Istanbul Landmarks: Your Next Travel to Istanbul
The various and famous Istanbul landmarks are among the tourist destinations that offer the joy of travel and tourism in Turkey in general. These include the Bosphorus Strait, which separates two great continents and provides an unforgettable exploratory experience, and the Galata Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city.
The Basilica Cistern, a unique underground architectural masterpiece dating back to the Roman era, and the Rumeli Fortress, with its stunning architecture and high towers, represent an important part of the city’s history. All this and more can be found with Istanbul landmarks.
Table of contents
Bosphorus Strait – İstanbul Boğazı
The Bosphorus Strait is considered one of the most famous Istanbul landmarks, as it separates two continents and includes stunning natural landscapes and important historical sites. You can visit places along the banks of the strait, such as historical palaces, tourist areas, and famous restaurants, or explore the strait by taking a boat ride or walking along the shores to enjoy its natural beauty and fascinating history. The Bosphorus Strait offers everything you need for an enjoyable time; it is an unforgettable exploratory experience.
Bosphorus Bridge – 15 Temmuz Şehitler Köprüsü
The Bosphorus Bridge connects the two continents and is composed of steel suspension towers, inclined supports, and a dynamic deck suspended on steel cables. The distance between the suspension towers is 1,074 meters, and the towers rise to a height of 156 meters above sea level, while the bridge itself is 64 meters above sea level. The bridge was constructed over three years with the participation of 35 engineers and 400 workers. It is considered one of the most magnificent Istanbul landmarks.
Sultan Mehmed Alfatih Bridge – Fatih Sultan Mehmed Köprüsü
The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, also known as the Second Bosphorus Bridge, crosses the Bosphorus Strait, dividing it into two halves: an Asian side and a European side. The bridge spans 1,090 meters in length and reaches a height of 65 meters above sea level. Among the notable activities in the area of the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge are boat trips that pass through the strait, offering enchanting views of the tourist attractions in Istanbul.
Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge – Yavuz Sultan Selim Köprüsü
The Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, also known as the Third Bosphorus Bridge, is considered one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, with a length of 2,164 meters and towering pillars that reach a height of 322 meters. Its construction cost approximately 900 million dollars. It is the longest suspension bridge in the world that is also supported by railway tracks. The bridge was built as part of a massive project aimed at expanding Istanbul towards the Black Sea.
Galata Tower – Galata Kulesi
The Galata Tower, one of the prominent Istanbul landmarks, consists of 9 floors, where visitors can use an elevator to reach the first seven floors and then continue on foot for the remaining floors. On the ninth floor, there is a restaurant for visitors, as well as a circular balcony offering panoramic views of Istanbul and the Sea of Marmara. The tower’s height is approximately 66.90 meters. The tower can be reached on foot from the Taksim area via Istiklal Street.
Basilica Cistern – Yerebatan Sarnıcı
The Basilica Cistern is a vast subterranean structure located near Sultanahmet Square and the Hagia Sophia. It dates back to the 3rd and 4th centuries during the early Roman period. It was used as a system to purify the water for the Great Palace and other buildings in Constantinople. The cistern features hundreds of marble columns, creating a stunning architectural masterpiece, and contains a water reservoir that allows visitors to see the fish swimming within it.
Galata Bridge – Galata Köprüsü
The Galata Bridge was initially built from wood and has been renovated several times. It connects the two shores of the Golden Horn. Sea enthusiasts enjoy the beauty and movement of the sea from the bridge, which is also known as the “Bridge That Never Sleeps” due to its dazzling nighttime lights and constant flow of travelers. Visitors can enjoy its stunning illumination and the enchanting atmosphere that lights up the Bosphorus area. Beneath the bridge, there are restaurants offering local fish with picturesque views.
Maiden’s Tower – Kız Kulesi
The Maiden’s Tower is a tourist landmark in Istanbul, located on the Asian side of the city between the neighborhoods of Üsküdar and Salacak. The tower features a tourist attraction and upscale restaurants where visitors can enjoy luxurious Ottoman cuisine and high-quality service. The tower offers stunning views of the city and the sea. Visitors can go to the top to enjoy a spectacular view and use the installed telescope to see the famous landmarks in detail.
Rumeli Hisari Castle
Rumeli Fortress, known as the “Beautiful Castle,” is one of the most prominent tourist Istanbul landmarks. It was constructed in just four months during the city’s siege and is distinguished by its walls, which reach a height of 82 meters, making it a marvel of construction and rapid timing. The fortress is shaped with three corners and three towers, overlooking the Bosphorus Strait, and was built in the form of the name of our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Anadolu Castle – Anadoluhisarı
Anadolu Fortress, also known as the “Beautiful Castle,” is located at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus Strait on the Asian side of the city. It covers an area of 7,000 square meters. Visitors can enjoy a magnificent view of the Bosphorus from the castle, which was originally built to monitor any incoming attacks via the strait. It is now one of the most beautiful Istanbul landmarks, and you can see the castle beautifully illuminated with enchanting lights in the evening.
After getting to know the most famous Featured Istanbul landmarks, you can explore more about all the tourist landmarks in Istanbul.
You can also visit our official Facebook page.
