Istanbul is counting down to hosting the UEFA Champions League final, one of the world's most important sporting events, which will take place at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium on 10 June. For football fans in the area, there is a huge list of activities and places to visit that go beyond the sport.
With a vast culture and artistic life, unforgettable gastronomy, historical sights, unique architecture, lively nightlife and a wide variety of shopping options, Istanbul promises tourists a memorable trip. To this end, the Turkish Ministry of Tourism has listed some activities for those who go to the city to watch the game and have a few extra days for an itinerary that
explores all aspects of this metropolis.
UEFA Champions Festival 2023
The festival, dedicated to the UEFA Champions League final event, takes place from 8 to 11 June at the Yenikapı Festival Venue venue in Istanbul. On June 9, the UEFA “The Ultimate Champions” tournament takes place, which is played at 4 pm with the participation of UEFA Ambassadors.
Historic buildings that are heritage of a rich past
Istanbul attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world with its historic places and architecture that reflects its multicultural identity. Due to its strategic location, the city, which has been home to numerous civilizations throughout history, has many buildings with remains from different eras and cultures. The Historic Peninsula region is home to many of the city's iconic buildings, surrounded by the ancient walls and the Bosphorus, Sea of Marmara and Golden Horn, attracting tourists and travelers alike with the Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia and Blue mosques, Basilica Cistern , the Istanbul Archeology Museum and Topkapi Palace.
Istanbul is a city with historic towers, such as the Galata Tower, famous for its structure with a panoramic view of the city skyline. On the other hand, the Maiden's Tower, the iconic structure on the Bosphorus of Istanbul, allows its visitors to observe from an entirely different point of view and has recently been renovated for improvements.
Mixture of art and culture
Istanbul is known for its rich historical heritage and is considered a dream destination for art lovers, with its museums that combine cultural dynamism, modern art galleries, cultural centers, streets that welcome artists and designers, concert halls and cultural and artistic events. Before visiting Istanbul, it is recommended that the traveler check the event calendars of centers of modern art, such as the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) and Santral İstanbul, to include activities in the itinerary and reserve places for different shows and events. For fans of contemporary art, the Pera, Atlas Cinema and Modern Museums
in İstanbul are worth a visit.
Surprising Gastronomy
From sophisticated Michelin-starred restaurants to more traditional ones, Istanbul is heaven for food lovers, making the city one of the gastronomy capitals of the world. Turkish cuisine, shaped by the many different cultures that Istanbul has hosted over the centuries, is one of the main reasons to visit. The city is also recognized as one of the five
best in the world when it comes to street food, with delicacies such as the Döner Kebap, a dish made with beef or chicken, roasted vertically on a skewer and can be eaten with flat bread or rice. Another traditional street dish for the Turks is Simit, a sesame-baked bread easily found on various red carts dotted around the streets. Other snacks for a quick meal are stuffed mussels, roasted chestnuts, corn and potatoes, all of which can be accompanied by freshly squeezed pomegranate juice or pickle juice.
shopping paradise
With its historic bazaars, luxury boutiques and designer stores, Istanbul offers a rich shopping experience to its visitors. One of the best places in town to buy souvenirs such as authentic handcrafted rugs, pottery and handicrafts is the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar. For those who want to invest in luxury items, such as Prada, Chanel and Cartier, the Nişantaşı neighborhood is a paradise for high-class shops, malls and restaurants.