Things to Do in Arnavutköy: 6 Places to Visit

Places to Visit in Arnavutköy

• 1 Ancient City
• 1 Nature
• 1 Beach
• 2 Attraction
• 1 Other

While you are in Arnavutköy, you can also see the highlights of Istanbul province. These places are in other districts.

• Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya-i Kebir Mosque) — Built by the Byzantine emperor Justinian between 532 and 537, this was the largest cathedral in the world for about a thousand years; it was converted into a mosque in 1453 and a museum in 1934, and reopened for worship as a mosque in 2020. With its dome 55 metres high and its Byzantine mosaics, it is one of the turning points in the history of architecture.
• Topkapı Palace — Built by Mehmed the Conqueror at Sarayburnu in the 1460s, the palace was the seat of government and residence of the Ottoman sultans for about 400 years; with its Harem, Treasury, Holy Relics and courtyards, it is now a museum.
• Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) — A six-minaret mosque built for Ahmed I between 1609 and 1616 by the architect Sedefkâr Mehmed Ağa; it is also known as the Blue Mosque because of the more than 20,000 İznik tiles decorating its interior.
• Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı) — A vast underground cistern built in the 6th century under Justinian and carried on 336 columns; the Medusa heads under two of the columns are its most famous corner.
• Süleymaniye Mosque — Built by Mimar Sinan for Suleiman the Magnificent between 1550 and 1557, the mosque stands at the centre of a large complex with madrasas, a hospital, a soup kitchen and tombs; its silhouette on the hill overlooking the Golden Horn is one of the symbols of the city.
• Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) — One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, made up of more than 60 streets and thousands of shops that grew up around the bedestens built under Mehmed the Conqueror; carpets, jewellery, copperware and leather goods are sold.

Practical Information for Visiting Arnavutköy

Suggested time

1 day

Best time to visit

Spring (April-May, the bird migration season)

Places to visit

6 places

• 🍳

  Köy Kahvaltısı (village breakfast)

  A spread served in Arnavutköy's villages, rich with homemade jams, fresh cheeses, village eggs and tandır bread.

• 🍖

  Mangal Köfte (grilled meatballs)

  Meatballs cooked over charcoal in Arnavutköy's rural areas, served with fresh vegetables and ayran.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Arnavutköy

• 🏡

  Köy Yaşamı Kültürü

  Although Arnavutköy is one of Istanbul's rapidly urbanising districts, traditional rural life continues in the villages of the interior.

Local Products

• Terkos Gölü Balığı (Terkos Lake fish) — Freshwater fish caught in Terkos Lake, eaten fresh in the local area.

Economy

Arnavutköy has developed rapidly since the opening of Istanbul Airport. Construction, logistics, agriculture and aviation are the main economic activities.

How to Get to Arnavutköy

Arnavutköy is the district closest to Istanbul Airport. It is connected to Istanbul by the North Marmara Motorway and TEM connecting roads.

Get directions on Google Maps Getting to Istanbul

Arnavutköy: Frequently Asked Questions

Continue Your Trip

• 🍽️ What to Eat in Arnavutköy Famous dishes and local products →
• 🗺️ Things to Do in Istanbul The province's 22 best places and all its districts →

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