Best Hotels In Istanbul: Hagia Sophia And Spice Bazaar

If you’re planning a trip to Istanbul, you’ll want to make sure you stay at one of the best hotels in the city. The Hagia Sophia and Spice Bazaar are two of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul, and they also happen to be near some of the best hotels in the city. Here’s everything you need to know about these two attractions and the hotels that surround them.

Tourism Information

Reasons Why We Should Visit

• Both the Hagia Sophia and Spice Bazaar are iconic attractions in Istanbul and offer visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich history and culture.
• The hotels near these attractions offer luxurious accommodations and stunning views of the city.
• Staying near these attractions allows visitors to easily explore other popular destinations in Istanbul, such as the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace.
• The Hagia Sophia is a must-visit attraction for history buffs, while the Spice Bazaar is a great place to shop for local spices and souvenirs.

Tourism History

The Hagia Sophia has a long and storied history. It was originally built as a church in 537 AD and was the largest cathedral in the world at the time. In 1453, the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) and converted the Hagia Sophia into a mosque. In 1935, it was turned into a museum and is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul.

The Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, was built in the 1660s and has been a popular shopping destination ever since. The bazaar was originally built to help finance the upkeep of the nearby New Mosque.

Fact

• The Hagia Sophia was the largest cathedral in the world for almost a thousand years.
• The Spice Bazaar was built with money from the Ottoman Empire’s Egyptian campaign.
• The Hagia Sophia has been a church, a mosque, and a museum over the course of its long history.
• The hotels near the Hagia Sophia and Spice Bazaar offer some of the best views in Istanbul.
• The Spice Bazaar is a great place to buy local spices and Turkish delight.

FAQ

• Are the hotels near the Hagia Sophia and Spice Bazaar expensive?
• The hotels near these attractions are 5-star hotels and can be quite expensive, but they offer luxurious accommodations and stunning views of Istanbul.
• Is the Hagia Sophia still a mosque?
• No, the Hagia Sophia was converted into a museum in 1935.
• Can I take photos inside the Hagia Sophia?
• Yes, photography is allowed inside the museum.
• What can I buy at the Spice Bazaar?
• The Spice Bazaar is a great place to buy local spices, Turkish delight, and other souvenirs.

Pros

Staying near the Hagia Sophia and Spice Bazaar allows visitors to easily explore some of Istanbul’s most popular destinations. The hotels near these attractions offer luxurious accommodations and stunning views of the city.

Tips

Be sure to book your hotel room in advance, as these hotels can fill up quickly. Also, be prepared for large crowds at both the Hagia Sophia and Spice Bazaar, especially during peak tourist season.

Summary

If you’re planning a trip to Istanbul, staying near the Hagia Sophia and Spice Bazaar is a must. These iconic attractions offer visitors a glimpse into Istanbul’s rich history and culture, and the hotels near these attractions offer luxurious accommodations and stunning views of the city. Whether you’re a history buff or a shopaholic, the Hagia Sophia and Spice Bazaar are sure to be the highlights of your trip to Istanbul.