I will be visiting Istanbul in November. What main attractions are under major renovations and either closed or have greatly impaired experiences? Any suggestions for alternate sites to visit?
Posted by
Guelph ON
45 posts
I’m here now. So far from what I have seen the blue mosque is open but under restoration inside and some outside. The basilica cistern is closed due to Reno’s. And parts of the grand bazaar was getting an over haul. But it was just the roof you walked under the scaffolding past all the stores. And only a small part.
Posted by
Marietta, GA
2 posts
While the basilica cistern is closed for renovations we went to the Theodosius Cistern (Serefiye Sarnici), one of 100 cisterns discovered in the city. It is very near the area where the Blue mosque and other historic sites. It has a great light show and thus the tickets let you in every hour. Tickets we 100TL. We found the experience fascinating and worth our time.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA
693 posts
I just got back from Istanbul:
The Blue Mosque is undergoing extensive renovations, and there is nothing to see except a tiny portion of the dome. Suleymaniye Mosque is a better choice these days.
Rustem Pasha Mosque is now open after having been closed for 6 years. A small gem, and a must-see.
Yeni Mosque. Closed for renovation.
Basilica Cistern. Closed. Try the smaller Cistern of Theodosius instead.
Chora Museum/Mosque. Closed indefinitely.