Top 16-Things to Do on Istanbul Holiday : East Meets West and Ancient meet Modern

Spreading over 2-continents and with a vivid cultural scene, there is nowhere on Earth like Istanbul for a city break……and it now trendier than ever, with lots of captivating sights to explore.

 So, you are planning to go on a holiday in Istanbul, but have no idea what all places to see and things to do there. That is totally understandable, since the city is astronomic and has so much to offer in form of museums, mosques, foreign culinary delights and markets.  Istanbul has become a year-round holiday destination.  And every year, millions of tourists from backpackers to families take flights to Istanbul.

Istanbul in Turkey is extremely modern place; however, it traces its roots back in 660 B.C. It is the former seat of magnificent Ottoman and Byzantine empires and is bifurcated into Asian and European sides by the Bosporus Strait, providing a wealth of history and splendid scenery. 

Istanbul is magical and a treat to the beholder’s eyes. Just wandering around the Grand Bazaar, with its vibrant colors, aromas and bustle, is an astonishing marvel for the tourists. At luxurious Four Season Hotel Istanbul located at the Bosphorus, you will feel like a Prince of the palace. If you are going along with your family including kids, do take out time for a traditional Hammam (or Turkish bath”, at the hotel, a ritual local immensely relish with their families. 

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Here we are presenting the sweet 16 -must do things on your Istanbul Holiday, which will actually make your trip worth it.

Watch out a Whirling Dervish Show

Istanbul is native place of the Mevlevi Order of Sufi whirling dervishes. The Sufi dervishes whirl themselves into a trance- like state, which is believed that this brings them closer to the Lord, and it is an unusual religious ceremony to check out.

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Go to the Spice Market

Spice market is the second largest after the Grand Bazaar. In the spice market, you can buy spices (of course), Turkish coffee, dried fruit, nuts, Turkish delight and loose leaf tea.

Ride and Drive the Beauty “Red Street Car”

Another must do thing on Istanbul Holiday is ride a Red Street Car. One excellent method to explore Istiklal Avenue without having to pass through the crowds is to ride on the street car from one end of the lane to another. The street car provides a vintage feel and it makes for a pleasant journey via Istanbul’s shopping hub. 

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Listen to the Divinely Call to Prayer between the Majestic Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque

One of the most beautiful ‘Call to prayer’ you will ever listen takes place between the Hagia Sophia (no longer a mosque; however, it still has a prayer room) and Blue Mosque. One muezzin would hum a part of the prayer and then the other muezzin would respond from other turret. 

It is certainly a magical thing to experience; therefore, if you find yourself wandering in the place during the prayer session, we recommend you to take a seat at one of the park benches and simply listen. 

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Enjoy a Boat Tour down the Bosphorus

In case, you have are on a holiday to Istanbul only for a few days and you know you would not be able to see all the main attractions, taking a cruise to Bosphorus is a brilliant way to have a glimpse of Istanbul’s main attractions. You will ride past the Rumeli Ruins, numerous gardens, mosques and museums, the Maiden’s Tower and Dolmabahçe Palace.

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Walk across the Famous Galata Bridge

Yes, you can of course ride the light rail across; however, if you choose to walk, you will be able to catch up the locals fishing out from the bridge, boats carrying passengers down the Bosphorus and vendors selling sesame covered pretzels. 

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Eat a Yummy Kumpir

When on a holiday to Istanbul, do take a bite of the Kumpir, a loaded baked potato. The vendor will mix the baked potato with butter and cheese till it is fluffy and light, and then you can select from an array of toppings including hot dogs, bulgur, olives, peas, corn and more. It is a perfect snack to have in the evening. 

Sip the Tasty Turkish Tea

In Istanbul, you will have to drink tea out of a tulip-shaped cup. Turkish tea is made in a rather inimitable manner utilizing a teapot that has 2-levels: one to boil the water and other one to brew the tea. You pour the tea into the cup and then dilute it with hot water so it is made as per your taste. 

Relish a Glass of Ayran

This is one of those drinks that you will either desperately love or hate. Aryan is cold yoghurt mixed with salt and it is the National drink of Turkey. It is excessively consumed during the summer months.

Go Underground at Basilica Water Cistern

The next on our list must do things on Istanbul Holiday is to explore the humungous Basilica Water Cistern. The Basilica Cistern is the largest of the ancient underground cisterns found across the massive Istanbul.

Most of the columns in the water cistern look to have been recycled from the ruins and remains of other buildings, and among them you will see 2-carvings of Medusa’s head utilized as column bases and column with tear-shaped engravings deemed to have the power to make all wishes come true.

Haggling at the Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is an ultimate place for shoppers. With over 3,000 shops and spanning across 61 streets, the market is dizzying yet so definitely worth a visit. You will see that some streets specialize in certain products like leather, carpets, spices, silverware and ceramics.

There will be loads of shimmery items to appeal your eye, so come prepared to spend money.

Relish an Excellent View from Galata Tower

Situated in Beyoglu, the tower appears like it would be best suited as Rapunzel’s home in the “Tangled” fairy tale. There is something mysterious about the piked cylindrical roof and the views from the outer terrace are breathtaking.

Enjoy a Belly-Dance Show

This one is one of our favorite among all the must do things on your Istanbul Holiday. In case, you want to see a performance with high amounts of entertainment factor, then you are in loads of luck, as Hodjapasha Dance Theater shows belly-dancing and folkloric performances. Be prepared to be whisked back into the popular 1001 Arabian Nights.

Pay a Visit to Chora Church

The Church of Chora might not be the largest of the Byzantine churches; however, it is widely known for being one of the most charming. The highlight of the church is the several mosaic panels that recreate biblical scenes and still shine centuries later.

Explore Istanbul Archaeological Museums

This is the must do things on your Istanbul Holiday when your kids are along with you. The museum consists of three different museums that are located near the Topkapi Palace. The 3 museums are the Museum of the Ancient Orient, the Museum of Islamic Art and the Archaeological Museum. If you relish getting up close with the ancient history, you will certainly enjoy a visit here.

Explore the Valens Aqueducts

When the Romans passed via Istanbul, they commenced construction of the water system that will supply to the growing needs for the fresh water of the city. The water that moves down these aqueducts was stored in underground cisterns and open reservoirs across the city. Presently, the surviving portion of the Valens Aqueduct is 921- meters long.

Amazing contrasts are all a vital part of Istanbul’s magnetic appeal. Enchanting Byzantine frescoes and impressive architecture blends with shinning skyscrapers and state-of-art museums. Relish Turkish delicacies and wander around bustling historic markets at Istanbul.

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