Istanbul Old City Landmarks and Grand Bazaar
Meet your tour guide at 10:00 am at the German Fountain in Sultanahmet Square, in front of the Blue Mosque, and begin touring the old city.
Walk by the Obelisk of Theodosius, also located in Sultanahmet Square. It is a monument from the Hippodrome of Constantinople dating back to the 4th century A.D.
Continue to the impressive Blue Mosque with its 6 minarets. This historic mosque, built in 1616, features unique Ottoman architecture.
Head across from the Blue Mosque to Hagia Sophia, built as a Greek Orthodox Christian cathedral in A.D. 535 and later converted into a mosque after the conquest of Istanbul in 1453.
Visit Topkapı Palace, which served as the administrative center and residence of the Ottoman sultans beginning in 1459. This museum is considered the biggest in Istanbul.
Enjoy lunch and take a short rest. Move to Caferağa Medresah, close to Topkapı Palace, and have lunch there.
See local art practices in the traditional madrasah during your lunch.
Proceed to the Istanbul Archeological Museums to explore ancient ruins from all around Anatolia.
Shop in the Grand Bazaar. Explore the historic market, walk around the bazaar, and enjoy shopping there.
Walk to Beyazıt Square, Istanbul University, and Süleymaniye Mosque if you wish. This part is optional.
