facebook
Duplicating
Tour copied successfully!

Places (POIs) visited during this tour

Place #1
Distance: 1.22mi , Attraction : Religious Landmark
Map Pin
Sultan Ahmet, Sultanahmet, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
POI 1 Tour Image
Sultanahmet Mosque
The Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, stands as an architectural masterpiece and an iconic symbol of Istanbul. Commissioned by Sultan Ahmet I and completed in 1616, this grand mosque is a testament to Ottoman design ingenuity.

The mosque derives its popular name from the stunning blue tiles that adorn its interior, creating an atmosphere of celestial beauty. The exterior is a marvel of cascading domes and six slender minarets, a feature that sparked controversy at the time as it equaled the number of minarets at the Grand Mosque in Mecca.

If you wish to go inside, you will likely see a line forming of those wanting to go in. No tickets are required and so long as there is no prayer taking place, you are free to visit.

As you step inside, the vast prayer hall unfolds, bathed in a serene blue hue, showcasing intricate tile work, stained glass windows, and a breathtakingly detailed mihrab (prayer niche). This location in the wall that points to Mecca and indicates where congregants face during a service.

There are over 20,000 bluish tiles that were used to adorn the interior of the mosque.
The pillars that hold up the interior of the mosque are also a unique feature. They are much larger and grander than those of other mosques.

The central dome, supported by four massive pillars, adds to the mosque's grandeur.

Surrounding the mosque is a beautifully landscaped courtyard, offering a peaceful respite amidst the lively streets of Istanbul, which we will explore and talk about shortly.

The Blue Mosque remains an enduring symbol of the city's rich history and cultural significance, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at its architectural splendor and spiritual ambiance.

Ok, it’s onto our next place on today’s tour. We will be exploring the surrounding areas and
Sultanahmet Square.

Read More

  https://mediakron.bc.edu/ottomans/hagia-sophias-better-looking-younger-brother
Place #2
Distance: 1.24mi , Attraction : Dining
Map Pin
Sultan Ahmet, Torun Sk. 117-1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
POI 4 Tour Image
Street Merchants
Street merchants in Istanbul are an integral part of the city's vibrant and dynamic culture. They contribute to the bustling atmosphere of the streets, offering a wide array of goods and services that range from food to souvenirs.

By now you have probably noticed the food vendors. One of the most iconic sights is the simit seller. Simit is a sesame-crusted bread similar to a bagel, often sold from red carts. It's a popular snack among locals and tourists alike.

Kebap and Döner Stands are very common as well. These vendors offer quick and delicious meals, including skewered meat (kebap) and döner (meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, served in wraps or sandwiches).

During colder months, you’ll find vendors selling roasted chestnuts and corn on the cob, adding warmth to the chilly air. Vendors often sell seasonal fruits and freshly squeezed juices, particularly pomegranate and orange juice.

You will also see plenty of vendors selling Clothing and Accessories. Street merchants often sell a variety of textiles, including scarves, shawls, and sometimes traditional Turkish clothing items like fez hats. You’ll also find merchants selling imitation designer handbags, watches, and sunglasses. These items are popular among tourists but come with varying levels of quality.

Art and Souvenirs and souvenirs are popular, from hand-painted ceramics to intricate jewelry, street merchants often offer a range of traditional Turkish handicrafts. These make for unique souvenirs.

While more commonly found in shops, some merchants display smaller rugs and carpets on the streets. These items can be both decorative and functional.

You might stumble upon vendors selling a mix of old and new books, including those in various languages. These stalls can be a treasure trove for book lovers. Some merchants specialize in selling small antiques, such as old coins, stamps, and other curiosities, adding a historical touch to your shopping experience.

Istanbul’s streets are often filled with the sounds of live music, from traditional Turkish melodies played on the saz (a stringed instrument) to modern performances.

You may also encounter dancers, especially those performing the traditional whirling dervish dance, as well as artists creating on-the-spot portraits or caricatures.

Many shoeshiners set up shop on busy streets, offering to polish and clean shoes. They are known for their ornate, brass shoeshine stands.
For those who believe in fortune telling, magic, or myths, you might want to visit some street merchants offer fortune-telling services, often reading palms or using coffee grounds to predict the future.

Read More

  https://yummyistanbul.com/istanbul-markets-and-bazaars/
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour

Map Pin Place 1 Sultanahmet Mosque
Map Pin Place 2 Street Merchants
Map Pin Place 3 Sultanahmet Square
Map Pin Place 4 Hippodrome
Map Pin Place 5 Theodosius and Walled Obelisk
Map Pin Place 6 Alman Çeşmesi Fountain
Map Pin Place 7 Milion Stone
Map Pin Place 8 Basilica Cistern
Map Pin Place 9 Hagia Sophia Museum
Map Pin Place 10 Fountain of Ahmed III
Map Pin Place 11 Topkapi Palace and Topkapi Palace Museum
Map Pin Place 12 Archaelogical Museums of Istanbul
Map Pin Place 13 Tram System
Map Pin Place 14 Turkish Bath
Map Pin Place 15 Column of Constantine
Map Pin Place 16 Beyazit Camii
Map Pin Place 17 Grand Bazaar
Map Pin Place 18 Turkish Cuisine
Map Pin Place 19 Story TIme
Map Pin Place 20 Beyazit Tower
Map Pin Place 21 Suleymaniye Mosque and Complex
Map Pin Place 22 Urban Legends
Map Pin Place 23 Hookah Culture
Map Pin Place 24 Spice Bazaar
Map Pin Place 25 Galata Bridge
Map Pin Place 26 Eminönü Square
Map Pin Place 27 Yeni Camii



This is a premium tour, click below for complete access!

 
How to take a UCPlaces tour
Taking a UCPlaces tour is fun and easy.
Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
That's it, you're ready to go!
When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
* After purchasing a tour you will receive a purchase confirmation email including the tour link and instructions on how to take the tour, so you don't have to remember anything now.
How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
  • No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
  • Walk at your own pace.
  • No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
  • Take the tour in your preferred language.
  • Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
  • Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
  • Enjoy preferred prices.

What's included?
  • A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
  • Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
  • Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
  • Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
  • Earphones (highly recommended).
  • Smartphone.
  • Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).
  • Tickets to the attractions on your tour.
  • Food and drinks
  • Physical tour guide.