Turkey Travel Guide:

Best Places to Visit in Istanbul

Dolmabahçe  Palace, situated along the western shore of the Bosporus, north of Beyoğlu, was built in the 19th century by Sultan Abdülmecit I.  The Palace reflects the influence of European architecture and was the residence of the last of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire; it was also the residence of Attaturk who died here in 1938.  The Dolmabahçe Palace contains over 300 rooms (including numerous lavish reception rooms).  The Palace is an extraordinarily interesting collection of architectural styles and interior design.   Illuminated at night, it  is spectacular when viewed from a boat on the Bosporus.  Just to the south is the Dolmabahçe mosque.  Further along this shore are good quality restaurants, serving excellent shish kebab and lavash - a soft, thin flatbread that is usually baked on the premises and served warm.  Good food and a scenic view of the Bosporus, what could be better?

The Palace is closed Mondays and Thursdays.

The Dolmabahaçhe Palace from the Bosporus

One of the best ways to spend a sunny afternoon in Istanbul is to take one of the tourist boats that ply the Bosporus, the small body of water that connects the.  The fee is reasonable and the sight are excellent. 

The Bosporus is a narrow strait that separates East (Asia) from West (Europe) and connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Mamara (Mamara Denizi) and eventually the Mediterranean Sea.  Approximately 20 miles long, the Bosporus is extremely narrow, although it is a major shipping canal.

Most cruises proceed up the Bosporous (north) to the spectacular  fortress Rumeli Hisari (the European Castle).  The fortress was built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 before he captured Constantinople and renamed it Istanbul.  Legend has it  that the construction of Rumeli Hisari, which was one part of Mehmet's plan to isolate Constantinople before he invaded, was constructed in only  4 months.  Rumeli Hisari sits on the European side of the Bosporus, across  from a smaller fortress on the Asian shore named Anadolu Hisari (the Anatolian Castle).  Once cannons were installed in Rumeli, the Bosporus and access to Constantinople from the Black Sea were controlled by the Ottoman Empire.

The tour boat guides are informative and will provide the details on the Bosporus (Bogazici) bridge, the Cirigan Palace, Ortakoy mosque and the palatial homes that line the banks of the Bosporus north of the city.

Finally, you will see the Galata Tower during your exploration of Istanbul. Often confused with the Byzantine-era Galata Tower that was part of the entrance fortifications to the Golden Horn, this tower was constructed in the 14th century, reputedly by Italian traders.  Today, the top floors (accessible via elevator) feature great views of the city, as well as a restaurant and a nightclub. 

    

The Ortakoy Mosque near the Bosporus Bridge

The Eastern Shore of the Bosporus north of the Bosporus Bridge

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The fortress Rumeli Hisari

 

More Istanbul Istanbul Overview       The Topkapi Palace Grand Mosques       Hagia Sofia               The Bazaars       Yerebatan Cistern Dolmabahce Palace Best Places to Visit in Turkey

The Galata Tower dates from the 14th century and offers fine views of the city.  It is now occupied by a restuarant/nightclub.