Recipe for the perfect trip to Istanbul

It's no secret that Istanbul is one of my favorite cities in the world. I've been traveling there since I was a kid, and each visit brings something new. From ancient ruins to stunning mosques and palaces, here are my top picks for a quick trip to this historic city:

Hagia Sofia

Hagia Sophia is a former Orthodox patriarchal basilica, later a mosque, and now a museum in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I between 532 AD and 537 AD on the site of an earlier church dedicated to Mary (Hagia Maria). Its name means "Holy Wisdom" in Greek; its formal name alludes to this fact: Theotokos Panachrantos (Mother of God who is All-Holy). After its completion it was one of the largest churches in Christendom for many centuries. It was also known as "the Great Church", or simply "the Great Church".

The church contained massive spires over its main entrance which were destroyed when Constantinople fell to Ottoman Turks in 1453 during the Fourth Crusade. In 1494 Sultan Beyazid II ordered them demolished due to their height obstructing views from his new palace across Bosphorus Strait towards Europe; however some fragments still remain today including one which can be seen outside Hagia Sophia Museum entrance doors leading inside where visitors can see more pieces lying around as well as part inside too.

The Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque is the most famous mosque in Istanbul and one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city. Built in 1609 by architect Sedefkar Mehmed Agha, it's located on the European side of Istanbul (the European side is where all of the city's major museums and palaces are).

The mosque was designed with six minarets (tall towers) around its perimeter and a large courtyard inside that can hold up to 5,000 worshippers at once. Visitors can enter through either one of two doors: one carved out of marble and another made out of wood with elaborate carvings throughout its frame; both lead into an area called "Bab-i Hümayun", which translates into English as Gate Of Felicity or Favoritism depending on who you ask! Inside this gate sits an intricately decorated fountain where worshippers wash their hands before entering into prayer rooms--if you're lucky enough to visit during Ramadan then expect many people doing this ritual together!

The Hippodrome

The Hippodrome is an ancient stadium that once served as the center of Byzantine life. It was used for chariot races and other entertainment, but it also functioned as a meeting place for political discussions.

The Hippodrome was built in 600 AD by Emperor Justinian I (who ruled from 527 to 565), who wanted to create a space where people could gather for important events such as chariot races or political discussions. The name "hippodrome" comes from Greek words meaning horse race course; this reflects its original purpose as a track where horses raced against each other during games held in honor of gods such as Zeus or Apollo (or possibly even Poseidon). The most famous event held at this location was called Nika Riots--a series of riots between two opposing factions: one led by Hypatius and another led by Phocas--that lasted from January 10th until January 13th 532 AD when both sides agreed on terms that would end hostilities between them.

The Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern is one of the most famous attractions in Istanbul, and for good reason: it's a massive underground chamber that was once used as an aqueduct by the Romans. It covers an area of about 5,000 square meters (about 55,000 square feet) and has 336 columns arranged in 12 rows.

The cistern was built during the reign of Emperor Justinian I between A.D. 532 and 537 to supply fresh water to Constantinople (present-day Istanbul). It was originally open to tourists until 1966 when it became off limits due to safety concerns; however, after extensive restoration work on part of its roofing system was completed in 2013, visitors can once again enter this historic site without worry--and marvel at its beauty! If you want your trip to be extra special though then book yourself onto one of our guided tours which will take you behind closed doors so you can learn more about how this ancient structure came into being during Roman times."

Dolmabahce Palace

Dolmabahce Palace is a palace in Istanbul, Turkey. It was the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire from 1853 to 1922. It was the main residence of the Ottoman sultans for approximately 400 years. The first Dolmabahce Palace was built in 1491 by order of Sultan Bayezid II. The structure was designed by an unknown architect, but it's believed to have been based on an earlier building known as "Dolma Bahche Palace", which had been constructed on this site during Mehmed II's era (1451-1481).

Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops selling everything from clothing to jewelry. The bazaar has been around since 1461 when Sultan Mehmed II commissioned it as part of his plan to build Istanbul into a modern city. Today it's still bustling with activity--you can find everything from traditional Turkish handcrafts made by local artisans to souvenirs for friends back home (or yourself).

The best time to visit is during one of their many festivals throughout the year: Ramadan Bazaar held during Ramadan (a month-long Muslim holiday), Christmas Bazaar held in December just before Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve celebrations, etc. These events attract thousands of people who come together for food and entertainment while browsing through all kinds of merchandise offered by vendors throughout each section within these four walls!

Istanbul Archaeology Museum

The Istanbul Archaeology Museum is located on the southern side of Sultanahmet Square, right next to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. The museum was established in 1884 as part of an effort by Ottoman authorities to preserve artifacts from archaeological sites around Turkey. It houses more than 100,000 items including statues, jewelry pieces, coins and pottery from ancient civilizations such as Troy (in modern-day northwest Turkey), Lydia (in western Anatolia), Bithynia (northwest Anatolia) and Byzantium (which later became Constantinople).

The collection includes objects dating back as far as 6500 BC; some of these include Egyptian statues depicting deities such as Isis or Horus; Roman marble busts depicting Julius Caesar and Cleopatra VII Philopator; Byzantine mosaics found in Ravenna Italy inspired by biblical stories such as Jonah being swallowed by a whale; ancient Greek vases decorated with Dionysian scenes involving satyrs chasing maenads through forests--these were often used during religious ceremonies where wine was consumed freely until participants became intoxicated enough not only forget their troubles but also sing loudly enough so everyone could hear them.

Hagia Irene

Hagia Irene was a former Greek Orthodox patriarchal basilica, later an Ottoman imperial mosque, and now a museum in Istanbul, Turkey. The building was originally constructed as part of a monastery complex by Constantine I (r. 324-337) on the site of an earlier church dedicated to Saint Irene. It served as the palace chapel for the Emperors until they moved to another palace built by Constantine nearby (now called Sultanahmet). It was then converted into a mosque in 1453 after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople (Istanbul).

In 1930 it was converted into an art gallery by Ataturk's government; however it has since been re-converted back into its original purpose as a museum and concert hall for classical music concerts today.

Galata Bridge (or Golden Horn)

The Golden Horn is a great place to see the city. There are many things to do in this area, including walking around and taking photos of the beautiful buildings and streets. You can also go shopping or have lunch at one of the many restaurants, cafes or bars.

If you're looking for something different than just visiting tourist attractions like Topkapi Palace or Sultanahmet Mosque, then take advantage of this opportunity!

Istanbul is a city of many layers. You can immerse yourself in its history, explore its present-day culture and cuisine, or just enjoy the views from atop one of its many hills. The city offers something for everyone, from museums and mosques to ancient ruins and modern architecture -- not to mention some incredible food! Whether you're traveling solo or as part of a group, these five sites will give you an authentic experience that will stay with you long after your trip ends.