Things to do in Bergama
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Top 10 attractions in Bergama
Pergamon Ancient City
Hamzalisuleymaniye Mahallesi · 2.2 km from downtown
Bergama Museum
This museum exhibits some of the artifacts unearthed from the Pergamon site, as well as the scenes of people's life at that time. There are many sculptures from the ancient Greek period, and the beautiful mosaic floor is also impressive. Located in Turkey, Pergamma was originally an ancient Greek colonial city-state, and was once the economic and cultural center of the Hellenistic region. Because its rulers loved art, Pergamma created brilliant sculptures.Bergama · 611m from downtown
Akropolis
The Acropolis of Bergama is built on a rock formation 280 meters above the ground. From there, you can overlook the entire city and the Aegean Sea. The scenery is breathtaking. The ancient Roman theater has stepped auditoriums, and the stage designed in ancient Greek style is below. Although the stage wall and part of the auditorium at the back have been damaged, its height difference and wide view are still amazing.Hamzalisuleymaniye Mahallesi · 2.2 km from downtown
Asclepieion of Pergamon
Bergama · 1.6 km from downtown
Red Hall Basilica
Located on the only way between the Bergama minibus station and the Acropolis cable car, it was originally a temple dedicated to the gods of ancient Egypt, built in the 2nd century AD. According to the "Book of Revelation", this is one of the seven churches of the apocalypse, and it is a church not to be missed by Christians. Its tall and majestic and ancient architectural style makes visitors from all over the world shocked by the power of faith.Islamsaray Mahallesi · 1.5 km from downtown
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia faces the Blue Mosque across the street. Originally the main cathedral of the Byzantine Empire, it was converted into a mosque after being occupied by the Turks. This historic building in Türkiye stands as one of the country's most iconic symbols. The exterior of Hagia Sophia features classic mosque domes and minarets, with an ablution fountain (for mosque use) in front and several stone pillars topped with intricate carvings nearby. Nine gates lead to the central hall from the narthex, with the middle one known as the "Imperial Gate," once reserved exclusively for emperors and empresses. The four gates on either side were designated for commoners, while the two middle gates were for nobles and officials. The grand central hall dazzles with multicolored marble floors and walls adorned with vibrant mosaic patterns. Numerous windows and low-hanging chandeliers maintain the hall's lighting, while the ornate lamps create a warm ambiance beneath the towering dome, evoking a sense of awe. The dome preserves Byzantine-style frescoes in rich colors. Above the altar is an image of the Virgin and Child gazing downward. On either side of the altar hang six large black disks with golden Arabic calligraphy, each about 10 meters in diameter, inscribed with names. The right side of the altar marks the coronation spot, while the left features a preaching balcony. A spiral passage at the end of the side corridor leads to the upper gallery, where dignitaries and females once prayed. The gallery walls display numerous frescoes depicting Christian stories. From here, visitors can admire the hall's majestic spatial design, with golden and blue decorative motifs adorning the column capitals, bases, and joints. The intricately carved capitals are breathtaking. Walking along the upper gallery, the "Empress's Lodge" stands to the right, directly above the "Imperial Gate" at the entrance below. From this vantage point, visitors can clearly see the exquisite mosaic artwork embedded above the gate.Türkiye · Istanbul
Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern, located next to Hagia Sophia, served as the palace's underground water reservoir from the Byzantine era to the Ottoman Empire. Today, it is considered one of Istanbul's most romantic and mysterious tourist attractions. Entering the cistern, you feel as if you've stepped into another world of Istanbul. The clear sounds of water droplets falling on the surface are constantly heard, and carp occasionally swim in the pool. Dim streetlights lining the edges of the underground passage create a peaceful, deep, mysterious, and captivating atmosphere. This enormous cistern, 140 meters long and 70 meters wide, is the size of a football field. 336 thick Corinthian columns, 9 meters high, support the massive brick vaults, creating a truly impressive sight. Each column features meticulously crafted, unique reliefs. Because of its unique and mysterious atmosphere, it has served as a filming location for productions such as the Hollywood film "Skyfall" and Jackie Chan's "The Accidental Spy." The Basilica Cistern has a very large water storage capacity and is still used by the people of Istanbul today. It is said that if the cistern were completely full of water, it could meet the water needs of the entire city for a month. While the teardrop-shaped columns in the center of the cistern attract the attention of many visitors, the columns on the northwest side of the cistern, supported by two inverted Medusa heads, are one of the most impressive parts of the Basilica Cistern. The history of the Basilica Cistern dates back to the 6th century AD and it was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian. Initially, it was used to store water for the nearby palace and buildings. Later sealed, the cistern was rediscovered after the conquest of Istanbul in the 16th century. Bringing water from the forests near the Black Sea, this structure both met the palace's water needs and served as a strategic refuge against enemy sieges. It is truly an underground palace, a product of the imagination.Türkiye · Istanbul
Bergama Cultural Center
Izmir · 719m from Bergama
Historic Areas of Istanbul
Historic Areas of Istanbul is the historic heart of the city, layering thousands of years of civilization from both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, with many of Istanbul's iconic monuments gathered within a compact area. Sultanahmet Square is the center of the historic area. It was once the Hippodrome during the Byzantine period. Today, ancient relics such as the obelisk brought from Egypt and the ancient Greek Serpentine Column still stand in the square. The Galata Bridge, extending north from the historic area, spans the Golden Horn. Locals often fish on the bridge, and the area below is lined with restaurants, making it a great place to experience Istanbul's local life. The main attractions in the historic area are concentrated around Sultanahmet, making it suitable for exploring on foot.Türkiye · Istanbul
Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahce PalaceLocated in Istanbul's new district, this palace is commonly known as the new palace of the Ottoman Empire. Towering and expansive, it exudes the grandeur and prosperity of the once-mighty empire. "Dolmabahçe" in Turkish means "filled garden," referring to its construction on reclaimed land. Built in the mid-19th century over an existing harbor structure, the palace sits along the picturesque European shore of the Bosphorus and served as the residence for the last six sultans of the Ottoman dynasty. The palace's advanced architectural techniques resulted in a 600m-long perimeter wall, with interiors adorned in gold leaf and constructed primarily of white marble and Egyptian alabaster. Passing through an ornate gate, visitors enter the palace surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens, featuring a Baroque-style clock tower believed to have also functioned as a watchtower. As the palace still serves government functions, guards stand sentry at the gates, adding to its majestic atmosphere. Guided tours are mandatory and cover two main sections: the ceremonial hall (Selamlık) and the harem (Haremlik), comprising 285 rooms, 43 halls, and 6 Turkish baths—a masterpiece of opulence. Tours are available in English or Turkish, with each route lasting approximately 30-40 minutes. If pressed for time, focus on the ceremonial hall. Highlights include the crystal staircase, supported by crystal pillars, and a 2.5-ton chandelier from France's Baccarat, illuminating the space where sultans were crowned. The harem, accessible only to the sultan and princes, features rooms decorated in Western styles, including the Yellow Hall for gatherings and the bedroom of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, preserved with a silk Turkish flag and a clock stopped at 9:05 AM, the time of his death. Additional attractions include the crystal pavilion and clock museum. A 160m-long dock along the strait, once the primary entrance by boat, offers scenic views. The garden also houses an open-air café by the clock tower, perfect for relaxing with coffee while enjoying the sea breeze.Türkiye · Istanbul
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What travelers say about Bergama
RafaeloghluSeptember 3, 2023
5.0
Never thought such a small town would have an ancient history. It is of the oldest Greek cities in the area with the beautiful buildings.
Bergama Museum
tt梦幻小妖February 19, 2020
4.0
There are also many traces of ancient Rome in Izmir. This place is also very distinctive, especially the color of the buildings. However, we did not have a tour guide, so we did not know much about history.
Red Hall Basilica
厌蠢lOctober 21, 2026
5.0
Istanbul, a strategically vital location, has a history marked by frequent wars and name changes, including Constantinople and Istanbul. The same applies to this church; when Christians won, it was called "Hagia Sophia," and when Muslims won, it was called "Ayah Sophia Mosque." The current official name is the latter.
Hagia Sophia
ZhaziraTOctober 8, 2026
5.0
It was marvelous experience, it definitely one of the must visit spots in Istanbul 😍💐✨I was really impressed with the atmosphere and beautines of this place 😍✨
Basilica Cistern
Travel JuriOctober 30, 2025
5.0
Very nice, especially love the cats that are everywhere! 🐈🐈⬛
Historic Areas of Istanbul
EdgooseOctober 23, 2026
5.0
One of the most beautiful places in Istanbul. Definitely must go. The price is quite high but was worth it
Dolmabahce Palace
