Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia considered as the first and the last unique application in terms of its architecture, magnificence and functionality has been inspiration for Ottoman mosque on the basis of giving opinion, and is product of synthesis of west and east.
The art is one of the wonders of the world remained until now. Therefore Hagia Sophia in addition to its historical background, has been attracting for centuries with its architecture, mosaics and structures of Turkish Period. Hagia Sophia was used as church for 916 years, as mosque for 481 years and was converted into museum in 1935.
The Museum is open between 9.30-16.30 every day except Mondays.
 

Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahce Palace had a total area of over 110.000 square meters and consisted of sixteen separate sections apart from the palace proper. These included stables, a flourmill, pharmacy, kitchens, aviary, glass manufactory and foundry.
Sultan Abdulhamid II (1876-1909) added a clock tower and the Veliahd Dairesi (apartments for the heir apparent), and the Hareket Pavilions in the gardens behind.
 

Topkapi Palace
It is located on the promontory of the historical peninsula in Istanbul, which overlooks both the Marmara Sea and the Bosphorus.
The walls enclosing the palace grounds, the main gate on the land side and the first buildings were constructed during the time of Fatih Sultan Mehmet (the Conqueror) (1451 - 81). The palace has taken its present layout with the addition of new structures in the later centuries.


 

The Leander's Tower
The Leander's Tower has become a symbol of Istanbul, was built by the Greek commander Alkibiades in 419 B.C. to oversee enemies coming from the Black Sea. The Byzantine Emperor Komnenos converted this tower into a fortress.
Later, the tower was restored by the Ottomans as a wooden tower. When the wooden tower was burned down, the current stone tower was built during the Sultan Ahmet III period. The name "Leander's Tower" is due to the mistaken notion that Leander drowned there in his attempt to swim the strait to see his lover Hero, although this legendary tragedy should be located near Abydos in Hellenspont.
 

The Yerebatan Cistern
The Yerebatan Cistern was built by Byzantine Emperor Justinianus in the 6th century. Yerebatan cistern measures 140x70 meters, and is one of the most important Byzantine works that have survived the years.
It was also used by Ottomans, since the collection and storage of water has always been one of the serious problems of Istanbul. Now, Yerebatan cistern was emptied down to a meter deep, and a walkway has been built inside turning the cistern into a very interesting touristic attraction. One of the most interesting things about this cistern is the fact that some stones that are used in are taken from other historical structures.