Having just come back from Istanbul I can say that it’s one of the best cities I have ever been to and I plan on going back. It’s a busy, chaotic and vibrant city that stole my heart. The food is amazing, and the people are super friendly. This isn’t a travel guide but it’s starting to sound like one, look out for the travel guide if you are planning a trip to Turkey. If you want to hit all the top Instagram spots in Istanbul then you are in the right place!
If you plan your trip well then you should be able to see and enjoy these gorgeous instagrammable spots within a day or two:
Sultan Ahmet Mosque or the Blue Mosque
This is on everyone’s list and there is a reason why. It’s beautiful and the design work is just so intricate it will blow your mind away. It is one of the top Instagram spots in Istanbul because of how beautiful it is in real life. Head there early in the morning to avoid the crowds and trust me this is one of those places that you will enjoy more without the crowds. It opens at 8:30 AM and I would say go there as soon as the sun comes out to enjoy the square. It’s free to visit this place so you can imagine the crowds. If you ever plan on going to Turkey here is a great guide.
Hagia Sophia
It’s directly opposite the Blue Mosque so you can enjoy a nice stroll across the beautiful square to Hagia Sophia. That way you can see two top Instagram spots in Istanbul within no time. There are so many photo opportunities here you’ll find yourself clicking away. Try different angles and see what you come up with. This is also another spot that gets super crowded so if you can go as early as possible. You can buy your tickets online before you visit as this is one of the most popular tourist spots in the city. It is opened at 9am.
Ortokay Mosque
You can take an uber there and they are super affordable in the morning before the traffic descends on the city. I loved the water front right outside the Mosque. There are cafes and bars overlooking the water so you can have a quiet morning, drinking your Turkish coffee while you people watch. You can then go inside the mosque that I thought was the most beautiful one I had seen in Istanbul.
Hoca Tahsin Street
This is the instafamous umbrella street in Karakoy. When we arrived there, we found a few other people taking photos so be respectful and allow the people a reasonable amount of time before you to take your photos. I say reasonable because some people take the gramming thing way to seriously and it could get ugly as people do full on photo shoots while you stand there. Try go early before the cafes open up so that you can get the best photos.
Galata Tower
I absolutely loved this area. It’s very quaint and residential area and shows you a different side of Istanbul. Try and find the street with the overhanging plants it has the best photo op. It will probably be the street that everyone tries to get photos on so you can’t miss it. There are many cafes around this area so you can relax here if you want.
Funny story; when our taxi dropped us off, he claimed that he didn’t have enough change that morning. He pretended he was looking for change and as soon as we weren’t looking, he drove off super-fast. It wasn’t a lot of money, but I called it as he got in the car and drove away.
Sulaymaniyah Mosque
This Mosque is great especially if you find that the Blue Mosque is under construction in which case, I would suggest you skip it due to all the scaffolding. Sulaymaniyah is a great alternative to the Blue Mosque because it’s also not as crowded but the Blue Mosque is Istanbul’s star for a reason. From here walk to Sehzade Mosque and Laleli Mosque which are beautiful as well and without the crowds.
Kubbe
This is a great spot to find the rooftop restaurant where for a small fee you can enjoy amazing views of Turkey and feed the pigeons. It has become super popular on Instagram so expect to find a line and to pay for the privlidege. The restaurant is near Sulaymaniyah Mosque and there is a mobile phone accessory store close to it.
Topkapi Palace
The palace is a bit more costly than all the other places and the best parts cost extra which annoyed me a little. It’s a big complex and its very well maintained so you will enjoy it for sure. We didn’t pay to go to the inner rooms because we run out of time, but I would recommend doing it. You can also order your tickets ahead of time to avoid long waiting lines.
Dolmabahce Palace
This was the crown jewel in my opinion. It’s hard to imagine that people lived with that kind of wealth in those days. Think marble, gold, incredible furniture opulence like you have never seen before. It is right next to the Bosphorous which makes it even more appealing as the views are amazing!
Istanbul Grand Bazaar
Drop by the bazaar and shop till you drop. I am kidding but seriously if you can pick up a few things then why not. There are rugs, lanterns, jewelry, spices, coffee and so much more so you will have fun in this great market place.
There you have it. Let me know if I missed something that should be on the lost.
