Top Places to Visit in Eminonu

Eminönü is one of the best-known and most visited areas of Istanbul. It attracts both local and foreign tourists with its historical atmosphere, architecture and interesting places to visit. If you are visiting Istanbul for the first time and want to discover the city, we recommend you to start your journey in Eminönü. We have compiled 13 great places to visit in this historical neighbourhood for you👇The Galata Bridge is an important structure that connects Eminönü and Karaköy and is open to both pedestrian and vehicle traffic. You can enjoy the Bosphorus view by walking on it and watching people fishing. This bridge, which has been renovated many times throughout history, reflects the past and lively atmosphere of Istanbul. It is also possible to easily reach other parts of the city thanks to the Bağcılar-Kabataş tram that passes over it. The Galata Bridge is a great stop for taking photos and having a pleasant time.LocationThe New Mosque (in full Valide Sultan Mosque), completed in 1665, is one of the most important historical and architectural buildings in Eminönü. The construction was started by Safiye Sultan and completed by Valide Turhan Sultan, mother of Sultan Mehmed IV. The mosque, which has a view of the Bosphorus, is very close to the Galata Bridge and is one of the indispensable stops of the sightseeing routes in Eminönü.LocationRüstem Pasha Mosque was built in the 16th century by Mimar Sinan for the Ottoman Grand Vizier Rüstem Pasha. The mosque attracts attention especially with its Iznik tiles and elegant architecture in the interior, and stands out with its impressive details despite its small size. We strongly recommend that you see this special building in Eminönü.LocationSirkeci Station, built in 1890, is one of the most iconic buildings in Istanbul. Famous as the last stop of the Orient Express, this historic station reflects a beautiful combination of neo-classical and orientalist architecture. Still in active use today, the station occasionally hosts exhibitions and events. You should definitely see the building, which attracts attention especially with its stained glass windows and stone workmanship, during your Eminönü trip.LocationEminönü Square is one of the first and most visited places in Istanbul. Crowded in all seasons, this square attracts attention with its historical atmosphere and central location. Located on the shores of the Golden Horn, you can take Bosphorus tours, shop in the surrounding shops and feel the lively street atmosphere of Istanbul. It is a must-visit place for those who want to capture the spirit of the city.LocationSpice Bazaar is one of the most famous and most visited bazaars in Istanbul. You can find many products such as spices, nuts, Turkish delight and candy in this historical bazaar located behind the New Mosque in Eminönü. The bazaar, which was named after the sale of spices from Egypt during the Ottoman period, is one of the must-see places with its historical texture and shopping opportunities.LocationGülhane Park is a historical park that was used as a palace garden during the Ottoman period, and today it is a favourite place for both locals and tourists. Opened to the public in 1912, this large green area attracts attention with its walking paths, historical trees and peaceful atmosphere. It also has historical significance as the place where the Tanzimat Edict was read. Close to Topkapi Palace and the museums around it, Gülhane Park should definitely be added to your list of places to visit in Istanbul.LocationTahtakale is located right next to the Spice Bazaar and is a great place for shoppers. A centre of trade since Ottoman times, this area is home to wholesale shops, small artisans, spice shops and craftsmen. Offering a wide range of products from electronics to textiles, souvenirs to kitchen utensils, Tahtakale is an ideal spot for those who want to shop at affordable prices.LocationBüyük Yeni Han was built in 1764 by Sultan Mustafa III. This yellow-colored inn, which provides accommodation and business space for merchants and artisans in Eminönü, differs from other inns by taking the name “Yeni”. The building consists of three courtyards, with rooms and shops lined up around each courtyard. The inn, which still has a few shops today, was used as the headquarters of the occupation forces during the First World War. This building, which shows both the architecture of the period and its historical importance, is still remarkable even though it is neglected.LocationThe Grand Bazaar spreads over an area of 45,000 square meters and is one of the largest covered markets in the world. Built in the 15th century by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror, the bazaar is still in active use today. This historically and architecturally important structure, which houses more than 4,000 shops, offers a wide range of products such as gold, jewellery, antiques, carpets, textiles and handmade products. The Grand Bazaar, which attracts attention with its narrow streets, domed roof and historical atmosphere, also hosted the James Bond movie in 2012.LocationSirkeci Türkiye İş Bankası Museum was opened in 2007 and aims to showcase the history of Türkiye İş Bankası. Housed in a historical building from the Ottoman period, the museum exhibits important items such as documents, objects and antique safes related to the development of banking. The entrance is free of charge, and we recommend that you visit the museum during your trip.LocationSirkeci Grand Post Office Building was built in 1909 by Architect Vedat Tek and is one of the important examples of the I. National Architecture Movement. Spread over an area of 6500 square meters, this 3-storey building is one of the symbols of Istanbul in terms of both aesthetics and architecture. The building, which was the centre of postal services during the Ottoman period, is the largest post office building in Turkey. Combining Turkish and Seljuk elements in its architecture in a modern way, the post office building is now home to the Istanbul PTT Museum. It still offers postal services, and you can witness the historical development of the communication network in the museum.LocationZincirli Han, built in the 17th century and part of the Nasuh Pasha Complex, is one of Istanbul's most important commercial inns. Located near the Mahmutpaşa Gate entrance of the Grand Bazaar, the inn is famous for its tile-colored walls, windows with pink shutters and the centuries-old tree in its courtyard. Zincirli Han, which takes its name from the large chain on its door, houses many shops ranging from jewellery stores to textiles, souvenirs and various stores. If you want to explore this aesthetic and historical building while shopping, you can stop by Zincirli Han after visiting the Grand Bazaar.LocationSource: Kültür Portalı

Top Places to Visit in Eminonu: A Journey to the Heart of Istanbul's Historic Peninsula

1. The Galata Bridge

2. Valide Sultan Mosque

3. Rüstem Pasha Mosque

4. Sirkeci Station

5. Eminönü Square

6. Spice Bazaar

7. Gülhane Park

8. Tahtakale

9. Büyük Yeni Han

10. The Grand Bazaar

11. Sirkeci Türkiye İş Bankası Museum

12. Sirkeci Grand Post Office

13. Zincirli Han

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