Top 10 must see attractions in Istanbul

1.St. Sophia - It is one of the most extraordinary buildings in the history of architecture, famous tourist attraction in Istanbul. Once a church, than became a Mosque and now it is a Museum The interior of the museum is decorated with splendid Byzantine mosaics. While visiting the museum, you should spare some time to see the upper gallery, where you need to climb up a path inside the building. The upper galleries give the best perspectives inside St Sophia. This is also where you'll see the great mosaics and ambience of the church. It is much more attractive from the second floor and also a pictured summary of the history of the Church can be found on this floor. 2.The Blue Mosque – it is one of the most prominent landmarks of Istanbul. It is very impressive with its beautiful domes and semi domes, nice courtyards and six slender minarets. Sultan Ahmet 1 founded the Blue Mosque. It was built between 1609- 1616 and also it was named after him. The whole complex was completed in 1616. 3.Topkapi Palace – it is definitely the best looking palace in Turkey. Home for the Ottoman Sultans, is now a perfect place to be a Museum to reflect the glory of Ottoman Empire, Sultans and their way of living. 4.The Basilica Cistern- Underground waterway was used as a reservoir for water storage for the Great Palace and other buildings. It is 132 m length, by 65m wide. There are 336 columns in the cistern. Most of the column capitals are either in Corinthian or Doric Style. 5.The Grand Bazaar (Kapalicarsi in Turkish)- it is one of the the largest covered markets in the world with its 4400 shops in 64 streets and with 22 gates . It's a real heaven for shoppers. It looks like a labyrinth at first sight but it's actually not that complicated. 6.Dolmabahce Palace-The word "Dolmabahce" in English means "The filled garden", because the Dolmabahce Palace is founded upon a reclaimed area by filling up the sea. It's a beautiful 19th Century palace right by the Bosphorus, on the waterfront. It's in baroque and rococo style and very French. Many people think that it is a small model of the palace of Versailles in Paris, France. 7.Miniaturk -Istanbul has a Maquette park which has began to operate as of April 23rd,2003. The mini Turkey park is called Miniaturk and have mini models of old ottoman architectural works in Turkey. On miniaturk Turkey's rich historical and cultural heritage is being displayed with their maquettes. 8.Chora Church (Kariye Camii in Turkish)- it is the most interesting Byzantine church after St. Sophia in Istanbul. The importance of the church does not come from the building itself , the frescoes and the mosaics are superb and reflect the magnificent heritage of Byzantine Art. 9.Hippodrome-this is the square in front of the Blue Mosque. It is one of the most famous areas in Byzantine Constantinople. There are various monuments in Hippodrome Area. The most attractive one is the "Egyptian Obelisk". 10.The Galata Tower - Until the 1960s Galata tower was a fire lookout tower. Now the upper floors hold an uninteresting restaurant-nightclub, and a panorama balcony. It offers the best panoramic views of the city If you travel to Istanbul keep in mind that it is always better to hire personal driver instead of taking regular taxi. It is not only cheaper and more comfortable but is also safe and reliable. Consider using the Istanbul airport transfer services from vipserairporttransfers.comrn