How to Plan Your Istanbul City Sightseeing Turkish Dinner Show Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Istanbul and looking for a way to experience the city’s top attractions, Turkish culture, and cuisine all in one go, this is the perfect tour for you. The Istanbul City Sightseeing Turkish Dinner Show tour is a combination of two best-selling tours that will introduce you to both the historical and cultural sides of Istanbul while treating you to a delicious Turkish dinner and a live show. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of planning your Istanbul City Sightseeing Turkish Dinner Show tour, so you can make the most out of your experience in the city.

Experience

The Istanbul City Sightseeing Turkish Dinner Show tour is a full-day excursion that combines two different tours. The first part, which is a city sightseeing tour, will take you on an 8-hour journey to see all of Istanbul’s top attractions with an expert local guide. The tour will focus on the Sultanahmet or Old City area, where you’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hagia Sophia Museum and the Blue Mosque. You’ll get to see the contrasting beauty of Hagia Sophia’s Ottoman-era and Byzantine architecture, and the Blue Mosque’s extravagance, built to rival it, with its six minarets and Iznik wall tiles. Your guide will tell you all about the history behind them. After a break for lunch at a Sultanahmet restaurant, you’ll continue on to Topkapi Palace. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to step back in time to a world when sultans and their harems ruled Istanbul. You’ll explore the stunning palace complex, which served as the seat of Ottoman Empire for over 400 years, and discover the stories and legends behind its grandeur. The second part of the tour takes place in the evening, where you’ll get to experience the perfect introduction to Turkish culture and cuisine on a dinner cruise with a show. You’ll indulge in a traditional Turkish dinner and drinks while enjoying an incredible live performance that showcases the country’s rich cultural heritage. Turkish music and dance performances, including Whirling Dervishes, will leave you in awe of the beauty and richness of the country’s culture.

Highlights

Here are some of the highlights of the Istanbul City Sightseeing Turkish Dinner Show tour:

• See the top attractions of Istanbul on a guided sightseeing tour with an expert local guide.
• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque with their contrasting architectural styles.
• Step back in time to a world of sultans and harems at Topkapi Palace.
• Enjoy a delicious traditional Turkish dinner and drinks.
• Be mesmerized by live music and dance performances that showcase the beauty of Turkish culture and heritage.

Booking the Tour

Now that you know what to expect from the Istanbul City Sightseeing Turkish Dinner Show tour, it’s time to book it! You can easily book the tour through the official GetYourGuide website by clicking here. The tour is offered in English with pickup and drop-off services from selected Istanbul hotels. The price includes all entrance fees, transportation, and a professional guide.

Book Your Tour Now

The Istanbul City Sightseeing Turkish Dinner Show tour is an amazing way to experience Istanbul’s top attractions, learn about its history, and immerse yourself in Turkish culture and cuisine. With this guide, you now know what to expect from the tour and how to book it. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!

Frequently Asked Questions About Istanbul

Istanbul is a city that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. It is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and bustling markets. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Istanbul.

1. What is the best time to visit Istanbul?

The best time to visit Istanbul is from March to May, and from September to November when the weather is milder and the crowds are smaller. Summer months can be hot and crowded while winter months can be rainy and cold.

2. What is the currency used in Istanbul?

The currency used in Istanbul is the Turkish Lira (TRY). However, major stores, hotels, and restaurants also accept Euros and US dollars, but the exchange rate may not be favorable.

3. What are some must-see attractions in Istanbul?

Istanbul is a city full of must-see attractions. Some of the top ones include:

• The Hagia Sophia
• The Blue Mosque
• The Topkapi Palace
• The Grand Bazaar
• The Spice Bazaar
• The Bosphorus Cruise

4. What is the Hagia Sophia?

The Hagia Sophia is a former Orthodox Christian basilica, then a mosque, and now a museum. It was built in the 6th century and is known for its massive dome and beautiful mosaics.

5. What is the Blue Mosque?

The Blue Mosque is a stunning mosque built in the 17th century. It is known for its beautiful blue tiles and six minarets. Visitors are allowed to enter the mosque, but must remove their shoes and cover their heads.

6. What is the Topkapi Palace?

The Topkapi Palace was the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for over 400 years. It is now a museum with exhibits showing the palace’s history and the Ottoman Empire’s art and culture.

7. What is the Grand Bazaar?

The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. It has over 4,000 shops selling everything from jewelry and textiles to spices and pottery.

8. What is the Spice Bazaar?

The Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, is a smaller covered market located near the Galata Bridge. It is known for selling a variety of spices, Turkish delights, and other sweets.

9. What is the Bosphorus Cruise?

The Bosphorus Cruise is a boat tour that takes visitors along the Bosphorus Strait, offering beautiful views of Istanbul’s skyline and the waterway that divides Europe and Asia.

10. What is the best way to get around Istanbul?

The best way to get around Istanbul is on foot, especially in the historic Sultanahmet area. The city also has an extensive public transportation system, including subways, trams, and buses. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available, but they can be more expensive.

11. What are some traditional Turkish dishes?

Some traditional Turkish dishes include:

• Kebabs (meat skewers)
• Meze (small plates of appetizers)
• Lahmacun (Turkish pizza)
• Pide (Turkish flatbread)
• Baklava (sweet pastry)
• Turkish Delight (soft candy)

12. Is it safe to visit Istanbul?

Istanbul is generally a safe city for visitors, but it is always important to take precautions. Pickpocketing and other petty crimes can be common in tourist areas, so it is best to keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.

Additionally, it is important to stay informed about the political situation in Turkey since there have been some incidents of terrorism and civil unrest in the recent past.

13. What is the nightlife like in Istanbul?

Istanbul has a vibrant nightlife scene with something for everyone, including bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and live music venues. Some of the city’s popular nightlife areas include Beyoglu and Kadikoy.

14. What is Turkish tea?

Turkish tea is a black tea that is typically served in small glasses. It is brewed using a double teapot called a çaydanlık and is usually sweetened with a little sugar. Turkish tea is an important part of Turkish culture and is often enjoyed with friends and family.

15. Can I use credit cards in Istanbul?

Major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Istanbul, especially in larger restaurants, hotels, and stores. However, it is always a good idea to carry some Turkish Lira in case you encounter a smaller shop or street vendor that only accepts cash.

In conclusion, Istanbul is a fascinating city with a rich history and a lot to offer visitors. From its ancient landmarks to its vibrant culture and delicious food, Istanbul is a must-see destination for anyone traveling to Turkey or the surrounding areas.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Istanbul

Istanbul, the capital city of Turkey, is a beautiful and vibrant destination full of history, culture, and stunning architecture. With so many things to see and do, it can be overwhelming for tourists visiting for the first time. In this guide, we’ll provide you with helpful tips and recommendations on how to spend your time in Istanbul.

1. Visit the Historic Sites

Istanbul is widely known for its impressive historic sites that reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage, religious diversity, and the unique blend of Western and Eastern influences. Here are some of the must-visit historic sites:

a. Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia is Istanbul’s most iconic landmark and a former Greek Orthodox Christian church, later turned into a mosque, and currently a museum. The interior of this UNESCO World Heritage site features breathtaking mosaics and impressive architecture that reflects Byzantine and Ottoman styles.

b. Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace served as the primary residence of Ottoman Sultans for over 400 years. This magnificent palace is now a museum housing significant collections of Ottoman art, manuscripts, and other artifacts.

c. Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, also called the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is one of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks. This mosque, located in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul, is known for its blue tiles that adorn the domes and walls of the interior.

2. Shop in the Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Istanbul. With over 4000 shops selling a wide range of goods, including jewelry, carpets, spices, textiles, and souvenirs, the Grand Bazaar offers a unique shopping experience to visitors.

3. Take a Bosphorus Cruise

The Bosphorus Strait is a natural waterway that separates Europe and Asia. Taking a Bosphorus Cruise provides visitors with an opportunity to witness the stunning beauty of Istanbul’s shoreline, including numerous historic sites and picturesque neighborhoods.

4. Visit Taksim Square and Istiklal Street

Taksim Square is Istanbul’s busiest and most cosmopolitan district home to modern shops, restaurants, and bars. Istiklal Street, a pedestrian-only avenue, is one of Istanbul’s most popular and lively streets filled with shops, cafes, and theaters.

5. Enjoy Turkish Cuisine

Istanbul offers some of the finest cuisines in the world, with a wide variety of authentic Turkish dishes. Visitors can try delicious Turkish delights like Kebabs, Baklava, Kofte, and Doner at local restaurants or street food vendors.

6. Relax in Turkish Baths

Taking a traditional Turkish bath or hammam is a unique cultural experience that visitors should not miss. Istanbul has numerous hammams that offer a range of treatments, including massages and facials.

7. Explore the Princes’ Islands

The Princes’ Islands are a group of nine small islands located off the coast of Istanbul. Visitors can take a ferry to the islands to enjoy their picturesque views, historic sites, and horse-drawn carriage rides.

8. Get a Bird’s Eye View of Istanbul

Getting an aerial view of Istanbul is an exciting way to experience the city’s stunning skyline. Visitors can take a helicopter tour or visit one of the city’s many observation decks, including Galata Tower, Camlica Hill, and Pierre Loti Hill.

Book Your Tour Now

Istanbul is a city that offers an unforgettable experience to its visitors with its rich history, culture, and vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, shopping, or cuisine, Istanbul has something to offer for everyone. Follow our guide and recommendations, and you’ll be sure to have a memorable trip to Istanbul.