24 uur in Istanboel

20PM // The Western Side of Town (NL)

Uitzicht op Istanboel vanaf de Galata-toren

A night out in Istanbul

If you spend the night in Istanbul, make sure it's somewhere near the Istiklal Avenue, the main shopping street in the Beyoglu district. Shops here stay open until midnight and there's countlesss places to drink Turkish tea, eat kebabs and smoke shisha like a local.

The district has a distinctive Western feel to it, which it owes to centuries of Italian presence. Check out Galata Tower, built by the Genoese in 1348, for an amazing view of the city. If the tower seems crowded, find one of the many rooftop bars instead.

8AM // Pretzels and fresh fruit (NL)

Specerijen en thee die te zien zijn in de Spice Bazaar

Rise and shine

Wake up early to make the most out of your 24 hours in Istanbul. Grab a pretzel from one of the many stands and try the Turkish coffee - but leave the coffee grinds on the bottom. Make your way down to the Galata Bridge and pick up some fresh fruit and juice on the way.

Cross the bridge over the Bosphorus and you'll have arrived in the Old City, also known as the Sultanahmet district. Take in the view of the Yeni Cami (New Mosque) that's right in front of you and walk through the Spice Bazaar to see colourful piles of spices, tea and Turkish delight.

9AM // The Byzantine Empire (NL)

De 1500 jaar oude Hagia Sophia

Heavenly domes and underground columns

The Hagia Sophia is the highlight of Byzantine architecture, built in the year 537. Originally a Christian basilica, it was converted into a mosque in 1453 when Sultan Mehmed II conquered Istanbul (then Constantinople) for the Ottomans. Today, the Hagia Sophia is a museum, well worth visiting for its impressive dome and the restored Byzantine mosaics.

Across the street you will find the Basilica Cistern, a massive subterrenean water storage the size of a cathedral. Built in the 6th century, it used to hold 100.000 liters of water. Walk over to the nearby Hippodrome, also known as Atmeydani (Horse Square). In the middle of what used to be the race track you can see the 3.500 years old Obelisk of Tutmose - still in mint condition!

11AM // The Ottoman Empire (NL)

In de beroemde Blauwe Moskee

Splendour beyond belief

To the left of the Hippodrome you will find the Sultan Ahmet mosque, popularly known as the Blue Mosque. Already impressive on the outside, words can hardly describe the beauty of its interior. Take all the time you need to admire the massive pillars, stain-glassed windows and hand-painted blue tiles from which the building derives its name. Entrance to the mosque is free.

Your next stop should be Topkapi Palace, where the wealth and power of the Ottoman empire is clearly displayed through gilded calligraphy, mother-of-pearl doors and treasures from around the world. Make sure to visit the Imperial Harem, home to the Sultan's wives and concubines, and quite literally a golden cage for princes (who either became Sultan or got executed by their brother).

14PM // Shopping and soaping (NL)

Turkish traditions to explore

Spend your afternoon strolling around the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest indoor markets in the world. It's easy to get lost in this lively and colourful place and by all means you should. Browse your way through thousands of shops to find the best bargains - and whatever you do, don't forget to haggle!

After so many impressions, this would be a good moment to indulge in another Turkish tradition: the Hamam. These bathhouses are everywhere in Istanbul, and many of them are hundreds of years old. Restore your energy with a traditional scrub, soap treatment and massage, while relaxing on a hot stone underneath a dome.

24 uur in Istanboel

20PM // The Western Side of Town (NL)

A night out in Istanbul

8AM // Pretzels and fresh fruit (NL)

Rise and shine

9AM // The Byzantine Empire (NL)

Heavenly domes and underground columns

11AM // The Ottoman Empire (NL)

Splendour beyond belief

14PM // Shopping and soaping (NL)

Turkish traditions to explore

17PM // Take a walk on the Asian side (NL)

There and back again

Ervaar Turkije

Reis met een Interrail Pass

Interrail Turkije Pass

Interrail Global Pass

Verwante pagina's

24 uur in Istanboel

20PM // The Western Side of Town (NL)

A night out in Istanbul

8AM // Pretzels and fresh fruit (NL)

Rise and shine

9AM // The Byzantine Empire (NL)

Heavenly domes and underground columns

11AM // The Ottoman Empire (NL)

Splendour beyond belief

14PM // Shopping and soaping (NL)

Turkish traditions to explore

17PM // Take a walk on the Asian side (NL)

There and back again

Ervaar Turkije

Reis met een Interrail Pass

Interrail Turkije Pass

Interrail Global Pass

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Doe mee!