Istanbul is a cultural crossroads that dates back to ancient times. Istanbul, which spans the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea, protects the Bosporus Strait, connecting Europe and Asia.
The top photography destinations in Istanbul span from historic places of worship to beautiful skylines to the vibrant colours of everyday life in this gorgeous and massive Turkish city.
We’ll take you on a photographic tour around the city. We’ll provide links to some stunning Istanbul photographs as we move along. So why do you halt yourself from applying for a turkey visa online, visit those places and take beautiful pics for your Instagram stories?
The Best Photography Spots in Istanbul are listed below.
Our Istanbul trip begins in the Old City of Istanbul (Constantinople). This is the location of the most photographed structures and locations. Later in the day, we’ll visit some interesting sights in Beyoglu, a district of Istanbul located across the Golden Horn.
We’ve tried to offer you links to Istanbul photos that showcase the city’s greatest features. Our virtual tour starts with a glimpse of daily life on a large scale: Istanbul’s world-famous Grand Bazaar, a place that will truly swallow you as you consume the goods offered there.
1. Topkapi Palace Museum
These structures served as the Ottoman sultans’ main palace and administrative headquarters during the 15th and 16th centuries. Visitors might be fascinated for hours by the beautiful interiors and treasures they hold.
However, step outdoors to enjoy the vast views of gardens and the lake below. Explore the expansive structures and walkways that link them to understand the incredible architecture.
There’s a lot to see here, both inside and out, and you’ll be shooting with your camera the entire time!
2. The Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is a large, labyrinthine structure filled with kiosks selling merchandise from all over the world, particularly in Turkey. The stalls selling cashmere shawls, jewellery, and various other items are where we spend the most time.
Most merchants don’t object if you take a few pictures of their beautiful set-up displays. Some people may begin a discussion with you, and if you’ve never haggled before, you’ll pick it up quickly.
Take home some one-of-a-kind and lovely gifts to go with your Bazaar photographs and remind you of your time chatting with the sellers.
3. Hagia Sophia
The equally remarkable Hagia Sophia is just a block away from the Blue Mosque. This incredibly gorgeous structure represents Turkey’s religious past. It was established in 537 CE as the capital’s Eastern Orthodox church when known as Constantinople.
Following that, the Hagia Sophia served Roman Catholics, then Muslims, until becoming a secular museum for the majority of the 20th century. It is now a mosque and the city’s most popular tourist attraction.
4. The Blue Mosque
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque (commonly known as the Blue Mosque) is a fantastic photo opportunity that no traveller should miss. The scene is stunning from every position, including inside, where Muslims may be praying.
Try to photograph this structure in the early evening, when the light-coloured minarets contrast with the darkening sky and other city sections are still visible as a stunning backdrop.
5. Cicek Pasaji (Flower Passage)
Beyoglu is home to the beautiful Cicek Pasaji area. A high-end indoor and outdoor market featuring cafés, restaurants, taverns, shops, food markets, and (unsurprisingly) flower vendors can be found in the neighbourhood.
The Istanbul Museum of Modern Art is relatively near this location (Istanbul Modern Sanat Muzesi). There are plenty of great photo opportunities in any of these incredibly cool locations.
6. Galata Bridge
This bridge connects the Old City with Beyoglu, the area of Istanbul across the Golden Horn from the Old City, where walkers and bikers enjoy a large path separated from motor traffic.
If you get hungry, the bridge’s lower deck includes several restaurants. On the other hand, the top tier is an excellent location for capturing ground-level shots of the city in all directions, both during the day and at night.
7. Ortakoy Mosque
This is also known as Mecidiye Mosque and is one of Istanbul’s most distinctive sights. It has a magnificent design with superb decorations like a baroque-style mosque. Nonetheless, the mosque’s location on the banks of the Bosphorus strait, with the spectacular Bosphorus bridge in the background, makes it ideal for photography.
8. Galata Mevlevi Lodge
Above all, this museum presents performances by the well-known Whirling Dervishes, a group of performers who employ spinning as a kind of meditation. Take a look at the Mevlevi items at the museum while you’re there.
The Mevlevi Organization (Mawlawiyya) is a Sufi order founded in Konya by followers of Jalaluddin Muhammad Balkhi Rumi, a Persian poet, Sufi mystic, and Islamic theologian who lived in the 13th century.
9. Red Tram at Istiklal Street
The Red Tram on line T2 at Istiklal Street is one of Istanbul’s most famous tourist attractions. This vintage red tram is reminiscent of trams that ran across the city in the mid 20th century. It is now the most popular tourist attraction in Istiklal, with visitors from all over the world flocking to enjoy a nostalgic tram ride.
10. Basilica Cistern
Istanbul’s most famous attraction is this giant underground cistern with an imposing column. The cistern is lit by red lights at the foot of each column, which reflect on the water below and give it a stunning crimson hue. As a result, photographs shot in the cistern are usually spectacular.
11. Galata Tower
This is a historic stone tower in Istanbul’s Jewish quarter of Galata, which holds significant historical value. The skyscraper stands at 63 metres and offers tourists a panoramic view of the city from the top, making it a fantastic photo destination.
12. Rainbow Stairs
The rainbow steps connect the Cihangir and Findikli districts of Istanbul. And, like any other rainbow, they’re a lovely sight to see and one of the city’s greatest photoshoots.
13. Karakoy
This street runs directly in front of Galata’s old town. Down the Galata Tower and near the Galata Bridge. The idyllic street is home to some exciting structures from hundreds of years ago, and tourists in Karakoy enjoy shooting gorgeous images while exploring.
Cabuk Don
“Cabuk don,” which means to “come back soon!” There are always more photo opportunities in Istanbul, and the more you learn about the culture and take in the sights, the more you’ll want to return.
But don’t forget about the rest of our vast country. There are more chances than you can think for travelling Turkey (and enjoying Turkey photography).
Turkey Visa Online is the best choice for getting a turkey e visa to visit our fascinating country.