Istanbul Istanbul is a city that is a masterpiece of history, culture, and architecture that is a grand mixture of Europe and Asia. Not only is it the largest city of Turkey, but also a living museum which narrates the history of the empires, religions and civilizations which have changed the world. The history of Istanbul remains intact with its grandiose mosques, royal palaces and landmarks, which fascinate millions of tourists annually since Byzantine Empire up to the Ottoman reign.

When you are planning your tour of the city of Istanbul in India, get prepared to travel to a place that is both spiritual and artistic and at the same time imperial and it is in no other place in the world. Istanbul is a mesmerizing blend of domes, golden minarets, colorful bazaars and picturesque waterfronts on the phosphorus. The grandeur of royal past and the layers of rich cultures that characterize the modern city can be seen in the architectural marvels of this city, some of the Top 10 Palaces in Istanbul. It be it on history, religion, or even on the sheer beauty of the Turkish architectures, you will be assured of a trip of a lifetime on an Istanbul Tour. Go kite Tours is a company that will help you explore the spirit of this breathtaking city with carefully designed programs that would include the most remarkable attractions of the city-imperial palaces of the Sultans, and towering mosques that have been serving as the symbols of the city since time immemorial. We will take a tour through the Top 10 Mosques, Palaces & Landmarks to Visit on Your Istanbul Tour, in each of which there is a story to be recalled.

1. Hagia Sophia ( Ayasofya) The Crown Jewel of Istanbul.

Hagia Sophia is not only a monument, it is a masterpiece, which reflects the spirit of Istanbul. It was originally constructed as a cathedral in 537 AD under Emperor Justinian I and later in the Ottoman rule as a mosque and is now a museum and a working mosque again. Hagia Sophia is one of the most astonishing architectural miracles in the world because of its beautiful Byzantine dome with elaborate mosaics and Islamic calligraphy decorations.

The Hagia Sophia should be your first destination when you are on your Istanbul city touring as an Indian. It is a beacon of mutual understanding between religions and an ideal demonstration of how the East collides with the West not to mention the spiritual and the cultural dimensions. It is breathtaking with the huge size of the dome and the golden interior and the acoustics in the building make it a miracle even in the present times.

2. Topkapi Palace -The Royal Palace of Ottoman Sultans.

Topkapi Palace is the most identifiable of the top 10 Palaces in Istanbul. Constructed in the 15 th century following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople, it was the royal palace of Ottoman sultans throughout the period of approximately 400 years. It is a large complex with perfect courtyards, pavilions, gardens, and treasures, such as the cloak and sword of the Prophet Muhammad.

Tourists may also visit the harem, imperial council chamber and treasury where they can see one of the largest diamonds in the world. As you set out on touring the city of Istanbul in India, you cannot afford to leave this magnificent palace that provides a close up view to the luxurious life and rule of the Ottoman Empire.

3. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) -The Mosque of Six Minarets.

Ranging only a cross street opposite Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque is among the most beautiful in the world. One of the finest examples of the Ottoman architecture, it boasts 6 gracious minarets as well as over 20, 000 blue Iznik tiles that are adorning its interior. The mosque has survived to date and provides a peaceful environment to the worshipers and visitors.

When you are on your Istanbul Tour, you must come and visit the Blue Mosque during the sunset. Its domes are reflected on the sky making a spectacular figure. It is the center of Islamic religion and art in Turkey.

4. Dolmabahce Palace The Symbol of the Ottoman Luxury.

One more place in the Top 10 Palaces in Istanbul, Dolmabahce Palace reflects the luxury of the later Ottoman rule. It was built in the 19th century and motivated by the European baroque, rococo, and neoclassical styles, unified with the traditional Ottoman design. The palace has 285 rooms, 46 halls, and the biggest Bohemian crystal chandelier in the whole world.

On an Istanbul city tour as an Indian, observing Dolmabahce is a must to see the way the western influences merged with the Turkish royal customs. This palace provides magnificent views and observations of how modernization in Turkey took place in the 19 th century overlooking the Bosphorus.

5. Süleymaniye Mosque the Master of Mimar Sinan.

The Süleymaniye Mosque is the creation of Sultan Suleiman the magnificent commissioned to the renowned Ottoman architect, Mimar Sinan and can be viewed as an ultimate representation of harmony and perfection. The mosque complex has madrasahs, hospitals, and caravanserai in it demonstrating the magnificence of the Ottoman civilization.

The view of the Golden Horn is one of the most remarkable ones which can be viewed through the panoramic view of the courtyard of the mosque. A visit to the Istanbul city in India will never be complete without you appreciating the marvelous edifice that has motivated generations of architects in the Islamic world.

6. Basilica Cistern- The Wonder of the Underground.

Buried in the bustling traffic of Istanbul is a mysterious underground well, the Basilica Cistern, an underground water reservoir constructed in the 6th century during the Byzantine reign. Its 336 columns of marble and light effect makes it nearly mystical.

Its most famous columns are the Medusa head that makes it look even more legendary and mysterious. The landmark is an intriguing one to people who visit Istanbul Tour because it symbolizes the richness of the city in terms of history, both literally and figuratively. It seems like one enters a different epoch when one walks through this ancient cistern.

7. Galata Tower The Watchtower of History.

The Galata Tower has been considered as one of the most famous sights in Istanbul. It was originally constructed in 1348 by the Genoese, and it was used in different ways such as defence tower, fire lookout post. It has now provided panoramic views of the Istanbul skyline with the Bosporus and the Golden Horn.

When exploring Istanbul city of India, one must visit Galata Tower where you will be able to enjoy the expansiveness of the city as well as its mixture of modern and historic buildings. Cafes, boutiques and cultural centers are also present in the tower to provide you with a feel of the modern day Istanbul.

8. Çiragan Palace-A Palace to a Luxury Hotel.

Still on the list of the Top 10 Palaces in Istanbul, Çiragan Palace is one of the most beautiful examples of Ottoman splendor on the shore of the Bosporus. The structure was constructed in the 19 th century and it has since been converted into an up-end hotel where royal events and high profile meetings are held.

Although you would not be staying there, you can pay a visit to Çiragan palace as a part of your Istanbul Tour so that you can see the beautiful marble facades, the big staircases and rich interiors. The palace is also an indicator of how Istanbul maintains royalness and at the same time adopts modern opulence.

9. Grand Bazaar -The Oldest mall in the world.

There is no Istanbul city tour in India which can be complete without visiting the Grand Bazaar which is one of the biggest and oldest covered markets in the world. The bazaar is a heaven to lovers of souvenirs and bargains with more than 4,000 shops located in 60 streets.

The Grand Bazaar is a cornucopia of color and culture, whether in terms of handcrafted jewelry and carpets or Turkish delights and antiques. It is not merely a shopping place but centuries old market which has brought together traders in the world over a span of 500 years.

10. The Bosphorus Bridge and Waterfront– Joining Two Continents.

In order to understand the overall geographical and cultural value of Istanbul, it is important to visit the Bosphorus Bridge which unites Europe and Asia. The Bosphorus Strait allows taking a sightseeing cruise that provides a view of the city skyline, old palaces and mansions that cover the coastline.

Most Istanbul Tour packages of Go kite Tours also feature a cruise along the Bosporus whereby you will be able to have Turkish cuisine, music and view to the breathtaking night lights of Istanbul. It is an experience that cannot be forgotten and it captures the soul of Istanbul whereby tradition and the modern come together on the waters that divide two continents yet bind them together.

The reasons as to why Go kite Tours should be your choice when visiting Istanbul.

Go kite Tours has well designed itineraries which bring out the historical flavor of Istanbul and its contemporary beauty. Their packages can take one on guided tours to the top 10 Palaces in Istanbul to cultural activities in the local markets, hence comfort, convenience, and memories. No matter whether you are going alone or with your family, their crew will make your tour of Istanbul city in India a smooth, inexpensive and full of cultural experiences.

It is possible to visit the most remarkable places of Istanbul with professional guides, luxury vehicles, and selected hotels to explore the best of this city at your own speed and enjoy the most notable mosques, royal palaces, and the colorful landmarks that characterize this ancient metropolis.

Conclusion

Istanbul is not a traveling place, it is a feeling, a time travel showing the heritage of empires, art and religions. Overall, the mosques, palaces and landmarks of the city make up a living tapestry of human success and cultural development. Whether it is the magnificence of the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace or the natural beauty of the Blue Mosque and mystery of the Grand Bazaar, each destination is a new page in the amazing history of Istanbul.

Considering Istanbul city tour in India, this list of Top 10 Palaces in Istanbul and its landmarks is the right point to begin with. Feel the imperial power, architectural mastery, and spiritual richness which make Istanbul really memorable place. With Go kite Tours, you are sure that every moment of your Istanbul Tour would be the step in past, culture and eternal beauty.