Private Istanbul Sightseeing Tours: Historical Peninsula

The palace was the political center of the Ottoman Empire between the 15th and 19th centuries, until they built Dolmabahce Palace by the waterside.

Hagia Sophia is one of the most impressive museums of Istanbul; built as a Christian church, then converted into a mosque, now serving as a museum.

Also known as the Sultan Ahmet Camii (or Sultan Ahmed Mosque), this breath-taking building is one of the most majestic Ottoman mosques in all of Turkey. This mosque was built by Sultan Ahmet I between 1609 and 1616 and is located in the district of old Istanbul that is named after this Ottoman Sultan and it is distinguished by its six slender minarets.

Hippodrome of Constantinople, located in Sultanahmet/Istanbul, was a public arena mainly for chariot races. The word hippodrome comes from the Greek hippos (horse) and dromos (way). The Hippodrome of Constantinople was also home to gladiatorial games, official ceremonies, celebrations, protests, torture to the convicts and so on. Hippodrome functioned all in Roman (203-330 CE), Byzantine (330-1453 CE), and Ottoman (1453-1922) periods.

Descending into the Basilica Cistern's ancient subterranean chambers, one is enchanted by dimly lit waters, majestic Medusa heads, and awe-inspiring architecture—a mesmerizing journey through history beneath Istanbul's bustling streets.