Topkapi Palace
The Topkapi Palace is located on the European side of the river, in the historic district of Fatih, close to the Blue Mosque and the former Basilica of Saint Sophia. Once inside the gates, you won't know where to turn, as everything is so impressive: built in 1459, on the ancient acropolis of Byzantium, the palace extends over a 70-hectare estate, including four courtyards and a harem. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the palace also offers a breathtaking view of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.
The former Hagia Sophia Basilica
Recently converted into a mosque by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the former Hagia Sophia Basilica is a must-see in Istanbul. Nicknamed "the wonder of wonders", the place became a museum in 1934, under Atatürk. Inaugurated in 537, the Hagia Sophia (which means "divine wisdom" in ancient Greek) was the seat of the Orthodox Patriarchate and saw several Byzantine emperors crowned. Emperor Justinian, who ordered the construction of the church, had thought big, as evidenced by the 55-metre high and 30-metre diameter dome. Until the construction of St. Peter's in Rome, it was the largest dome in the world.
The Basilica Cistern
Close to Hagia Sophia, don't miss a visit to the Basilica Cistern, also known as the "buried palace". Built in the 6th century under Justinian I to supply the Byzantine palace with water, the Cistern houses more than 330 columns at least eight metres high, two of which are based on the head of a medusa. It is the ideal place for a short break in case of hot weather, as the place is known for its underground coolness.
The hammam of Cağaloğlu
Built in the 18th century by Mahmut I, the hammam of Cağaloğlu, in the Sultanhamet district, is beautiful, with its white marble halls and domes that let the sun shine through. At the entrance to the hammam are portraits of those who have enjoyed a treatment here - Frantz Liszt, Cameron Diaz, John Travolta or even Kaiser Wilhelm II. It's enough to make you feel like a star!
The Grand Bazaar
An immersive sensory experience... that's the promise of a visit to Istanbul's Grand Bazaar in the Beyazit district, the world's largest covered market. Along the aisles, hundreds of stalls - around 4,000 shops in all - sell carpets, spices, jewellery, mosaics, crockery and even coins. A little anecdote for film buffs: a chase scene from the James Bond film "Skyfall" was filmed on the roof of the Grand Bazaar.
Süleymaniye Mosque
Designed by the architect Sinan for Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, this mosque built in the mid-16th century is less well known than the Blue Mosque, but well worth a visit. Its four minarets with ten balconies have a special significance: the number of minarets is due to the fact that Suleiman was the fourth Ottoman sultan of the city, while the number of ten balconies corresponds to Suleiman's place in the Ottoman dynasty.
St. Saviour-in-Chora
A relic of Byzantine art, St. Saviour-in-Chora, a former UNESCO World Heritage church that will be reopened to Muslim worship in 2020, is home to sumptuous mosaics depicting the lives of Christ and the Virgin Mary. Covered with these mosaics and numerous frescoes, it was built on a Greek cross plan.
Dolmabahçe Palace
On the banks of the Bosphorus, in the Beşiktaş district, this majestic palace stands proudly. In addition to the buildings and monumental gates, the gardens are worth a visit, with their water fountains and colourful flowerbeds. The interior is particularly renowned for its impressive collection of Baccarat and Bohemian crystal chandeliers.
The Energy Museum, Santral Istanbul
Located on the campus of Santral Istanbul University, the Energy Museum is housed in the former Silahtarağa coal-fired power plant. This was the first power plant in the Ottoman Empire and now houses original exhibitions.
Haydarpasa Railway Station
To discover this mythical monument from the beginning of the 20th century, head to the Asian side of Istanbul: there you will observe this building with German architecture and neo-renaissance style. Indeed, the Haydarpasa station was designed by Germans at the request of William II. The station has been at a standstill for several years, so a visit to the station is like stepping back in time. It is therefore no coincidence that Jean-Pierre Jeunet used it as a film location for his Chanel advertising film, starring Audrey Tautou, in 2009.
The Blue Mosque
Also known as the Sultan Ahmet Mosque - or Sultanahmet Mosque - it is the most famous religious building in Istanbul. Located opposite Hagia Sophia, Istanbul's largest mosque was built by Sultan Ahmed I between 1609 and 1616 (mosques usually take seven years to build). It is the only mosque in the city to have six minarets.
See also:
⋙ 5 pitfalls to avoid on holiday in Istanbul
⋙ In Istanbul, the mystery of the two tombs of Sultan Suleiman I
⋙ On board the Doğu Ekspresi train, the history of Turkey unfolds