Situated between two continents Istanbul is an interesting mixture of the historical and bustling contemporary life. Its spectacular cultural background and architectural masterpieces make it a dream place to every tourist across the globe. Istanbul is like a museum and every street, palace, and monument narrates an interesting story. History lovers, art lovers, and those who like to explore and read about the great things in the past would find a myriad of Top Museums and Palaces to Visit that reveal the greatness of empires long gone and the artistic geniuses that created this great city. You can go alone, with your family, or couple as Istanbul is sure to offer an experience that is unforgettable in terms of time.

In planning out the trip you can make a reservation on Istanbul Holiday package offered by some of the well known travelling companies such as Gokite Tours that promises a trouble free well organised tour. Istanbul heritage sites are some of the most spectacular in the world, including the grand Ottoman palaces, museums which are renowned all over the world. Visiting Istanbul, you can discover its secrets with the help of the special designed travel packages, comfortable accommodation and personalized trip which help to learn the history of the city. This travel guide comprises the list of the best Museums and Palaces to visit in Istanbul and explores the history of the city, the royal and cultural history of which still impresses millions of visitors annually.

Here are the Top Museums and Palaces to Visit in Istanbul

1. The Topkapi Palace -The core of Ottoman Greatness.

The iconic Topkapi Palace would never be included in the list of the Top Museums and Palaces to Visit in Istanbul. This vast complex used to be the home of Ottoman sultans during almost 400 years and now it is a museum of imperial treasures, holy relics, and beautiful courtyards. Topkapi palace was constructed in the 15th century by Sultan Mehmed II, and the lavish life of the Ottoman elite can be observed.

The visitors get to see the places such as the Imperial Harem where the family of the sultan lived and the Treasury where the flashy Spoonmaker Dagger and the Topkapi Dagger are found. The palace is also able to provide spectacular sights of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. When you are booking the travel packages to Istanbul, you must include a guided tour of Topkapi Palace, the tales of its power, intrigue and opulence are so captivating.

2. Hagia Sophia - The Wonder without Time.

As one of the masterpieces of Byzantine architecture, Hagia Sophia has had a great impact on the emergence and decline of empires. It was a cathedral, then a mosque, and currently a sort of a museum-mosque, but it is one of the most important monuments of Istanbul. The huge dome, elaborate mosaics and grand interiors still leave an awe on the visitors even centuries after its construction in 537 AD.

A visit to Hagia Sophia is a time travel back in time as the Christian icons are mixed with Islamic calligraphy a representation of the cultural unity of Istanbul. This is one of the destinations in most Istanbul Holiday packages because it is the crown jewel of the city. Hagia Sophia represents the spiritual and construction brilliance of Istanbul whether it is seen outside or inside.

3. Dolmabahce Palace A mixture of the East and the West.

To individuals who may be interested in the later Ottoman era, Dolmabahce Palace can provide an insight into a more European-inspired age. This palace was built in the middle of the 19 th century, after Topkapi was moved out as the imperial palace, and it is an excellent example of neoclassical and baroque styles combined with the classic Ottoman style.

It has adulterated interiors containing crystal chandeliers, marble stairways and gold ornamentation. In its great ballroom, there rests the largest Bohemian crystal chandelier in the world presented by Queen Victoria. Dolmabahce Palace, which was established along the Bosphorus is a place of immeasurably great historical significance since it was here that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the person who was the founder of modern Turkey, spent his last days. To tourists visiting Istanbul through travel packages, there is a need to visit this place to have the royal style and culture.

4. Istanbul Archaeological Museums Istanbul Archaeological Museums - A Treasure Trove of Ancient Civilizations.

The Istanbul Archaeological Museums, a compound of three museums, which include the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Orient and the Tiled Kiosk Museum will be paradise to history buffs. Together they possess more than a million artifacts of centuries of Mesopotamia and Egypt, the Byzantine empires, and the Roman empires.

The items on high demand are the Alexander Sarcophagus, beautiful cuneiform tablets, and ancient Troy relics. Being among the Top Museums and Palaces to Visit, this site is the best educational experience that one can ever have that enhances his or her knowledge on human civilization. On Go kite Tours, it is possible to experience a skip-the-line entry and guided tours with professional guides that bring the ancient history alive.

5. Basilica Cistern- The Underground Wonder.

The Basilica Cistern is within the dense streets of Istanbul even though it is a hidden place. This is a huge underground reservoir constructed under Emperor Justinian I and used to serve the Great Palace with water. It has 336 marble columns, low lighting and echoing chambers that make it look eerie and magical.

Among the most photographed ones is the two Medusa head columns that are placed sideways and upside down. The Basilica Cistern is not necessarily only a piece of engineering accomplishment, but an intersection of art, history and mystery. The site is part of most itineraries of tourists visiting Istanbul, which is why it is a must-visit place of inquisitive explorers.

6. Chora Museum (Kariye Mosque) - Art of Byzantine Mosaics.

The Chora Museum is a well preserved Byzantine artwork found in the Edirnekapii district, and is one of the most beautiful in the world. It has the frescoes and mosaic decorations that are colorful which depict the life of Christ and Virgin Mary. These paintings are dated in the 14 th century and reflect the elegance of the Byzantine art prior to the destruction of Constantinople.

Even now, when it was turned back into a mosque, people can admire a great portion of its initial beauty. This is one of the hidden gems that should not be overlooked by art lovers and history enthusiasts during their visit to the Top Museums and Palaces to Visit in Istanbul.

7. Rahmi M. Koç Museum Industrial Heritage at the Golden Horn.

To break the series of traditional palaces and religious attractions, the Rahmi M. Koç Museum will provide an interesting insight into the history of industry and technologies in Turkey. Located on the Golden Horn, the museum is exhibited with pre-historic cars, aircrafts, ships and scientific instruments. It is interactive thus an experience to both adults and children.

It has become a nice part of the family friendly Istanbul Holiday packages as it gives information on how technology has influenced the modern Turkey and also it gives an informative yet entertaining experience.

8. Galata Mevlevi Museum - The Legacies of the Whirling Dervishes.

Previously the dervish lodge, this museum is located next to the legendary Galata Tower and serves the religious customs of Mevlevi Order with the Whirling Dervishes. There are on display musical instruments and calligraphy and Sufism artifacts. The calmness of the setting makes one think and interpret about the mystical history of Turkey.

In case you are traveling to Istanbul in the form of cultural shows, you must not leave before attending a Whirling Dervish ceremony in this city.

9. Beylerbeyi Palace - Summer Palace of Sultans.

Located on the Asian side of the Bosphorus, Beylerbeyi Palace was both a diving pool summer residence of Ottoman sultans and a guesthouse of invited dignitaries. Its design blends the Ottoman, Baroque and the Western designs and now has an elegant waterfront palace with a lush garden.

Tourists have an opportunity to see the beautiful furniture, crystal chandeliers, and marble pools where the royal feasts and rituals took place. It is the beauty of the palace that is very cozy and not in the bustle of the city. Those who have booked travel packages to Istanbul should take a Bosphorus cruise which makes a stop at Beylerbeyi Palace.

10. Pera Museum A Cultural and Art Celebration.

Pera Museum is a contemporary cultural venue focusing on fine arts, photography and historical exhibitions that is situated at the lively Beyoğlu neighborhood. Its permanent collection includes Orientalist paintings, weights and measures of Anatolia and Kutahya tiles. The museum also has rotating international exhibitions which are used to display both Turkish and international artists.

Pera Museum is an indispensable attraction to art lovers who want to visit the Top Museums and Palaces in Istanbul as it combines ancient culture with a creative atmosphere of modernity.

11. Istanbul Modern -Where Contemporary Art Meets the Bosphorus.

The first contemporary art museum in Turkey is Istanbul Modern, which is an icon of the changing phenomenon in arts in the city. It is situated in a beautiful waterfront building that has exhibitions of Turkish and other international artists, movies, and installation.

Photographers and other art lovers have made it their favorite due to its airy architecture and picturesque Bosphorus views. In case you are visiting Istanbul through Gokite Tours, you should not fail to visit this place to feel the beating heart of the contemporary Turkish art.

12. Yildiz Palace The Final Seat of the Ottoman Glory.

One of the last residences of the Ottoman sultans was Yildiz Palace, which was located in a wooded park facing the Bosphorus. Constructed at the end of the 19 th century, it is a compound of pavilions, gardens, and workshops based on the twilight period of the empire. The visitors have an opportunity to visit the State Apartments, magnificent Şale Pavilion, and well-laid gardens.

The palace is a peaceful and historical activity, thus becoming one of the Top Museums and Palaces to Visit in Istanbul by tourists who would want to discover the royal past of the city.

Conclusion:

Istanbul is not merely a sightseeing place but a museum of itself that links the past with the present. Its palaces, museums and cultural sites give a strong insight into centuries of imperial brilliance, artistic excellence, and religious culture. Starting with the Byzantine mosaics at Chora, to the Ottoman extravagance of Topkapi and Dolmabahce, each of the sites presents a new chapter in the enthralling history of the city.

When picking the Istanbul Holiday packages or Istanbul travel packages, it is always a good decision to pick the best packages so that you can enjoy the rich history of the city with ease and comfort. Tours such as the Go kite Tours offer guided tours that are involved with the actual spirit of this great city. The visitor may be an art lover or a history lover, or first-time visitor, discovering these Top Museums and Palaces to Visit will leave you with a lifetime of memories and experience. The eternal beauty of Istanbul still mesmerizes the visitors of different parts of the world. Therefore, book your trip today through Go kite Tours and let the magic of the Istanbul heritage speak in your eyes where each palace, museum, and monument is talking about the empires, religion and beauty in ways that are quantifiable.