Istanbul Half-Day Private Tour – Skip-the-Line Access

Hagia Sophia is one of the most famous landmarks in Istanbul. It was first built in 537 by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I as a Christian cathedral. For many centuries, it was the largest church in the world and a symbol of Byzantine architecture with its huge dome and beautiful mosaics.

Later, in 1453, after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople, Hagia Sophia was turned into a mosque. In the 20th century, it became a museum, and today it serves again as a mosque. Visitors admire its unique mix of Byzantine and Ottoman features, making it a symbol of Istanbul’s rich history.

The Basilica Cistern is an underground water reservoir in Istanbul, built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. It was used to store water for the Great Palace and nearby buildings. The cistern is supported by hundreds of marble columns, which create a mysterious and impressive atmosphere.

Today, the Basilica Cistern is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors walk on platforms above the water and see famous features like the Medusa heads at the base of two columns. Its cool and quiet environment makes it one of the most fascinating historical sites in the city.

The Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, renowned for its striking blend of Ottoman and Byzantine architectural elements. Completed in 1616 during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I, it features six minarets and a vast courtyard, with an interior illuminated by thousands of İznik tiles in shades of blue that give the mosque its popular name. As an active place of worship, it continues to serve the Muslim community while also attracting millions of visitors each year, offering a powerful glimpse into the grandeur and cultural heritage of the Ottoman Empire.

The Sultanahmet Hippodrome is one of Istanbul’s oldest public spaces and served as the political, social, and cultural heart of Roman and Byzantine life. Originally begun in the 3rd century AD by Emperor Septimius Severus and later expanded by Emperor Constantine the Great, it functioned as a grand stadium where tens of thousands gathered to watch chariot races, ceremonies, and public events. Although much of the original structure has not survived, monuments such as the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpent Column, and the Walled Obelisk still reflect its ancient glory. Known as “At Meydanı” during the Ottoman era, the area witnessed celebrations, uprisings, and state ceremonies. Today, as Sultanahmet Square, it remains one of Istanbul’s most significant historical landmarks.