With its ornate architecture and vibrant culture, Istanbul is one of the most photogenic cities in the world. Grab your camera (or your phone) and head to our top 10 photo spots in this enthralling city!
Dolmabahçe Palace is the largest palace in Turkey. In addition to the building itself, it houses an impressive collection of calligraphy, porcelain, shields and more. Be sure to grab that iconic shot of the palace’s intricate white gate framing the Bosphorous.
Lesser visited than Istanbul’s other mosques, Süleymaniye boasts bold stripes and imposing arches. Commissioned by Seuleiman the Magnificent in 1550, it is one of the largest mosques ever built and a prime example of Ottoman grandeur.
Ready your camera’s light metre and step into the dim ambience of this underground wonder. This is the biggest of the several hundred ancient cisterns that are underneath Istanbul. Its marble columns make for stunning photographs.
Capture the colourful homes and laneways of these trendy and historic neighbourhoods.
Glide between two continents on a boat trip along the Bosphorous for some of the most iconic views of Istanbul!
If you love design and architecture then you could spend hours wandering through elegant Topkapi Palace. Built in the 15th century, it served as the residence and headquarters of Ottoman sultans for nearly four centuries.
Stroll across Galata bridge at golden hour to see Istanbul at its most magical. Be sure to grab a fish sandwich from the boats docked at the quay. Entrepeneurial fishermen equipped their boats with fryers and started selling these fresh and delicious sandwiches, which have a gastronomic icon of Istanbul.
If these walls could speak… The Hagia Sophia would have a thousand tales to tell. Built as a church during the 6th century Byzantine period, it later became a mosque, then a museum, then a mosque again. It is a stunning structure inside and out, and should be at the top of your Istanbul sightseeing list. Amateur photographers, don’t fear – it is impossible to take a bad photo of this very special monument.
Take your pick from the city’s array of produce markets. Our favourites are the Spice Bazaar and the Kadıköy Produce Market (Kadıköy Pazarı). Each is a feast for the senses, from colourful aromatics and jewels of lokus (Turkish delight) to mountains of roasted nuts and shards of honeycomb.
This might just be our favourite museum in the city. It features a stunning collection of traditional Islamic art, from ancient to contemporary. This includes calligraphy, textiles, ceramics and so much more. At the time of writing, it is possible to take photos inside, but flash photography and videography is prohibited.
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