Classic Tour of Istanbul by Public Transportation

The tour begins with a visit to the Roman hippodrome in Sultanahmet Square. It is one of the most important monuments in the city, given that in Roman and Byzantine times it was one of the main centers of social and sporting life in Constantinople. Chariot races and circuses were the most important events that took place there. Of its once architectural wonder, only vestiges and ruins remain, which, however, have admirable beauty and historical character. You will love them. The obelisks and some columns that still remain can tell you the magnitude of approximately 480 meters in length that it was. It's an incredible place.

After visiting the racecourse, it's time to head to the Blue Mosque, since it is one of the most famous in all of Istanbul. Its stunning architecture and interior decoration will take your breath away, making it a centerpiece of this Istanbul day tour. This mosque was built between 1609 and 1616, and is known for its controversial six minarets and its 20,000 hand-made ceramic tiles in shades of blue and white. These give it its name and, in addition, a unique monumental character in the city. Another interesting aspect is that thanks to its numerous stained glass windows you can see how its interior lights up in a magical way.

The next place on the tour is Hagia Sophia, one of the oldest mosques in Istanbul, although its origin was a church. This was built in the 6th century and is famous for its impressive 30 meter diameter dome. Originally, it was an Orthodox Christian church, then it became a mosque when the 4 minarets were erected and, after many years, it became a museum. But now it is a mosque again. You will be able to admire the beauty of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture in this impressive building, which is also located in the highest area of the city, an aspect that greatly influences its attractiveness. It will leave you impressed.

After visiting Hagia Sophia, we will reserve some free time for lunch. You can try delicious Turkish food while enjoying the view of the city. A perfect time to try some typical dishes such as kebab, baklava or lahmacun, among others. If you have questions, I will be happy to advise you.

After lunch, the tour continues with a visit to Topkapi Palace. This palace was the residence of 22 Ottoman sultans for over 400 years and is famous for its stunning gardens and architecture. You will be able to see the incredible reflection of the luxury that surrounded the lives of the sultans and their families. A complex of walls and the facilities of the famous harem that functioned in the palace during the time of the sultans. It is estimated that 4,000 people could live in this beautiful palace, so you will be impressed by its magnificent size when you see it. A must on this classic Istanbul tour.

Next, you will have to prepare to enter an underground area known as the Basilica Cistern, which functioned as an ancient water tank built in the 6th century. Descend into the depths of the city and discover the impressive architecture of this unique place. The cistern was built to store water for the Great Palace of Constantinople and is said to have the capacity to hold 100,000 cubic meters of water, coming from a forest 20 km away. Its fascinating column architecture will remind you of a temple, since they were reused from several buildings. This place is a very impressive point on the route, since it still maintains a level of water and you have to move along walkways.

Finally, the tour ends at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest markets in the world. Here you will find all kinds of products, from jewelry to rugs and spices. The Grand Bazaar is a labyrinth of alleys and shops, so it is easy to enter and want to get lost in the immensity of objects that you can find, it is a unique shopping and exploration experience. Therefore, it is the best way to conclude our tour, after having seen the greatest wonders of Istanbul.