Easter in Istanbul our Barefoot Package
Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia is among Istanbul’s most popular and iconic historic sites. A true architectural marvel, the walls are adorned by Byzantine mosaics featuring portraits of bygone emperors and representations of Christ. This cathedral was constructed in 537 AD. For 900 years it was the seat of the Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople.
The address is Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey.
The open hours are daily between 09:00a.m. to 05:00p.m. (final admission at 4:00p.m.) from 1 October to 15 April and between 09:00a.m. to 07:00p.m. (final admission at 6:00 PM) from 15 April to 1 October.
The underground station is the Sultanahmet station.
Blue Mosque
The Sultanahmet Mosque, better known as the Blue Mosque due to the prominent colour of its majestic interior, is a historic mosque built in the early 17th century. The entrance is free, and if you have never been inside of a mosque before, this is a good one to start with.
Τhe address is Sultan Ahmet, Atmeydanı Cd. No:7, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey.
The open hours are daily from 09:00a.m. – 07:00p.m.
The nearest underground station is the Sirkeci station.
Topkapi Palace
This 150-room palace was home to slave-turned-vizier Abu ‘Bou’ Ahmed, who spared no expense in its gorgeous decoration. The painted, gilded ceilings, polychrome zellige tiling and carved stucco still have the intended effect. That’ll be “wow”, just so you know. The Topkapi Palace was the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. This Palace was used for 400 years until Dolmabahce Palace was constructed in the mid 1800’s. One of the best places to visit in Topkapi Palace is the Harem, where the mother of the sultan, his wives, and his concubines lived.
The address is Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey.
The open hours are Wednesday to Monday from 09:00a.m. – 04:00p.m., Tuesday closed.
Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace was built in the 19th century and is considered as one of the most glamorous palaces in the world. It was the administrative center of the late Ottoman Empire with the last of Ottoman Sultans was residing there. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, used the palace as a presidential houshttps://goo.gl/maps/LUonbvkowqQUsvWp8e in the summer and enacted some of his most important works.
The address is Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe Cd., 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Turkey.
The open hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00a.m. – 04:00p.m., Monday closed.
The Grand Bazaar
Among the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, the Grand Bazaar features thousands of shops spread across dozens of streets. This market is a great opportunity to taste the flavours of Turkey, from flatbreads to dolmas, and of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to the Grand Bazaar without a melt-in-the-mouth lamb shish kebab.
The address is Beyazıt, Kalpakçılar Cd. No:22, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey.
The open hours are daily from 10:00a.m. – 06:00p.m.
The nearest underground station is the Beyazit station.
The Egyptian Bazaar
Smaller than the nearby Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, was built in the 16th century and features rows of stalls selling spices, sweets, tea varieties, dried fruits and other goods.
The address is Rüstem Paşa, Erzak Ambarı Sok. No:92, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey.
The open hours are Monday to Saturday from 08 :00a.m. – 07:00p.m., Sunday 09:30 :00a.m. – 07:00p.m.
The nearest underground station is the Beyazit station.
Gülhane Park
Located next to the Topkapı Palace on the tip of Istanbul’s historic peninsula, Gülhane Park is one of the city’s biggest and most beautiful parks. Thousands of tulips bloom in the park during springtime.
The address is Cankurtaran, Kennedy Cd., 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey.
The nearest underground station is the Sirkeci station.
The Galata Tower
The Galata Tower was built in the mid 14th century and was used as a fire tower, barracks, and a dungeon. From the top of the tower you get one of the best views of Istanbul.
The address is Bereketzade Mahallesi Büyük Hendek Caddesi, Numara: 2, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey.
The open hours are daily from 08:30a.m. – 10:00p.m.
The nearest underground station is the Şişhane station in the M2 line.
The Galata Bridge
The Galata Bridge is a bridge that spans the Golden Horn in Istanbul, Turkey. From the end of the 19th century in particular, the bridge has been featured in Turkish literature, theatre, poetry and novels.
The address is Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Galata Köprüsü, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey.
The nearest underground station is the Şişhane station in the M2 line.
Bosphorus Cruise
Istanbul is the only city to span two continents, Europe and Asia. The sea of Bosphorus divides these two continents. A cruise on the Bosphorus is a great way to see more of this city and of course visit the Princes islands, with the Theological school of Halki which is found at Heybeliada island.
Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate
The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople is the symbolic headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Church, and one of the most significant sites in the larger Eastern Orthodox Church. It has been led by 270 Ecumenical Patriarchs since its establishment in 330 AD. This compound of buildings nestled behind the sea walls fronting the Golden Horn includes the beautiful 19th-century Patriarchal Church of St George.
The address is Yavuz Sultan selim Mah. Dr. Sadık Ahmet Cad. Nr. 19, 34083 Fatih, Turkey.
The open hours are daily from 09:00a.m. – 09:00p.m.
Taste the famous Balik Ekmek (Fish Sandwich)
Balık ekmek (fish sandwich) is one of Istanbul’s most iconic street foods and a great meal for any time of day. Enjoying a Balık ekmek cooked on a rocking boat on the Eminönü shore remains an Istanbul institution and a beloved weekend activity of families coming from all over the city.
Dervishes at the Galata Mevlevi Lodge
The oldest tekke in Istanbul to house members of the Mevlevi Order, the adherents of Sufism. A treasure trove of artefacts is on display at the museum, including musical instruments, calligraphy, Mevlevi clothing and accessories, though its prime draw is the weekly sema (whirling dervish) ceremony that entrances large numbers of visitors every Sunday at 05:00p.m.
The address is Şahkulu, Galip Dede Cd. No:15, 34420 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey.
The open hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00a.m. – 07:00p.m., Monday closed.
Visit a Hammam
Nothing is more revitalizing than steam and scrub at a hammam, a Moroccan bathhouse. A soak and scrub at the hammam is an age-old ritual of Moroccan life and a quintessential experience. Turkish baths, or hammams, are an important part of Turkish culture that has been around since the 16th century. The hammams in Istanbul are the ultimate Turkish bath experience and they will leave you feeling refreshed after your visit.
Kadıkoy
Located on Istanbul’s Asian shore, Kadıkoy is the neighbourhood of artists and creatives. Bright colourful murals decorate the walls of buildings, while the streets brim with vibrant bars, sleek third-wave coffee shops, trendy boutiques, and al fresco dining.
Sultanahmet
The central square is dominated by the twinned Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, and the streets hold other imperial Ottoman-era mosques, Byzantine cisterns, and the remains of a hippodrome. This is the main place visitors to Istanbul come.
Cihangir
This trendy neighbourhood, just a few blocks from Taksim Square, is the place to see and be seen. With cutting-edge boutiques, moody bistros, colourful bars slinging cocktails, and stylish cafes, Cihangir has long been the scene where hip Turks and foreigners interact.
Karaköy
Formerly a forlorn strip of shipping warehouses and camping shops, the Karaköy neighbourhood has blossomed in the last decade into a colourful strip of restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries. One building houses five of Istanbul’s premier private galleries, while mere steps away is the splendid Kılıc Ali Paşa Mosque and its luxurious hammam.
Nişantaşi
For luxury and high-end experiences, Istanbul’s elite come to upscale Nişantaşı. In this neighbourhood you can find haute couture boutiques, luxury brands and elegant restaurants.
Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern, or Cisterna Basilica, is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul, Turkey. The cistern is located 150 metres southwest of the Hagia Sophia. It has been also the filming location of some Hollywood movies, like Inferno by Dan Brown. It’s a must-visit of the area.
Address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Hours: 9:00 A.M – 7:00 P.M, Friday closed
3-minute walk from Agia Sofia
Museum of Illusions
Come into a magnificent world of illusions that will make you question your unwavering faith in your senses and open the doors to a world that will completely astonish you but also educate you. The Istanbul Museum of Illusions provides an extremely fascinating visual, sensory and educational experience with a series of new and unexplored illusions.
Address: Asmali Mescit, İstiklal Cd. No:180 D:4B, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey
Hours: 10:00 A.M – 9:00 P.M, Sunday 11:00 A.M – 8:00 P.M
The easiest way to get there is to get off at Şişhane Metro Station.
Taste a delicious Künefe
Künefe is traditional Middle East dessert made from cheese pastry soaked in sweet sugar-based syrup. t’s recipe was invented by Palestinian Arabs in about the 10th century AD and came to the territory of the present Turkey a long time ago. The place to enjoy to best kunefe in the world, as everyone claims is Hafiz Mustafa 1864, a very famous franchise in Istanbul, so it’s easy to find their shops everywhere. But we suggest the one below:
