4 Offbeat Tourist Attractions in Istanbul

Istanbul is known for its rich history and culture that dates back to hundreds of years when it was part of the Byzantine Empire and known as Constantinople. The city is packed with so many things to do and see, that you can easily miss out on some of the most amazing landmarks, and this is why we’ve tried to piece together a list of few offbeat tourist attractions in Istanbul.

1. Istanbul Archaeological Museum: While this isn’t as famous as some of the other landmarks dotting the city skyline of Istanbul, the Archaeological Museum has its own fan following. An impressive historical venue, this destination in Istanbul brings together a unique collection of sculptures and artifacts from Turkey and the different corners of the Middle East. The museum is divided into three sections – the main museum, the Tiled Pavilion of Mehmed the Conqueror, and lastly, the Museum of the Ancient Orient.
2. Istanbul’s Grand Bazar: The Grand Bazaar clearly doesn’t need any introduction as it is famous the world over. If this is your first time in the city and you’re looking for some Turkish souvenirs, then this is your ideal destination. It is one of the biggest covered markets in the world – one that has 18 entrances and 61 covered streets. It is a great place for buying silk garments, carpets, and jewelry.
3. Rumelihisari: This beautiful Ottoman fortress is one of the prime landmarks and a popular destination in Istanbul. Built back in 1940, the fortress never saw any real battle and only served as a monastery and a customs checkpoint. It has an open-air theatre for music, dance, and theatre performances, where tourists get to know about Turkish culture.
4. Bosphorus Cruise: Clearly, one of the main tourist attractions in Istanbul is the cruise on the Bosphorus. It gives people a chance to bask in the ravishing scenery of the city and enjoy the azure blue waters of the sea. There are three types of cruises available – a full-day cruise, a short cruise, and a cruise on a private yacht. You can avail any of these depending on the schedule you have and the budget you’ve set aside for the cruise.

Key takeaway

Istanbul has tons to offer and you cannot expect to witness everything during your short stay in the city. But, hopefully, our brief but informative guide has been of help. To know more about the top things to see or things to do in Istanbul, feel free to check us out at exploringbeings.com.