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Exciting Activities to Try Near Dolmabahce Palace
If you are thinking of getting some entertaining top things to do near Dolmabahce Palace, you must consider visiting the Galata Tower. Packaged as a historical place and zone of fun altogether, this place showcases the 1000-year-long history of Turkey. Different floors portray the history of different times of the Byzantine and the Ottomans. The nightclub on the upper floors along with a restaurant to serve you traditional Turkish coffee with baklava makes it one of the top things to do near Dolmabahce Palace.
Located on the third hill in Istanbul, the Suleymaniye Mosque is an imperial mosque in Turkey. It has a huge courtyard along with four minarets, and at the corner of it possessing about 10 galleries that indicate Suleiman the Magnificent being the 10th Sultan. The main dome is surrounded by semi-domes along with the usage of Iznik style tiles and white marble mihrab. Exploration of this architectural wonder is one of the best things to do near Dolmabahce Palace.
Spanning across 30,700 sq meters, this is the world’s largest bazaar consisting of 4000 shops, a post office, restaurants, banks, and a police station under 64 streets! Buying ceramics, lamps, lanterns, carpets, Turkish metalware, and jewelry from Grand Bazaar makes it one of the best activities to do near Dolmabahce Palace for all the shopaholics. This place is the perfect spot for knowing the Ottoman lifestyle along with the fun of bargaining at the bazaar is one of the best traditional Turkish experiences.
If you want to experience one of the strangest things to do near Dolmabahce Palace, you must consider visiting the Byzantine wonder, the Basilica Cistern. One of the largest cisterns in Turkey, this place is one of the top 10 tourist spots in the country that showcases the elegance of Byzantine architecture. The 52-stoned step staircase will take you to the cold cistern beneath the land to witness the large water storage capacity along with the strange two inverted Medusa heads.
If you are thinking of exploring the city for amazing interiors then you must visit Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque. The infamous mosque is one of the most respected and visited holy places in Turkey that you can choose to pay your homage as one of the activities to do near Dolmabahce Palace. The beautiful interiors crafted in the shape of patterns resembling tulips with the elegant stained glass windows enlightening up the entire mosque makes it one of the important highlights of Turkey.
One of the holiest of the things to do near Dolmabahce Palace, is to visit Hagia Sophia, which is enough to calm your mind with a blissful feeling of wind. The infamous mosque portrays the history of the same place as three different cities, which are Byzantine, Constantinople, and Istanbul. As you come across the dome, 40 beautifully arched windows lighten up the mosque with delightful sun rays along with glass, terracotta, gold, and silver plated mosaics that amaze you with their brilliance.
If you think of some cool activities to do near Dolmabahce Palace, you can visit Sultanahmet square or the Hippodrome. The place is historically famous for holding social gatherings, and racing events, this place has now become a tourist spot in modern-day Turkey. Surrounded by Dolmabahce Palace, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace, this place is compact and has little traffic to be explored on foot. Today, this place hosts racers and is a home to famous monuments like the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, German Fountain, and many more.
Bringing the most wonderful artifacts from Turkey and the Middle East, the museum complex is a treat to your inner historian. The museum of the Ancient Orient displays artworks based on the pre-Islamic heritage of the Middle East. Collections from different civilizations such as the Roman, Greek, and Assyrian make it to the top of the best things to do near Dolmabahce Palace.
Board a Bosphorus cruise if you want to explore the best activities to do near Dolmabahce Palace. The Bosphorus sightseeing cruise is a journey to sail across the serene waters of Bosphorous while enjoying some of the most iconic attractions of Turkey. Most important monuments such as the Dolmabahce Palace, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Galata Tower, and Basilica Cistern are on the list. The experience of touring these important places in the emerald waters will give you insightful information about them through audio guides in 10 different languages. You can choose to have either lunch or dinner with your loved ones while enjoying sightseeing and live performances for pure entertainment and relaxation.
One of the top things to do near Dolmabahce Palace is to experience a Bosphorus cruise. This scenic boat ride offers breathtaking views of Istanbul's skyline, historic landmarks, and beautiful bridges. As you glide on the water, you will be able to spot the iconic Dolmabahce Palace, and the Rumeli Fortress. The gentle breeze and the dazzling water create a relaxing atmosphere. You can either choose a daytime tour or a romantic evening cruise on the Bosphorus strait. It is indeed an unforgettable way to appreciate the beauty and history of Istanbul from a different perspective.
Exploring Besiktas Square is a delightful experience for both families and solo travellers. The square is also close to the beautiful Dolmabahçe Palace, making it easy to enjoy activities to do near Dolmabahce Palace. You can start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast at one of the local cafes. Stroll around the vibrant market, where you can find fresh produce and unique souvenirs. In the evenings, the square comes alive with street performers and lively crowds. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, Beşiktaş Square offers a perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and entertainment.
If you are a history lover or maritime enthusiast, then touring the Istanbul Naval Museum is a fascinating experience. This museum showcases an extensive collection of artefacts, including Ottoman-era ships, maritime tools, and beautiful naval paintings. It is an educational and immersive experience, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Turkey's naval history. If you're looking for things to do near Dolmabahce Palace, the Naval Museum is just a short walk away, providing an enriching experience.
FAQ
What are the best experiences near Dolmabahce Palace?
Exploring Dolmabahce Palace in itself is a great experience. Still, you can check out the list of the best things to do near Dolmabahce Palace including exploring the Blue Mosque, boarding the Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise, visiting Galata Tower, shopping in the Grand Bazaar, checking out Basilica Cistern, and many more.
Why is the Blue Mosque famous?
Blue Mosque is famous because of its historical importance in the Ottoman Empire, its beautiful architecture, and its religious significance. Today, Blue Mosque is visited by thousands of people to offer their prayers and respect.
Why is Medusa's head upside down in the Basilica Cistern?
Legend says that the Byzantine Emperors were believers in mythology and created the Medusa head inverted to nullify the power of Medusa’s gaze. Medusa is a demon in Greek mythology and this would lead to the Byzantine empire flourishing in their success by removing evil powers as per their belief.
Why do they call it the Blue Mosque?
Originally named Sultan Ahmed Mosque, the Mosque is called Blue Mosque because of its beautiful interiors made up of blue tiles.
Why is the Süleymaniye Mosque important?
Suleymaniye Mosque has always held a great religious significance throughout the history of Turkey. The dome of the mosque represents the universal culture of the Turks, and 4 minarets portray the four sultans who took over the throne after the fall of Constantinople. The 10 balconies refer to Suleiman the Magnificent being the 10th sultan. Also, this place is a burial site of Sultan Suleiman, his wife Hurrem, and their two daughters.
Is the Grand Bazaar worth it?
Historically, the Grand Bazaar is the world’s first so-called shopping mall, now containing a large number of shops where you can buy good items at a cheaper price with the traditional bargaining system.
What is in the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul?
Grand Bazaar has 4000 shops lying in 62 covered lanes. These shops sell decorative stuff, edibles, apparel, and many other things.
What dining options are available near Dolmabahce Palace?
You'll find a variety of dining options, from cosy cafes to fine-dine restaurants near Dolmabahce Palace. Enjoy traditional Turkish cuisine at Lokanta Feriye or relish on international dishes at Vogue Restaurant. For a quick bite, you can also try the local pastries at nearby bakeries.
Are there any historical landmarks near Dolmabahce Palace?
Yes, there are several historical landmarks near Dolmabahçe Palace. You can visit the Istanbul Naval Museum, offering a glimpse of maritime history. The beautiful Yildiz Palace provides serene green spaces and rich history. Another popular activity to do near Dolmabahce Palace is visiting the vibrant Ortaköy Mosque exhibiting stunning architecture.
How can I travel to and from Dolmabahce Palace easily?
To travel to and from Dolmabahçe Palace easily, take buses 22, 22B, 30D, DT1, D31, BSK1, or BSK2, stopping at Mimar Sinan Üniversitesi or Dolmabahçe Palace stops. Alternatively, use the F1 line of the metro's underground funicular route for a smooth trip. Both options provide convenient access to this landmark in Istanbul.