the neighborhood of fashionable restaurants with unpretentious eateries, religious institutions - with noisy nightclubs, oriental style of architecture - with western style.

Although st. It is considered to be pedestrian, a rare tram (since 1871) runs along it, which is a tribute to tradition. Given the huge flow of tourists, hundreds of hotels of various categories are open in Istiklal, from luxury hotels to the cheapest hostels. There is a large selection of apartments, hotels with pools, spas.

Church of St. Anthony

This is not only the largest Catholic church in Istanbul, but also a real architectural masterpiece, captivating with its majesty and splendor. Built in 1911, the Catholic Church is a tribute local authorities Catholic faith, preached by Franciscan monks. The long-suffering history of the Franciscan monks, who first appeared in the city in 1221, is connected with the temple. The result of this was the construction in 1230 in the vicinity of the Galata district of the church of St. Francis (or St. Sophia). The temple was restored 2 times after strong fires, and although it survived after the 3rd fire, it was turned into a mosque at the request of Sultan Mustafa II.

We must pay tribute to the monks, who stubbornly desired to have their own temple, and who rebuilt the church, named after St. Anthony (1724). But a sad fate was prepared for her too - the laying of tram tracks destroyed the creation of the monks. The church of St. Anthony, built in the neoclassical style, acquired a new life on February 15, 1912, when the first divine service took place. Today, many parishioners from different countries gather here every day.

Galata tower

The ancient old-timer of Istanbul - the Galata Tower, located on a high hill (140 m above sea level), is located in the Beyoglu district and is visible from all parts of the city. The tower, built in the 6th century, presumably under the Byzantine emperor Justinian as a guard object made of wood, in the 14th century. was rebuilt in stone. Dimensions stone giant, as if hovering over the waters of the Bosphorus, are impressive: a height of 65 m, a diameter of 16.5 m, a wall thickness of 3.7 m.

After a strong earthquake (1503), which caused significant damage to Galata, it was restored and a superstructure was made. In the 17th century, when Hezafren Kulesi, the inventor and first aeronaut of Turkey, flew over the Bosporus on wings designed by him, starting from the top floor of the tower, it was called Hezafren's tower. For several centuries, a prison was located in the lower floors of the building, and the upper platform was an observation post.

Galata bridge

The unique crossing connecting the shores of the Golden Horn Bay - the Galata Bridge with a draw mechanism cannot but admire with its beauty and scale. The 2-story handsome bridge, 142 meters wide, stretches over turquoise waters for 484 meters - the brainchild of the Turkish company STFA. The first wooden bridge appeared in this place in 1845 at the behest of Valide, the wife of Sultan Mahmud II, after whom it was named. After serving for 17 years, the building fell into disrepair, and for the visit to Istanbul of Napoleon III (1863), the bridge was almost completely rebuilt.

A significant reconstruction of the Galata Bridge was carried out in 1875, after which the passage through it became paid. The current crossing is the fifth grandiose construction (1992-94). Today, the Galata Bridge is not only a popular crossing, but also a popular tourist attraction, where thousands of people come. The 2nd floor is a busy transport line, along which not only cars, but also trams run. The 1st floor is a pedestrian and leisure zone, where there are many different establishments.

Egyptian market

A special exotic touch in the colorful panorama of Istanbul is the Egyptian market or bazaar, which sells oriental spices. The market got its name because spices were delivered from India through Egypt, and the Egyptians traded them. According to history, there was also a market here in the Byzantine era. The Old Egyptian Bazaar began to be built of wood in 1660 as an object of sponsorship financing for the construction of the New Mosque, which has survived to this day.

Later, the market building, rebuilt from stone and brick, burned down twice, and in 1940, in the process of major reconstruction, it acquired a modern look. The monumental building, built in the shape of the letter L, has 6 arched entrances, a lead dome crowns the roof. Even from a distance, you can feel the intoxicating aroma of all kinds of spices, so it’s hard to make a mistake when looking for a bazaar. In addition to spices and spices, dried fruits and dairy products are sold here.

3 day

During the first 2 days of your stay in Istanbul, you will learn so many interesting things that it seems that there is nothing more to be surprised about here. But no, the ancient city, located on 2 continents, is able to give a lot of new impressions even on the 3rd day of traveling around it. The objects to be seen on the 3rd day will allow you to penetrate deeper into the history of the glorious past of the city, to feel its Byzantine authenticity. You will get acquainted with the legendary personalities who have contributed to the fate of the city.

Karie Museum

In a remote district of Istanbul, there is an outwardly modest, but internally very meaningful building, the Kariye Museum. From a historical and cultural point of view, this is a real storehouse of priceless rarities of the Byzantine period. The building was built in the 4th-5th century. as the Church of Christ the Savior, which later served as the monastery of Chora. The rebuilt building changed its purpose 2 times in different eras: it was transformed from a church into a monastery and vice versa, then it served as a mosque.

The history of Byzantine Constantinople and Turkish Istanbul was embodied within the walls of the building. Under a layer of plaster applied under the Turks, artistic paintings of the Byzantines have been preserved. Nearby, the Temple Museum, officially opened in 1958, consists of 3 rooms, each of which impresses with amazing mosaics and frescoes. These are true masterpieces of Byzantine art of the 14th century, reflecting biblical scenes. The general decoration of the museum-church in beauty can compete with any other Byzantine church in Europe.

Mikhrinah Sultan Mosque

Next to the Kariye Museum is the Mikhrinah Sultan Mosque - a beautiful architectural and religious monument with romantic story. The mosque was named after the beloved daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent and Roksolana and erected in her honor by the architect Sinan, who was in love with Mikhriny. Many believe that the appearance of the mosque resembles the figure of a girl in a long robe. This similarity is created by 2-tier porticos at the base of the building and under the domes.

The central dome crowning the mosque smoothly passes to the lower domes. Daylight plays a special role here, penetrating into the halls and creating an unprecedented impression, reflecting on the stained-glass windows and openwork walls. Around the mosque there is a rumor about her heavenly connection on the birthday of Mikhrinah, March 21. It is believed that if you stand between 2 mosques on this day (the 2nd is located in the Edirnekapi district), you will see the Moon and the Sun between the minarets at the same time. The mosque is very revered by the locals.

Walls of Constantinople

The remains of powerful fortress walls and towers are a unique architectural monument, a visual reminder of Byzantine Constantinople, of its former greatness. They are otherwise called Theodosian Walls, because they were built on the initiative of Emperor Theodosius II (408-413), when the city grew beyond the borders.
Having stood in the 3rd century, the walls were partially destroyed by a strong earthquake in 747, but rebuilt and reinforced with an additional moat.

After the conquest of the city by Mehmed (1453), the damage to the walls of Constantinople was repaired. But in the 19th and 20th century the fortification began to be dismantled as unnecessary. Having appreciated the historical and cultural significance of the monument, the public took the walls under the protection of UNESCO, in the 80s of the 20th century. they have been restored. Although the earthquakes of recent years have significantly damaged the new masonry, we have the opportunity to see the symbols of the power of Byzantium.

Hill and Coffee House Pierre Loti

This iconic place located in the district of Eyup, on a large hill of the former Ottoman cemetery. The top of the hill is kind of Observation deck, which offers stunningly beautiful views of the bay and the city. You can climb it on foot or by cable car. Enterprising owner who opened a cafe in this picturesque place, surrounded by slender cypresses, named the coffee establishment after the popular in the 19th century. writer Pierre Loti. This is the pseudonym of the French Navy officer Louis M. J. Viaux, who described in his works the countries he visited.

Loti's novels, dedicated to the life of the ancient, mysterious East, its traditions, deeply excited readers, and the cafe named after him attracted many visitors. Now it is also not empty - hundreds of tourists on the way inspect the surroundings with marble tombstones, admire the views of the Golden Horn, then drink apple tea and coffee in Pierre Loti's cafe.

Day 4

A lot of interesting impressions are left on the 4th day of visiting the city, which connected East and West, embodied the richest history of 2 empires. A visit to the Archaeological Museum, the Ottoman fortress, the original basilica and the grandiose bazaar will impress.

Rumeli Hisari Fortress

The historical fortress of Rumeli Hisary, striking in its scale, was erected in 1452 by order of the padishah Mehmed (the Conqueror) as a strategic structure for the siege of Constantinople. 2 thousand builders and 1 thousand designers erected powerful walls and towers in 4.5 months to "cut off" the city from the sea. The foundation of the ruined ancient Byzantine fortress Foneus became the basis of Rumeli, on which walls 7 m thick were erected, 3 huge main towers with gates and 13 small ones connecting the 2nd row of walls. Soldiers' barracks and a mosque were built in the courtyard (only a minaret survived from it). In the 17th century the fortress lost its strategic importance and began to be used as a prison, which was called the "castle of oblivion". In the 50s of the last century, the fortress was restored, the Artillery Museum, the Summer Theater were organized in it and opened to the public.

Archaeological Museum

The Istanbul Museum of Archeology at the time of its creation was called the "museum of sarcophagi" (they became its first exhibits). The first neoclassical building in the city in 1896 became a museum building. With the advent of many other artifacts, 2 more buildings were built, and today these are 3 thematic museums. Not all museums in the world can boast of such a number of unique, authentic exhibits, reflecting various eras of AD. e. in the development of mankind.

The priceless finds of the excavations carried out in Istanbul, Africa, Afghanistan, the Balkans, found their place in Archaeological Museum, in the pavilion of the Ancient East and the Tiled pavilion. The sarcophagi of A. Macedonian or royal are the most significant artifacts brought from Ancient Syria. The mummies of the pharaohs of Egypt, fragments of sculptures from ancient Greek temples Zeus and Athena, collections of cuneiform texts, Ottoman coins and more.

Basilica Cistern

If it seems to someone that there is nothing to be surprised about in Istanbul, then he will be mistaken if he has not yet visited an absolutely unique building - the Basilica Cistern. This former reservoir (that's how "cistern" is translated) is a technological and architectural miracle, worked out under Emperor Justinian. When there was no need for a reservoir, Yerebatan-saray, that is, an underground palace, was opened in this unique room, which has become an interesting museum. There is no limit to the admiration of tourists by the skill of Byzantine builders when they descend here.

The gigantic hall is crammed with 336 8-9-meter marble columns supporting the ceiling. They were mainly brought from ancient temples, which is noticeable in their processing. The most remarkable of them are 2 columns, the bases of which are decorated in the form of the heads of the Gorgon Medusa. The original illumination of the room creates a truly magical atmosphere.

Grand Bazaar and Chamberlitash

One of the most visited by tourists district Chemberlitash is known for the Constantine Column, hammam baths, the square of the same name and the Grand Bazaar. The first column with a statue of the emperor was erected in 330, the last - after 2 centuries. Turkish hamams, now known all over the world, have a special flavor here.
The ancient covered market arose on this site under Mehmed the Conqueror in 1453. Repeatedly rebuilt and expanded, the Grand Bazaar turned into the main center of trade and business in Istanbul and even the slave trade (until the 19th century).

The many-sided Istanbul combines everything that tourists need: fabulous architecture, comfortable beaches, centuries-old history, colorful cuisine + only 20 days of winter. Guests of the 15-million metropolis are waiting for a unique combination of west and east. Tours to Istanbul attract travelers all year round.

Sea holidays in Istanbul

The ex-capital of Turkey is not a traditional seaside resort, it is an important port and water gate from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. People go to Istanbul for impressions, relaxing on the beach is just an additional pleasure available in the hot season: tours to the beaches of Istanbul are relevant from June to the end of September. There are 2 seas here: Marble and Black. And they are connected by 30 km of the Istanbul Strait, called the Bosphorus.

There are more than 20 beaches within the city, more than 50 more in the suburbs. Free and paid are equally crowded, the differences are the conditions of rest, the availability of additional services: parking, sun loungers, umbrellas, changing rooms and showers. Most of the beaches are sandy, but there are pebbly and partially grassed ones.

In the Asian part of the Sea of ​​​​Marmara, the water is warmer than the Black Sea and the depth is less, there are many free zones, but the beaches here are small.

The territory of the European part on the Black Sea with sandy shores and long beach areas. Black Sea water colder by a few degrees and less pleasant for swimming.

Popular Istanbul beaches for sea tours:

• Floria (Marble) - 850 m of light fine sand, paid, equipped for a comfortable stay;
• beaches of Jaddebostan (Marble) - free access, scenic view, equipped territory, cafe;
• club beach Dalia Beach (Black) - clean sand, infrastructure, restaurant, different types of recreation, but open until 18:00.

By the way, the average price of a dinner for 2 with alcohol is $21, without alcohol - $12.

Excursion tours in Istanbul

Excursion tours are diverse in subject matter and program: historical, religious, cultural and culinary. In Istanbul you should definitely visit:

• mosques (Hagia Sophia, Suleymaniye);
• parks (miniatures, Gulhane);
• Rumelihisar fortress;
• grand bazaar;
• museums and bakeries.

Cozy cafes, bustling streets and attractions are available all year round. And April is a magical period when millions of flowers bloom, and the city is transformed, at this time the spring tulip festival takes place in Emirgan Park. Vacation packages to Istanbul are in high demand in the middle of spring.

How to choose and buy a tour in Istanbul, Turkey

Excursion tours to Istanbul are popular all year round due to the mild climate and short winter - less than a month. Tourists are attracted by the special atmosphere ancient city, its architecture, street food and fascinating history. In summer, vacationers can relax on the beaches within the city or go to neighboring islands. The tourist infrastructure of the Turkish metropolis allows you to choose the format of recreation and place of residence to your liking.

Domestic tourists most often choose hotels with a service level of 3-4 * and breakfast. Young people prefer club hotels near beaches and entertainment venues. Family travelers looking for privacy stay in 5* hotels with own beaches and restaurants.

The most visited months of the year are May-June, with a slight decrease in the flow of tourists in April and August.

The price level for tours depends on the season, at the moment the cheapest tour for two to Istanbul from Moscow for 7 nights in a 3-star hotel and breakfast included is . You can buy a tour to Istanbul as follows: make a purchase online or pay in cash at the office (Moscow, metro Park Kultury).