Top Istanbul Arts & Design - page 4

Step into the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire with skip-the-line access to Dolmabahçe Palace, one of Istanbul's most magnificent landmarks overlooking the Bosphorus. Once the official residence of the Ottoman sultans, this lavish 19th-century palace blends European architectural elegance with traditional Ottoman design, offering an unforgettable glimpse into Türkiye's royal history. Explore the magnificent Selamlık (State Apartments) and the beautifully decorated Harem, where the royal family once lived, while discovering lavish ceremonial halls, marble staircases, gilded ceilings, priceless artworks, and the palace's world-famous Bohemian crystal chandelier. Visit the historic room where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Türkiye, spent his final days, adding even greater historical significance to your visit. Your ticket also includes access to the palace gardens and a multilingual audio guide, allowing you to explore at your own pace

I invite you to discover the art and symbolism of handmade Turkish carpets in a historic Istanbul caravanserai. I am a licensed Istanbul guide and the author of How to Read a Turkish Carpet. My teaching background and doctoral research in art philosophy help me explain the language of carpets in an engaging way. You will learn to recognize quality, interpret traditional motifs and colors, and understand natural dyes, materials, and weaving techniques. Together, we will examine carpets as expressions of Anatolian culture and craftsmanship. If you wish to acquire one, I will help you find a piece that suits your home, taste, and personal story. Complimentary door-to-door shipping is included with every carpet purchase. There is no pressure to buy. Whether you are an art lover, collector, or simply curious about Turkish culture, you will leave with a deeper understanding of handmade carpets. Each guest receives a personally signed copy of my book, How to Read a Turkish Carpet.

Behold the magnificent Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque on this 4-hour small-group guided walking tour of Istanbul’s best monuments. You will delve into the complex culture of Istanbul as you discover its famous monuments intertwined history. Not only will you see the beauty of Hagia Sophia Museum and Blue Mosque but explore the Hippodrome of Constantinople and the German Fountain. People are limited to 15 on this tour, so you can receive more personalized attention from your guide.

Luxury Bosphorus cruise on a premium boat, sailing along both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul with stunning night views, combined with a delicious dinner and unlimited soft drinks. Authentic Turkish night experience with live shows, belly dance, and DJ performance, including comfortable hotel pickup and drop-off for a complete and hassle-free evening.

Immerse in Istanbul’s spiritual and cultural heritage with a half-day tour. Visit the vibrant Spice Bazaar, sail the Bosphorus, explore historic mosques in Uskudar, and marvel at Dolmabahce Palace’s grandeur. Enjoy a delightful local lunch and discover the city’s rich architectural wonders, including masterpieces by Mimar Sinan.

Get an in-depth overview of Istanbul's most famous attraction, plus a look at some of the city's cultural corners on this private tour. Begin with an immersive visit to the Hagia Sophia—where you'll enjoy skip-the-line enjoy—and take the time to ask questions and take photos on this personalized experience. Then, stop at a charming mosque most tourists miss. After sampling baklava at a traditional pastry shop, end the experience with a glass of typical Turkish tea.

Explore the iconic Hagia Sophia in Istanbul without waiting in long lines. This skip-the-line ticket provides instant access, allowing you to enter the magnificent structure and dive into its rich history. With a multilingual audio guide available on your mobile device, uncover the stories of its transformation from a church to a mosque. Whether you're traveling solo, with a partner, or as a history enthusiast, enjoy a flexible and self-paced visit. Discover stunning mosaics and the impressive dome at your own pace, making this experience a must for any Istanbul itinerary.

Located on the northern shore of the Golden Horn, Galata is a district rich in faith and culture ready to be explored. This Galata walking tour offers first-time visitors an easy way to get their bearings with a guide leading the way on foot. With five authentic stops, learn about notable Turkish historical locations and see famous landmarks. Perfectly structured to suit all holiday itineraries, don’t miss the opportunity to add this tour to your Istanbul visit.

Marvel at the religious, historic and cultural influences that have created modern Turkey with this guided tour of the Hagia Sophia and surrounding landmarks. Start at the Hippodrome to learn about the ancient Byzantine Empire and the story of the Serpent Column. Then head to the Blue Mosque to discover the influence of the Ottoman's on the region, before concluding at the gorgeous and iconic Hagia Sophia.

Istanbul is teeming with must-see historical attractions, but its packed city squares and maze-like streets can be tough for even return visitors to navigate. On this small-group tour, spend a day admiring the lavish interiors of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, soaking up treasures in Topkapi Palace, and haggling for souvenirs at the Grand Bazaar, without stressing over logistics, since a private group guide, lunch, and transportation are included.

There’s nothing as reassuring as arriving in a new city after a tiring flight and seeing a driver holding a sign with your name on. Enjoy the convenience of a private transfer from either of Istanbul airports into the city and avoid navigating public transport. City to airport transfers are also available, as are transfers between the airports. This private transfer can be customized to suit your needs.

Explore Istanbul's essential sights with one flexible package. Your Essential option includes Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern entry tickets, a guided Blue Mosque visit, a Bosphorus sightseeing cruise, and 5 public-transport rides. There is no fixed sightseeing itinerary. After booking, you’ll receive an email from MegaPass. Use the link in the email to select your preferred date and, where applicable, time for each experience. Once completed, the same link will give you access to your tickets, meeting points, and activity instructions.

Imagine doing all your shopping with a local guide who grew up in the heart of Istanbul's bazaars, someone who knows every hidden corner, every secret stall, and the story behind each product. Whether you're looking for spices, leather goods, rugs, carpets, fine textiles, jewelry, or authentic local delicacies, your guide will take you directly to the best-quality items at the right prices, carefully tailored to your taste. You'll understand what you're buying and feel confident and comfortable throughout the experience. We'll send you an amazing brochure showing what you can find in the Grand Bazaar. Simply share what you're looking for, and enjoy a truly authentic and personalized bazaar experience.

Discover two of Istanbul’s most historic sites in one visit. Begin with a hosted entry at Topkapi Palace, once the residence of Ottoman sultans, and explore its courtyards without harem section. Then visit the Basilica Cistern, a mysterious underground structure supported by ancient columns and guarded by the famous Medusa heads. An audio guide is included and available in 25 languages: English, German, Russian, Persian, Arabic, French, Italian, Chinese, Dutch, Spanish, Hindi, Romanian, Ukrainian, Korean, Turkish, Bulgarian, Polish, Swedish, Japanese, Indonesian, Greek, Hungarian, Portuguese, Urdu, and Croatian. Operating Hours: Topkapi Palace: 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 11:30, 13:00, 14:00, and 15:00 (closed Tuesdays) Basilica Cistern: 09:00 - 18:30 Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. Join tours at the specified times. Meet your guide 15 minutes early at the Fountain of Sultan Ahmed III. Look for the white flag. Book your Tickets for an unforgettable experience!

Fast and Easy Access. Visit one of the most famous landmarks with a pre-booked entry ticket and start exploring right away. Your ticket will be sent to you by email 24 hours before your visit — please remember to check your inbox and spam folder. Experience the majestic Hagia Sophia like never before with a ticket that ensures a seamless and enriching visit. Skip-the-Ticket-Line Access saves you time, allowing you to bypass long queues and dive straight into the wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the grand dome, golden mosaics, and the blend of Christian and Islamic artistry, all at your own pace. Perfect for independent travelers, this ticket allows flexible, unguided exploration. PLEASE NOTE: IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO SKIP OR BYPASS SECURITY CHECKS AT THE ENTRANCE. DURING THE HIGH SEASON, WAITING TIMES FOR SECURITY MAY TAKE UP TO ONE HOUR.

Treat yourself to an unforgettable night with the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise. Indulge in a decadent evening filled with an incredible selection of food, desserts, and unlimited drinks. Get a taste of the evening with nonstop cultural dance shows. Glide along the Bosphorus strait as you are dazzled by the sparkle of the city at night. Admire the view of Istanbul's historical buildings from the higher terrace part of the boat.

You can skip the line of museum with our official tour guide and save your time. After you enter to Topkapi Palace and Harem, you will leave from the group and continue your visit without tour guide.

Experience Istanbul's magnificent history and culture entirely on your terms with our revolutionary self-guided audio experience. Unlike rushed group tours, you'll have the freedom to linger at breathtaking viewpoints, explore hidden corners, and truly absorb the atmosphere of each incredible location. Our expertly crafted audio narratives unlock exclusive historical insights and captivating stories that even many locals don't know, delivered through crystal-clear, professionally narrated content that brings ancient tales to life with theatrical flair and perfect pacing. You'll discover authentic local perspectives while maintaining complete control over your itinerary. The engaging storytelling transforms each monument into a living piece of history, with a compelling narrative voice that keeps you captivated while ensuring every word is easily understood, making your Istanbul adventure both educational and thoroughly entertaining.

Experience the magical beauty of Istanbul's Bosphorus on this evening dinner cruise. Relax in comfort as you enjoy the views of the city skyline, palaces, mosques, and bridges. Indulge in a delicious dinner while watching an incredible show of traditional Turkish dancing. The illuminated fortresses, palaces, and mansions take on a special atmosphere while the sound of traditional Turkish music permeates the air. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

Half Day Morning tour (walking tour) of Sultanahmet Area. You will see Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Garand Bazaar. Departs: 08:00 Returns: 12:00 midday Hippodrome, where charriot races were organised during the Byzantine Period. Blue Mosque, the only imperial mosque with six minarets, dating back to 17th century. The mosque owes its name to the exquisite tiles adorning its interior. Hagia Sophia, built by Eastern Roman Empire Justinian in the 6th century AD Hagia Sophia is one of the architectural marvels of all time and today faciliates as an active mosque. Grand Bazaar, the commercial heart of the old city with its 4,000 shops. It’s considered as one of the largest covered markets of the world and has full of treasures - including carpets and kilims, silks, jewellery, ceramics, icons, and leather goods.

Experience Turkish culture, cuisine, and history in one night on a Bosphorus dinner cruise in Istanbul. Your filling meal consists of classic dishes served with a variety of meze (side dishes). In addition to watching the whirling dervishes and belly dancers, you'll also enjoy live performances of various folk dances unique to Turkey. Enjoy unrivaled views of iconic landmarks like Dolmabahce Palace, Galata Tower, and the Maiden's Tower throughout the evening.

Seeing Istanbul’s landmarks from the shore can be crowded and rushed, making it hard to fully enjoy the views. This evening Bosphorus cruise solves that by letting you relax on the water while gliding past Bogazici Bridge, Ciragan Palace, and Anatolian Fortress. Enjoy a buffet dinner and onboard entertainment while taking in the city lights at a leisurely pace.

Cruise the Bosphorus Strait while enjoying a dinner and show. Enjoy a selection of food and drinks while being entertained by a Turkish night show. Admire views of Istanbul's historical buildings as they are lit up at night. Snap photos and enjoy the sparkle of the city. See the Dolmabahçe Palace, the Galata Bridge, the Rumeli Fortress, the Ciragan Palace and more.

Ideal for night owls, you can experience the magic of Istanbul after sunset with this Bosphorus dinner cruise. Sail between two continents while savoring an exquisite dinner on board. Perfect for a night out, this cruise offers views of both the European and Asian sides of the city. As you dine, be entertained by a captivating folklore show featuring professional dancers.