Let’s start with the top 15.
- Hagia Sophia Mosque (Ayasofya Camii): Originally built as a cathedral in the 6th century, Hagia Sophia has served as both a church and a mosque, reflecting the city’s rich history. Its impressive dome and stunning mosaics make it a must-see.
- Topkapi Palace Museum (Topkapı Sarayı Müzesi): Once the residence of Ottoman sultans, this palace is now a museum showcasing imperial collections, including the Prophet Muhammad’s cloak and sword.
- Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque): Known for its blue tiles surrounding its interior walls, the Blue Mosque is an active place of worship and a prime example of Ottoman architecture.
- Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı): One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar offers a unique shopping experience with its labyrinthine alleys lined with shops selling a variety of goods.
- Dolmabahçe Palace: This 19th-century palace blends traditional Ottoman architecture with European styles and is known for its luxurious design, including a massive crystal chandelier in the main hall.
- Bosphorus Strait (İstanbul Boğazı): A cruise on the Bosphorus offers breathtaking views of Istanbul, bridging Asia and Europe. It’s a unique chance to see the city from a different perspective.
- Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi): Offering panoramic views of Istanbul, Galata Tower is a medieval stone tower in the Galata/Karaköy quarter of Istanbul and a significant landmark.
- Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı): An underground marvel, this ancient cistern features hundreds of columns and has a mysterious and magical atmosphere.
- Süleymaniye Mosque: Built by the famous Ottoman architect Sinan, it’s known for its magnificent architecture and is one of the largest mosques in the city.
- Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı): A sensory delight, the Spice Bazaar is filled with the aromas of various spices, herbs, and sweets, and is a vibrant part of Istanbul’s culinary culture.
- Ortaköy Mosque (Ortaköy Camii): Situated by the waterside of the Ortaköy pier square, this mosque stands out for its Neo-Baroque style and offers a beautiful view against the backdrop of the Bosphorus Bridge.
- Istiklal Street (İstiklal Caddesi): This bustling pedestrian street is filled with shops, cafes, and historic sites and is a lively part of modern Istanbul.
- Taksim Square: A major tourist and leisure district famed for its restaurants, shops, and hotels. It is considered the heart of modern Istanbul.
- Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi): Located on a small islet at the southern entrance of the Bosphorus, it has a romantic ambiance and offers panoramic views of the city.
- Rahmi M. Koç Museum: This museum is dedicated to the history of transport, industry, and communications, showcasing an extensive collection that includes classic cars, trains, and submarines.
and now the extended list top 100.
- Hagia Sophia Mosque
- Topkapi Palace Museum
- Basilica Cistern
- Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque)
- Sultanahmet Square
- Dolmabahçe Palace
- Galata Tower
- Bosphorus Strait
- Maiden’s Tower
- Grand Bazaar
- Spice Bazaar
- Taksim Square
- Istiklal Street
- Aya Irini Museum (Hagia Irene)
- Rahmi M. Koç Museum
- Süleymaniye Mosque
- Gülhane Park
- Ortaköy Mosque
- Yıldız Palace
- Fatih Mosque
- New Mosque
- Ahrida Synagogue
- Eyüp Sultan Mosque
- Pierre Loti Hill
- Miniatürk
- Istanbul Toy Museum
- Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
- Pera Museum
- Sakıp Sabancı Museum
- Emirgan Park
- Atatürk Arboretum
- Belgrade Forest
- Maçka Democracy Park
- Polonezköy Nature Park
- Fenerbahçe Park
- Nezahat Gökyiğit Botanical Garden
- Nişantaşı district
- Bebek neighborhood
- Balat, Fener, and Ayvansaray districts
- Rumeli Fortress
- Beylerbeyi Palace
- Garipçe village
- Çamlıca Hill
- Anadolu Kavağı and Yoros Castle
- Mihrabat Grove
- Büyükada and the Princes’ Islands Museum
- Heybeliada
- Kınalıada
- Burgazada
- Göksu Stream and Küçüksu Pavilion
- Adile Sultan Palace
- Caddebostan Beach
- Moda Beach and Moda Seaside Library
- Kadıköy Bull Statue
- Bağdat Avenue
- Kanlıca neighborhood
- Kuzguncuk district
- Gözdağı Grove
- Çubuklu Grove and Hidiv Pavilion
- Otağtepe Park
- Haydarpaşa Train Station
- Çinili Mosque
- Çemberlitaş Bath
- Cağaloğlu Bath
- Kılıç Ali Paşa Bath
- Yedikule Dungeons
- Panorama 1453 History Museum
- Anadolu Fortress
- Historic Çınaraltı Tea Garden
- Naval Museum
- Museum of Innocence
- Florya Atatürk Marine Mansion
- Çamlıca Tower
- Ağva
- Şile
- Dragos Hill
- Selimiye Barracks
- Göztepe 60th Year Park
- VIALAND Theme Park
- Tekfur Palace Museum (Palace of the Porphyrogenitus)
- Sadberk Hanım Museum
- Çiçek Passage
- Terkos Passage
- Fethi Paşa Grove
- Little Hagia Sophia
- Karaköy district
- Bosphorus cruise from Eminönü to Rumeli Kavağı
- Golden Horn ferry ride from Üsküdar
- Şerefiye Cistern
- Kilyos Beach
- Yoros Hill
- Nakkaştepe Public Park
- Ömerli Dam and its surroundings
- Elmasburnu Nature Park and Beach
- Terkos and Durusu Lake
- Demirciköy, Uzunya, and Dalia
- Molla Fenari İsa Mosque
- Hasanpaşa Gasworks and Gasworks Museum
