City Guide | Port Bosphorus Hotel

Sultanahmet Mosque (The Blue Mosque) was built between 1609 and 1616. The mosque was called “The Blue Mosque” by Europeans since it was decorated with more than 20.000 blue, green and white Nicean tiles and as the interior part of its semi-domes and great dome were also decorated with hand-made pen work adornments. When Hagia Sophia mosque was converted to a museum, it became the main mosque of Istanbul. In fact, when considered with its annexes, the Blue Mosque is one of the biggest building complexes in Istanbul. Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque, the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum and the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı) which are among the most important masterpieces of Istanbul is there, around the Hippodrome. Also Topkapı Palace which is close to Sultanahmet is the residence of Ottoman Sultans, and administrative and educational centre of the Ottoman Empire.

Besides being one of the most visited museums in the world, Hagia Sophia is one of the most spectacular masterpieces in the history of world architecture. Named as the “the eighth wonder of the world” by Eastern Roman Philon in the 6th century, Hagia Sophia was built three times at the same spot. Hagia Sophia is characterized as the greatest Byzantine church that was built in Istanbul. There is a column which is covered with bronze plates with a hole in its centre in the northwest of the building. This column which is known as the sweating column, the crying column or column of wishes is said to have super natural powers and become wet when touched.

The Galata Tower looks over the Beyoğlu district since 1348. The Galata Tower which has a lot of legends regarding its construction was used as a fire watch tower up to 1960s. The tower which attracts quite attention, allows you to look over the city with a panoramic view from its upstairs restaurant nowadays.

The Kariye Church is an old Byzantine church. Renaissance Palaiologos style mosaics and frescos are one of the biggest and most detailed sacred cycles in the world.

Rahmi M. Koç Museum which was opened to visitors in 1994, is in the Hasköy sub-district in the northern bank of the Golden Horn. The museum which stretches over an approximately 27 thousand m2 area consists of three main sections. Website: www.rmk-museum.org.tr

Istanbul Lütfi Kırdar Congress and Exhibition Center operates as a multipurpose show centre in Şişli district of Istanbul. It is capable of meeting all kinds of needs and demands with its halls that has varying capacities, its foyer and high technology technical equipments designed for a variety of organizations It’s 2-storey Rumeli building can also be used separately or together with the main building with its 7000 m2 total area, foyers that receive the daylight, its separable halls and own entrance. Website: www.icec.org/tr

CNR Fair Center that is located in Yeşiköy, Istanbul is one of the biggest fair centers of Istanbul. It hosts fair events 365 days a year with the 8 halls it encompasses. Website: www.cnrexpo.com.tr

Ortaköy which is located in the European side, is a popular area of Istanbul with its colourful market and vibrant atmosphere. Ortaköy is also one of the most favourite meeting points with its famous night clubs, bars, beautiful cafes and restaurants on its pier with Bosphorus view

It is said that the islands of Istanbul were named as Prince’s Islands, as they were the exile locations for members of the royal Byzantine dynasties. Only five out of these nine islands are nowadays used as a living space. Especially Büyük Ada island, Heybeli Ada island, Burgaz Ada island and Kınalı Ada island. You can access the islands by taking an enjoyable ferry or boat ride that departs from Kadıköy, Eminönü and Bostancı. The islands wherein Istanbul hides one of its different aspects offers an alternative experience about the city.

Located in front of the Dolmabahçe Palace, Vodafone Park what was chosen as the best stadium in the world and Turkey’s first Smart Stadium ever, has been designed differently than many other stadiums. The stadium that may host 50.000 visitors creates a spectacular atmosphere for the football matches. Website: www.vodafonearena.com

Taksim Square (Taksim Meydanl), in Beyoglu, is one of Istanbul' most iconic and dynamic places. During the Ottoman period the site was a collection and distribution point for water coming from the Belgrade Forest. Therefore Taksim means "division" or "distribution" in Turkish.
The Republican Monument, located in the middle of the square, was erected in 1928. One side depicts the Turkish War Of Independence, the Other represents the Turkish Republic. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder Of the Turkish Republic, and his comrades in arms have a prominent place on the monument.
The area around Taksim is alive at every hour Of the day, from dawn to dusk to dawn again. It is full of entertainment venues, residential neighbourhoods, cultural centers and plenty of shopping opportunities in boutiques, shopping centers and the special passages that line the main street. The nostalgic tram which begins in the Square and continues down Istiklal Caddesi runs all the way to "Tünel; the second oldest metro in the World, which also gave the area its name. Taksim square end its surroundings are not to be missed.