Discover Istanbul (Turkey) ‘s Hidden Treasures: 25 Must-Visit landmarks and archaeological sites
Welcome to Istanbul (Turkey) . Whether you’re a local or a visitor, we have a list of 25 top landmarks and archaeological sites you must see. Discover 25 hidden landmarks and archaeological sites gems to experience Istanbul (Turkey) like a local. Get ready to be amazed by 25 incredible landmarks and archaeological sites that will leave a lasting impression.
Information about Istanbul (Turkey)
Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and the second largest city in the world in terms of population, and an economic, tourist and cultural capital located in the Marmara region in the northwest of the country. Historically known as Byzantium, Constantinople, Astana and Islambul. And Istanbul occupied the capital of a number of countries and empires throughout its long history, by virtue of its distinguished central geographical location, as it was the capital of the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Latin Empire and the Ottoman Empire, and therefore during your wandering in it you will find many wonderful historical monuments left by those civilizations. This city is frequented by tourists from various Arab and international countries for its magnificence, as you will find everything you need to spend a beautiful time, there are resorts, there are amazing natural areas, there are shopping centers, many wonderful archaeological areas, and many amazing beaches.
A list of the best Landmarks and archaeological sites in Istanbul
Get ready to explore the ultimate landmarks and archaeological sites destinations in Istanbul (Turkey) with our carefully crafted list of top-rated spots. We’ve done the research for you, scouring the reviews of countless visitors to bring you the most unforgettable experiences. Let us be your guide.
1- Yoros Castle
Yoros Castle – Yoros Castle is located in the upper part of the village of Anadolu Kavagi. It is the green face of Istanbul and the opening point to the Black Sea. It is the only Byzantine castle in Istanbul. The Yoros Castle, known as the Genoese Castle, was built in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, which is certainly a Byzantine castle according to the sources, with a unique and distinctive design, which includes huge fortified walls and bastions in addition to two watch towers, defensive bastions, and defensive bastions that were specially designed to confront the various invasions.
Place address: Anadolu Kavağı, 34825 Beykoz/İstanbul, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Tourist castles in Istanbul
2- Suleymaniye Mosque
Suleymaniye Mosque – This mosque was built in the sixteenth century by the famous architect Mimar Sinan, and he is one of the largest designers and engineers of mosques in Islamic history. It is distinguished by its traditional Ottoman design with a large dome and minarets of varying height. The mosque is distinguished by its large and spacious area, which made it a primary destination for worshipers and visitors who wish to meditate. In the beauty of the mosque and its dazzling design, in addition, the mosque includes 10 gardens, a restaurant and an outdoor terrace that provides visitors with an exceptional view of the city with its impressive landmarks, including the Golden Horn.
Place address: Süleymaniye Mah, Suleymaniye Mosque, Prof. Sıddık Sami Onar Cd. No:1, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Archaeological sites in Istanbul
3- Sultanahmet Square
Sultanahmet Square – field that was previously an amazing Roman arena for horse racing that was built in varying periods and was not completed until after nearly 100 years, and at the present time there is nothing left of it except one of the high towers and some walls, and the tower is considered the main attraction in this field as it is in the shape of an arrow It is completely covered by very beautiful Roman drawings that tell the stories of the city. This square was previously the center of the Byzantine Empire, and the most important events and all celebrations were held in it. In the Islamic period, this square was named Sultan Ahmed Square, and many Islamic monuments were added to it.
Place address: Binbirdirek, Sultanahmet Square, Sultan Ahmet Parkı No:2, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Squares and fields in Istanbul
4- Fatih Mosque
Fatih Mosque – This stunning mosque is known as Al Fateh Mosque and was named after the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror who captured Constantinople in 1453. Built between 1463 and 1470 AD, this mosque was rebuilt in 1771 AD after a major earthquake. The mosque also had a school of traditional Islamic sciences, established by the Persian astronomer Ali Qushii. This mosque is an exceptional example of Islamic Ottoman architecture and an architectural masterpiece that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Place address: Ali Kuşçu, Fatih Mosque, Hattat Nafiz Cd No:6, 34083 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Famous mosques in Istanbul
5- Kilic Ali Pasa Mosque
Kilic Ali Pasa Mosque – The Kilic Ali Pasha Mosque is located in the Tovani district of Istanbul. It was built by order of the Ottoman admiral, Kilic Ali Pasha, and built by the architect Sinan in 1580. It was designed as a complete mosque complex, as it includes the mosque itself, a school, a mausoleum, a public fountain, a school, and a bath. The original plans of the mosque are one of the rare documents that have survived intact from the 16th century and show how Sinan worked to make the mosque look like Hagia Sophia.
Place address: Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Kemeraltı Cd. No:50, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Famous mosques in Istanbul
6- Yavuz Sultan Selim Mosque
Yavuz Sultan Selim Mosque – The Sultan Selim I Mosque, also known as the Yavuz Selim Mosque, is an Ottoman imperial mosque located on the fifth hill in Istanbul, overlooking the picturesque Golden Horn. In the city, as it was built by order of the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in memory of his father, Selim I, who died in 1520, and it was completed in 1528.
Place address: Balat, Sultan Selim Cd. No:18, 34087 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Famous mosques in Istanbul
7- Church of San Pantaleón
Church of San Pantaleón – San Pantaleon Church is a Greek Orthodox church dedicated to Saint Pantaleón, located in the Kuzguncuk district of Istanbul. The church dates back to the era of the Ottoman Sultan Mahmud II, when it was opened during his reign as the first church in the region.
Place address: Kuzguncuk, İcadiye Cd. No:50, 34674 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Tourist churches and monasteries in Istanbul
8- Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahce Palace – Sultan Abd al-Majid built the Dolmabahçe Palace, or the so-called Palace of the Sultans, in 1856 AD, opposite the Bosphorus Strait, with an area of 45,000 square meters, which is divided into three parts, which are the imperial harem, government apartments, and the ceremonial hall. This beautiful palace was built mainly as a mooring for the Ottoman fleet. Eventually, however, the imperial garden and various small summer palaces transformed this area into a palace. There are also clear Western influences in the decoration style of the palace, which gives it a distinctive aesthetic touch, as it is full of amazing chandeliers and fountains. It is one of the most important tourist places in historical Turkey, which is characterized by luxurious design and construction, and includes many gardens, 285 rooms and 46 halls, and when entering the Dolmabahçe Palace, you must enjoy a family picnic in the surrounding gardens, which are considered important gardens and see the sculptures and fountains it contains.
Place address: Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe Palace, Dolmabahçe Cd., 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Gardens and parks in Istanbul
9- Ortaköy Mosque
Ortaköy Mosque – The Great Mosque, also known as the Oratakoy Mosque, is located on the shore of the Bosphorus in Ortakoy (the middle village), and was designed by Sultan Abdülmecid in 1853 and according to the plans of the architect Nigoğos Balyan in the neo-baroque style, with With the Bosphorus Bridge behind it, this mosque is a stunning tourist attraction that should not be missed and is one of the important symbols of Istanbul.
Place address: Mecidiye, Mecidiye Köprüsü Sk. No:1 D:1, 34347 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Famous mosques in Istanbul
10- Laleli Mosque
Laleli Mosque – The Lalali Mosque dates back to the era of the Ottoman Empire, where the architects Amin and Taher Ağa witnessed the unique and distinctive details of its construction. Today, the mosque is one of the most important tourist attractions in Istanbul, which is visited by tourists from all over the world, hoping to see this beauty.
Place address: Kemal Paşa, Ordu Cd., 34134 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Famous mosques in Istanbul
11- Hirami Ahmet Pasha Mosque
Hirami Ahmet Pasha Mosque – Ahmed Pasha Mosque is located in one of the most conservative areas in Istanbul. Its building was originally an Eastern Orthodox church dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. It was also the smallest Byzantine church in Constantinople. It was later converted into a mosque by the Ottomans, although the date of its construction is unknown. It is still unknown until now, but in view of its architectural design it is believed that it dates back to the twelfth century.
Place address: Balat, Koltukçu Sk. No:4, 34087 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Famous mosques in Istanbul
12- Haydarpasa Train Station
Haydarpasa Train Station – Haydarpasa railway station is one of the largest and oldest railway stations in Turkey, and indeed in the Middle East in general, as it dates back to the early twentieth century, when a group of German engineers designed it to be a distinctive architectural landmark for the city of Istanbul. A monument was built that includes a tower with a clock on its top, and it was decorated from the inside with colorful windows, and it was decorated with wreaths of trees and landscapes, so that its facade overlooks the city.
Place address: Rasimpaşa, 34716 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Train stations in Istanbul
13- Camlica Masjid
Camlica Masjid – The magnificent Çamlıca Mosque is the largest mosque in Turkey, with a capacity of approximately 63,000 worshipers. It is distinguished by its stunning high towers, beautiful blue domes, and its exceptional Ottoman-style building covered with white marble, abundant decorations, and hand-painted windows. This mosque also contains a museum that tells the history of the mosque and the period in which it was built. It also contains an art gallery in which pieces were collected from the palaces of the Ottoman princes and kings. There is free parking near the mosque that can accommodate approximately 3,500 cars.
Place address: Ferah, Çamlıca Masjid, Ferah Yolu Sk. No:87, 34692 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Famous mosques in Istanbul
14- Rustem Pasha Mosque
Rustem Pasha Mosque – Rustem Pasha Mosque is located in the old and crowded market area of Eminonu district next to the Golden Horn. It was built between 1550-1561 by order of Rustem Pasha; The Grand Vizier and son-in-law of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, according to the design of the great imperial architect Sinan, the mosque was damaged in a fire in 1666 and an earthquake in 1776, but it was completely restored afterwards. The Rüstem Pasha Mosque is famous for its beautiful 16th-century Nicene tiles that cover the entire walls and the mihrab and minbar areas as well. It has an octagonal structure that sits on a high platform above several old shops that you can reach by spiral staircases. The Rüstem Pasha Mosque is one of the most magnificent. Ottoman mosques in Istanbul, despite its small size, and when you enter it, you will be amazed by its bright colors and amazing designs.
Place address: Rüstem Paşa, Hasırcılar Cd. No:62, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Famous mosques in Istanbul
15- St. George’s Cathedral
St. George’s Cathedral – St. George’s Cathedral, also known as the Greek Patriarchal Church of Agia Yorgi, is located in the Fener neighborhood on the banks of the Golden Horn. It is the fifth church to house the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate since the 15th century. It was formerly an Orthodox nunnery, and was converted into patriarchal offices between 1598 And 1601, and it is famous today for its valuables, and its building is divided into three parts, including a vestibule containing icons of Saints George and Elijah, a plate and an altar, and it also maintains the traditional basilica style with its three corridors.
Place address: Yavuz Sultan Selim, Dr. Sadık Ahmet Cd. No:44, 34083 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Tourist churches and monasteries in Istanbul
16- Topkapi Palace Museum
Topkapi Palace Museum – Sultans, princes and their servants lived in the beautiful Topkapi Palace in the 15th and 19th centuries during the rule of the Ottoman Empire. As the palace was built for the first time in 1453 AD by Muhammad Al-Fateh. A visit to this grand palace, including viewing the treasury full of jewels and stunning décor, gives guests a glimpse into the life of the sultans and princes of that time period. And not only that, as the Palace Museum displays an exceptional collection of Islamic relics, such as the sword of the Messenger, may God bless him and grant him peace, and other exhibits that made it one of the famous world heritage sites.
Place address: Cankurtaran, Topkapi Palace Museum, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Tourist palaces in Istanbul
17- Rumeli Fortress
Rumeli Fortress – Rumeli Fortress is a large fortress with an area of approximately 16 acres of high walls, towers and green surroundings, located on the European side of Istanbul in the narrowest part of the Bosphorus Strait. It was built over the course of four months in the year 1452 AD, by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II, in preparation for the final attack on Constantinople and the final fall of the Byzantine Empire. It is now one of the most prominent archaeological and tourist attractions in Istanbul and a unique destination that attracts large numbers of tourists from all over the world.
Place address: Rumeli Hisarı, Rumelihisarı, Yahya Kemal Cd., 34470 Sarıyer/İstanbul, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Fortresses in Istanbul
18- Beyazıt Tower
Beyazıt Tower – Burjpur Beyazit is located right in Beyazit Square and close to Istanbul University, as you can see it from almost every part of the old city. Since its first wooden construction in 1749 AD, it has served as a fire watchtower and was used to send navigation information to ships in the Golden Horn. Seven years later, during the Great Shibali Fire, the tower was severely damaged and replaced by a second building on the same site. It was designed in the Ottoman style and named after Sultan Bayezid II. A spiral wooden staircase leads to the upper floor of the stone tower to a room of 50 square meters, in which Many arched windows. Today, the tower acts as a weather tower, displaying weather conditions in different colors, blue representing sunny weather, green representing rain, yellow representing fog, and red representing snow.
Place address: Beyazıt Mah İstanbul universitesi rektörlüğü, Süleymaniye, 34452 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Tourist towers and beacons in Istanbul
19- Tahta Minare Mosque
Tahta Minare Mosque – The Tahta Minari Mosque is located in the famous Balat neighborhood near the Golden Horn in Istanbul. According to the inscription engraved near its gate, it was built in 1458 by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, which makes it one of the oldest mosques in Istanbul to this day. Its original wooden minaret was built in 1865 by Khalil Agha. The entire building was restored in 1957, and today it features tall, modern windows.
Place address: Balat, Vodina Cd. No:65, 34087 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Famous mosques in Istanbul
20- Saint Anthony’s Church
Saint Anthony’s Church – St. Anthony’s Church, known in Turkish as St. Antoine’s Church, is the largest Roman Catholic church in Istanbul, built to serve the Italian community living in the city. The church was distinguished by an imposing building of red brick, which was originally built on this site in 1725 AD, but was demolished in the early twentieth century, to make way for a tram line. However, the church was rebuilt and completed in 1912 AD. It stands today as a fine example of the Italian neo-Gothic style, attracting tourists from all over the world.
Place address: Tomtom, İstiklal Cd. No:171, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Tourist churches and monasteries in Istanbul
21- Tesvikiye Mosque
Tesvikiye Mosque – The Tashuqiyya Mosque dates back hundreds of years as it was a mosque dedicated to sultans and princes. The large porticoed structure of the mosque was built in 1854 AD by Sultan Abdulmecid I, in a place far from the high-end shops and restaurants crowding to attract the attention of pedestrians, with a design Architectural in the Islamic style, where the decorations that cover the walls, the spacious prayer hall, the wooden pulpit, and the arched ceilings reflect a kind of prestige and grandeur.
Place address: Teşvikiye Mah, Teşvikiye, 34365 Şişli/İstanbul, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Famous mosques in Istanbul
22- Chora Mosque
Chora Mosque – World-famous for its well-preserved mosaics and frescoes, the Chora Mosque offers important and beautiful examples of Eastern Roman painting in its later period. The mosque was originally built as a Greek Orthodox church during the reign of Emperor Justinian I in the fifth century AD. Repairs and additions have changed the original building plan to a large extent. The church turned into a mosque in the sixteenth century during the Ottoman era, and then became a museum in the year 1945, but it returned to a mosque in the year 2020. The mosque building today dates back to the fourteenth century, and visitors will find wonderful arches, many domes, and majestic drawings on the ceilings and walls.
Place address: Dervişali, Chora Museum, Kariye Cami Sk. No:18, 34087 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Historical museums in Istanbul
23- Historical Cesme
Historical Cesme – During your tour of historical Cesme, you will pass a long journey through ancient times, where historical tall buildings, arches, large balconies, and pointed ceilings, which will give you a clear imagination of the lifestyle at that time, and when you enter the old alleys, you will glimpse colorful staircases and lanes covered with colorful umbrellas in an attempt to attract tourists to These distinct areas.
Place address: Balat, Sancaktar Ykş. No:11, 34087 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Tourist neighborhoods in Istanbul
24- The Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque – The Blue Mosque (or as it is known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque) was built by Sultan Ahmed I in the period between 1609-1616 AD, in order to confirm the Ottoman authority. This impressive mosque features a group of layered domes, surrounded by six minarets that adorn the city’s skyline. The mosque is the largest and most visited Ottoman mosque. Despite its popular appeal, access to it is seriously controlled because the mosque is still used for religious purposes, so tourists are not allowed to enter during prayer times.
Place address: Sultan Ahmet, The Blue Mosque, Atmeydanı Cd. No:7, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Famous mosques in Istanbul
25- Fethiye Museum – Pammakaristos Church
Fethiye Museum – Pammakaristos Church – The Bamakaristos Church was built in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, and it was during the Byzantine period an important religious building, and after the conquest of Istanbul, it was used for a while as a patriarchal house for the rest of the Christians in the city, but in 1574 it was converted into a mosque, and after a series of restorations in the thirties The twentieth century, it was opened as the Fethiye Museum in 2006, and today it houses the most beautiful examples of Byzantine mosaics from the fourteenth century after those in Hagia Sophia and Chora Church.
Place address: Fethiye Caddesi, Balat, Draman Cd., 34087 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Tourist churches and monasteries in Istanbul
Conclusion
We hope our guide has inspired you to explore the unique and fascinating region of Istanbul (Turkey) . From its stunning natural wonders to its rich cultural heritage, Istanbul (Turkey) is a destination that promises to leave you awe-inspired and enriched. We encourage you to take your time and immerse yourself in the local culture, learn about the history and traditions of the region, and connect with the people who call it home. Remember that every journey is a personal one, and your experience in Istanbul (Turkey) will be different from anyone else’s. So, don’t be afraid to follow your instincts, take a detour, and explore the unknown. As you journey through Istanbul (Turkey) , we invite you to embrace the unexpected and discover the hidden treasures that await. We hope that our guide has been a valuable resource in planning your trip, and we look forward to hearing about your travels. Safe travels, happy exploring, and until next time!