Image by Engin Akyurt from Pixabay
If you are visiting Istanbul, there are several neighborhoods that you’ll want to visit. When based in Besiktas, though, it’s important to make the most of it before looking elsewhere.
Embracing the attractions on your doorstep will feed into a stress-free and convenient adventure. Not least because you’ll spend less time traveling. Here are five things to put on your travel checklist.
1| Dolmabahce Palace
Istanbul is blessed with beautiful palaces across multiple parts of the city. However, Dolmabahce Palace is easily one of the most striking. The country’s largest palace is intertwined with the history of the Ottoman Empire and is a truly beautiful building inside and out. In today’s money, it would have cost almost $2bn.
Moreover, the palace is found on the Bosphorus strait. So, a visit to this part of Istanbul also provides an incredible look at the body of water that connects two continents.
2| Vodafone Park
The home of Besiktas J.K. holds over 42,000 football fans and is a UEFA Category Four stadium, making it one of the best in the world. The team won its 16th championship in 2021 while the arena itself is truly breathtaking. Whether watching a match or taking a tour, you are sure to have a brilliant time at an amazing arena.
Crucially, you do not have to be a football fan to enjoy the one-off experience. But if you do love the beautiful game, you’ll have ticked off a bucket list stadium.
3| Yildiz Park
In a part of the city where skyscrapers and palaces compete for space while people lead hectic lives, taking a break is always highly beneficial. Yildiz Park is home to beautifully peaceful surroundings, including flowerbeds, birds, and animals. The rope bridge and waterfall ponds are highlights of the park, too.
There are other places to relax in the Besiktas area. Nonetheless, Yildiz Park is one that every visitor should experience. Best of all, it’s free.
4| Naval Museum
The Besiktas Naval Museum is home to over 4000 items relating to Turkish naval history. This includes boasts, weaponry, artwork, and much more. If you are staying in the Besiktas area, it is easily accessible and well worth an afternoon visit. Not least because the Bosphorus strait is such an integral part of the city.
It’s also close to the aforementioned Yildiz Park. So, you can comfortably combine the two attractions for an incredible day in the heart of Besiktas.
5| Zorlu Center
A little shopping can add something special to your trip. The Zorlu Center is Besiktas’s best venue. The mall has a lot of high-end brands and stores while also catering to more budget-friendly shoppers. In truth, simply walking around the stores, which open from 10 AM to 10 PM can be a lot of fun. Of course, there are places to eat, too.
Whether you plan to hit the markets too or not, a trip to this particular mall should be on the agenda. You will love it, regardless of if you find any bargains.
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