Free Places to Visit in Istanbul 2024
Travel easily with free places to visit in Istanbul. Today we decided to tell you more about free attractions and excursions in Istanbul. You may wonder, is it completely free to visit historical monuments or take a guided tour? It sounds strange, but it’s a fact. You can see many historical objects and take a walking tour with a guide at minimum cost.
For the best savings, plan you’re itinerary and include free attractions from our list. After all, many historical monuments in the Sultanahmet area are within walking distance or along the T1 tram line route. Here is our list of free places to visit in Istanbul!
Sultanahmet Square and Obelisks
Sultanahmet Square is at the top of our list of free places to visit in Istanbul. In the Hippodrome Square, where chariot races were held during the Constantinople period, the obelisks of Constantine and Egypt and the Serpentine Column have survived to the present day. You can enjoy all this absolutely for free. Of course, it is essential to read the information about these architectural monuments in advance.
Free Places to Visit in Istanbul: Hagia Sophia
For free places to visit in Istanbul, you should definitely see Hagia Sophia. The symbol of Istanbul, the pearl of the Byzantine period, Hagia Sophia, is open to visitors as a mosque today. Like all mosques, the visit is free.
Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque)
One of the most beautiful mosques is the Sultanahmet Mosque, named after the large number of blue tiles that give it’s interior an unusual shade. It is among the first to come to mind regarding free places to visit in Istanbul. You can see this magnificent mosque for free. Don’t forget that you must take off your shoes when entering the mosque, and women wear a headscarf.
Suleymaniye Mosque and Terrace
Admire the magnificent mosque where Suleiman the Magnificent and his wife’s tombs locate. Since the mosque is situated on a hill, the terrace next to it offers a splendid view of the Golden Horn. Thus, you can not only admire the magnificent mosque but also look at the tombs of the sultan and his wife and then take beautiful photos on the viewing terrace.
Galata Bridge
The history of the Galata Bridge dates back to the 6th century, and the first fully-fledged wooden bridge was erected in 1845. Today it is a popular attraction. The top of the bridge is occupied by countless fishermen, while the lower floor is home to various fish restaurants and other cafes. You can walk along the bridge and take pictures. You can also stop by the Galata Tower.
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is on our list of free places to visit in Istanbul. It is a unique historical site, an entire city containing more than 60 streets. In the construction of the bazaar, samples from the Byzantine bazaars take as a basis. The Grand Bazaar started its history right after the conquest of Istanbul by the Ottomans, and it has grown continuously and turned into the magnificent structure we can see today. Even if you aren’t going to buy anything from the bazaar, take an educational walk, look at the bazaar, wander through the endless labyrinthine streets, and drink tea in the colorful local tea houses.
Are Museums Free in Istanbul?
Many museums in Istanbul are free. However, virtual museums are paid, and the fee isn’t very expensive. You can also visit almost all museums by buying a museum card.
What is the Cheapest Way to Travel in Istanbul?
The cheapest way to travel in Istanbul is by tram, metro, and bus. You can travel everywhere with this public transport.
What Can You Do in Istanbul for Cheap?
You can easily visit all public parks. You can visit local places, watch the sunset by the sea and explore the city for free.
