OUR REGION

As you review the list, you will see that the Fatih district is rich in places to visit. This is why thousands of tourists flock to Fatih every year. Without further ado, let’s dive into our list of places to visit in Fatih.

If a tourist stops you to ask for directions, they are probably looking for Sultanahmet! When it comes to tourist spots in Fatih, Sultanahmet is the first place that comes to mind. You can start your Fatih tour from Sultanahmet Square.

Sultanahmet Square was known as the Hippodrome during the Byzantine period. During the most glorious times of the Ottoman Empire, it was called Atmeydanı. Many Byzantine relics that have survived to this day were built around the Hippodrome.

Sultanahmet Mosque was built during the reign of Ottoman ruler Ahmed I. The mosque, one of Istanbul’s most magnificent historical structures, was designed by architect Sedefkar Mehmed Ağa. Tourists also know this place as the Blue Mosque.

Sultanahmet Mosque is Turkey’s first mosque with six minarets. The mosque, adorned with blue Iznik tiles, leaves visitors in awe. It also forms a complex with the surrounding structures.

Hagia Sophia was built as a church during the reign of Justinian I. It was first converted into a mosque by Sultan Mehmed II. Over time, it has been used as a cathedral, basilica, and museum.

Hagia Sophia is located right across from Sultanahmet Mosque. Every year, many local and foreign tourists visit Fatih to see Hagia Sophia. It is a historical structure you must include in your Fatih tourist itinerary.

Topkapı Palace is located in Istanbul’s Sarayburnu. The Ottoman Empire has a six-hundred-year history, and for four hundred years of that history, the empire was ruled from Topkapı Palace. Therefore, this was also where the sultans lived.

It was built at the request of Fatih Sultan Mehmet. Although the palace residents later moved to other palaces like Dolmabahçe Palace and Yıldız Palace, this did not diminish Topkapı’s importance. Today, Topkapı Palace, which still holds its significance, serves as a museum and attracts many visitors.

If you’re wondering where to visit in Fatih, Istanbul, you’re in the right place! We continue our list of places to visit in Fatih. Next up is Istanbul’s most famous and bustling bazaar, the Grand Bazaar.

You must have heard of the Grand Bazaar! This place is lively and crowded at all hours of the day. The bazaar, a focal point for tourists, will immediately captivate you with its enchanting atmosphere. Moreover, if you’re in Fatih, you might want to shop at this historic bazaar.

You can find all kinds of products at the Grand Bazaar. It’s a fantastic destination for shopping enthusiasts! From the shops, you can buy antiques, jewelry, silver, handmade authentic items, leather goods, textiles, carpets, and more. But don’t forget to haggle while shopping. This bazaar still keeps the haggling culture alive.

If you’re strolling around Sultanahmet Square, one of the must-see landmarks is the famous Obelisk of Theodosius. Also known as the Theodosius Obelisk, this special stone attracts tourists’ attention. Don’t miss it!

The Obelisk is located right next to the Serpent Column in Sultanahmet. It was brought from Egypt to Istanbul by Roman Emperor Theodosius I and erected in its current location.

The Serpent Column is located in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet Square. This intriguing and attention-grabbing monument is also known as the Twisted Column. The column depicts a scene of three python snakes entwined. However, two of the snake heads are missing.

One of the snake heads from this Ancient Greek monument is housed in the Istanbul Archaeological Museum. If the Serpent Column piqued your interest, you can also visit the museum. Moreover, the museum has many other collections that you can explore.

Sultanahmet Square is back on stage with its surprising and enchanting structures! This fountain is adorned with decorations and statues and will catch your eye at first glance.

The fountain was a gift from German Emperor Wilhelm II to Sultan Abdul Hamid II. It was given as a gesture of goodwill following political and trade agreements. This magnificent fountain was built in Germany and then brought to Istanbul.

Gülhane Park, which turns into tulip gardens every spring! This is one of Istanbul’s oldest parks. It also stands out with its century-old trees, ponds, and meticulous landscaping.

If our list of places to visit in Fatih has tired you out, head straight to Gülhane Park! This is a rare spot in Istanbul where you can sit on benches under century-old trees. Of course, you can also spread out on the grass and enjoy a picnic with the snacks you brought along.

After a pleasant walk in Gülhane Park, what will you do next? Perhaps you can visit the Ahmet Hamdi Tanpınar Library at the park’s entrance. Literary events are sometimes held here. If you’re lucky, you can join in.

One of Istanbul’s most famous museums is the Istanbul Archaeological Museum. Moreover, it’s quite a large museum, so it will take at least a few hours of your time. But let us tell you upfront, it will be worth it.

Millions of local and foreign tourists visit this museum every year. Inside, you’ll find the Alexander Sarcophagus, the mummy of Sidonian King Tabnit, and many other collections. Additionally, the statue of Oceanus is also housed in the museum.

The magnificent Tiled Kiosk is located right across from the Istanbul Archaeological Museum. This kiosk is one of the finest examples of Ottoman civil architecture. Therefore, it is a very special historical structure.

This place is also known as the Glass Kiosk or Kasr-ı Kaşi. It is very grand with its cut-tile decoration. It is a must-see on the list of places to visit in Fatih.

This is an award-winning museum. Therefore, if you’re in Fatih, you can also visit the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts. Inside, you’ll find manuscripts, ceramics, carpets, and miniatures from different periods. Additionally, this museum, which is worth seeing, received the European Council Museum of the Year Jury Special Award in 1984.

The museum opened to visitors in 1953. It is located in the courtyard of Sultanahmet Mosque. Inside the museum, there are mosaics from the Byzantine period.

The Great Palace Mosaics Museum is a world-famous museum. The mosaics depict nearly 150 different human and animal figures. Moreover, you can see mosaics in ninety different themes. Hunting scenes, fighting animals, and rural life are among the main themes.

At the top of the list of tourist spots in Fatih is Fatih Mosque. This is because it is one of the most visited mosques by tourists. It was built at the request of Fatih Sultan Mehmet.

Fatih Mosque is located in Istanbul’s Fatih district. It is both a mosque open for worship and a complex. Additionally, the mosque’s architect is Atik Sinan.

Here we come to the mosque that Mimar Sinan called his “apprenticeship work”! Süleymaniye Mosque is located in Istanbul’s Fatih district. It has a mesmerizing architecture.

The mosque was commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent, and its architect, as mentioned earlier, is Mimar Sinan. Süleymaniye Mosque is one of the most important examples of classical Ottoman architecture. Additionally, it is a very durable structure. It has not been damaged by the earthquakes that have occurred in Istanbul since its construction.

This interesting structure was built at the request of Byzantine Emperor Theodosius. It was not originally built as a dungeon. This was where the emperor hosted his guests.

The emperor’s son added four watchtowers to the structure after ascending the throne. After the conquest of Istanbul, Fatih Sultan Mehmet also built three more watchtowers. Thus, this magnificent structure began to be known as Yedikule.

This structure was also used as a dungeon for a period. There are many rumors about that period. However, the most well-known one is about a pagan. It is often told.

According to the rumor, a pagan was captured and tortured in Yedikule. As a result of this torture, the pagan cursed this place. Therefore, it is believed that the souls tortured in Yedikule will one day rise again. It is even said that on some nights, Latin voices are heard from Yedikule.

Hagia Irene is a historical structure of many firsts. Therefore, it must be on the list of places to visit in Istanbul’s Fatih district. Its current appearance is quite different from its original form. This is because it was damaged during the Hagia Sophia uprising and was rebuilt.

The church is the first church of the Byzantine Empire. After the conquest of Istanbul, it was used as an armory for a period. Additionally, it holds the distinction of being the first museum of the Ottoman Empire.

One of the places to visit in Fatih is the Cağaloğlu Hamam. It is located very close to the Basilica Cistern. The hamam was built at the request of Mahmud I.

The hamam was actually built to generate income for Hagia Sophia Mosque and the nearby library. Today, it is one of the tourist attractions. This is because the hamam has surpassed three hundred years and has entered the list of historic hamams.

Next up is the Basilica Cistern, which has been the subject of novels and movies! It would be a mistake to make a list of places to visit in Fatih and miss the Basilica Cistern. Because the cistern was recently restored. Don’t be lazy, ignore the long queue at the entrance and wait. Because it will be worth it!

This is one of Istanbul’s hidden treasures. As soon as you step inside, you will feel like you have entered a completely different world. Yes, it’s a magical world, but also a bit dark and scary. Did we mention it’s mysterious?

The Basilica Cistern is featured in Dan Brown’s novel Inferno. Let’s not talk about the book, maybe you’ll want to read it too. Let’s talk about the Basilica Cistern.

This place stands out with its architecture and magical atmosphere. The structure has a rectangular plan. Additionally, it was built on a rocky foundation. The Basilica Cistern is supported by 336 columns and 12 arches.

The cistern was actually built to meet the city’s water needs. However, it is now used as a museum. Moreover, it is a very popular museum. It is a must-visit spot for local and foreign tourists visiting Istanbul.

Let’s talk about the Spice Bazaar, which foreign tourists find very exotic! Located in Fatih’s Eminönü district, the bazaar is crowded at all hours of the day. Additionally, it is one of Istanbul’s oldest covered bazaars.

During the Ottoman period, when a mosque was built, a bazaar (arasta) was also built nearby. This way, the income generated from the bazaar would cover the mosque’s expenses. The Spice Bazaar was built exactly for this purpose.

The Spice Bazaar is located in Fatih’s Eminönü district. Moreover, it is right next to the New Mosque. It has a very central location. Therefore, everyone prefers this place for shopping.

As soon as you enter the bazaar, you will be greeted by that exotic atmosphere. The scent of spices will fill your nose. From the shops in the bazaar, you can buy colorful glassware, spices, carpets, nuts, Turkish delight, colorful shawls, and similar products.