Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026
It isn't the most spectacular (former) church in Istanbul, but if you have any interest in church architecture, it's a must see, as it was never converted to a mosque and so is a unique example of unchanged Byzantine church architecture.
Once a church, then a Byzantine cathedral, later a mosque and now a monument, this iconic building is a national treasure.
You can browse the exhibits at Istanbul Archaeology Museums, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Istanbul. Stroll along the seaside or visit the stunning cathedral in the area.
The official residence of the Ottoman sultans for about four centuries is now accessible to the public and home to sacred relics.
The “Sunken Palace” is one of the most striking remnants of Byzantine Constantinople and is the largest of hundreds of ancient underground reservoirs in Istanbul.
Visit this central park to take leisurely strolls through rose gardens, visit visit museums and a sultan’s palace and enjoy views of the Bosphorus Strait.
You can learn about the history of Istanbul with a stop at Aya İrini. Add the area's notable monuments or shops to your travel plans.
