Discover These Off The Beaten Path Attractions In Istanbul, Turkey

Are you a holiday maker that likes to explore off the beaten track? Then Istanbul is an ideal travel hotspot for you. The city is home to a wealth of enchanting lesser known attractions and secret historic destinations which aren’t as famous as sightseeing landmarks like Hagia Sophia, Topkap? Palace and Sultanahmet Mosque, but are just as beautiful and captivating. We’ve put together an inspirational guide to Istanbul’s hidden gems which are less crowded, more peaceful and quite frankly offer a breath of fresh air.

Tophane

Istanbul’s Tophane quarter is the best place to come and immerse in the city’s multiple cultures and do some people-watching. It’s situated relatively close by to the popular Istiklal street and is therefore easily accessible, but is tucked away from the crowds. Tophane is a very creative district, home to a great selection of bohemian style restaurants and cafes, boutiques and independent art galleries.

Balat - The Jewish Quarter

A very low percentage of tourists visit Istanbul’s historic Balat quarter, so it’s one of the city’s best kept secrets and a must visit on your journey off the beaten path. Charming Balat is home to a Jewish community and has interesting architecture, cosy cafes and antique shops. Brightsun Travel offers cheap flights to Istanbul, so book your break soon and ensure you spend the day in Balat, getting lost in its colourful streets.

Cihangir Mosque

In the heart of Istanbul’s Cihangir neighbourhood lies the sacred Cihangir Mosque, a spectacular and ornate Baroque style monument surrounded by gardens and old trees, nestled away in a peaceful setting which takes you away from the city bustle for a brief moment. The mosque also serves as one of the city’s best viewpoints with amazing vistas of the Bosphorus, especially at sunset. Better yet there are less crowds here, so you can fully enjoy it.

Basilica Cistern

This splendid ancient structure was originally built in the Byzantine Empire, and it’s set in an underground chamber beneath the city’s streets. This cistern is often overlooked and may go unnoticed as its set right beside the famous Hagia Sophia Museum. The Basilica Cistern allows an interesting insight into daily life in Istanbul many centuries ago with some beautiful Medusa carvings and marble columns.

Chora Church

Istanbul is a land of many sacred sites that are visited by millions each year, though some are hidden away and less easier to reach – the best example is Chora Church, a former Greek Orthodox church and the only surviving building from an old monastery complex, located quite a distance from the city’s major sites and complexes. It was converted into a mosque in the Ottoman Empire and is now a museum with beautiful mosaics, frescoes and Byzantine artworks.

The Walls of Constantinople

Istanbul’s former land walls, also known as the Old City Walls were constructed by Constantine the Great to defend the city during the Byzantine Empire. Much of these ancient stone ramparts are crumbling and some have fallen, but there are some well-preserved sites along the walls which are still standing today, and they aren’t widely known about in tourism. This is for sure an overlooked gem of Istanbul and one of the most captivating Byzantine sites in Turkey.

Are you ready to explore this city of secret gems? Book cheap tickets to Istanbul now and look forward to exploring off the beaten path.

Author Bio:

Brightsun Travel can arrange all of your travel needs, from flights, short haul to long haul holidays, world tours and memorable life adventures! For more information on Istanbul flights deals, Please visit us at www.brightsun.co.uk

Brightsun Travel can arrange all of your travel needs, from flights, short haul to long haul holidays, world tours and memorable life adventures!