60 min
Ortaköy is as close as Istanbul comes to Venice, with its iconic view of mosque and bridge, leafy seaside square and now rather overbearing cafés.
Ortakoy Square is the heart of the neighborhood and offers stunning views of the Bosphorus Bridge and the Ortakoy Mosque. The square is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops, and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. You can also take a walk along the coast and enjoy the sea breeze.
120 min
Galataport, a dazzling waterfront destination in Istanbul, has quickly become a must-visit attraction for both tourists and locals. Boasting a rich array of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences, Galataport has something for everyone. Discover the magic of this vibrant hub and learn why it’s a top choice for travelers exploring the city.
120 min
Situated in the district of Beyoglu, Taksim square is a corner of Istanbul where visitors will witness two world’s colliding. The diverse mix of languages and cultures is clearly on show in this modern and touristic district, which is one of the most symbolic areas in the metropolis. At the heart of this square, you’ll find the statue that is a monument to the formation of the Turkish republic.
Pass by
visit galata tower from outside.
Galata Tower, a renowned landmark in Istanbul, stands as an enduring symbol of the city's rich history and breathtaking views. Situated atop a hill in the Galata district, this cylindrical stone tower soars approximately 63 meters into the sky. Its story traces back to the Byzantine era when a wooden tower, Magalos Pyrgos (Great Tower), was erected in the 5th century to oversee Constantinople and the Golden Horn. However, fires, earthquakes, and the Fourth Crusaders' sack of Constantinople in 1204 led to the complete destruction of the original tower.
In 1348, the Genoese community rebuilt the tower, naming it Christea Turris (Tower of Christ). It once held the title of Istanbul's tallest structure until 1749 when the Beyazıt Tower was constructed. Throughout its history, the Galata Tower has served as a jail, observatory, and watchtower during the Ottoman era.
Admission not included60 min
a small fee for the cable car will be required but it has the best views from the cafe at the top
20 min
Eyüp Sultan Mosque (Eyüp Sultan Camii)
Location: Eyüp district, on the Golden Horn, Istanbul, Türkiye
Importance: One of the holiest places in the Islamic world outside Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem.
⭐ Why Eyüp Sultan Mosque Is Important
The mosque is named after Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (Eyüp Sultan), a companion of Prophet Muhammad.
He hosted the Prophet during the Hijra in Medina.
He died during the first Arab siege of Constantinople (7th century).
His tomb (turbe) is located next to the mosque and is a major pilgrimage site for Muslims.
People visit for:
Prayers
Blessings
Pilgrimage (ziyaret)
Special supplications, especially before life events (marriage, military service, exams, business decisions)
60 min
shopping outlet for free time