Free Things to do in Istanbul


     

FREE THINGS TO DO in ISTANBUL

     

This wonderful city offers dozens of attractions and places to visit, which are free for all of us!

Here is a list of things you can do for free in Istanbul, which includes some of the most famous ones:


 

     

Ortakoy

     
   

a traditional and beautiful neighborhood located on the coast of the Bosporus, right under the first bridge. The view to the city is amazing! There you can also find dozens of bars, coffe shops and restaurants, full of delicious foods. Try Kumpir, which is a stuffed baked potato

 

     

Gulhane Park

     
   

the oldest public park in Istanbul, located in the area of the Old City. Once part of the grounds of Topkapi Palace, this large park is now open to the public. By spring time, this park is one of the top spots in Istanbul, because of the Tulip Festival. A beautiful gateway…



 

     

Fransiz Sokak

     
   

a tribute to the French influence in Turkey, which lasted for centuries. The street has graceful vibe thanks to a carefully planned restoration project led by Parisian architects. The beautifully restored terraced buildings house a number of quaint boutiques and galleries as well as patisseries, wine houses, cafes and restaurants specializing in French cuisine and wines


 

     

Hippodrome

     
   

its construction began in 203 AD by a Roman Emperor and it was completed by Constantine the Great in 330 AD. During the Ottoman era, the Hippodrome was used especially for chariot races. Nowadays, only three significant ancient monuments remain: the Obelisk from Egypt, the Serpentine column from Delphi and Fountain of Wilhelm. It is located right next to Blue Mosque


 

     

Blue Mosque

     
   

a historical Mosque, dating from the 17th century, this architectural masterpiece is well-known for its exquisite architecture and its six elegant minarets. Its name, Blue Mosque, comes from the thousands of blue and green toned tiles adorning its wall


 

     

Suleymaniye Mosque

     
   

the largest mosque in the city, and one of the best-known sights in Istanbul. Built between 1550 and 1557, was designed by the great Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, who also chose to be buried there. Within the complex there are also two separate small buildings which houses the tombs of Süleyman the Magnificent and his wife, Sultana Hürrem

 

     

St Anthony of Padua

     
   

this red-brick Venetian neo-gothic building is situated on Istanbul’s busiest pedestrian street, Istiklal Street. It is the largest and one of the most important Roman Catholic cathedrals in the city


 

     

Valens Aqueduct

     
   

a Roman aqueduct which was the major water-providing system of the Eastern Roman capital of Constantinople (Istanbul). Completed by Roman Emperor Valens in the late 4th century AD, it was maintained and used by the Byzantines and later the Ottomans. Nowadays remains one of the most important landmarks of the city

 

     

Haydarpasa Railway

     
   

standing proudly on the edge of the Marmara Sea. Surely is one of the most scenic transport centers in the world. It was a gift to Ottoman Sultan Abdülhamid II by his German ally Kaiser Wilhelm II. The style is Neo-Renaissance that resembles German castle. It is located in the Asian Side at Kadikoy


 

     

Grand Bazaar

     
   

being one of the largest covered markets in the world and the oldest one, Grand Bazaar has more than 60 streets and 4.000 shops, where you can find all kinds of things, from leather clothing and jewelry to hand-woven fabrics. Be tempted!



 

     

Spice Bazaar

     
   

a bazaar, located at Eminonu (Old City) and hosts 88 shops, all under the same dome. This market, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar is a place that will satisfy all of your senses. Smell the spices and herbs, taste the delicacies and enjoy the vivid colours


 

     

Caferaga Mehdresh

     
   

this former Ottoman medresesi (religious school) is now a school sponsored by the Fine Arts College. Constructed in 1559 by the Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, Caferaga Medresesi is located next to Hagia Sophia in Sultanahmet. It offers a large variety of workshops for handicrafts and music. It also hosts music and art exhibitions. Students exhibit their works in the rooms of the Medrese



 

     

Yildiz Park

     
   

a beautiful park located in the area of Besiktas. It is one of the largest park in the city and you can find it between Yildiz palace and Ciragan Hotel. Gorgeous flowers, plants and trees, gathered from every part of the world dating from the Ottoman era. Park grounds offer panoramic views of the Bosphorus


 

     

Galata Bridge

     
   

one of the four bridges that are located in the Golden Horn which connects the old to the new city. Along the bridge there are always dozens of fishermen and also people walking along while gazing at the beauty of the city