Istanbul - Turkey

Just north of the historical center of Istanbul is where you will find the Istanbul cruise facilties. From here you will have the oppurtunity to walk to the city, take a taxi or jump on the tram. Read all about your docking location in the full Istanbul cruise port guide.

This perhaps is the most scenic sail in into any port of call in the world. Before your ship can dock it needs to sail past the city centre where the minarets dominate Istanbul’s skyline. This is simply something not to be missed. Be on the outside deck at least half and hour before arrival and half an hour after departure.

Together with the Grand Bazaar this is one of the largest and most popular bazaars of Istanbul. Find 85 vendors in this covered market. Pick up any kinds of dried fruit, nuts, turkish delight and souvenirs. Find this bazaar in the city centre. Reach it by foot or tram. See details above.

One of the most unique buildings in the world. This unequalled masterpiece is a symbol of Istanbul. It wasn’t build as a mosque. It was build to be the greatest Christian Church of the Byzantine empire. Its construction started in 532 and lasted 5 years. Historical records show many different civilisations would eventually stand at the doorstep of this magnificent structure like the vikings, but later also the Ottomans that would completely transform its appearance until the last part of Christian faith was removed. Partly though, because the building still holds secrets inside about its history and previous purposes. Find Aya Sofia in the city centre.

This is currently the most visited museum in Turkey, but it used to be the administrative centre of the Ottomans for nearly 400 years. It was the 1st palace of the Ottoman empire. It is surrounded by 5km of wall, protected by 28 towers. Expect long queues. Find the museum right in the city centre.

Istanbul counts 60 cisterns. All of them were built during Byzantine times. The Yerebatan or Sunken Palace is the last surviving Byzantine cistern in Istanbul. It was a enormous water storage tank that dates back from the 532. 336 columns support the underground water tank that could once hold 80.000 cubic water. It was all pumped and delivered through a 20 km long aqueduct. The tank was used until the 16th century. Nowadays it is open to the public. Walk inside, stroll through this mysterious place. Pick up an audiobook to learn more about it. Find it right in the city centre next to Aya Sofya.

World wide known for its beauty is the Blue Mosque or Sultanahmet. It was built in the 17th century when countless beautiful tiles made up the mesmerising interior of this famous mosque. The Blue tiles is where it has gotten its name from. Blue is very popular colour in Turkey. It is even said the French were so impressed that the called this colour of the Turks: Turquoise. Architecturally the Blue Mosque reveals with the mosque in Mekka, the holiest in all Islam. Witness its beautify for yourself. Please note the mosque is closes 5 times a day due to prayer hours. Shoes must be removed. Women must cover their hair. Find the Blue Mosque in the city centre.

58 streets and 4000 shops make up the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. This is where you get your handmade artefacts, souvenirs and smoke water pipe. Bring your bargaining skills!

A popular thing to do in Istanbul is to take a day or evening cruise on the Bosphorus. Catch these boats at Eminönü on the other side of the bridge. Check its exact location on the map above.

This might be the oldest structure of Istanbul. It was started in 203 after the conquest of the Romans. It took them 27 years to complete it. The Serpentine Column, Column of Constantine and Obelisk of Theodosius stand proudly on the square today. Even today they are the heart of the city. It might be something Egyptian but it was honoured by the many other that followed them