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1. Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is one of the most promising Byzantine architecture since its time. The building had once been a cathedral which later turned into a mosque and now it is the most prominent museum of Turkey.

Hagia Sophia is the first place which is included in Istanbul packages. The museums are a popular place for admiring the marble pillars and coverings. The mosaic exhibits and mystic wishing column with a marvelous marble door gains most of the tourist attention.

Location: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydani No 1, Fatih
Entry Fee: Adults-72 Turkish Liras or Rs. 857, Children under the age of 8- Free
Timing: 9 am to 5 pm on all days. Monday is closed

2. Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is the most fascinating architecture in Istanbul. Constructed in the 6th century, the underground structure was meant as a bug water storage for the Byzantine emperors, however, now the place serves as a tourist attraction.

The spectacular carvings on the underground pillars are worth seeing. The pillar with the head of Medusa carved on it gains a lot of tourist attraction.

Location: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3,Fatih
Entry Fee: Adults-20 Turkish Liras or Rs. 239, Children under the age of 7- Free
Timing: 9 am to 5:30 pm on all days

3. Istanbul Modern Museum
The Istanbul Modern Museum is a must-include place in your bucket list of Istanbul tours. Besides the many historic monuments and architecture in Istanbul, this museum boasts modern Turkish art. The huge art gallery regularly hosts many exhibitions for local and international artists. It is the best place to sink in contemporary Turkish art.

Location: AsmaliMescit, Mesrutiyet Cd. No 99, Beyoglu
Entry Fee: Adults- 72 Turkish Lira or Rs. 857, Group of 10 or more- 52 Turkish Lira each or Rs. 619 each
Timing: 10 am to 6 pm on all days. Monday is closed

4. Rüstem Pasha Mosque
The Rüstem Pasha Mosque is being underrated but this mosque has got brilliance and tranquility in abundance. You can enjoy the peace of this place and wander around exploring the beauty of the mosque.

The panel of green, red and blue Iznik tiles covering the walls of the mosque is soothing to the eyes. As the mosque is snuggled in the spice bazaar, it is sometimes difficult to locate. Therefore, the place is less crowded and gives you an opportunity to get a closer look at the marvelous mosque.

Location: Rüstem Pasa, Hasircilar Cd. No 62, Fatih
Timing: Closed for visitors during prayer

5. Sultan Ahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque)
The Sultan Ahmet Mosque was built during 1609 and 1616 and is famous for its turquoise blue tiles on the interior. The mosque is not only a prime tourist attraction but also has religious importance. The Blue Mosque has six minarets similar to Mecca and thus upon its completion, it immediately became a talk of the town.

The location of the mosque is more fascinating as there is a sprawling garden between Sultan Ahmet Mosque and Aya Sofya which is a great place to relax your day. Directly behind the mosque is the popular Arasta Bazaar to shop around and have fun.

Location: Sultan Ahmet, At Meydani Cd. no 7, Fatih
Timing: 8 am to 11:59 pm

6. Topkapi Palace
The Topkapi Palace built in the 15th century by Mehmet was ruled by the Sultans of the Ottoman empire until the 19th century. The architecture is now used as a magnificent display of Islamic art.

The palace not only presents an insight into Islamic history through the art but the interiors of the Harem, Imperial Council Chamber and Palace Kitchens is proof of the affluence of the Sultans. The grandeur of Topkapi palace adds on the charm to the Istanbul packages.

Location: Cankurtaran, Fatih
Entry Fee: Adults- 72 Turkish Liras or Rs. 857 (addition fee for Harem and Hagia Eirene), Children under 7- Free
Timing: 9 am to 6 pm on all days. Tuesday is closed

7. Süleymaniye Mosque
The architecture is a masterpiece of the Ottoman Empire. Built by the Sinan during 1549 and 1575, the Topkapi palace glorified the reign of Suleyman the Magnificent. The lofty dome of 53 meters and the serene gardens in front entices a lot of tourists.

Outside the garden are the tombs of the Sultan and his wife Haseki Hurrem Sultan. The grandeur of this place is unmatchable as it emblazons the greatness of the Ottoman Sultan.

Location: Süleymaniye Mah, Prof. Siddik Sami Onar Cd. No 1, Fatih
Timing: 9 am to 6 pm. Closed during the prayer

8. Dolmabahçe Palace
The Dolmabahçe Palace boasts the Ottoman Empire and the Turkish Renaissance. This palace was built in 1854 by the Sultan Abdulmecid and replaced the Topkapi Palace which used to be the old home of Sultans in Istanbul.

The grand gardens decorated with pompous fountains and the interiors flooded with crystal chandeliers, gold, french furniture is enough to get an idea about the opulent Sultans of the 19th century. The interior of the palace embellishes the Neoclassical, Ottoman and Baroque elements.

Location: Visnezade, Dolmabahçe Cd., Besiktas
Entry Fee: 50 Turkish Liras or Rs. 594 (additional 40 TL or Rs.475 for Harem)
Timing: 9 am to 4 pm. Closed on Monday

9. Grand Bazaar
Istanbul undoubtedly attracts many history buffs and religious devotees for its museums, mosques, and cathedral. However, Istanbul tour packages never miss out on the most important ingredient, shopping!

The Grand Bazaar truly satisfies its name for its massive covered area which is another reason why it is considered to be the world’s first mall. The mall was constructed in the era of Mehmed the Conqueror and has an intriguing history.

The place has 11 grand entrances and different sections for everything. It is indeed an ideal Bazaar to get a Turkish souvenir. You can get your hands on some of the best souvenirs of Istanbul that include ceramics, Turkish Lamps, and Kilim Rugs. Apart from that, there are vendors selling Turkish tea, nazar eye ornaments and spices.

Location: Beyazit, Kalpakçilar Cd. No 22, Fatih
Timing: 10 am to 6 pm

10. Istanbul Archaeology Museum
The Istanbul Archaeology Museum is one of the prime museums in Istanbul. The three main sections of the museum, The Museum of Ancient Orient, the main Archaeology Museum and the Tiled Pavilion of Mehmed the Conqueror present a ravishing insight into the ceramic art and Turkish artifacts.

Location: Cankurtaran, Fatih
Entry Fee: Adults- 36 TL or Rs.427, Children under 8- Free
Timing: 9 am to 7 pm.

1. Visit a Turkish Hamam
There is no better place to refresh your mind and soul with a relaxing bath at a Turkish Hamam. These Hamams had been an integral part of the Ottoman Empire and Islam since a long time. This traditional culture is still carried out with a tinge of modernity and is considered as a great source for rejuvenation.

Your experience of a Hamam will start as you ease at the steam bath lying on the hot marble floor and after that, you get a full-body scrub and a massage. There are many modern Hamams but the oldest ones which are the most famous in the city are Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam and Kiliç Ali Pasa Hamam.

2. Eat with the Locals
Eating local food and eating with the locals are two completely different experiences. Many tourist cities in the world offer the taste of local cuisines however, in your Istanbul tour package you can get an opportunity to mingle with the locals and dine with them.

In Istanbul, you can book your dinner with a local family and visit their home to gobble the traditional flavor, get involved in lively conversations and know more about their culture.

3. Experience the Nightlife
In the day you can visit the mosques and museums and at night you can mix up with the sprightly colors of Bars and nightclubs. There are many places to enjoy the nightlife of Istanbul such as Beyoglu and Ortakoy where the clubs are open till late.

There are numerous nightclubs serving alcohol and playing loud music but if you are looking to get moved by the local flavor then you must search for the ones that are buzzing with the Turkish rock music. Going to a club in Istanbul is a good way to dance your night on the tunes of Turkey.

4. Taste the Turkish Brew
You must have sipped on the caffeine a million times at different places but the Turkish coffee is something never to be missed. As you sip on the brew you would immerse in the calming and tasteful experience that this special cup of coffee brings.

A Turkish coffee break is what you need in Istanbul after a long day of visiting places. The coffee here is not made with following the ordinary steps and perhaps the common ingredients as it tastes more heavenly than any other cup would. Once you ready take the last sip of the coffee, you must take a pause as the bottom contains bitter coffee grinds.

5. Play Backgammon
As you move around the city, you would notice many people playing a strange-looking game. This game is called Backgammon which is one of the oldest board games discovered. The game finds its way back to 5000 years ago in Mesopotamia and is still a prominent one in Istanbul.

There are many cafes that offer the Backgammon board where you can sit down, sip on tea and coffee and immerse yourself in playing this game from the Persian Empire.

6. Take a Tram at the Taksim Square
The Taksim square is one of the important places of Istanbul that depicts the modernity of the city through several restaurants, cafes, hotels, and brands. The best way to reach Taksim square is the old-school way of trams.

As the tram squirrels on the streets of Istanbul, you can get entertained by the hustle-bustle of the city. As the tram crosses the busiest streets honking, you can crane your neck to absorb a sight of the mixed culture and diverse people of Istanbul.

7. Watch the Whirling Dervishes
There are places where you can sense the hold of Sufism in Istanbul city. There are tekke or lodges that organize the shows of dervishes, one of which is the Galata Mevlevihanesi. The building was constructed in 1451 and now it is a museum to depict the beliefs, rituals, and music of the Mevlevi Order.

It has a grand collection of their musical instruments, artifacts, calligraphy, clothing, and accessories. The place sees a rush on Sundays as the museum organizes a sema or whirling dervish at 17:00.

As the tickets can be booked online and offline you should not miss the show while in Istanbul. Watching the whirling dervishes is one of the best things to do while on the Istanbul tour.

8. Visit Miniatürk
One of the best things to do in Istanbul is visiting the Miniatürk or the miniature park. This park has a staunch of 60,000 square meters and has a mini version of all the important places of the city. There are over 100 models that consist of historic architectural marvels and other important places from Turkey and Istanbul.

Almost 50 of them are the landmarks of the city and thus this park gives a closer look at the huge city through the mini models. Some of the models are also representations of well-known places from other countries like the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus. The park also has a children’s playground and a gift shop to pick up the best souvenirs.

9. Istiklal Avenue
Istiklal Avenue is the busiest avenue of Istanbul city and apparently the most famous one. This place is the best to sink in with the rhythm of the hubbub of the city as millions of people cross their ways at Istiklal Avenue.

There are popular restaurants and shops that are loved by tourists to a great extent. The avenue is home to the widely visited places such as Saray Muhallebicisi, Galata Mevlevihanesi, trams, Flower Passage and many others.

10. Rejuvenate with the Live Jazz at Nardis
Nardis is the best place for jazz lovers as every night it organizes live jazz and invites local and international musicians. As it is a crumpled up place with a small capacity of 120 people, you must get your table booked in advance to enjoy the jazz.

11. Go on a Bosphorus Cruise
In comparison to the historic sites in the city, the Bosphorus Cruise is pushed in the backseat but if you stick on the decision of going on a Bosphorus Cruise you would not regret it. It presents you with a cool breeze, deep blue waters and a striking view of the city.

There are several cruises that go for a short or a long distance. You can hop on the one that takes you to the second suspension bridge and back or you can sit back in the long one that gives you a ride to the Black Sea and back. Here is a pro tip, the window seats are occupied quickly so make sure you get the best seat for the best experience.

1. Relax at the Camellia Hill
If you are planning on choosing romantic Istanbul packages then you must make sure that it includes Camellia Hill. This romantic hill in Uskudar presents a bewitching view of the Bosphorus Bridge and Golden Horn. As you reach the top, there are many cafes, restaurants, and parks where you can sit and rejoice in nature.

2. Get a bird’s eye view from the Maiden's Tower and Galata Tower
Both the skyscraping ancient tower gives a 360-degree view of the city. From these two places you can spend some romantic time with your partner as you both enjoy the view of the lively Istanbul city.

3. Experience the thrill at Prince Islands
This heavenly place is an ideal spot for couples. As the ferry drifts on the blue waters to reach the Prince Islands you can see tall pine trees, narrow streets, and horse carriages afar. You can also take a bicycle on rentals and have an adventurous yet romantic time cycling around the Islands.

4. Watch the setting sun at Golden Horn
Golden Horn is the best romantic place for couples. Here you can watch the setting sun as it decorates the city with golden lights. As the sun goes down you can take pleasure in the flickering lights of the floating ships at harbor. It is a complete joy if you come here with your partner.

Istanbul can be reached easily by rail, road, sea or air.

By Air:
You can fly to Istanbul directly from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore which flies on regular intervals.

By Sea:
The waterways to Istanbul are well developed as the city touches the Black Sea, thus you can reach Istanbul from anywhere in the world through sea.

By Rail:
The rail route and the roadways are not a feasible option as it would take days to reach Istanbul.

Istanbul is not an expensive place to spend a holiday. On average, you would need to spend TRY 1324 or Rs. 16,000 for a one week trip to Istanbul. Meals in Istanbul would cost you TRY 35 (Rs. 431) and transportation around the city is TRY 15 (Rs. 180) each day. A decent hotel for two would cost TRY 263 (Rs. 3,164).

Istanbul is at its best during spring and the autumn that is in the months of March to June and September to December, respectively. With the blue sky and pleasant weather in these months, strolling in the city becomes heavenly and adds on to the beauty of Istanbul tours.

The summer in Istanbul goes from June to August and the winter is from December to January. The scorching summer heat in July and the continuous pouring in December should be avoided while booking an Istanbul tour package. However, the best time would be in two slots, from March to May and from September to November.

To enter Turkey and Istanbul you would require a visa. But there are 78 countries that have a visa exemption on traveling to Turkey. These countries include Argentina, Bahamas, Japan, Brazil and many more.

Istanbul is one of the safest cities for women in Europe but you must stay aware of the pickpockets and thefts that go on in Istanbul, especially in bazaars and public transport.

Yes, Istanbul is absolutely safe. A few criminal activities like thefts, pickpockets may be encountered in the crowded areas but they can be avoided by staying attentive to your surroundings.

Cappadocia is 567 km away from Istanbul and the road distance is 790km. It can be easily accessed by road, rail or air.

You can go to Istanbul by flight, train or by bus.

By Air:
Turkish Airlines and many other reputed airlines have frequent flights to Istanbul, so you can easily reach the city by flight.

By Road:
The city is well connected through roads to other cities and countries and you can get a bus or hire a taxi and reach Istanbul.

By Train:
Trains are also available for Istanbul. Most international trains from European sides arrive at the Sirkeci station while those from the Asian side arrive at Haydarpasa.

To have a hearty meal at a decent restaurant, you have to spend 20-25 Turkish Liras for one person.

Food and beverages have always been cheap in turkey but recent years have seen a major hike in food prices. Some of the restaurants can cost you loads for a good meal while others have the same cost as any other European city. Nevertheless, if you go out to have a decent meal in Istanbul you would need to spend TRY 35 or Rs. 421 each day.

Your Istanbul tour package might have covered all the big but you must also focus on the things to avoid on the Istanbul tour.
- Avoid staying close to tourist sites.
- Avoid eating at the overpriced restaurants near famous places.
- Avoid buying things at Bazaars without haggling.

To enjoy Istanbul to the fullest, an Istanbul package for 3 days is enough. You can spend the first day walking around Sultanahmet Square covering the major tourist attractions around it. On the next day you can visit the local markets and shop souvenirs of Istanbul. The final day at Istanbul can be used for visiting the museums while reserving the nights for partying at the clubs.

Istanbul is famous for presenting a blend of European and Islamic cultures in a stunning manner. Besides, the Turkish artifacts, decorative items and the spices of Istanbul are quite popular.

Wandering around at night in Istanbul is safe. You don’t have to worry as long as you do not stroll faraway from the Istiklal Cad.

You can use euros at some places like the hotel, shops or big stores but euros are not acceptable at all places in Istanbul.

The best months to visit Cappadocia would be from April to May or September to October as the weather is fit for hiking, cycling and enjoying the place as a whole.

1. Topkapi Palace
The magnificent palace of Ottoman sultans is now a rich museum that houses a phenomenal collection of Chinese porcelain, precious jewels, artifacts, and seals.

2. Dolmabahçe Palace
This palace experiences an abundance of tourists for its European-baroque style architecture built with white marble. It consists of jewels, gold, grand shimmering chandeliers, and many more alluring items.

3. Yildiz Palace
The Yildiz Palace or the “Star Palace” is a grand complex of Pavilions and Villas. Built-in 1880, this is another Ottoman Palace which now consists of a famous museum, mosque, and gardens along with many other buildings.

4. Ciragan Palace
The palace is popular for its stunning architecture and breathtaking views. It was constructed by Sultan Abdulaziz in 1974 and is now a grand hotel for tourists.

5. Ihlamur Pavilion
The Ihlamur Pavilion also popular as Linden palace was constructed by Sultan Abdulmecid and used as a summer palace. The place has beautiful architecture, a big pool and a sprawling garden with peacocks roaming around. It now has a small cafe and is used for private gatherings.

6. Maslak Pavilion
Built in the late 19th century in the Ottoman Empire, the Maslak Pavilion is one of the most adored pavilions. Situated on a shady hill with a lot of greenery, this place is worth including in your Istanbul tour package.

1. The Big Bazaar
The Big Bazaar is also known as Kapaliçarsi is one of the ancient markets of Istanbul. The market is quite popular for its history than its shopping. You can bargain with the local shop owners and get some Turkish souvenirs, scarves, leather clothes or lamps.

2. Egyptian Spice Bazaar
This bazaar is a perfect place to tantalize your senses with the smell of different spices. It sells many things like olives and condiments. The apple tea of this place makes the Istanbul vacation a pure bliss.

3. Bazaar Findikzade
Shopping at this bazaar is an indispensable part of the Istanbul package as it is one of the biggest local markets in Istanbul. You can find anything and everything with vendors selling clothes to vegetables and many other things.

4. Eskidji Bazaar
The Eskidji bazaar has got everything for home decor ranging from beds, sofas to electronics. There are shops selling both first-hand and second-hand items at a reasonable price.

5. Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is a covered market which has been popular since its beginning. The market is the best place for shopaholics in Istanbul as there are numerous shops which are divided into sections. These shops offer typical Turkish things like spices, scents, Kilims and many more.

6. Fatih Market
The Fatih Market is the oldest market in Istanbul. Since its establishment, this market sells routine things to people. There are vendors selling fruits, vegetables, clothes and many more. On your trip to Istanbul you must visit this market as it gives an insight into the local middle-class people of the city.

1. Galata Tower
There is no better place than the soaring Galata Tower to have a bird’s eye view of Istanbul city. The best time to visit is at the time of sunset so that you can watch the Istanbul city in its golden colors.

2. Pierre Loti Hill
The Pierre Loti Hill gets its name from a famous French poet who used to come up at this place and take pleasure in watching the hubbub of Istanbul city. Nowadays you can either reach atop on foot or cableway. The cable car is usually preferred to enjoy the scenic beauty of Istanbul.

3. Halic Bridge
The Halic Bridge is located at the Golden Horn which is another name of this place too. The place truly shows its sumptuous colors especially at the time of sunset. Walking on the bridge and staring at the gaping landscape of Istanbul city is quite a relaxing experience.

4. Maiden’s Tower
The Maiden’s Tower is a major tourist attraction for having a panoramic view of the city. As a legend goes, a Sultan had kept her daughter in the tower for years to save her from the prophecy of her death. Also, to reach the Maiden’s Tower you have to take a boat from Uskudar, which is itself a pleasurable experience.

1. Sumahan on the Water
Once an Ottoman distillery, the Sumahan on the Water is the most luxurious hotel in Istanbul. The hotel is located at Çengelköy with a sea-facing view and fine contemporary building. The services offered like free wifi, lounge and open restaurant would give you an experience of a lifetime at this hotel.

2. Georges Hotel Galata
The hotel is established in the 19th-century building with a stunning facade. Georges hotel stands strong in justifying the old Parisian style architecture with a tinge of modern modifications.

The guest rooms with spacious balcony, walk-in shower and rooms loaded with advanced technology is the best part of the Georges Hotel. However the rooftop bar is also commendable as it proffers a picturesque view of Istanbul.

3. Pera Palace Hotel
The hotel is operated in a seven-story building with a Neo-classical facade. The Pera Palace was originally built by Georges Nagelmackers, a Belgium entrepreneur to serve his guests. Till now, the place has preserved its historic interiors and also added to the finest facilities for the tourists and continues to do so. Although the hotel maintains its historic look, it offers the best rooms with all facilities.

4. Raffles Istanbul
Raffles Istanbul is an epitome of modern Turkey and stands away from the bustling areas of Istanbul. It has all the qualities to be included in your Istanbul tour package. With the Ottoman inspired glass panels, the Neoclassical style walls, and international art decorating the place, staying at this hotel is a soothing and reviving experience. The eloquent stay facility, indoor swimming pool and an onsite restaurant makes this elite hotel one of the best places to stay in Istanbul.

1. Visit the Jewish Museum of Turkey
The Jews in Turkey were a minority in Turkey yet their evidence is still cherished in Istanbul. The famous Jewish museum of Turkey, Zülfaris Synagogue, finds its root to 1671 but later got closed. But now the museum presents the rustic past of the Jews. You can know in-depth about the Sephardi Jews here.

2. Picnic at Yildiz Park
You can have a fun day at the Yildiz Park and justify that enjoyment does not come with a cost. The park has Ottoman houses on the sides, beautiful greenery, flowers, ducks, ponds and everything to make a perfect picnic spot.

3. Relax at the Blue Mosque
The Sultan Ahmet Mosque is a peaceful place for self-introspection and relaxation. You can spend a quality time here admiring the Iznik tiles and the enormous architecture. The glassed window panes and the interior of the Blue Mosque are soothing to the eyes.

4. Experience Serenity at Zeyrek Camii
The Zeyrek mosque in Fatih was originally a monastery built in the 12th century. This mosque has three buildings out of which two were churches that later converted into mosques. This Byzantine architecture offers a picturesque and serene view.

Istanbul is a developed city and you can buy everything from the local markets but it is better to stay a step ahead when it comes to Istanbul tours. The things that you must carry with you are:

- Conservative clothes for the mosques
- A scarf because when you would go into a mosque you would be needing it to cover your head.
- A camera to capture Istanbul's scenic beauty, historic monuments, and amazing architecture.