Istanbul: Must See Highlights Sightseeing and Walking Route

Hidden in the shadow of Hagia Sophia, this 16th-century Ottoman medrese welcomes us into the artistic soul of the old city. Designed by Mimar Sinan, it once served as a religious school. Today, its peaceful courtyard is home to traditional crafts and local artists. A calm and authentic place to begin our journey into Istanbul’s past.

Where East meets West, and heaven meets stone. Once a church, then a mosque, then a museum, and now a mosque again—Hagia Sophia is not just architecture, it’s transformation carved into marble. You’ll hear the legends, see the shimmering mosaics, and feel the weight of empires under its massive dome.

Standing tall with its six minarets and blue-tiled elegance, the Blue Mosque is the Ottoman answer to Byzantine grandeur. We’ll step inside this 17th-century wonder to admire the light, symmetry, and silence—each a lesson in sacred geometry. It’s where art and devotion blend seamlessly.

Step into history at the Roman Hippodrome, where chariot races once thrilled Byzantine crowds.

A city within the city, with 4,000 shops and centuries of commerce echoing through its lanes. The Grand Bazaar is more than a market—it's a cultural maze where spices, silks, jewels, and stories are traded alike. We'll explore the quieter corners, meet local artisans, and get lost in Istanbul's heartbeat.