Exploring Sultanahmet as Istanbul Locals with English Subtitles | Tips & Things to Watch Out For

Описание: 🕌 A Day in the Heart of Istanbul: Sultanahmet, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern & Grand Bazaar

Today I’m sharing one of the most iconic walking routes in Istanbul! 🚶‍♀️
This vlog starts in Sultanahmet, right in the historic center of the city, and continues through some of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks. Along the way, I shared useful tips, prices, and honest impressions to help tourists plan their visit better.

📍 1. Sultanahmet Square & Blue Mosque

We started our day at Sultanahmet Square, one of the most visited areas in Istanbul. The atmosphere is lively and full of history, so I definitely recommend coming early in the morning if you want to avoid crowds.

Our first stop was the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque). Entry is free, and the interior is absolutely stunning with its blue tiles, high domes, and peaceful ambiance. In the vlog, I walked through the mosque and shared small tips about visiting respectfully.

✨ Tip:
The Blue Mosque is still an active place of worship, so dress modestly and stay quiet inside. Take your time to look up at the ceiling details — they’re truly impressive.

📍 2. Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)

After the Blue Mosque, we walked just a few minutes to Hagia Sophia, one of the most important historical buildings in the world.

Hagia Sophia is now a mosque, but there is a paid upper gallery area for visitors.
🎟️ As of now, the entrance fee for the upper floor is approximately €25 for foreign visitors. The main prayer area on the ground floor is free, but tourists usually visit the paid upper level to see the mosaics and architecture more closely.

Inside, the scale of the building, the massive dome, and the mix of Islamic and Byzantine elements are breathtaking. I showed all these details in the vlog.

📍 3. Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı)

After Hagia Sophia, we walked to the Basilica Cistern, which is only a few minutes away. This underground structure has a very mystical atmosphere with its columns, reflections on the water, and dramatic lighting.

However, there was a very long queue when we arrived. We didn’t go inside this time, but I included the crowd and entrance area in the video so you can see what to expect.
⏳ Tip: Try visiting early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid long lines.

📍 4. Walk to the Grand Bazaar

From the Basilica Cistern, we walked to the Grand Bazaar, which took about 10 minutes on foot. This walk itself is part of the experience, passing through lively streets and local shops.

The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Inside, I reviewed some prices and shared honest shopping advice.

🛍️ Shopping Tips:

Always bargain — it’s part of the culture.

Don’t buy from the first shop you see; check a few places first.

Compare prices for the same item before deciding what to buy.

This way, you’ll get better prices and enjoy the shopping experience much more.

📌 Final Thoughts

This walking route is perfect for travelers who want to experience Istanbul’s history, culture, and daily life in one day. From mosques to underground cisterns and bustling bazaars, every stop offers something unique.

✔ Blue Mosque – free entry, stunning interior
✔ Hagia Sophia – upper gallery approx. €25 for tourists
✔ Basilica Cistern – beautiful but often crowded
✔ Grand Bazaar – bargain smart and explore multiple shops

If you’re planning a trip to Istanbul, this route is a must!

Turkish...

🕌 İstanbul’un Kalbinde Bir Gün: Sultanahmet Rotası

Bu vlogda İstanbul’un en ikonik yürüyüş rotalarından birini keşfettik. Turistlerin en çok görmek istediği noktaları tek bir günde gezdik ve önemli tüyoları paylaştım.

📍 Sultanahmet Meydanı & Sultanahmet Camii
Güne Sultanahmet Meydanı’nda başladık. Sabah erken saatlerde gelmenizi öneririm; kalabalık çok daha az oluyor. Sultanahmet Camii’nin girişi ücretsiz. İçerisi mavi çinileri ve görkemli kubbesiyle gerçekten etkileyici. Ziyaret ederken mütevazı giyinmeyi ve sessiz olmayı unutmayın.

📍 Ayasofya
Sultanahmet’ten yürüyerek Ayasofya’ya geçtik. İbadet alanı ücretsiz, ancak turistler için üst galeri bölümü ücretli. Üst kat giriş ücreti yaklaşık 25 €. Mozaikler ve mimari detaylar için üst bölüm görülmeye değer.

📍 Yerebatan Sarnıcı
Ayasofya’dan birkaç dakika yürüyerek ulaştık. Atmosferi oldukça etkileyici ancak gittiğimizde uzun bir sıra vardı. Sabah erken ya da akşam saatleri daha uygun olabilir.

📍 Kapalıçarşı
Yerebatan’dan yaklaşık 10 dakikalık yürüyüşle Kapalıçarşı’ya geçtik. Alışveriş yaparken mutlaka pazarlık yapın ve tek bir dükkânla yetinmeyip birkaç yerden fiyat alın.

Bu rota, İstanbul’un tarihini ve kültürünü kısa sürede deneyimlemek isteyenler için ideal. Eğer İstanbul’a geliyorsanız, bu yürüyüş hattını mutlaka planınıza ekleyin.

Ayrıca bu rotanın en güzel yanı, tüm noktaların birbirine yürüme mesafesinde olması. Toplu taşıma kullanmadan, İstanbul’un tarihi dokusunu adım adım hissederek gezebiliyorsunuz.