An Introduction to Istanbul’s European Icons For First-Time Visitors
This is not my first time in Istanbul, but this is the first time I have learned in depth about its history, thanks to Mr Mecit, our guide throughout our 5-day exploration of the only metropolis on Earth that straddles two continents. With AirAsia X’s inaugural flight now connecting Kuala Lumpur directly to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), more Malaysians can afford to come and experience Istanbul.
For the traveller arriving on this new route, the city unfolds as a series of layers: Roman, Byzantine, Latin, and Ottoman; stacked atop one another in a chaotic, beautiful harmony. Our trip took us deep into the European quarter, from the subterranean depths of ancient cisterns to the soaring heights of Genoese towers.
Here is your essential guide to the European side, with practical advice for the modern explorers.
The Sentinel of Beyoğlu
Our exploration began not in the Old City, but across the Golden Horn in the district of Beyoğlu. Dominating the skyline here is the Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi). This medieval stone sentinel has watched over the city since 1348. Built by the Genoese colony as Christea Turris (Tower of Christ), it was the high point of their semi-independent walled city.
Over the centuries, it has served as a fire watchtower, a prison, and the legendary launchpad for Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi, an Ottoman aviator who, in the 17th century, reportedly strapped on artificial wings and glided from this very tower across the Bosphorus to the Asian side.
Today, it offers the ultimate orientation for any newcomer. The 360-degree observation deck provides a sweeping panorama that is nothing short of cinematic. To the south, the historic peninsula juts out into the Sea of Marmara, its skyline punctured by minarets; to the north, the Bosphorus winds its way toward the Black Sea.
Visitor’s Note: As of the 2025/2026 season, admission for international visitors is approximately MYR140. The tower is open daily from 08:30 to 23:00. Recommendation: Avoid the midday crush. The “Golden Hour” just before sunset is spectacular, watching the city turn violet and gold, but the queues can be daunting. For a crowd-free experience, aim for 08:30 sharp or a late evening visit (after 21:30) to see the city lights twinkling below.
The Historical Peninsula Where Empires Collide
Crossing the Galata Bridge brings you to the Historical Peninsula (Fatih district). This UNESCO World Heritage district served as the capital for both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Walking through Sultanahmet Square—formerly the Roman Hippodrome—you are standing in an open-air museum where chariots once raced, and emperors were crowned.
It is a “must-visit” because nowhere else on the planet packs this density of world-altering history into a single, walkable square mile.
The geography here is compact but dense. Within a few hundred metres, you move from the 6th century to the 17th, from Christian basilicas to Islamic imperial mosques.
For passengers arriving at SAW, the smartest way to reach this area is to take the M4 Metro to Ayrılık Çeşmesi and transfer to the Marmaray train. This underwater rail tunnel zips you beneath the Bosphorus and drops you at Sirkeci Station, right in the middle of the Old City, completely bypassing Istanbul’s infamous bridge traffic.
The Hidden World Beneath the Square
Just off the main square lies a hidden world. The Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı) is a subterranean marvel built by Emperor Justinian I in 532 AD to store water for the Great Palace. Descending the stairs, the temperature drops, and the noise of the city fades into a hush. You are greeted by a forest of 336 marble columns rising from the dark water, softly illuminated in amber and teal hues.
The atmosphere is eerie and cinematic (James Bond fans will recognise it from From Russia with Love). The highlight, tucked in the far northwest corner, is the two Medusa heads used as column bases. One is upside down, the other sideways: a mystery of recycling or a deliberate pagan statement?
Visitor’s Note: Entry for foreigners is approximately MYR140 to MYR170 (paid in Lira, approx. 1,200 TRY). Open daily from 09:00 to 22:00. Recommendation: The cistern has recently introduced a “Night Shift” experience (usually 19:30 to 22:00), which often features special lighting or art installations. This is the best time to visit: the tour groups have departed, and the subterranean silence is most profound.
The Mosque With Ottoman Elegance
Emerging from the underground, we faced the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque). Commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I in the early 1600s to rival the Hagia Sophia across the square, it is a masterpiece of symmetry and scale. It is famously the only mosque in Istanbul to feature six minarets, a controversial move at the time, as it equalled the number at the Great Mosque in Mecca.
The “Blue” in its nickname comes from the interior: more than 20,000 handmade Iznik ceramic tiles in shades of turquoise, azure, and green line the upper levels, bathing the prayer hall in a serene, aquatic light. Unlike a museum, this is a living place of worship, and the carpeted silence is punctuated only by the murmur of prayer.
Visitor’s Note: Entrance is free. Recommendation: Timing is critical. The mosque closes to tourists for 30 minutes during the five daily prayers and for a longer block during Friday noon prayers. The best time to visit is between 08:30 and 10:00 in the morning. Arriving early lets you beat the cruise ship crowds and experience the spiritual calm before the hustle begins.
The Digital Prelude: Hagia Sophia History & Experience Museum
Before entering the great Hagia Sophia itself, we made a strategic stop at the Hagia Sophia History & Experience Museum, located just steps away in the Defter-i Hakani building. Operated by DEM Museums, this is not a traditional gallery of dusty artifacts. It is a high-tech, immersive storytelling journey.
Using headsets and 3D visual projection, the museum walks you through the 1,700-year timeline of the site. You “see” the original wooden roof burn down in riots, watch the massive dome being hoisted by Justinian’s engineers, and witness the conquest of 1453. It provides the crucial context that is often missed when simply looking at the stone walls. This is where I’d say that visual matters.
Visitor’s Note: Tickets are approximately MYR120. Recommendation: Treat this as your “pre-show.” Visit this first, ideally in the late morning or early afternoon when the sun is too harsh for outdoor photography. It enriches the actual visit to the monument immeasurably.
The Masterpiece: Hagia Sophia
Then, the main event: Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya). For nearly a thousand years, this was the largest cathedral in the world. It is the building that changed the course of architecture, proving that a massive dome could float over a square base.
The visitor experience has evolved recently. While the ground floor is reserved for worshippers, international tourists now access the Upper Gallery via a separate entrance. This is actually a blessing in disguise; the gallery puts you eye-level with the surviving Byzantine mosaics; glittering gold depictions of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and emperors; and offers the best vantage point to appreciate the sheer scale of the nave below, with its giant Islamic calligraphy medallions.
Visitor’s Note: The tourist entry fee is MYR120. Recommendation: The ticket lines can be long. The late afternoon (around 16:30–17:00) is often a sweet spot where the day-trippers have left, but the light streaming through the 40 windows of the dome is still golden and soft.
The Labyrinth of the Grand Bazaar
Leaving the spiritual for the commercial, we dove into the Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı). This is not just a market; it is a city within a city, founded in 1461. With over 60 covered streets and 4,000 shops, it is a sensory overload of colour and sound.
This is the place to hunt for hand-woven kilims, hammered copper, gold jewellery, and leather goods. But the real attraction is the atmosphere. It is a theatre of commerce where bargaining is the script. Sit down for a glass of tea with a carpet merchant, even if you don’t buy; it is part of the ritual.
Visitor’s Note: Entry is free. Open 08:30 to 19:00. Closed on Sundays. Recommendation: Visit on a weekday morning around 10:00. The shopkeepers are freshly opened, sipping their first coffee, and often believe that the first sale of the day (siftah) brings good luck, making them more likely to offer you a generous discount.
The Modern Face: Galataport
Our journey concluded back on the waterfront at Galataport Istanbul. Stretching along the Karaköy coastline, this is the city’s newest pride. This massive urban renewal project has reopened a historic harbour to the public for the first time in 200 years.
Galataport is an engineering marvel, featuring the world’s first underground cruise ship terminal. This unique design hides the customs and luggage operations below ground, leaving the 1.2-kilometre promenade open for pedestrians to enjoy uninterrupted views of the Bosphorus. It is a chic lifestyle hub filled with museums (including the Istanbul Modern), boutiques, and restaurants.
Visitor’s Note: Access to the promenade is free. Recommendation: This is the ultimate evening destination. Come here for dinner. Sitting by the water’s edge, watching the ferries crisscross the strait with the illuminated silhouette of the Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia in the distance, you understand why this city has captivated the world for millennia.
Practical Essentials for the AirAsia X Traveller
- Visa: Malaysian passport holders do not require a visa for tourism stays of up to 90 days.
- Currency: The Turkish Lira (TRY) is volatile. It is best to withdraw cash from ATMs in the city (bank ATMs like Ziraat, Garanti, or İş Bankası) rather than exchanging large sums at the airport.
- Transport Card: Purchase an Istanbulkart at the airport or metro stations. It covers buses, metros, trams, and, most importantly, ferries.
- Connectivity: e-SIMs are widely available and often cheaper to purchase online before arrival than physical SIMs at the airport.
Gaya Travel Magazine team is deeply grateful to AirAsia, and Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency for making the writer’s trip to Istanbul possible and smooth-sailing.
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