Things to do in Han

YAZILI KAYA

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia faces the Blue Mosque across the street. It was originally the main cathedral of the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century AD, and was converted into a mosque in 1453 after the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople. This building blends the cultural imprints of both Byzantine and Islamic traditions and is one of Istanbul's landmark structures. Externally, the iconic great dome and four minarets added in different periods are visible; in front of the entrance stands an ablution fountain, beside which rises a stone column carved with patterns at its top. Passing through nine doors from the inner narthex leads into the central hall, where the central "Imperial Door" was once used by Byzantine emperors and empresses, and above the door is a mosaic depicting an emperor prostrate before Christ. The floor and walls of the hall's interior are adorned with polychrome marble, with windows at varying heights and low-hanging chandeliers modulating the light, creating an extraordinarily grand sense of space beneath the lofty dome. The pendentives of the dome retain Byzantine-era mosaics of six-winged seraphim, one of whose faces was revealed after restoration while the others remain covered by golden star ornaments. On the semi-dome of the apse is a 9th-century mosaic of the Virgin and Child, looking down from above. Between the columns of the nave hang eight giant circular discs with gold Arabic calligraphy on a black background, bearing the names of Allah, the Prophet Muhammad, the four caliphs, and Muhammad's two grandsons, added as Islamic decorative elements during the Ottoman period. Toward the altar is the mihrab (prayer niche) oriented toward Mecca, with the minbar (pulpit) to its right, and in the floor beneath the central dome is embedded a marble disc called the "Omphalion," the site of Byzantine emperors' coronations. A ramp at the end of the corridor beside the hall leads up to the second-floor gallery, which was once the place of worship for dignitaries and women of the court. The gallery walls preserve numerous Byzantine mosaics, among which the Deesis mosaic depicting Christ with the Virgin Mary and St. John the Baptist is highly acclaimed. On the right side of the gallery is the "Empress's Box," directly above the ground-floor "Imperial Door." Standing on the second floor overlooking the entire hall, one can better appreciate the magnificent design of the domed space; the junctions of capitals, column bases, and shafts are adorned with vivid patterns on gold and blue grounds, finely carved.

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Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern, located next to Hagia Sophia, served as the palace's underground water reservoir from the Byzantine era to the Ottoman Empire. Today, it is considered one of Istanbul's most romantic and mysterious tourist attractions. Entering the cistern, you feel as if you've stepped into another world of Istanbul. The clear sounds of water droplets falling on the surface are constantly heard, and carp occasionally swim in the pool. Dim streetlights lining the edges of the underground passage create a peaceful, deep, mysterious, and captivating atmosphere. This enormous cistern, 140 meters long and 70 meters wide, is the size of a football field. 336 thick Corinthian columns, 9 meters high, support the massive brick vaults, creating a truly impressive sight. Each column features meticulously crafted, unique reliefs. Because of its unique and mysterious atmosphere, it has served as a filming location for productions such as the Hollywood film "Skyfall" and Jackie Chan's "The Accidental Spy." The Basilica Cistern has a very large water storage capacity and is still used by the people of Istanbul today. It is said that if the cistern were completely full of water, it could meet the water needs of the entire city for a month. While the teardrop-shaped columns in the center of the cistern attract the attention of many visitors, the columns on the northwest side of the cistern, supported by two inverted Medusa heads, are one of the most impressive parts of the Basilica Cistern. The history of the Basilica Cistern dates back to the 6th century AD and it was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian. Initially, it was used to store water for the nearby palace and buildings. Later sealed, the cistern was rediscovered after the conquest of Istanbul in the 16th century. Bringing water from the forests near the Black Sea, this structure both met the palace's water needs and served as a strategic refuge against enemy sieges. It is truly an underground palace, a product of the imagination.

Historic Areas of Istanbul

Historic Areas of Istanbul is the historic heart of the city, layering thousands of years of civilization from both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, with many of Istanbul's iconic monuments gathered within a compact area. Sultanahmet Square is the center of the historic area. It was once the Hippodrome during the Byzantine period. Today, ancient relics such as the obelisk brought from Egypt and the ancient Greek Serpentine Column still stand in the square. The Galata Bridge, extending north from the historic area, spans the Golden Horn. Locals often fish on the bridge, and the area below is lined with restaurants, making it a great place to experience Istanbul's local life. The main attractions in the historic area are concentrated around Sultanahmet, making it suitable for exploring on foot.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Türkiye

Dolmabahce Palace

Dolmabahce PalaceLocated in the new city area of Istanbul, it is also commonly known as the new palace of the Ottoman Empire. The palace is tall and spacious, with a magnificent momentum, faintly revealing the glory and wealth of the once-prosperous Ottoman Empire. "Dolmabahçe" means "filled garden" in Turkish. This palace was built in the mid-19th century on the original harbor structure. It is located on the waterfront with beautiful scenery, attached to the European shore of the Bosphorus Strait, and was the residence of the last six sultans of the Ottoman dynasty. The mature architectural level of the palace makes the palace wall a total length of 600 m, the inner wall is covered with gold leaf, and the main body is made of white marble and Egyptian alabaster. Through a gorgeously decorated gate, you enter the palace surrounded by gardens. The flowers, plants, and trees in the garden are carefully cared for. There is also a Baroque clock tower standing in the garden. It is speculated that this clock tower also served as a watchtower at the time. At present, there are still guards standing at the entrance of the palace, and access control is strict. The motionless guards have also become a scenery line here. Follow the guide to visit the palace. The palace is mainly composed of two major parts, namely the Ceremonial Hall (Selamlık), the Harem and the concubines' quarters (Haremlik). It has a total of 285 rooms, 46 halls, and 6 Turkish baths, and can be called a masterpiece of exquisite beauty. When visiting, you can follow the provided audio guide to visit these two places. Tours are generally divided into two routes, and the guide commentary is all in English or Turkish. Basically, the tour time for each route is about 30-40 minutes. If your schedule is very tight, it is recommended to visit only the Ceremonial Hall. The Ceremonial Hall and the Crystal Staircase After entering through the main entrance of the palace, the first place to visit is the Ceremonial Hall. Here there are a reception hall for receiving envoys from various countries, a waiting room, rooms for meetings and private talks with important government officials, bathrooms, and children's rooms, etc. In addition, Turkish carpets, crystal candlesticks, ivory, gold, and decorative items presented by various countries are also worth carefully viewing. In particular, the staircase hall here should be mentioned. The pillars supporting the stair handrail are made of crystal, so it is called the "Crystal Staircase." When sunlight shines into the room from the glass canopy, a dazzling scene appears. The crystal lamp hanging down from the ceiling weighs about 2.5 tons and is made of crystal produced by Bakara in France. The sultan's coronation ceremonies were mostly held here, and you can see the sultan's throne inlaid with gold. The Harem and the Concubines' Quarters After leaving the Ceremonial Hall, the Harem occupies most of the northern part of the palace. This is a place where no other men except the sultan and princes were allowed to enter. This harem is separated from the previous imperial hall only by an iron gate. Here, rooms are decorated in different styles according to the preferences of the concubines, full of a strong Western style. For example, the Yellow Hall is the place where the women of the harem held meetings, and it is the largest room in the harem. Behind the bedchamber there are children's rooms, where everything is small and exquisite, and the shapes are quite cute. In addition, there is also the room where Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, passed away. The bed is covered with a silk Turkish flag, and the clock on the wall forever stays at the time of his death, 9:05. Other highlights After visiting the above two routes, if you still have time, you can also go to the Crystal Palace and the Clock Museum. Along the strait, the palace also has a 160 m long pier. It is said that in the past, ships were the main means of entering and leaving this palace. Of course, it is no longer in use now. You can stand here and look far at the beautiful scenery on the opposite shore and take photos as a souvenir. In addition, next to the clock tower in the garden there is also an open-air café. If you are tired from walking, you can sit down, drink a cup of coffee, look at the blue sky, and enjoy the sea breeze.

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Bosphorus

The Bosphorus, also known as the Istanbul strait, connects the Black Sea to the north and the Sea of Marmara and the Mediterranean to the south, dividing Türkiye into Asian and European parts. The undulating waters are dotted with ships of all sizes, either anchored or sailing through, while seagulls soar under the blue sky, creating a delightful scene. Today, this 31 km stretch of water, where natural beauty and historical sites complement each other, has become one of Türkiye's tourist attractions. A common way to explore the Bosphorus is by taking a cruise. Sailing along, you can admire the scenic views on both shores, pass under bridges, gaze at the cityscape in the distance, and enjoy the seamless blend of sea and sky. The scenery is particularly enchanting during sunset over the strait.

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Topkapi Palace

Topkapı Palace and Harem are likely to have more colourful stories than most of the world's museums put together. Libidinous sultans, ambitious courtiers, beautiful concubines and scheming eunuchs lived and worked here between the 15th and 19th centuries when it was the court of the Ottoman empire. A visit to the palace's opulent pavilions, jewel-filled Treasury and sprawling Harem gives a fascinating glimpse into their lives. It has many exhibion halls, Treasury section, and Harem. Mehmet the Conqueror built the first stage of the palace shortly after the Conquest in 1453, and lived here until his death in 1481. Subsequent sultans lived in this rarefied environment until the 19th century, when they moved to the ostentatious European-style palaces they built on the shores of the Bosphorus. Before you enter the palace's Imperial Gate, take a look at the ornate structure in the cobbled square just outside. This is the rococo-style Fountain of Sultan Ahmet III, built in 1728 by the sultan who so favoured tulips. The main ticket office is in the First Court, just before the gate to the Second Court. Topkapı Palace was home to all the Ottoman sultans until the reign of Abdulmecid I (1839-1860), a period of nearly four centuries. First Court Pass through the Imperial Gate into the First Court, which is known as the Court of the Janissaries or the Parade Court. On your left first monument is Hagia Irene Museum a Byzantine church of Hagia Eirene, more commonly known as Aya İrini. Third structure is former Imperial Mint (Darphane-i Âmire, constructed in 1727) which named Currency Imperial Ottoman Administration [Meskûkât-ı Şâhâne] after the Tanzimat Reform. Second Court The Middle Gate led to the palace's Second Court, used for the business of running the empire. In Ottoman times, only the sultan and the valide sultan (mother of the sultan) were allowed through the Middle Gate on horseback. Everyone else, including the grand vizier, had to dismount. The Second Court has a beautiful park-like setting. Unlike typical European palaces, which feature one large building with outlying gardens, Topkapı is a series of pavilions, kitchens, barracks, audience chambers, kiosks and sleeping quarters built around a central enclosure. The great Palace Kitchens on the right (east) as you enter incorporate a dedicated Helvahane (confectionery kitchen). They hold a small portion of Topkapı's vast collection of Chinese celadon porcelain, valued by the sultans for its beauty but also because it was reputed to change colour if touched by poisoned food. On the left (west) side of the Second Court is the ornate Imperial Council Chamber (Dîvân-ı Hümâyûn). The council met here to discuss matters of state, and the sultan sometimes eavesdropped through the gold grille high in the wall. The room to the right showcases clocks from the palace collection. North of the Imperial Council Chamber is the Outer Treasury, where an impressive collection of Ottoman and European arms and armour is displayed. Harem Section The entrance to the Harem is beneath the Tower of Justice on the western side of the Second Court. If you decide to visit – and we highly recommend that you do – you'll need to buy a dedicated ticket. The visitor route through the Harem changes when rooms are closed for restoration or stabilisation, so some of the areas mentioned here may not be open during your visit. As popular belief would have it, the Harem was a place where the sultan could engage in debauchery at will. In more prosaic reality, these were the imperial family quarters, and every detail of Harem life was governed by tradition, obligation and ceremony. The word 'harem' literally means 'forbidden' or 'private'. The sultans supported as many as 300 concubines in the Harem, although numbers were usually lower than this. Upon entering the Harem, the girls would be schooled in Islam and in Turkish culture and language, as well as the arts of make-up, dress, comportment, music, reading, writing, embroidery and dancing. They then entered a meritocracy, first as ladies-in-waiting to the sultan's concubines and children, then to the valide sultan and finally – if they were particularly attractive and talented – to the sultan himself. The sultan was allowed by Islamic law to have four legitimate wives, who received the title of kadın (wife). If a wife bore him a son she was called haseki sultan; if she bore him a daughter, haseki kadın. Ruling the Harem was the valide sultan, who often owned large landed estates in her own name and controlled them through black eunuch servants. Able to give orders directly to the grand vizier, her influence on the sultan, on his wives and concubines, and on matters of state was often profound. The earliest of the 300-odd rooms in the Harem were constructed during the reign of Murat III (r 1574–95); the harems of previous sultans were at the now-demolished Eski Sarayı (Old Palace), near present-day Beyazıt Meydanı. The Harem complex has six floors, but only one of these can be visited. This is approached via the Carriage Gate. Next to the gate is the Dormitory of the Corps of the Palace Guards, a meticulously restored two-storey structure featuring swathes of magnificent 16th- and 17th-century İznik tiles. Inside the gate is the Dome with Cupboards, the Harem treasury where financial records were kept. Beyond it is the Hall with the Fountain, lined with fine Kütahya tiles from the 17th century featuring botanical motifs and inscriptions from the Koran and home to a marble horse-mounting block once used by the sultans. Adjoining this is the Mosque of the Black Eunuchs, which features depictions of Mecca on its 17th-century tiles. Beyond this room is the Courtyard of the Black Eunuchs, also decorated with Kütahya tiles. Behind the marble colonnade on the left are the Black Eunuchs' Dormitories. In the early days white eunuchs were used, but black eunuchs sent as presents by the Ottoman governor of Egypt later took control. As many as 200 lived here, guarding the doors and waiting on the women of the Harem. At the far end of the courtyard is the Main Gate into the Harem, as well as a guard room featuring two gigantic gilded mirrors. From here, the Concubines' Corridor leads left to the Courtyard of the Concubines and Sultan's Consorts. This is surrounded by baths, a laundry fountain, a laundry, dormitories and private apartments. Across the Concubines' Corridor from the courtyard is a room decorated with a tiled chimney, followed by the Apartments of the Valide Sultan, the centre of power in the Harem. From these ornate rooms the valide sultan oversaw and controlled her huge 'family'. Of particular note is the Salon of the Valide Sultan with its lovely 19th-century murals featuring bucolic views of İstanbul, and a pretty double hamam dating from 1585; the gilded bronze railings were a later addition. Past the Courtyard of the Valide Sultan is a splendid reception room with a large fireplace that leads to a vestibule covered in Kütahya and İznik tiles dating from the 17th century. This is where the princes, valide sultan and senior concubines waited before entering the handsome Imperial Hall for an audience with the sultan. Built during the reign of Murat III, the hall was redecorated in baroque style by order of Osman III (r 1754–57). Nearby is the Privy Chamber of Murat III, one of the most sumptuous rooms in the palace. Dating from 1578, virtually all of its decoration is original and is thought to be the work of Sinan. The restored three-tiered marble fountain was designed to give the sound of cascading water and to make it difficult to eavesdrop on the sultan's conversations. The gilded canopied seating areas are later 18th-century additions. Next door is the Privy Chamber of Ahmet III and adjoining dining room built in 1705. The latter is lined with wooden panels decorated with images of flowers and fruits painted in lacquer. Back through the Privy Chamber of Murat III are two of the most beautiful rooms in the Harem – the Twin Kiosk/Apartments of the Crown Prince. These two rooms date from around 1600; note the painted canvas dome in the first room and the fine İznik tile panels above the fireplace in the second. The stained glass is also noteworthy. Past these rooms is the Courtyard of the Favourites. Over the edge of the courtyard (really a terrace) you'll see a large empty pool. Overlooking the courtyard are the tiny windows of the many small dark rooms comprising the kafes (cage) where brothers or sons of the sultan were imprisoned. Adjoining it is the tiled Harem Mosque with its baroque mihrab (niche in a minaret indicating the direction of Mecca). From here, you can follow the passage known as the Golden Road and exit into the palace's Third Court. Third Court The Third Court is entered through theGate of Felicity. The sultan's private domain, it was staffed and guarded by white eunuchs. Inside is the Audience Chamber, constructed in the 16th century but refurbished in the 18th century. Important officials and foreign ambassadors were brought to this little kiosk to conduct the high business of state. The sultan, seated on a huge divan, inspected the ambassadors' gifts and offerings as they were passed through the doorway on the left. Right behind the Audience Chamber is the pretty Library of Ahmet III, built in 1719. On the eastern edge of the Third Court is the Dormitory of the Expeditionary Force, which was closed for restoration at the time of research. When it reopens it will house the palace's rich collection of imperial robes, kaftans and uniforms worked in silver and gold thread. On the other side of the Third Court are the Sacred Safekeeping Rooms. These rooms, sumptuously decorated with İznik tiles, house many relics of the Prophet. When the sultans lived here, the rooms were opened only once a year, for the imperial family to pay homage to the memory of the Prophet on the 15th day of the holy month of Ramazan. Next to the sacred Safekeeping Rooms is the Dormitory of the Privy Chamber, which houses an exhibit of portraits of 36 sultans. The highlight is a wonderful painting of the Enthronement Ceremony of Sultan Selim III (1789) by Konstantin Kapidagli. Imperial Treasury Located on the eastern edge of the Third Court, Topkapı's Treasury features an incredible collection of objects made from or decorated with gold, silver, rubies, emeralds, jade, pearls and diamonds. The building itself was constructed during Mehmet the Conqueror's reign in 1460 and was used originally as reception rooms. It was closed for a major restoration when we last visited. When it re-opens, look out for the jewel-encrusted Sword of Süleyman the Magnificent and the extraordinary Throne of Ahmed I (aka Arife Throne), which is inlaid with mother-of-pearl and was designed by Sedefhar Mehmet Ağa, architect of the Blue Mosque. And don't miss the Treasury's famousTopkapı Dagger, object of the criminal heist in Jules Dassin's 1964 film Topkapı. This features three enormous emeralds on the hilt and a watch set into the pommel. Also worth seeking out is theKasıkçı (Spoonmaker's) Diamond, a teardrop-shaped 86-carat rock surrounded by dozens of smaller stones that was first worn by Mehmet IV at his accession to the throne in 1648. Fourth Court Pleasure pavilions occupy the palace's Fourth Court. These include the Mecidiye Kiosk, which was built by Abdül Mecit (r 1839–61) according to 19th-century European models. Up steps from the Mecidiye Kiosk is the Head Physician's Pavilion. Interestingly, the head physician was always one of the sultan's Jewish subjects. On this terrace you will also find the Kiosk of Mustafa Pasha, sometimes called the Sofa Köşkü. During the reign of Ahmet III, the Tulip Garden outside the kiosk was filled with the latest varieties of the flower. Up the stairs at the end of the Tulip Garden is the Marble Terrace, a platform with a decorative pool, three pavilions and the whimsical İftariye Kameriyesi, a small structure commissioned by İbrahim I ('the Crazy') in 1640 as a picturesque place to break the fast of Ramazan. Murat IV built the Revan Kiosk in 1636 after reclaiming the city of Yerevan (now in Armenia) from Persia. In 1639 he constructed the Baghdad Kiosk, one of the last examples of classical palace architecture, to commemorate his victory over that city. Notice its superb İznik tiles, painted ceiling and mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell inlay. The small Circumcision Room was used for the ritual that admits Muslim boys to manhood. Built by İbrahim I in 1640, the outer walls of the chamber are graced by particularly beautiful tile panels.

2026 Asia 100 - Best Things to Do

The Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, located in Istanbul, Türkiye, is a historic religious and architectural attraction. As a masterpiece from the Ottoman Empire era, this mosque captivates visitors from around the world with its grand scale and exquisite decorations. The mosque gets its name from the blue tiles adorning its interior, which shimmer beautifully under sunlight. Its architectural design blends traditional Islamic styles with Byzantine elements, featuring six towering minarets and a magnificent central dome. Visitors can admire intricate geometric patterns and calligraphic art while experiencing the structure's solemnity and tranquility. Beyond its architectural beauty, it remains an active place of worship where believers perform daily prayers.

Midas Monument

No. 6 of Night Attractions in Türkiye

Cruise Experience in Bosphorus

Glide along the Bosphorus Strait, a shimmering blue ribbon dividing two continents. To your left lies Europe, to your right Asia, with Ottoman palaces and modern villas cascading down green hillsides.At dusk, watch domes and minarets glow in the golden hour before city lights begin to sparkle along both shores. It's a poetic passage through Istanbul's layered history, where every wave tells a story of empires and encounters. Sunset Cruise: Set sail during the golden hours of dusk and witness Istanbul's most romantic moments. As the sun sets, the domes of mosques and ancient palaces along the shores are gradually illuminated, while the continents-spanning bridges glow in the twilight—a perfect experience for photography enthusiasts and romantics alike. Dinner Cruise: Indulge in a moving feast under the starlit sky. Savor authentic Turkish cuisine and specialty drinks as you take in the glittering night views of both the European and Asian sides. With the historic Sultanahmet district and modern skyline facing each other across the water, this cruise offers an unforgettable fusion of taste and sight. Dinner & Show Cruise: Combine gourmet dining, breathtaking views, and traditional Turkish culture. Enjoy a lavish dinner while being entertained by live performances such as belly dancing and folk music. As the boat glides through the nighttime waters, immerse yourself in an authentic Turkish atmosphere filled with music and dance. Private Sightseeing Cruise: Tailor your own exclusive journey. Opt for a private yacht or small sightseeing boat and customize your route and stops according to your preferences. Whether for a family gathering or a business event, this personalized experience ensures a unique voyage along Istanbul's most iconic waterways.