A city full of history and stories lies in it. No doubt in being one of the most visited city in the world. Being spread on 2 continents Asia and Europe it is becoming a center for entertainment, shopping, its rich history and culture, it is on the list of visit for every traveler. A journey from the past to know the victorious stories of Ottoman Empire bringing it today the iconic spot to experience the place of Entertainment and hospitality.

Here the top attractions that must be on the list of every traveller when visiting Istanbul:

1. Blue Mosque:

Located in Sultanahmet Square Blue Mosque known for its marvelous architecture, Fantastic design and holding the past stories of the Ottoman empire. The mosque hold a significance importance when talking about the history of the Turkish Empire. It was built in the time of 1609 till 1616 by famous architect Mehmet Aga instructed by Sultan Ahmed. Mosque design was made as an imperial show of strength to complement the imposing of Hagia Sofia mosque which is located in same area of Sultanahmet Square. Mosque is part of UNESCO site since 1985 due to its stunning architecture, famous history and decor. The entry to visit Blue mosque is free of charge for tourists.

2. Hagia Sofia:

Officially the “Hagia Sofia Grand Mosque” is a mosque and former church serving as major cultural and historical site in Istanbul. The site before converting into mosque was one of the world’s oldest cathedral. This famous Byzantine structure was built as a church in the 6th century ce (532–537) under the direction of Byzantine emperor Justinian. In May 1453 at the time of fall of Constantinople by Ottoman forces led this church to convert into Hagia Sofia mosque. In the next 480 years of ottoman ruling period many architectural elements like Mimbar, Mihrab, wooden Balustrades were add in the structure. Today it is one of the iconic attraction to get visit in Istanbul by visitors. The entry ticket for the mosque as tourist is 25 Euro per person.

3. Basilica Cistern:

Is the largest ancient cistern lies beneath the city of Istanbul. This stunning underground reservoir was built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian. The purpose for this cistern was to supply and storage of water underground. It was built with the design of 336 columns and haunting Medusa heads. And now it is converted into museum and becomes a popular destination for Tourists. Located in Sultanahmet square complex Roots back shows the construction of this underground cistern was done in 532. Many theories relates to Medusa Heads and one of them was is Medusa heads were taken from an old temple in Greece or Rome and it was placed in this cistern as a symbol of Christianity. The entrance cost for this museum is set around 22-25 Euro per person.

4. Topkapi Palace Museum:

Located next to the famous Hagia Sofia Mosque in Fatih district. Topkaopi Palace Museum have a large collection of ottoman miniatures, Weapons, Ruling equipment’s, Islamic calligraphic manuscripts. Until the completion of the modern Dolmabahçe palace till 1856 Topkapi Palace served as the main administration center of Ottoman Empire from 1460s and was the main residence of the Sultans. Due to its place as main residence and place where the Sultans used to held the all government and defense meetings the Palace becomes as iconic attraction and famous tourist spot to get visit. Spread over the area of 350 hectors with the different sections and wide lush gardens. You may need around 3-4 hours to get visit the Palace and its surroundings. At the main entrance the palace module structure is placed showing all the sections and pointing the names which was used to call them during the ruling years. You can get an audio guide at the entrance when buying the ticket. And each section when you enter holds a numeric digit to identify on the audio device. Upon pressing it gives you the brief history about that particular section. The entrance cost for The palace is around 45 Euro per person.

5. Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı, meaning 'Covered Market):

A must see in Istanbul located in the district of Fatih is one of the world’s largest and oldest covered market. The area spreads around 30,700 square meter, containing around 61 streets which houses more then 4000 shops and shopping spots. The market is famous for its traditional souvenirs, spices and Turkish delights that is attracting every tourist. The significance importance of the market can be consider with the number of visitors that is being attracted daily which is between 30,0000 to 450,000 average. If you are visiting as tourist and love to bargain then this is your place where you can try your skill of bargaining any stuff you may like to buy with good deal.

6. Dolmabahçe Palace:

Located on the European cost of historical Bosporus Strait in the area of Baskitas district this palace served as main administrative office for the Sultans for the period of 1856 till 1887 and from 1909 till 1922. The only European style constructed palace having 285 rooms, 46 halls and 6 Hamams (Turkish baths), 68 toilets and overall covering area of 45 thousand square meter on floor. This marvelous piece of architecture was constructed by foremost Ottoman architects of the period Karabet and Nikogos Balyan. Today all sections of the palace has been restored into their original shape and format to give the historical back journey along with the information related to each section in the palace. Palace containing many exhibitions halls, museums to display the different items belong to the Sultans during their ruling period and the rooms how they were organized to keep the personal life and work environment separately. Palace entrance is 30 Euro per person. With the access to the main areas in palace only. And more options available to go through the extended space allocated with the museums and lush gardens.