Coisas para fazer em Istanbul

Awesome ferry ride. Was not expecting this level of awesomeness from just a simple boat ride. For those who wish to experience both Europe and Asia side, this ride is for you. But bring a jacket though as it gets very windy. Overall, POWEEEEER!

Hagia Sophia truly lives up to its reputation as Istanbul's iconic landmark; seeing it in person was still incredibly moving. Purchasing a skip-the-line ticket saved us from a long wait under the scorching sun, and the entry process was very smooth. Upon entering the main hall, the colossal dome immediately captivates you, and the magnificent space makes you marvel at the architectural prowess of ancient civilizations. The mottled and exquisite mosaic frescoes, though aged, remain stunning, showcasing the fusion of two cultures and creating a profound historical atmosphere. Standing within the sanctuary, watching the light and shadows slowly fall upon the walls, fills one with deep emotion. The building's exterior is grand and imposing, facing the Blue Mosque across the way. The entire visit felt profound, with every detail narrating a thousand years of history. A trip to Istanbul is incomplete without experiencing this awe-inspiring wonder firsthand.

The Basilica Cistern offered me an astonishing experience; it's hard to imagine such a magnificent ancient reservoir hidden beneath the city. The skip-the-line ticket was incredibly convenient, saving me from long waits under the scorching sun, and the entry process was smooth. With the audio guide, I learned about the history of its construction and the stories behind it. Tall stone columns are neatly arranged, and the lights reflect on the water, creating an incredibly atmospheric ambiance. The Medusa column is a classic highlight here, mysterious and very distinctive. Walking through the damp corridors, a profound sense of ancient history washes over you. The overall pace of the visit was comfortable, magical yet stunning, and full of mystery. It's an unmissable attraction when visiting Istanbul.

We enjoyed a beautiful view of the Bosphorus Strait from a wonderful location until sunset. We could clearly see Dolmabahçe Palace, Rumeli Hisarı, and the Maiden's Tower from the sea as we passed under the bridge. Chef Ahmet served warm tea and distributed blankets. The fruit and cookie platter, along with the additional french fries and toast, were also very delicious. With drink service included, this tour offers great value for money and is highly recommended. Please do order drinks and additional food! Thank you for the lovely magnet gift! This is my third time in Turkey, but this cruise was the best, allowing me to relax and enjoy the music at a leisurely pace. Thank you for excellent service, Chef Ahmet!

Dolmabahçe Palace is truly stunning, living up to its reputation as the New Palace. The entire palace stands by the water, with its snow-white marble architecture facing the Bosphorus Strait. Its exterior is grand and magnificent, making every photo a masterpiece. The skip-the-line ticket saved us from long queues, and entry was smooth. With the audio guide, we could understand the historical stories behind it. Inside, the palace is opulent, with giant crystal chandeliers dazzling brightly and abundant gold decorations adding to its splendor, creating a powerful visual impact. Strolling along the corridors, one can experience the luxury of late Ottoman European court life while also enjoying views of the strait. The overall experience was excellent, the pace of the visit was comfortable, and the architectural aesthetics were impressive. It's definitely a must-visit when in Istanbul.

Since it was peak season and I was traveling with my mother, I booked a fast-track ticket for convenience. I usually explore museums and palaces thoroughly with audio guides even when traveling alone, so I booked the fast-track option (including an audio guide). However, I later found out that this didn't include the Harem section. To add the Harem, it would cost an additional 1040 Lira, which is about 35,000 won, if purchased at the internal ticket office. In hindsight, it would have been better to buy a ticket that included a guided tour from the start. The palace is so vast with so much to see that it took us 3 hours just to look around on our own. We visited on a Sunday, and there were long queues at each section. So, I thought it would have been more efficient if a guide had pointed out the key locations and must-see items. Also, the audio guide included with this ticket is not the official palace commentary but a much more concise version. While the official version might be better for those eager to learn when exploring alone, on a day like today when we were just enjoying the beautiful and rare artifacts, we didn't really listen to the commentary anyway. So, it wasn't an issue. The ticket is exchanged inside the meeting point (Bistro), and at the designated time, the host personally escorts you into the palace. It was nice to arrive a bit early, have a drink, and wait comfortably. The host spoke English clearly and distinctly, which made me think it would have been even better to have an English guided tour. Anyway, the conclusion is that even a simple guided tour is better than none, and if you're going, I recommend a tour that includes the Harem section. However, I don't regret exploring freely, and I was truly happy because Topkapi Palace was so magnificent. With its panoramic views, architecture, and the artifacts and jewels inside, despite the expensive entrance fee, it's a must-visit tourist destination that I highly recommend!

Hagia Sophia ve Yerebatan Sarnıcı'nı ziyaret etmek gerçekten gerçeküstü bir deneyimdi. Her iki yerdeki mimari, tarih ve atmosfer kesinlikle nefes kesiciydi. Ekspres biletleri satın aldım ve %100 değdi. Kuyruklar oldukça uzundu, bu yüzden sırayı atlamak bize özellikle kalabalıkta çok zaman ve enerji kazandırdı. Her şey sorunsuz ve iyi organize edilmişti. Hagia Sophia görkemli ve güçlü hissettirirken, Yerebatan Sarnıcı gizemli, neredeyse büyülü bir yeraltı atmosferine sahipti. İkisini bir günde görmek, İstanbul deneyimini gerçekten unutulmaz kıldı. Zamanınız kısıtlıysa ekspres geçişi şiddetle tavsiye ederim! Ve KEDİLER için EKSTRA PUANLAR! 🐈‍⬛ etrafta dolaşıyorlardı

The Bosphorus dinner cruise private table seat was a wonderful experience that left us with pleasant memories. The atmosphere was elegant and calming, and there was a beautiful view of the Bosphorus River throughout the evening. The waiters took care to provide food and refill drinks throughout the evening. Enjoying some delicious Turkish cuisine is pleasant. The nighttime scenery was amazing, and the performance was excellent! We were constantly entertained by the dancers and musicians. These spectacular evenings and sceneries were expertly photographed by a professional photographer and printed in an album. Highly recommended!

It's very convenient; you can enter the attraction immediately without waiting in line, saving time and hassle. You receive your e-ticket right after booking, and there's even a mobile audio guide that you can continue listening to at home within the validity period. The complimentary sightseeing boat tour is also fantastic; you get to see many classic buildings along the river. I chose the 5 PM slot, which was perfect for watching the sunset—absolutely beautiful! ❤️