No trip to Istanbul would be complete without seeing the beauty of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. Technically known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque after the sultan who built it in the 17th century, the Blue Mosque is a definite part of Istanbul's skyline and one of the most beautiful places in Istanbul. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is the most famous mosque in Istanbul and definitely one of the best places in Istanbul. Seeing the Blue Mosque is one of the best things to do in Istanbul... and it is easy to see why. World famous for its beautiful mosque, Ortakoy scenic area is one of the best places in Istanbul if you want to enjoy a beautiful sunset. Built on the orders of Emperor Justinian in the sixth century, its soaring dome, huge nave, and sparkling golden mosaics contribute to its reputation as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, and its fascinating history as a church, mosque, and museum makes Istanbul even more of a time capsule reveal. A mosque has always been a mosque, so here you will not see a mosaic of people, just geometric patterns, flowers, and vines. The mosque is huge and intricately built, decorated with tiles, patterns, and stained-glass windows. Those who have visited mosques in your lifetime will notice that most of them are quite sparsely decorated inside. There are specific rules that you must follow when entering the mosque, and due to the enormous number of tourists who visit the Blue Mosque on a daily basis, the entry procedures are detailed here. From this list, all outdoor areas, bazaars, and mosques are free... unless you buy a carpet at the Grand Bazaar. The Big Four (Ayasofya, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar) leave plenty of time to explore other sights. The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Harem are all within walking distance, and a short walk down the road leads to the impressive Grand Bazaar. About a 10-minute walk from Sultanahmet, you can also find the entrance to the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered bazaars in the world, with over 4,000 shops selling everything from carpets to jewellery. Sultanahmet area has all the most visited historical and tourist attractions in Istanbul such as Sultan Ahmed Square (Arena), Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Cistern Cathedral, Istanbul Archaeological Museum and Turkish and Islamic Art Museum. Everything can be explored on foot. For those who are true history buffs and want to visit the historical sites of Istanbul, we highly recommend visiting the Sultanahmet area. For true connoisseurs of culture and art, Istanbul's museums offer the best of Istanbul's historical heritage, culture, and contemporary art. The Istanbul Archaeological Museum, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace Museum, Istanbul Modern Museum, Rahmikoci Transportation Museum and Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art are some of the best museums in Istanbul not to be missed. If you want to see as many museums in Istanbul as possible, including Hagia Sophia, consider purchasing the Istanbul Museum Pass. Plan your trip with our list of top tourist attractions in Istanbul. If you are in Istanbul, you will soon see that there is no shortage of entertainment here. After seeing all the major sights, get to know the trendiest side of Istanbul as you get lost in the labyrinthine lanes of the up-and-coming districts of the city. You will find many wonderful places and vantage points that offer panoramic views of Istanbul, from historic sites such as towers, mosques and palaces to rooftop terraces, groves, and hills. It might be worth starting at Sultanahmet Square (also known as the Blue Mosque Square) to see the most iconic sites before exploring Istanbul's historic Beyoğlu or Asia. Head to Taksim Square, in the heart of modern Istanbul, famous for its shops, hotels and restaurants.