Istanbul Fatih district is one of the most crowded and at the same time the most important districts of the city. This district, which has very important historical buildings within its borders, is also known as old Istanbul. The lands conquered by Mehmet the Conqueror are actually the district of Fatih, and his first entry to Istanbul was also from this district. For this reason, if you have questions about what are the must-see places in Fatih, how to make Fatih travel plans, or similar questions, then you will come across many different options. You can briefly evaluate the following options about the places to visit in Fatih;
Panorama 1453 History Museum
Panorama 1453 history museum (Panorama 1453 Tarih Müzesi). This museum, which contains many important information and documents about the conquest of Istanbul, also makes its visitors relive those moments with its 3D content. This museum will meet all your expectations, especially when you want to spend a pleasant time with your loved ones and at the same time make a pleasant visit to Fatih. Since it is open not only on weekdays but also on weekends, you can visit this museum whenever you want.
Tekfur Palace Museum
Tekfur Palace Museum (Tekfur Sarayı Müzesi). It is a building built for the tekfurs who correspond to the current governor’s office. The exterior parts of the palace, which was built in the 13th century for the son of the Byzantine emperor, are still open to visitors. You can visit this building at any time and refresh your historical knowledge at the same time. It is located close to the area known as the seven tower dungeons and there are many important structures around it.
Yedikule Fortress Museum
Yedikule Fortress Museum (Yedikule Hisarı Müzesi). This building, which hosts historical dungeons where many important personalities were imprisoned throughout history, has been standing since 1458. The structure, which consists of 7 towers and has a magnificent view, is one of the most important places to be in your Fatih travel plans.
Rustem Pasha Madrasa, Bediuzzaman Museum
Rustem Pasha Madrasa, Bediuzzaman Museum (Rüstem Paşa Medresesi, Bediüzzaman Müzesi). This structure, which is an Ottoman work with its wide courtyard, arches and interior decorations, is one of the most important places to see in Fatih. This work, which was built in an octagonal shape and considered one of the most important works of Mimar Sinan, consists of several rooms facing the same courtyard. For this reason, you should definitely visit this otherworldly environment.
Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum
Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum (Türk ve İslam Eserleri Müzesi). In this museum, which contains many important works, there are ceramic and glass works and carpets from ancient times. This museum, which has been in service since 1983, is considered by many to be one of the most important museums recommended to be seen together with the Topkapı Museum.
Topkapi Museum Regiment Mansion
Topkapi Museum Regiment Mansion (Topkapı Sarayı Alay Köşkü). This structure, which many people do not know, was built in ancient times for the Ottoman sultans and family members to watch the procession. In the building, which still preserves its originality with the restoration processes it has seen over time, the belongings of that period, paintings and similar old artifacts await you.
Tiled Pavilion Museum in Istanbul
Tiled Pavilion Museum in Istanbul (Çinili Köşk Müzesi). This palace, which was built in 1472, has been turned into a museum over time and attracts people’s attention especially with its tile models from different periods. This building, on which Greek and Iranian architectural elements are located, is one of the best options for those who enjoy visiting museums.
Istanbul Archeology Museums
Istanbul Archeology Museums (Istanbul Arkeoloji Müzeleri). You can find many important information about the past in this museum where different archaeological artifacts found in different parts in Turkey are exhibited. Since it is a museum that you can easily reach and visit during the day, you can spend your free time by visiting this museum.
Museum of Ancient Oriental Works in Istanbul
Museum of Ancient Oriental Works in Istanbul (Eski Şark Eserleri Müzesi). This museum, which contains many important artifacts from fine mummies to ancient tablets, is a museum you can visit whenever you want. Artifacts brought from places with a rich history such as Egypt or Iran will leave you in awe. This building, which is one of the most important museums of Fatih, is the place for you to closely examine these works that you cannot see everywhere.
Topkapi Palace Museum
Topkapi Palace Museum (Topkapı Sarayı Müzesi). This structure, where the Ottoman sultans lived for 400 years, is one of the most important museums not only in our country but also in the world. In it, important works of the Ottoman sultans, decorations and many important works for the state treasury, among the personal belongings of those periods, are exhibited. You can visit this museum, which stands out as one of the most important places to see in Fatih, on weekdays or weekends as you wish.
Museum of Great Palace Mosaics
Museum of Great Palace Mosaics (Büyük Saray Mozaikleri Müzesi). This museum, where mosaics from the Byzantine period are exhibited, should definitely be in your travel plans. Especially witnessing the old period tile and mosaic craftsmanship will leave you in awe. This museum, which you can visit at any time during the day, is one of the must-see places in Fatih.
Hagia Irene
Hagia Irene (Aya İrini). This building, which is a church from the 4th century, serves as a museum today. In this museum, which you can easily visit on weekdays, you can find the opportunity to closely examine many important artifacts from ancient times, while at the same time you can get clues about the architectural features of that period.
Istanbul Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam
Istanbul Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam (İstanbul Bilim ve Teknoloji Tarihi Müzesi). Thanks to this museum, where the works of Muslim scientists who lived in ancient times in the field of science and technology are included, you can take a journey into the past. It is one of the most must-see places in Fatih and you should definitely stop by here.
Gulhane Park
Gulhane Park (Gülhane Parkı). This park, which is one of the most beautiful places in Fatih, has various gardens, walking paths, streams, lush trees and a science museum. You should definitely spend time in this beautiful park, as it is one of the most preferred places for the residents of the district to get air.
Historical Topkapi Walls
Historical Topkapi Walls (Tarihi Topkapı Surları). This building, which has witnessed the history of Istanbul and has survived for hundreds of years, is a place you must visit and see. You can watch Istanbul from a magnificent view, especially thanks to the watchtowers set up at certain distances along the walls. It is a world-famous historical building that has survived to the present day thanks to the restoration works carried out from time to time.
Byzantine Walls
Byzantine Walls (Bizans Surları). The Byzantine walls, which have survived since the 5th century and are still one of the oldest structures of both Istanbul and our country, should definitely be included in your Fatih travel plans. This structure, which is 22 km long, has managed to survive with the repairs it has undergone after the damage it has received throughout history. The walls used by the Eastern Roman State to protect the city from enemy attacks are still open to visitors and you can visit them whenever you want.
Istanbul Walls
Istanbul Walls (İstanbul Surları). These walls, which have a history of 1600 years, will give you important ideas about old Istanbul. Although it has been standing on its side for such a long time, it still maintains its soundness thanks to the repairs and restoration works. When you prepare a list of the most important places to visit in Fatih, this structure should definitely be at the top of the list.
The Aqueduct of Valens
The Aqueduct of Valens (Bozdoğan Kemeri). The Aqueduct of Valens, built by the Roman Empire, which dominated the region in the 4th century, to bring water to the city, is located in the center of Fatih. Both the function it had at that time and the fact that it survived for such a long time will arouse admiration.
Sarachane Park
Sarachane Park (Saraçhane Parkı). This park, which includes fountains, playgrounds, as well as a Roman aqueduct, is located next to the Şehzade Mosque. You can choose this park to breathe and relax after your tours throughout the district. At the same time, green trees and successful landscaping will allow you to have a pleasant time.
Fatih Memorial Park
Fatih Memorial Park (Fatih Anıt Parkı). Home to the famous statue depicting Mehmet the Conqueror on horseback, the park also has a magnificent view of the Roman aqueduct. There are many different social areas in the park, which is one of the areas where you can have a pleasant time either alone or with your family.
Markianos Column
Markianos Column (Kıztaşı). Located in the center of Fatih district, this stone was made in 450 and is a symbolic stone with some special carvings and symbols. The Maidenstone, which is placed on a marble pedestal with special engravings, is dedicated to the Roman Emperor Marcianus. Markianos Column is on a road in Fatih. It can be seen by anyone passing by. This is one of those places you can visit for free, on the way.
Column of Constantine
Column of Constantine (Çemberlitaş Sütunu). This column, which was removed from the Temple of Apollo in Rome by Emperor Constantine the 1st in 330 AD, has become one of the symbols of the city. It is definitely one of the most important places you should see in Fatih due to its height, special engravings on it and also its importance.
Beyazit Tower
Beyazit Tower (Beyazıt Kulesi). This tower was used as a fire watchtower in the times it was built. The building, which is currently located within the borders of Istanbul University, attracts attention with its lighting indicating the weather conditions. Since it is one of the most important historical buildings you should see in Fatih, it should definitely be on your list.
Cistern of Theodosius
Cistern of Theodosius (Şerefiye Sarnıcı). Although it was built 1600 years ago, you will feel yourself in another world in this magnificent place, which still preserves its first day’s splendor. You should definitely not plan a Fatih trip without seeing this place, which has an extraordinary atmosphere. You will be especially fascinated by its columns, its bricked dome and also its arches.
German Fountain
German Fountain (Alman Çeşmesi). The fountain, which was built in 1898 and has been considered one of the most important structures of Fatih district since then, is known for both its mirrors and special decorations. Located in Sultanahmet Square, this fountain was built to reinforce the Turkish-German friendship at that time. Due to its location, you can visit this fountain whenever you want and examine its magnificent architecture closely.
Sultan Ahmet 3 Fountain
Sultan Ahmet 3 Fountain (Sultan 3. Ahmed Çeşmesi). It is one of the most important works of Ottoman architecture and has a fine workmanship that will fascinate those who see it. It was built in 1728 and is quite ostentatious. It is one of the most beautiful square fountains in Turkish art history. It is one of the most beautiful examples of Ottoman architecture. Sultan Ahmet 3. fountain is next to the entrance of Topkapi Palace.
Basilica Cistern
Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı). This cistern, which was established on an area of approximately 10 acres and is a magnificent structure with its 336 marble columns, remained from the Roman period. When you enter it, you will be enchanted and you will feel like you are in another world. You should definitely see this place and experience that atmosphere.
Caferaga Madrasa
Caferaga Madrasa (Caferağa Medresesi). This building, which was built in 1559 and has been used as a school, madrasah, production center and business since then, is still a place where you can get education about carpet weaving or similar Turkish crafts. You can visit this building, which will bring you back to the old Istanbul life and fill you with peace, on weekdays or weekends as you wish.
Ahirkapı Lighthouse
Ahirkapı Lighthouse (Ahırkapı Sis Kornası ve Feneri). This historical structure, which guides the ships entering the Bosphorus with its height of 36 meters, can be seen from many points of the city. It is an important building because it still serves and has witnessed the history of Istanbul for hundreds of years. For this reason, it is one of the must-see structures of Fatih.
Beyazit Square
Beyazit Square (Beyazıt Meydanı). It is one of the most important squares of Fatih district and is especially famous for its street vendors, its great mosque and most importantly the main gate of Istanbul University. It is one of the most preferred places for the people of the region to breathe and have a pleasant time during the day.
Sultanahmet Square
Sultanahmet Square (Sultanahmet Meydanı). This square, which is one of the most interesting places for tourists coming to Istanbul, has a worldwide reputation. It is one of the places that should be at the top of your list of places to see in Fatih due to its historical buildings, landscaping and spiritual atmosphere.
4 Historical Bazaars in Istanbul Fatih
- Historical Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı). The Spice Bazaar, which dates back to the 17th century and has been one of the most important trade centers of the city since that first day, has always been one of the popular addresses of the masses. Since this area, which includes commercial institutions serving in many different areas, is spread over a wide region, you may need to spend serious time on your visits.
- Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı). One of the world-famous places of Fatih district and at the same time always having a busy daily life, the covered bazaar is one of the places you should definitely see. Since it has been a place where the heart of trade beats for hundreds of years, it is among the most frequented places not only by domestic tourists but also by foreign tourists.
- Historical Kurkcu Han (Tarihi Kürkçü Han). You should definitely see this inn, which was one of the most important trade houses of the period it was built and still serves many businesses. Due to the fact that Fatih is one of the lively places of the district and at the same time its historical importance, you should definitely see this region on your Fatih trips and witness the history.
- (Büyük Valide Han). This structure, which was built in the 1600s by Kösem Sultan, the mother of Murat the 4th, was a place where merchants passing through the region stayed. With the arrangements made today, it has become a point where you can spend time during the day and witness the magnificent view of Istanbul.
3 Historical Baths
- Historical Suleymaniye Hamam, this flamboyant hamam, which has been in active service since the 1500s, is one of the places where tourists who come to the district show the most interest. This building, which has an atmosphere that fascinates people, will be one of the best addresses for you to unwind and relax.
- Cemberlitas Turkish Bath (Çemberlitaş Hamamı). You can relax in this historical hammam, which has survived since 1584 and still actively offers services such as a pool, steam bath, massage and clay mask. You can immerse yourself in the deep waters of history with its historical structure and special architecture. For this reason, you should definitely choose this building on your Fatih trips.
- Hurrem Sultan Bath (Hürrem Sultan Hamamı). If you want to relax with a modern hammam and massage services in a building that smells of history, and then spend time in a restaurant where you can eat quality meals, then this place is just for you. It is one of the most well-known places in Fatih and one of the places you must see to spend a pleasant day.
