Eminönü
Imagine the rich scent of freshly grilled fish filling the air as you stroll past each decorated stall, enjoying a mouthwatering sandwich made with the catch of the day while taking in stunning waterfront views. Explore the spice market, where piles of deep red paprika, golden saffron, and earthy sumac create a colourful spectrum of flavours. This is where history and local life blend effortlessly, from the towering minarets of the Süleymaniye Mosque to the lively energy of the streets, offering an unforgettable glimpse into the true soul of İstanbul.
Nestled on the majestic hills overlooking the Golden Horn is one of İstanbul’s most awe-inspiring landmarks. Its grand, sweeping domes and elegant minarets that rise above the city, designed by the renowned Ottoman architect, engineer, and mathematician Mimar Sinan, embody the harmony of Ottoman architecture. The serene courtyards and intricate interior, adorned with stunning calligraphy and stained glass, create a peaceful, almost ethereal atmosphere. It is a place where history, art, and spirituality come together in perfect balance.
Rüstem Paşa Mosques
A hidden gem in İstanbul, renowned for its striking 16th-century Ottoman architecture. Designed by Mimar Sinan, what truly sets it apart are the vibrant, intricate tiles that adorn its walls—an exquisite display of deep blues, fiery reds, and rich greens, each pattern telling its own story. These stunning tiles, crafted in the famous İznik style, create a captivating contrast against the mosque’s serene, minimalist interior.
İstanbul Archaeological Museums
Celebrating millennia of history with twenty galleries filled with remarkable artefacts from across Türkiye and beyond, the museum's extensive collection spans ancient civilisations, including Mesopotamian, Hittite, Greek (including Hellenistic), Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods. Highlights include the iconic Alexander Sarcophagus, the stunning Kadesh Treaty, along with varieties of ancient Greek and Roman sculptures. Each exhibit is another chapter that tells a unique story and legacy.
A vibrant, bustling marketplace that immerses visitors in a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and smells. The air is filled with the rich aromas of rare spices like sumac, alongside the sweet scents of local treats such as Turkish delight, baklava, and freshly brewed tea and grounded coffee. Stalls overflow with colourful piles of dried fruits, nuts, and exotic herbs, and even handcrafted soaps.
The Eminönü pier is also a popular starting point for ferry tour along the Bosphorus Strait, and the public ferry also takes you to Kadiköy– a popular neighbourhood on the Asian side of the city, and to the Princes’ Island – a beautiful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Princes’ Island
Just a short ferry ride from the city, you'll discover an island of lush green hills, offering a dreamy escape from the urban rush. Visitors can enjoy leisurely bike rides that wind through traffic-free streets shaded by mimosa trees and lined with charming Ottoman-era mansions. Plan your one-day escape >
