Discover the Best of Istanbul's European Side: A Traveler's Guide

İrem Uğur
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Istanbul, Turkey's most populated city, has countless places to visit. The European Side offers a great richness in this regard. The places to visit on the European Side fascinate everyone with its historical texture, architecture and nature. The European Side, where you can see the deep traces of multicultural life, is one of the favorite places of both Istanbul residents and tourists. From Taksim Square to Sultanahmet, from Topkapi to the Grand Bazaar, from Galata to Dolmabahçe, the European Side can only be recognized with a trip that will last for days. There are countless places to visit, places to have fun and places to take a short break from life on the European Side.

In this content, you can find a list of the best places to visit on the European Side, where the heart of Istanbul beats.

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia is one of the symbols of the European Side. Dating back to 532-537, Hagia Sophia Mosque has been used as a cathedral, mosque and museum throughout history. Hagia Sophia Mosque, which is on UNESCO's World Heritage List, has been used as a mosque again since July 10, 2020. You should definitely add it to your European Side route to learn more about the history of the Hagia Sophia Mosque, to walk around it and to get to know this historical place closely.

The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Mosque)

Built between 1609-1617, the Blue Mosque, an Ottoman historical monument, is one of the first places that come to mind when it comes to places to visit on the European Side. This historical building, called Blue Mosque by Europeans, is the main mosque of Istanbul.

Topkapı Palace Museum

Located in Sarayburnu, Istanbul, Topkapı Palace Museum was used as a palace for 400 years of the Ottoman Empire's 600-year history. This location, where you can see traces of those days, is one of the most important historical peninsula monuments.

Grand Bazaar

One of the most visited locations in Istanbul is the Grand Bazaar. With approximately 4 thousand shops, the Grand Bazaar is one of the most enjoyable places to visit in Istanbul. We recommend you to visit the Grand Bazaar, which welcomes more than 91 million tourists a year.

Basilica Cistern

Basilica Cistern, the largest indoor cistern in the city, is a place that looks like a forest of columns. The history of this place dates back to the Byzantine period. Opened in 1987, the Basilica Cistern is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the European side of Istanbul.

Galata Tower

Galata Tower is one of the most meaningful, most visited and most loved locations in Istanbul. Located in Beyoğlu, Galata Tower was completed in 1348 and has been renovated many times throughout history.

Dolmabahçe Palace

Built on an area of 250 thousand square meters, this Ottoman palace was completed in 1856. Dolmabahçe Palace, which is now used as a museum, is one of the works of the periods when Western influences were seen in Turkish architecture. This palace, which you should definitely add to your European Side trip, was also used by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

Süleymaniye Mosque

The Süleymaniye Mosque, which was built by Mimar Sinan in the name of Kanuni Sultan Süleyman and which Sinan referred to as his 'apprenticeship work,' is one of the locations that those who want to visit Istanbul for historical and cultural tourism must definitely see.

Egyptian Bazaar

The Egyptian Bazaar in Eminönü is known as one of the oldest covered bazaars in Istanbul. This famous bazaar is known for its herbalists. You can also buy nuts, delicatessen products and many foodstuffs from Egyptian Bazaar.

Sultanahmet Square

Sultanahmet Square in Fatih, Istanbul is a square that was called Hippodrome during the Byzantine period. This historical square was known as Atmeydanı during the Ottoman period. You can include Sultanahmet Square, which has many historical elements around it, in your European Side trip.

Istiklal Avenue

Istiklal Avenue, which connects Istanbul's Taksim and Tünel squares, is lined with shops, cafes and many venues. From the late 19th century onwards, Istiklal Street has become popular, and don't forget to stop by Galata.

Istanbul Archaeological Museum

Home to more than one million artifacts from various cultures, the Istanbul Archaeological Museum is one of the largest museums in the world. Founded in the late 19th century by painter and museum curator Osman Hamdi Bey, be sure to visit every inch of this museum.

Ortaköy Mosque

The Grand Mecidiye Mosque, or Ortaköy Mosque as it is popularly known, is one of the symbols of Istanbul with its Neo Baroque style. Built in 1854, Ortaköy Mosque has been renovated many times in history. We can say that there is hardly anyone who goes here and returns without taking a photo!

Rumelihisarı

Rumelihisarı or Boğazkesen is directly opposite the Anatolian Hisarı on the Anatolian side. Founded in 1452, RumeliHisarı played an important role in the Conquest of Istanbul. You should definitely see this fortress located right on the shore of the sea in green and blue.

Miniatürk

Miniatürk, or Miniature Turkey Park, was opened on May 2, 2003. Built on an area of 60 thousand square meters, this park is the largest miniature park in the world. It is open 365 days a year and can be visited at any time.

Gülhane Park

Gülhane Park is one of the most important locations that has been the subject of poems and novels. Located between the Regimental Pavilion, Topkapi Palace and Sarayburnu, Gülhane Park used to be the outer garden of Topkapi during the Ottoman period. The park was restored in 2003 and has become more useful.

Rahmi M. Koç Museum

Rahmi M. Koç Museum is located in Istanbul, on the banks of the Golden Horn. Rahmi M. Koç Museum, an industrial museum, was opened with the support of businessman Rahmi Koç. This museum also operates in Ankara and on Cunda Island in Ayvalık, Balıkesir.

Istanbul Aquarium

Apart from locations that smell of history and culture, there are also different activities you can do in Istanbul. One of them is to visit the Istanbul Aquarium and closely examine countless sea creatures.

Emirgan Grove

Emirgan Grove, located in Sarıyer, is an open area of 47.2 hectares surrounded by high walls. Since 2006, the Tulip Festival has been organized every year in April.

VIALAND Theme Park

Vialand, or Isfanbul as it was formerly known, is the first theme park built in Turkey. Opened on May 26, 2013, VIALAND Theme Park is built on an area of 200 thousand square meters. We recommend you to come here and enjoy your time with your family.

Eyüp Sultan Mosque

One of the historical locations you should visit in Istanbul is Eyüp Sultan Mosque. Located on the shores of the Golden Horn, Eyüp Sultan Mosque is one of the most original works of Ottoman architecture.

Yıldız Park

In Istanbul, which is crowded with buildings, visitors can also look for green spaces to breathe a sigh of relief. One of the most visited places at this stage is Yıldız Park. Yıldız Park is a historical park located in Beşiktaş, Istanbul. Yıldız Park, which includes Malta and Çadır Mansions, became very prominent during the Ottoman period. Nowadays, it is still heavily visited by tourists.

The Museum of Innocence

Based on Orhan Pamuk's work of the same name, the Museum of Innocence is one of the first stops for both those who have read the work and those who enjoy historical tours. Founded when a 19th century house was converted into a museum, this museum was also awarded the European Museum of the Year award.

The Church of St. Anthony of Padua

St. Antuan Catholic Church is located on Istiklal Avenue. Dating back to the early 20th century, this church is known for its neo-gothic style. It is one of the places you should definitely visit on the European Side in Istanbul.

Fatih Mosque

Fatih Mosque and Complex was built by Mehmed II (Mehmed the Conqueror). The complex includes 16 madrasas, darüşşifa, guesthouse, library and hammam. It was built on one of the seven hills of the city.

Çiçek Pasajı

Çiçek Pasajı is located in Beyoğlu, Istanbul. It was built in the place of the Naum Theater, which was lost after the Great Beyoğlu Fire. The clock on the facade of this building, which has 3 floors including the entrance, is also very interesting.

Panorama 1453 History Museum

Panorama 1453 History Museum is a panoramic museum that portrays the Conquest of Istanbul with various materials. You can learn many details about the Conquest of Istanbul at the Panorama 1453 History Museum, which tells this blessed event in the most concrete way.

Yedikule Fortress Museum

Yedikule Fortress Museum is known as the oldest open-air museum in Istanbul and Turkey. The history of this museum, also known as Yedikule Dungeons, dates back to ancient times. Here you can get information about ancient times in an area that smells of history.

Saint George's Church and Ecumenical Patriarchate

It is located in Fener in Istanbul. It is home to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Istanbul. This Eastern Orthodox church is still active today.

Madame Tussauds Istanbul

Not every museum has to give a sense of history. In some of them, we can also see pieces from today. Madame Tussauds Istanbul is just such a place. Wax sculptures of many important personalities and artists from both history and today are exhibited here.

Taksim Gezi Park

Taksim Gezi Park is a park located northeast of Taksim Square between Cumhuriyet, Asker Ocağı and Mete streets. Opened in 1943 and dating back to ancient times, Taksim Gezi Park is one of the most important locations today.

Taksim Square

If you have visited Istiklal Street, you have definitely passed through here. Taksim Square is the center of gatherings in Beyoglu, Istanbul. The Republic Monument is also located here. You can start your Beyoğlu trip in Taksim Square, where nostalgic trams run.

Kamondo Stairs

This is one of the most popular spots for photo shoots. The stairs leading to Galata Tower are in art nouveau style. Dating from the 19th century, we recommend you to walk through these historical stairs.

Aynalıkavak Pavilion

Aynalıkavak Pavilion is a mansion from the Ottoman palaces. It is known for its richly decorated rooms and gardens. It is often wondered by those who visit Istanbul with its lush green land, view and unique beauty.