Sultanahmet Square sits on the site of the ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople, which was once the social and political center of the Byzantine Empire. Today, it is an open public square surrounded by some of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks — making it the perfect starting point for exploring the city. The square is a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the “Historic Areas of Istanbul.”

The Hippodrome of Constantinople was a public space in ancient Constantinople (present-day Istanbul, Turkey) that was used for chariot races and other public events. It was built in the 4th century AD by the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus, and was expanded and embellished by later emperors. The Hippodrome was rectangular in shape, and could hold up to 100,000 spectators. It featured statues, obelisks, and monuments from various parts of the Roman Empire, including the famous Serpent Column and the Obelisk of Theodosius. The Hippodrome was in use until the 5th century AD, after which it fell into decline and was eventually abandoned. Today, the Hippodrome is a popular tourist attraction, and some of the ancient monuments that once stood in the Hippodrome can still be seen.

Hagia Sophia is a historic mosque and former Byzantine cathedral located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was originally built as a cathedral in the 6th century AD and later converted into a mosque in the 15th century. In 1935, it was converted into a museum and opened to the public. In 2020, the Turkish government announced that the Hagia Sophia would be converted back into a mosque, sparking controversy and criticism from some international leaders and religious groups.

The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a historic mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the early 17th century under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. The mosque is renowned for its blue tiles and six minarets, which give it its nickname. The interior of the mosque is adorned with intricate tile work, calligraphy, and painted decorations. The Blue Mosque is still used as a place of worship and is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world.

The Basilica Cistern (Βασιλική Κινστέρνα) is the largest underground cistern of Byzantine Constantinople. It was built under the Basilica located west of Hagia Sophia. Also known by its Turkish name Yerebatan Sarayı (“Sunken Palace”), it is one of the major tourist attractions of modern Istanbul. The Basilica Cistern, along with churches like Hagia Sophia, gives an impression of the massive construction projects once undertaken by Justinian I (527-565). The Basilica Cistern is the only remaining structure of an important complex of buildings in the vicinity during Late Antique Constantinople. The cistern gets its name from the Basilica, often known as the Basilica Stoa or the Basilica of Illus, once located above it. Nothing is known about the site before Byzantium was inaugurated as Constantine’s capital. It was located west of the Augustaion and Hagia Sophia, and northwest of the Milion, the milestone at the beginning of the Mese.

Topkapi Palace is a historical palace in Istanbul, Turkey that was the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for 400 years. The palace was built in 1459 and was the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire during the height of its power. The palace complex consists of several buildings and courtyards, including the Imperial Harem, the Divan (Council) Hall, and the Treasury, which contains valuable items such as the Spoonmaker's Diamond. Topkapi Palace is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Grand Bazaar is a historic market in Istanbul, Turkey. It is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with more than 61 streets and 4,000 shops. The bazaar is known for its jewelry, ceramics, spices, textiles, and carpets. It is a popular tourist destination and a major economic center for the city. The Grand Bazaar is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Taksim Square (Taksim Meydani), Istanbul’s main modern hub, is located at the end of the pedestrian thoroughfare Istiklal Avenue (Istiklal Caddesi). A popular meeting place, Taksim Square is anchored by the Monument of the Republic and buzzes with activity day and night. The area historically hosts public celebrations, parades, and demonstrations.

Dolmabahce Palace is a historical palace located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built between 1843 and 1856 as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire during the late period of its history. The palace was designed in the European style, with a mix of Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical and traditional Ottoman elements. The palace complex consists of several buildings and courtyards, including the Imperial Harem, the Ceremonial Hall, and the State Apartments. The palace also houses a large collection of European art, including paintings by famous artists such as Franz Xaver Winterhalter and Osman Hamdi Bey. The palace is now a museum and open to visitors.

Rising high above its namesake neighborhood, Istanbul’s Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) dates back to the Genoese presence in Constantinople in the 14th century. An elevator takes you up to a viewing platform located under the roof, which offers panoramic views of the Old City peninsula and Beyoglu neighborhood.

Le détroit du Bosphore définit Istanbul. Il constitue la frontière entre l'Europe et l'Asie, et le principal lien entre la mer Noire et la mer de Marmara. Parsemé de parcs et de somptueuses demeures ottomanes, dont le palais de Dolmabahçe, et enjambé par trois ponts intercontinentaux, le Bosphore est le véritable cœur de la ville.

Taksim Square is located in the Beyoğlu district and serves as a central gathering point for both locals and visitors. Its name “Taksim” means “distribution,” referring to the stone reservoir that once distributed water to the city. Today, it is a cultural, commercial, and social hub — and the starting point of İstiklal Avenue, Istanbul’s most famous pedestrian shopping street.

İstiklal Caddesi is a 1.4 km (0.9 mile) long pedestrian avenue stretching from Taksim Square to Galata (near the historic Galata Tower). Its name means “Independence Avenue,” reflecting its importance in the early years of the Turkish Republic. This bustling street is lined with shops, cafés, restaurants, galleries, and historic buildings, and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every day — making it one of the most vibrant spots in Istanbul.

During our tour, we will admire the Galata Tower from the outside. Due to current regulations, tour guides unfortunately do not have skip-the-line privileges, and the wait time to enter can be quite long. Instead, your guide will share fascinating stories about the tower’s history, architecture, and its importance to Istanbul’s skyline, so you can fully appreciate its beauty without the wait.

The Spice Bazaar (Turkish: Mısır Çarşısı) is one of Istanbul’s most colorful and aromatic landmarks. Built in 1664 as part of the New Mosque complex, it was funded by taxes collected from Egypt — which is how it got its name (“Mısır” means Egypt in Turkish). Today, it remains a lively marketplace and a paradise for anyone who loves spices, sweets, and traditional Turkish products.

Süleymaniye Mosque is considered the masterpiece of Mimar Sinan, the greatest Ottoman architect. Commissioned by: Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent (Kanuni Sultan Süleyman) Completed in: 1557 Purpose: A grand imperial mosque and social complex symbolizing the height of Ottoman power. It is not just a mosque but a külliye (complex) that once included a hospital, madrasa (school), public kitchen, caravanserai, and hammam — serving both spiritual and social needs.

Balat is located on the Golden Horn in the Fatih district of Istanbul. Historically, it was home to Jewish, Greek, and Armenian communities, making it one of the most multicultural parts of the city. Today, it’s known for its pastel-colored houses, narrow streets, antique shops, and cozy cafés — a true “old Istanbul” experience. Its name is believed to come from the Greek word palation (palace), referring to the nearby Byzantine Blachernae Palace.

Pierre Loti Hill is named after the French novelist Pierre Loti (real name Julien Viaud), who lived in Istanbul in the late 19th century. He was a frequent visitor of the hilltop café, where he wrote about the city and fell in love with Turkish culture. Today, it remains one of Istanbul’s best-known panoramic viewpoints, offering a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

The Golden Horn (Turkish: Haliç) is a natural horn-shaped estuary that separates the historic peninsula (Old City) from the districts of Beyoğlu and Eyüp. Length: About 7.5 km (4.6 miles) Width: 750 meters at its widest point Name Origin: Its name comes from both its shape (like a horn) and the way the water turns golden during sunrise and sunset. It has served as a natural harbor for thousands of years, making Istanbul (Constantinople) a key center for trade and naval power.