Istanbul is one of those cities, that seems to have it all; a fascinating culture, breathtaking architecture and lots of charm. As the summer turns into fall in Central Europe, the temperatures of summer live on in the city where Europe mets the Middle East. Now is the perfect time to visit the incredible city.
There are many things to see and experience while in Istanbul, but still there are five places you simply need to visit:
1) Get lost in Istanbul’s history in Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya among the locale)
The former Greek Ortodox church were later converted into a mosque, but today it functions as a museum. Hagia Sophia isn’t just an architectural masterpiece, it’s also an important monument for both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.
2) Enjoy the calm in the Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque actual name is Sultan Ahmet Mosque, but it has gotten it’s pet name because of it’s beautiful blue tiles. The mosque is still popular among Muslims in the modern Istanbul, so the mosque is closed for prayer five times a day and during Friday prayers.
Shoulders and legs, as well as women’s hair, must be covered up, when you visit the mosque. Scarves are available by the entrance for tourists.
3) Feel the wind in your hair on the Bosphorus Strait
The Bosphorus Strait is the lungs of the busy city. On a hot sunny day a cruise on the Bosphorus Strait seems like the ideal activity. You get to see Istanbul’s architectural wonders from the water with the wind in your hair and without the many tourists.
4) Shop in the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market
You can’t visit Istanbul without also visiting the city’s iconic markets, especially the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market, also known as the Egyptian Market. In the Grand Bazaar you can find everything from antiquities to leather goods to all kinds of jewelry.
Find your inner bargainer and take a deep breath, before you step into the well-visited bazaars.
5) Dive into Istanbul’s history in the Bascilla Cistern
The Bascilla Cistern was created to deliver water to the palace during Emperor Justinian in 532, but the cisterns were later forgotten and not rediscovered until 1545, but it wasn’t until 1987 the place was opened to the public. Today the cisterns are one of Istanbul’s most popular tourist attractions – and with good reason. Visit the underground palace and enjoy a piece of Istanbul’s fascinating history, as you walk on wooden bridges in between columns and lights.
Read more about what you can experience in beautiful Istanbul on our website . The new findings come in www.midnightpapers.com/ a working paper published this summer by the national bureau of economic research
