With some of the oldest mosques in the country, centuries of historical landmarks, serene parks, and a love of modern and historical art, it’s no wonder there are so many beautiful places in Istanbul that offer a feast to the eyes.
Istanbul is unique in that it sits between two continents, Asia and Europe, and it has a progressive feel and a community that embraces modernity with its rich cultural heritage. Istanbul preserves its history, celebrates its people, and so there are many ways you can find beauty here.
From architecturally stunning palaces to bustling markets and trendy neighborhoods, those wanting to discover beautiful backdrops for photos, or places that inspire you; Istanbul has it.
But if you’re not sure where the most stunning places in beautiful Istanbul are located, keep reading to discover our top picks!
Planning a trip to Istanbul last-minute?
Make sure you book your tours, places to stay, and airport transfers ahead of time to ensure availability!
Here is our recommended airport transfer in Istanbul:
- Airport Shuttle From Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gocken International Airport (SAW) (Super affordable!)
Here are our recommended tours in Istanbul:
- Luxury Bosphorus Cruise At Sunset (A must-do In Istanbul)
- Whirling Dervishes Show (Unique experience!)
- Historical Turkish Bath Experience
- Istanbul Food And Culture Tour
Here are our recommended places to stay in Istanbul:
- Magnuara Palace Hotel (Gorgeous hotel in the historic centre!)
- Pera Palace Hotel
- Cheers Hostel (Budget hostel near the Blue Mosque!)
What Are The Most Beautiful Places In Istanbul?
1. Hagia Sophia
When it comes to beautiful places, nothing can compare to the historic mosque of Hagia Sophia. This place has been around since the Byzantine era (532 and 537) and was once a Christian cathedral. After the conquest of Constantinople, the Hagia Sophia became a mosque and the religious icons on the walls were covered up, and redecorated with Islamic calligraphy.
When it comes to beauty, it isn’t the history that makes this Turkish landmark so pleasing to look at. With its soaring ceilings, massive golden dome, intricate mosaics and Islamic architecture, the Hagia Sophia embodies all that is beautiful about the history and religious transitions of Istanbul.
Just stepping inside you are swept up in an unworldly feeling, and its holiness only intensifies this feeling. Getting a photo in this place is difficult, as there is always someone going to be in your shot. However, simply admiring this place is enough to understand its beauty and significance.
2. The Blue Mosque
Another beautiful mosque in Istanbul which is connected to the Hagia Sophia by the Hippodrome and Sultanahmet Square, is the Blue Mosque.
Measuring 73 meters in height and 63 meters wide, the size of this religious building just garners all attention. On the exterior, its most striking feature is the six minarets, which is believed to be a mistake made during construction in the early 1600s. It’s one of only five mosques in the world to have six minarets, and it’s also the second mosque, after Mecca, to have 6 minarets.
On the exterior, the Blue Mosque is big, but not exactly beautiful. It’s once you enter this religious place that you’ll understand why it belongs on this list. The interior is adorned with 20,000 blue Iznik ceramic tiles, detailing flowers, trees and abstract patterns of Ottoman influences.
The mosque also has over 200 stained-glass windows that are not only intricately designed, but let in plenty of natural light to make the place feel heavenly. As the light shines through the windows, the sunlight dances on the blue tiles creating a beautiful light spectacle.
3. Balat
The Balat neighborhood is a hidden gem that not many tourists know to explore. Located on the European side of Istanbul, this neighborhood was once home to a large Jewish population and is characterized by its colorful houses and winding cobbled streets.
Nowadays, it is a place where you can still see remnants of its past while also admiring the beauty of the unique architecture that can only be seen in the Balat and Fener districts.
The best way to explore Balat is by strolling through its narrow streets and alleyways and seeing what you discover. You’ll find beautiful and colorful houses which are uniquely designed with bay windows, slender shapes, and elaborately decorated balconies, as well as boutique shops and cozy cafes.
Make sure to stop by İncir Ağacı Kahvesi, a cafe that has decorative steps and a narrow alley with umbrellas hanging over! It is one of the most Instagram-famous places in Istanbul!
4. Spice Bazaar
There are many traditional markets and bazaars in Istanbul, but one really stood out in terms of beauty is the Spice Bazaar (sorry, no it’s not the Grand Bazaar).
The Spice Bazaar is a small L-shaped bazaar that features spices, herbs, and teas from all over the world. You’ll find everything from saffron to Turkish delight, and the colors and aromas are just intoxicating.
What makes this place so beautiful is not only the vast array of goods on offer, but also the architecture. The Spice Bazaar was built in the 1660s and its roof is supported by beautiful arches. The light that filters through the windows creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect place to buy some Turkish souvenirs!
5. Moda
The neighborhood of Moda on the Asian side of Istanbul is just lovely and peaceful. This is a place where you can really see the contrast between the different communities and cultures that reside in Istanbul, as well as the connection between traditional Turkey and contemporary Turkey.
On one hand, you have traditional Turkish houses and cafes with grandpas drinking Turkish tea (cai) and playing a game of backgammon, and on the other hand, you have modern restaurants and boutiques selling modern art.
Strolling through Moda is a great way to see how a city that sits on two continents can come together as one. It’s not so much beautiful for what it looks like, but how the atmosphere makes you feel. It’s a place where diversity is celebrated, people live in peace and harmony, and old meets new.
Make sure to stop by the Moda Pier to get a stunning view of the city skyline. And if you’re feeling hungry, head to one of the many seafood restaurants in the area – you won’t be disappointed!
📚 Read More: Most Beautiful Cities In Turkey You Can’t Miss!
6. Camlica Mosque
Though not one of the most historic mosques in Istanbul, Camlica Mosque certainly has a lot to offer in terms of beauty. This mosque on the Asian side of Istanbul is the biggest mosque in all of Turkey, and its expensive construction has created a grandiose landmark that turns heads.
The mosque also includes a museum, art gallery, library, and conference hall, plus an underground parking lot with the capacity to hold 3,500 vehicles. It is estimated that 63,000 people can worship inside the mosque at the same time.
Visitors can see its magnificence and beauty in the Ottoman and Seljuk architectural styles, which include sharply angled vault, a series of small domes and a large central dome.
Built in 2019, the mosque was a classic building built using modern techniques, and the result is something that just eludes elegance. It was also designed by two female architects, showcasing Turkey’s commitment to gender diversity.
Perhaps the most beautiful part of the mosque is the gorgeously decorated interior of the mosque, which has been designed in a soft blue palet in the carpet and designs on the domes, paired with gold trimmings and stain-glass windows. The marble courtyard is also a stunning architectural marvel not to miss, and where you can admire its minarets and perfect symmetry.
Camlica Mosque is situated on Camlica Hill, surrounded by a lush park where you can relax on a nice day. It even has views of the Bosphorus Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in the world!
7. Dolmabahce Palace
If you are looking for a beautiful building in Istanbul that exudes nothing but opulence and elegance, then Dolmabahce Palace is one of the most striking monuments in the city. This palace was once the former residence of the Ottoman sultans, and when it comes to architecture, the palace is a true masterpiece.
This beautiful Istanbul palace was built in the mid-19th century, and its architecture is a mix of Baroque Revival and Rococo Revival styles. It is the first European-style palace to be built in Turkey, and to this day is still the largest palace in the country. It contains 285 rooms, 46 halls, and six Turkish baths (hamams).
Today, the palace serves as a museum where visitors can admire the sultan’s finest furniture, antiques, artwork and artefacts. It’s stunning on the outside, but the inside is also beautiful, filled with gold and crystal at every turn. Situated in the imperial garden and adjacent to the Bosphorus Strait, even it’s landscaped surroundings is full of natural beauty and is equally stunning,
The only way to explore the Dolmabahce Palace is with a guided tour. There are two tours offered at the moment, the Selamlık tour or the Harem tour.
If you get the chance to choose, opt for the Selamlık tour. The tours show you the living quarters exclusive for men, and it is much more opulent than the Harem tour!
8. Galata Tower
The Galata Tower is not only one of the most historical buildings in Istanbul, but it is also one of the most beautiful ones. It rises 63 meters above the neighborhood of Galata in the European side of Istanbul, and overwatches the modern city of Istanbul majestically.
The Galata Tower is an iconic symbol of Istanbul, and it has been standing strong since 1349. It was originally built as a stone tower to defend the city from invaders. Nowadays, it is one of the biggest attractions in the city.
The top of the Galata Tower features an observation deck with a 360-degree view of the city where visitors can see most of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks! If you don’t go up to the observation deck, you can get photos of this stone tower from one of the quaint cobblestone streets that surrounds it.
Arguably the best view of the Galata Tower is from the Galata Bridge, where you can see the top of the tower rising above the stone rooftops of Taksim as a beacon of beauty and architectural prowess.
9. Uskudar
If you are looking for a beautiful place to visit in Istanbul for sunset, then there is no better neighborhood than Uskudar which faces the West and has incredible views of the setting sun dipping below the ocean horizon.
This seaside area on the Asian side of Istanbul looks out into the Bosphorus Strait, offering visitors sweeping views of the water and the historic landmarks in Sultanahmet, with the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia’s domes being a standout feature.
Uskudar is one of the most pretty and peaceful areas of Istanbul because it’s more local and residential than filled with iconic landmarks. It’s a great place to take a walk, relax by the water, or enjoy eating some seafood from the numerous restaurants along the promenade. You can also find lots of cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating where you can enjoy views of the water while you eat or drink.
Perhaps the most iconic building in Uskudar is the Maiden’s Tower, a small tower that sits on a tiny island in the middle of the Bosphorus Strait. You can take a boat to the tower and explore it, or just enjoy its beauty from afar.
10. Princes’ Islands
If you don’t mind taking a short day trip from Istanbul, then Princes’ Island might just be the most beautiful islands in Turkey that’s accessible from Istanbul. Also known as Adalar, the Princes’ Islands are a group of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara, and they are only an hour-long ferry ride away from Istanbul.
These islands were once home to Byzantine princes and Ottoman sultans. They were exiled here because it was considered to be a place of punishment. However, because of their wealth and status, they were exiled to mansions rather than prison cells, and lived a life of luxury. These mansions are now guest houses and museums, as well as residential homes.
Fuel-driven vehicles are banned on most of the islands, including the largest island, Buyukada. To get around, visitors must either walk, cycle, or using one of the electric vehicles used as shuttle buses. This means that not only is there no pollution from the cars, but the island is much quieter, especially when compared to the bustling city of Istanbul.
The historic mansions are what make the Princes Islands so beautiful – they just exude elegance. If you are looking for a peaceful getaway to one of the most beautiful places in Turkey, then make sure you check out The Princes’ Islands!
11. Basilica Cistern
For those that find beauty in architecture and engineering, a trip to the Basilica Cistern is a must. During the Byzantine era, multiple underground cisterns were built as water storage units which supplied the city with fresh water.
The Basilica Cistern is the largest cistern in Istanbul. It measures 138 by 65 meters, and it can hold up to 80,000 cubic meters of water. The cistern is supported by 336 columns that are arranged in a grid pattern.
Many of the columns have been taken from historical buildings and temples that were no longer in use. You can even see two Medusa heads at the base of two columns! It is unsure where those columns were taken from.
12. Rooftop Restaurants
If you want to fully appreciate the beauty of Istanbul, then there is no better place to do so than at one of the many rooftop restaurants around the city.
Rooftop dining experiences are very popular in Istanbul, and visitors will find them in many neighborhoods around the city.
If you want a view of historical buildings, then check out the rooftop restaurants in Sultanahmet. If you want one of the Bosphorus Strait and Golden Horn, head to Taksim. And finally, if you want one of the Bosphorus Bridge and the Strait, then head to Beşiktaş!
Some of the most beautiful views of Istanbul are from rooftop restaurants! If you want to enjoy the nightlife in Istanbul, there are also rooftop bars and clubs where you can have a great view while you do so!
13. Chora Church (Kariye Camii)
Chora Church is one of the most beautiful churches in Istanbul. Built in the 4th century, the Chora Church was originally built as a monastery outside of the city walls of Constantinople.
After the Ottoman Empire took over Constantinople in the 15th century, most of the churches were converted to mosques, and Chora Church is no exception. In fact, many refer to Chora Church as Chora Mosque, and it was one from the 15th century to the 19th century, when it became a museum.
Though it architecturally resembles a mosque more, there are mosaics and frescoes inside the church are some of the most beautiful and well-preserved examples from the Byzantine era.
These depict scenes from the life of Jesus Christ, as well as stories from the Old Testament.
The frescoes are so cool they reminded us of some of the ones in Cappadocia!
14. Rumeli Fortress
Rumeli Fortress is an Ottoman fortress that sits on the European shores of the city, overlooking the Bosphorus. It was constructed in 1452 by Sultan Mehmed II as a place to secure the city against potential invasions.
This impressive fortress is still largely intact, and features towering stone walls and majestic towers, which offer panoramic views of the strait and the Asian side of the city.
You can explore the well-preserved battlements, wander through the lush gardens, and enjoy the serene atmosphere that contrasts with the bustling city.
Its unique architectural design, coupled with its historical importance, makes Rumeli Fortress a beautiful piece of architecture and a must-visit destination for those looking for breathtaking scenery and history.
15. Istanbul Archaeology Museums
Of all the museums in Istanbul, the Istanbul Archaeology Museums stand out as the most beautiful. Not only is it as a treasure trove of history and art, making it one of the most culturally rich places to visit in the city, but the architecture is simply beautiful.
It was established in the late 19th century, and is a complex of museums that house over a million artifacts, showcasing the vast history of various civilizations that have thrived in Anatolia and beyond.
Inside the archaeological museum, you can marvel at the exquisite collection of ancient sculptures, including the famous Alexander Sarcophagus, as well as stunning pottery, jewelry, artwork, inscriptions, and artefacts from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine eras.
The museum’s gardens are also a quiet and serene place to relax, and a good place to admire the architecture of the museum which beautifully blends neo-classical and Ottoman styles.
Map Of The Most Beautiful Places In Istanbul
To help you map out which of these most beautiful places in Istanbul to visit, see above this interactive map that shows you their location. Make sure you click the star next to the name of the map to save it onto your own device, so you can have it on your own Google Maps.
With this map, hopefully you can plan your Istanbul itinerary to include as many of these attractions as you would like!
Beautiful Istanbul FAQs
What Is The Most Beautiful Part Of Istanbul?
The most beautiful part of Istanbul has to be the Sultanahmet neighborhood. This is where the historical landmarks of the city are located, including the Hagia Sophia and The Blue Mosque. For quaint charm, colorful buildings, and cobblestone streets, check out the Balat area!
What Are The Most Beautiful Palaces In Istanbul?
There are plenty of stunning palaces in Istanbul, but don’t miss out on the historical Topkapi Palace and the extravagant Dolmabahce Palace!
What Are The Best Places To Take Photos In Istanbul?
Istanbul is a city full of excellent photography spots. Without a doubt, don’t miss the historic center of Sultanahmet and the bustling modern center of Taksim Square and the surrounding areas. For more idyllic charm, Balat, Kadikoy, and Princes’ Islands are nice places in Istanbul to visit!
Final Thoughts
Istanbul is a city with beauty on every corner. There are so many places and buildings that have an enchanting allure, but we hope this guide helped you pick a few gems to admire on your visit.
From the majestic domes of Hagia Sophia to the serene gardens of the Istanbul Archaeology Museums, this curated selection of stunning locations, we feel, capture the essence of this vibrant city and its beauty.
Each site is a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, inviting you to immerse yourself in the magic of Istanbul.
It’s not just the neighborhood, but the entire Fatih District that’s beautiful. Full of culture and so much to see. The Fatih Mosque is full of history and is not often mentioned.