Popular Destinations
Explore the most popular destinations and find your next adventure
Explore the most popular destinations and find your next adventure
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Discover the best places in Istanbul
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Pierre Loti Hill, located in the Eyüp district of Istanbul, is a popular spot known for its stunning views of the Golden Horn. Named after the French writer Pierre Loti, who was a frequent visitor and admirer of the city, the hill is home to cafés where visitors can relax and enjoy the panoramic scenery. The area is easily accessible by a short cable car ride or a scenic uphill walk through the Eyüp Cemetery. With its peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking views, Pierre Loti Hill offers a quiet escape from the city’s busy streets while providing a glimpse into Istanbul’s past and literary connections.
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Anadolu Hisarı, located on the Asian side of the Bosphorus in Istanbul, is a small yet historically significant fortress built in the late 14th century by Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I. Constructed to control naval traffic on the Bosphorus, it played a key role in the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. The fortress, made of stone walls and a central tower, sits at the narrowest point of the strait, directly across from Rumeli Hisarı, which was built later to complete the Ottoman stronghold. The fortress has been recently renovated and open to public as a museum, while hosting some events and concerts from time to time. Anadolu Hisarı offers visitors a glimpse into Istanbul’s medieval past, set against the scenic backdrop of the Bosphorus.
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Rumeli Hisarı, built in 1452 by Sultan Mehmed II, is a massive fortress on the European side of the Bosphorus, strategically placed to control naval passage before the conquest of Constantinople. With its three large towers, thick stone walls, and steep staircases, it remains one of Istanbul’s most striking military structures. Once used as a customs checkpoint and prison, it is currently under restoration and will continue to serve as a museum after the restauration. Surrounded by lively cafés and scenic promenades, Rumeli Hisarı stands as a powerful reminder of Ottoman military strategy and history.
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Küçüksu Kasrı, a small but elegant Ottoman palace on the Asian side of the Bosphorus, was built in the mid-19th century as a hunting lodge and summer retreat for Ottoman sultans. Designed in a European Baroque style, it features intricate stone carvings, grand staircases, and ornate interiors with crystal chandeliers and fine furniture. Unlike larger palaces, Küçüksu Kasrı was meant for short stays rather than royal residence. Today, it is a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into Ottoman luxury in a more intimate setting. With its scenic waterfront location and beautifully landscaped restaurant, it remains a peaceful and picturesque historical site.
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Beyazıt Square is one of Istanbul’s most historically significant public spaces, dating back to the Roman and Byzantine eras as the site of the Forum of Theodosius. During the Ottoman period, it was renamed after Beyazıt II, whose mosque and kulliye (religious complex) still dominate the area. The square is home to the grand entrance of Istanbul University, with its iconic gate symbolizing the city’s academic legacy. In the past, it served as a political and commercial center, hosting gatherings, markets, and protests. Today, it remains a lively urban hub, connecting key historical sites such as the Grand Bazaar and Beyazıt Mosque. With its mix of historical landmarks and everyday activity, Beyazıt Square embodies the dynamic spirit of old and modern Istanbul.
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The Valens Aqueduct, also known as Bozdoğan Kemeri, is one of Istanbul’s most important Roman-era structures. Completed in 378 AD by Emperor Valens, it was part of a 250-kilometer water system supplying Constantinople’s cisterns and public fountains. Originally built to address the city’s chronic water shortage, it was later connected to major reservoirs like Yerebatan and Binbirdirek Cisterns during the reign of Justinian I. The aqueduct suffered damage during the Avar Siege of 626, and later Ottoman sultans, including Mehmed II and Süleyman the Magnificent, restored and expanded it. Standing 29 meters high and spanning 971 meters, it remains a dominant feature of Istanbul’s skyline. Once supplying the Topkapı Palace, today it stands as a testament to the city’s 1,500-year water heritage, bridging antiquity with modern Istanbul.
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Located in Harbiye, near Taksim, the Harbiye Military Museum is one of Istanbul’s most significant museums, offering a comprehensive look into Turkey’s military history from the ancient Ottoman period to modern times. Housed in a historic military school building, where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk once studied, the museum showcases over 5,000 artifacts, including Ottoman-era weapons, armor, battle standards, and uniforms, as well as artillery and tanks from the Turkish War of Independence. One of the museum’s highlights is the daily Mehter (Ottoman military band) performance, bringing the powerful sound of Ottoman martial music to life. The museum also features detailed exhibits on key battles, including Gallipoli, and the role of Turkish forces in global conflicts. With its extensive collection, immersive displays, and historical significance, the Harbiye Military Museum offers a fascinating experience for history enthusiasts and visitors eager to learn more about Turkey’s rich military heritage.
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Located in Istanbul’s lively Beyoğlu district, Pera Museum is one of the city’s most prestigious art institutions, known for its diverse exhibitions and rich permanent collections. Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century neoclassical building, formerly the Bristol Hotel, the museum opened in 2005 and has since become a key destination for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike. The museum’s permanent collection features the renowned Orientalist Painting Collection, which includes Osman Hamdi Bey’s iconic “The Tortoise Trainer”, one of Turkey’s most famous paintings. Additionally, the Anatolian Weights and Measures Collection and the Kutahya Tiles and Ceramics Collection offer insights into the region’s artistic and scientific heritage. Alongside these, the museum hosts rotating contemporary art exhibitions, film screenings, and cultural events, making it a dynamic hub of artistic expression. With its blend of history, fine arts, and contemporary exhibitions, Pera Museum provides a captivating experience for visitors looking to explore Istanbul’s rich artistic legacy and evolving cultural scene. Its central location near Istiklal Street makes it an easily accessible and enriching stop on any itinerary.
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Located on Burgazada, the Sait Faik Abasıyanık Museum honors one of Turkey’s most influential modern writers, known for pioneering Turkish short stories with a stream-of-consciousness style. His works vividly depict Istanbul’s waterfront life, fishermen, and outcasts. Housed in his former family home, the museum showcases his personal belongings, manuscripts, and study, offering insight into his literary world. Managed by the Darüşşafaka Society, it preserves his legacy, making it a must-visit for literature lovers and those seeking Istanbul’s artistic past.
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Perched on the hills of Bebek, Aşiyan Museum was once the home of Tevfik Fikret, one of Turkey’s most influential poets and a leading figure in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Opened as a museum in 1945, the house preserves Fikret’s personal belongings, manuscripts, and original furniture, offering visitors a glimpse into the life and work of a literary pioneer. The museum’s Bosphorus-facing balcony is where Tevfik Fikret wrote some of his most famous poems, capturing the changing tides of Ottoman modernism and social thought. In addition to his legacy, the museum also honors other Servet-i Fünun writers, including Abdülhak Hamit Tarhan and Namık Kemal. With its peaceful garden, historical charm, and breathtaking views, Aşiyan Museum is a must-visit spot for literature lovers and those seeking to explore Istanbul’s rich cultural past.
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Located in Beşiktaş, Istanbul Naval Museum is Turkey’s largest maritime museum, showcasing an impressive collection of Ottoman-era imperial boats (kaiks), naval artifacts, and historical documents. Established in 1897, the museum houses more than 20,000 exhibits, including ceremonial rowboats used by sultans, ship models, navigational instruments, and uniforms from the Ottoman and Turkish navies. One of its most remarkable displays is the imperial caïques, ornately decorated wooden boats used by Ottoman sultans to glide across the Bosphorus. The museum also features letters, battle maps, and personal belongings of notable naval commanders, offering insights into Turkey’s maritime heritage. With its interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and stunning craftsmanship of Ottoman naval vessels, Istanbul Naval Museum provides an immersive experience for both history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
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Tuzla Hot Springs have been renowned for their healing waters since the Byzantine era. The natural hot springs, rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and sulfur, have long been believed to provide therapeutic benefits for joint pain, skin conditions, and respiratory issues. Historically, the Ottoman sultans and Istanbul’s elite would visit these springs for their restorative properties. Today, Tuzla Hot Springs offer a modern spa and wellness experience, featuring thermal pools, Turkish baths (hammams), saunas, and massage services. Surrounded by tranquil gardens, the facility provides a peaceful retreat for relaxation and health-focused treatments. Whether you're seeking a refreshing escape from city life or a traditional thermal bath experience, Tuzla Hot Springs remains a hidden gem for those looking to unwind and rejuvenate in Istanbul.
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