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Istanbul   Travel Guide

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19 Best Things to Do in Istanbul, Turkey

The world's only city that sits on the two continents of Europe and Asia, separated by the Bosphorus strait, Istanbul possesses so many layers that make it absolutely unique. A megacity that has seen the rise and fall of two empires, the former

• All Things To Do

Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) free

Sultan Ahmed I was determined to build a mosque that rivaled the nearby Hagia Sophia , and most would agree that he accomplished this task or, at least, came close. Since the early 1600s, the Blue Mosque has been quite the sight to behold, with an array of domes, semidomes and minarets (or narrow towers). It's also one of the biggest tourist draws in Istanbul.

Visitors say this mosque offers stunning architecture inside and out. It can, however, get busy, so consider arriving early. And remember, the Blue Mosque is an active religious site, so dress conservatively. Women should wear headscarves, as is custom. If you forgot to bring one, you can borrow one from the mosque.

Hagia Sophia Mosque (Ayasofya Cami) Hagia Sophia Mosque (Ayasofya Cami) free

Tourists flock en masse to the Hagia Sophia for its stunning architecture, glorious interior views and historical significance. Built between 532 and 537, the building was a church for nearly a thousand years. It then served as a mosque from 1453 until 1935, before becoming a secular museum. In 2020, the building once again became a working mosque. 

Once the biggest cathedral in the world, the Hagia Sophia is considered the magnum opus of Byzantine architecture. Visitors say it is a must-see when in Istanbul and recommend taking a guided tour for more information about the history of the site. 

Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici) Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici)

The Basilica Cistern is Istanbul's largest surviving Byzantine cistern and one of its most unique historic sites. Constructed in 532 for Justinian I, this sprawling underground water reservoir –which is roughly the size of two football fields – once supplied water to the Great Palace of Constantinople, a large palace that served as the main residence for local emperors for centuries. Though the palace no longer exists, the cistern was renovated in 1985 to welcome visitors. In 2022, it reopened to the public after a five-year restoration effort. Its most noteworthy feature is a pair of Medusa heads that sit upside down at the base of two columns.

According to past travelers, the Basilica Cistern is easy to miss but worth checking out, despite its lack of interior attractions. Many said the site is beautifully preserved, but queues to buy tickets and enter can get quite long, so several recommended visiting with a tour group. Multiple half- and full-day tours that include stops at the cistern are offered on Viator ; tour prices range from $39 to $686 per person.

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Grand Bazaar (Kapaliçarsi) Grand Bazaar (Kapaliçarsi) free

Located within walking distance of must-visit sights like the Blue Mosque , the Basilica Cistern  and Süleymaniye Mosque , the Grand Bazaar is one of the biggest and oldest covered shopping markets in the world. It regularly overwhelms visitors with its more than 60 streets of 3,000-plus shops, each accompanied by an overzealous vendor. Products range from hand-loomed carpets to antiques, traditional textiles to copper and silver artisan objects, artisan jewelry and ceramics to clothing and much more.

Despite the size and chaos of this bazaar, shoppers say you'll find yourself strangely at ease with the rhythm of the market, thanks in part to the friendliness of the vendors, who are far from pushy. Remember, though, that Westerners are often quoted higher rates for items here, so come prepared to bargain. Most merchants will drop their rates by as much as 50% when a customer refuses to pay full price. What's more, additional discounts are often given to those who pay with cash, although most vendors do accept credit cards.

Spice Bazaar (Misir Çarsisi) Spice Bazaar (Misir Çarsisi)

U.S. News Insider Tip: Take a lunch break at Pandeli Restaurant  inside the bazaar, which has been around since the 1950s serving classic Turkish dishes in a refined ambiance. Make reservations in advance and don't miss the stairs that lead up to the restaurant on the left side of the bazaar's Eminönü entrance. – Feride Yalav-Heckeroth

Built in the 17th century from the revenue of the Ottoman administrative district in Egypt (and therefore also known as the Egyptian Bazaar) this historic bazaar is the second most famous covered market in Istanbul. A must-visit for gourmets who love to shop for traditional ingredients, the more than 80 shops inside the market have a wide and fragrant spectrum of spices, nuts, dried fruits, Turkish coffee and traditional sweets.

Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii) Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii) free

Nestled within Istanbul's historic Fatih district by the Golden Horn, Istanbul University and the Grand Bazaar , Süleymaniye Mosque is considered one of the city's most impressive Ottoman mosques. Built between 1550 and 1557 after being commissioned by its namesake, Süleyman I, this grand structure features multiple gardens and a large dome, plus high-end finishes like mother-of-pearl window shutters, painted corbels, traditional ceramic tiles and stained-glass windows.

Recent travelers described their time at this mosque as "amazing" and "peaceful," adding that it is just as stunning as the Blue Mosque and cannot be missed. What's more, this attraction is not as central and popular as others like the Hagia Sophia , meaning you won't have to rub elbows with lots of tourists while visiting. But remember, like other religious sites in the area, Süleymaniye Mosque hosts six prayer services every day, so expect occasional closures and dress conservatively. If you forget to wear long pants or pack a scarf to cover your head, the mosque offers loaner coverings at its entrance.

Rüstem Pasha Mosque (Rüstem Pasa Camii) Rüstem Pasha Mosque (Rüstem Pasa Camii)

One of Sultanahmet's lesser-known mosques is also one of its most beautiful. Designed by the famous Ottoman imperial architect Mimar Sinan (who also designed the Süleymaniye Mosque ) and completed in 1563, the structure was dedicated to the Grand Vizier Rüstem Pasha. The mosque's most important trait are the large quantities of Iznik tiles that decorate its interior in a wide variety of floral and geometric patterns. It's a definite deviation from Mimar Sinan's usual style, which favored the structure rather than its internal decoration.

Previous travelers commented that this more hidden sight is a definite stop for anyone interested in Islamic art and Ottoman architecture. They add the design impresses deeply with its hand-painted tilework as well as its majestic dome. Travelers have also commented that the mosque is a welcome respite from Istanbul's busy streets.

Topkapi Palace Museum (Topkapi Sarayi Müzesi) Topkapi Palace Museum (Topkapi Sarayi Müzesi)

Topkapi Palace served as the home of the Ottoman Sultans from 1478 to 1856 and is one of Istanbul's most popular attractions. It officially became a museum in 1924, shortly after the end of the Ottoman era, and features brilliant architecture, manicured courtyards and extensive weaponry, porcelain, cutlery, art and fabric collections.

Previous visitors loved admiring the palace's architecture and perusing its exhibits, saying you'll need several hours to take in everything there is to see. Popular exhibits include the kitchens, the calligraphy area and the armaments room. Many also recommend strolling through the property's gardens and refueling at the on-site coffee shop, where picturesque views of the Golden Horn await you.

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Istanbul Archaeological Museums (Istanbul Arkeoloji Müzeleri) Istanbul Archaeological Museums (Istanbul Arkeoloji Müzeleri)

At the Istanbul Archaeological Museums, which opened near the Topkapi Palace Museum  in 1869, you'll find more than a million antiquities displayed throughout three buildings: the Archaeological Museum, the Ancient Orient Museum and the Tiled Kiosk Museum. Exhibitions offer a wealth of artifacts from the Assyrian, Hittite, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations.

Travelers have commented on the beauty of the museum structures themselves and appreciated the vast collection at this underrated museum. Others recommended seeing the Sarcophagus of Alexander, a highlight in the collection.

The Beyoglu Neighborhood The Beyoglu Neighborhood

The heart of Istanbul's local life, Beyoglu, once known as Pera, was the center of European aristocratic settlement during the Ottoman era. The neoclassical architecture of its structures all speak of this past. Starting with the new Ataturk Cultural Center  in the famous Taksim Square, the equally famous Istiklal Avenue stretches all the way to Tünel Square, where the historic Tünel funicular station is located as one of the world's oldest subterranean urban railways.

When walking down Istiklal, make sure to stop and explore the many historic shopping arcades, restaurants, art galleries and churches hidden in the side streets. Standouts include the Church of St. Anthony of Padua, the city's largest Catholic Church; the Istanbul Cinema Museum , exhibiting the history of Turkish cinema inside a stunning former mansion from the 19th century; and the art gallery Casa Botter inside a renovated and repurposed art nouveau apartment building from the 1900s.

Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi)

Certainly one of Istanbul's most iconic structures, the Galata Tower was first built during the Byzantine era, rebuilt by the Genoese, who gave it the stone mesh exterior it still possesses today, and later used as a prison during the Ottoman period. Today, the tower welcomes visitors who can climb to the top to enjoy a gorgeous 360-degree view of Istanbul.

Travelers have remarked that the tower is located in the city's "coolest" neighborhood and noted that the view from the top is especially amazing at night. Others commented that the tower itself is beautiful, though they felt the steep entry fee wasn't worth the experience.

Dolmabahce Palace Dolmabahce Palace

Sitting along the Bosphorus near the Kabatas tram stop and the Besiktas  ferry port, Dolmabahçe Palace's jaw-dropping beauty and historical importance impresses visitors. Built in the 19th century, the palace was used by the final Ottoman sultans as their primary residence and administrative seat. The interior and exterior architecture showcase a mix of European and Ottoman designs that can only be found at this global crossroad. Make sure to also visit the National Painting Museum next door (included in the ticket), which showcases around 200 paintings from the palace's collection that spans Turkish and international artists from the 19th century.

Past travelers were wowed by the palace's extravagant interior, although some wished photography was permitted and felt tours were rushed and lacked information. Several visitors also reported long ticket lines, and the property's website  cautions that the ticket office closes early once all passes have been distributed for the day, so plan on arriving early.

The Besiktas Neighborhood The Besiktas Neighborhood

After exploring the Dolmabahçe Palace , a stroll in the Besiktas neighborhood at large is a great way to delve into local life, away from the tourist highlights. Walk up Süleyman Seba Avenue to reach Akaretler, the 19th-century row houses originally built for those who worked at Dolmabahçe Palace. They're now filled with modern shops, art galleries, cafes and restaurants. Stroll down Çiragan Avenue to reach Yildiz Park, one of the city's largest public parks with two Ottoman-era pavilions that now serve as cafes and enjoy some time away from the crowds. Right across the park, gaze at one of Istanbul's most iconic hotels with its ornate gates, the Çiragan Palace Kempinski, inside a former Ottoman palace. If you still have the energy, continue on Çiragan Avenue to Ortaköy Square to enjoy a waterfront view of the famous Bosphorus Bridge with the Ortaköy Mosque built in the 1850s right before it.

The best way to reach Besiktas is via bus, however, the neighborhood also has its own ferry port with transfers available from Eminönü (Old City).

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The Nisantasi Neighborhood The Nisantasi Neighborhood

U.S. News Insider Tip: Make sure to visit Kalyon Kültür , an art and culture space inside a beautifully renovated Ottoman mansion built in 1889. – Feride Yalav-Heckeroth

It's in this neighborhood that you'll find the city's residents shopping for the latest collections from Turkish and international designers. Apart from Beymen , Turkey's most exclusive department store, you'll also find brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Chanel plus the atelier and showrooms of some of Istanbul's most important fashion designers. The neighborhood is, however, also home to brands such as Gap, Massimo Dutti, Zara and Marks & Spencer, pleasing shopping crowds of all budgets in one go.

Galataport Galataport

Much more than the world's first underground cruise ship terminal, Galataport is filled with restaurants, cafes, shops and a wide boardwalk that all face the Bosphorus. Apart from Istanbul Modern , Galataport's other cultural offering is the Istanbul Museum of Painting and Sculpture , designed by the famed Turkish architect Emre Arolat's firm. It has a vast collection that presents Turkish art from the late 19th-century Ottoman period to the end of the 20th century. The port is also home to the luxurious Peninsula Hotel; three of its four buildings are renovated heritage structures overlooking the Old City.

Travelers have remarked that the port is modern and has lots of branded storefronts and restaurants and that the views are incredible. They add that the modern design of Galataport and the historic architecture of nearby structures gives visitors the best of both worlds.

Istanbul Modern Istanbul Modern

Inside a stunning waterfront structure by the Renzo Piano Building Workshop, Istanbul Modern is the city's most important hub for contemporary art with its permanent and temporary exhibitions. The collection focuses mainly on pioneering Turkish artists and also includes a photography collection. Make sure to visit the museum's rooftop that faces the Bosphorus and the Old City and features shallow pools that reflect the horizon.

Previous visitors have commended the large variety of artworks, including all types of art, media, sculpture and interactive exhibits. Other guests recommended the rooftop and its fantastic view of the historic city center.

The Kadiköy Neighborhood The Kadiköy Neighborhood

U.S. News Insider Tip: Heading to Kadiköy Market? Start your journey on Günesli Bahçe Street and then get lost among the offerings, especially the many little eateries selling street food. – Feride Yalav-Heckeroth

Istanbul's Asian side (or Anatolian side as the locals like to say) is often completely overlooked by tourists, but it's the perfect locale for those who want to have a genuine local experience. Kadiköy is very down-to-earth and still very Turkish, largely untouched by the cosmopolitan air that is prevalent on the European side. After arriving at the Kadiköy ferry station, the first stop should be the vast Kadiköy Market, a network of interconnected streets that are filled with vendors selling everything from fresh fish to produce, cheeses to pickled vegetables, coffee to nuts, offal to honey and so much more.

Beylerybeyi Palace Beylerybeyi Palace

Another hidden gem Istanbul's Anatolian (Asian) side, the breathtakingly ornate Beylerbeyi Palace was built between 1863 and 1865 under the order of Ottoman Sultan Abdülaziz. It served as a summer residence and state guesthouse. The waterfront palace was designed by Sarkis Balyan, who, along with other members of the Armenian Balyan family, designed such other icons as the Dolmabahçe  and Çiragan Palaces. A confluence of Western and Eastern architectural styles, the interior of the lavish palace is filled with Turkish Hereke carpets; French Baccarat crystal chandeliers; and Chinese, Japanese, French and German ceramics, to name a few.

Previous travelers were astounded by the beauty and design of the palace, which exhibited wonderful craftsmanship. The palace's coffee shop was also recommended due to the stunning Bosphorus view.

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Büyükada Büyükada

U.S. News Insider Tip: This island is very popular on the weekends, so if you'd rather avoid the crowds, visit on a weekday. – Feride Yalav-Heckeroth

The largest of Istanbul's Princes' Islands is certainly its most popular and is the best way to really take a break from the city's endearingly chaotic energy. Büyükada (which literally translates to 'large island') was a popular getaway for Istanbul's prosperous Greeks, Jews and Armenians who had lavish summer mansions built to accommodate their vacationing needs. Nowadays, these Ottoman-era mansions are some of the most important attractions on the island, and locals and visitors alike arrive in droves to stroll along the streets to gaze up at the historic architecture. Some of the most notable houses are located on Çankaya Avenue.

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42 Things to Know Before You Visit Istanbul: Helpful Istanbul Travel Tips

Istanbul is a magnificent beast.

Thirty-nine districts, 15 million people, and 1700-plus years of history – it’s still difficult for me to wrap my head around a city of this scale.

I never know where to begin with Istanbul. And yet every time I arrive, I somehow feel instantly at ease. Turkey’s biggest metropolis has a way of encircling you, sweeping you up and taking you along for the ride. For me, it’s one of those places where it’s best to relinquish expectations and anxieties and just go with the flow.

That’s easier said than done, and there are countless tidbits I wish I had known before I visited Istanbul for the first time back in 2019. On my recent re-visit, there were many more things I noticed for the first time.

I struggled to whittle this list down to a digestible size – not because travelling in Istanbul is particularly complicated or difficult, but because when you’re dealing with a city of such incredible breadth and depth, there’s just so much to talk about.

Here are 42 Istanbul tips that I think every traveller will benefit from , including cultural quirks, itinerary planning tips, logistics hints, and common faux pas.

• Also read: The perfect itinerary for 4 days in Istanbul

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Istanbul quick links

• Istanbul airport transfer: Private transfer from Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen (from $27)
• Where to stay in Istanbul: Hostel Le Banc (budget); 38 Hotel (mid-range); Hotel Empress Zoe (boutique); Ecole St. Pierre Hotel (luxury)
• Istanbul Official E-Pass: Pre-purchase online here
• Skip the line: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour (from $40)
• Best Istanbul food tour: Taste of 2 Continents (from $100)
• Top-rated Istanbul city tour: Best of Istanbul in 1 Day (from $60)
• Turkey car hire: Find a low-cost rental on Local Rent (from 28€/day)

Essential Istanbul travel tips

Starting with the basics, here are answers to some of the burning questions I had before my first visit to Turkey (Türkiye) and Istanbul.

1. Avoid visiting in summer

Never underestimate Istanbul’s magnetism. The city pulled in more than 14 million tourists in 2019 (including me), and on my most recent trip in 2022, it felt just as crowded as it had been three years earlier.

I’m willing to bet that most people visit Istanbul during the summer months – June, July and August. This feels a bit hypocritical because I myself have visited Istanbul twice during summer – but because I did, I know what peak season is like.

Istanbul’s climate is quite mild relative to other cities in the region. Temperatures might not go too far beyond 30 degrees Celsius in the shade, but the sun is scorching hot, and it’s very dry.

Aside from the oppressive heat, there are the summer swarms to contend with. (You haven’t really experienced a queue until you’ve stood in line for the Hagia Sophia on an August afternoon.) There are crushing crowds at every landmark during summer, and that gets old pretty quickly. On top of that, accommodation prices are noticeably higher and it can be challenging to get a reservation.

The best time to visit Istanbul is during shoulder season, spring (April to early June) or autumn (mid-September to the start of November). For something different, consider visiting Turkey in winter , when snow covers Istanbul and the city’s charm-o-metre is off the charts.

Take note of the dates for the Holy Month of Ramadan (usually around March-April-May, but it changes every year), which influences the way the city operates.

2. You need at least three days to do Istanbul justice

However many days you give yourself in Istanbul, it will never be enough. You will always feel like you short-changed yourself – there’s always one more neighbourhood to explore, one more ferry trip to take, one more museum to visit, one more restaurant to try…

Three days is the bare minimum for a first-time visitor, but you could easily stay for a week or more.

I recently spent 10 days in Istanbul and found it was a good amount of time to see the city at a relaxed pace. I stayed in the centre for that entire time, though I did have a few ‘down’ days to work. There are dozens of day trip opportunities to break things up if the city gets to be too much.

One of the highlights of Istanbul is the food, so you’d do well to measure the duration of your stay in meals eaten rather than nights slept! Six square meals (and a couple of ‘spread breakfasts’) is ideal for indulging in the best of Istanbul’s food scene .

Plan your time with my 4-day Istanbul itinerary , which covers the must-sees and a few local gems.

3. Save time (and maybe money) by applying for an e-visa

Most nationalities require a tourist visa to enter Türkiye. The country’s e-visa scheme, which launched in 2013, is available to citizens of 40+ countries, including the States, Australia and Canada. (EU citizens do not need a visa.) A standard multiple-entry visa is valid for a stay of up to 90 days with 180 days validity from the date of issue.

Visa on arrival (VOA) is also available, but if you’re flying in, it requires queueing at the airport – and because of the high volume of flights arriving at IST particularly, it can be a long wait. For some nationalities, it’s also more expensive – 10 USD dearer on average compared to the e-visa according to the official fees (though for US passport holders, VOA is cheaper).

Applying for a Turkish e-visa requires completing a simple online form. The website has English-language support and international card payment, but be warned that sometimes it’s a bit glitchy. Both times I’ve applied, my visa has landed in my inbox almost instantly (within the hour). Be sure to print off the A4 piece of paper to show at immigration.

There are copycat sites out there – the official e-visa portal is located here .

I have never been asked for proof of onward travel or a hotel reservation when entering Turkey. If you want one or both for peace of mind without making an actual booking, then I suggest using OneWayFly .

4. Travel insurance is a must

Travel insurance is mandatory for all foreign visitors to Turkey. Again, you might not be asked to show proof of insurance if you’re travelling on an e-visa (I haven’t), but rules are rules nonetheless.

Istanbul is generally regarded as a safe city, but pickpocketing and crime do occur. More importantly, local health care can be expensive, so it pays to be covered in case of accident or unexpected illness.

For single-policy or annual trip insurance, I recommend HeyMondo. Get 5% off your policy when you sign up using this link .

Read up on these Istanbul safety tips before you go.

5. Use the Havabus (Havaist) shuttle to travel to/from the airport

Update: Since publishing this guide, both Istanbul airports now have an underground metro service. I would definitely look into this option – avoiding traffic could be a real time-saver. Here are more details .

Havabus is a terrific service for travelling between Istanbul’s airports (yes, there is more than one – see the next point) and the downtown area. Shuttles operate 24/7, with departures in both directions every 30-60 minutes.

Tip: At Sabiha Gokcen airport, the shuttle is called Havabus and at Istanbul Airport, it’s called Havaist. I have used both – they operate in much the same way, but they have separate websites for checking the schedule ( here for Havabus and here for Havaist).

When you land in Istanbul, look for the airport bus signage. At Sabiha Gokcen, the bus stand is located on the other side of the car park directly in front of the arrivals terminal. Tickets are purchased using cash on the bus and cost 37.50 TRY (around 2 USD) per person to go to Taksim.

If you prefer a private transfer, airport cars are very well priced (from $27 to/from either airport). Pre-book a door-to-door airport transfer online here .

Eventually the Istanbul metro will extend to IST Airport, but the line has not been completed yet.

6. There are multiple airports in Istanbul – don’t front up at the wrong one!

Istanbul Airport (IST) is the city’s largest and busiest international airport. Located on the European side in Arnavutkoy, 40km / 45 minutes’ drive from Taksim Square, it is sometimes referred to as ‘Istanbul Grand Airport’ or IGA. If you’re flying with Turkish Airlines or from Europe, there’s a high chance you will be landing at IST.

A second airport, Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW), receives flights from the Middle East (Emirates, Qatar ) as well as Turkey’s own Pegasus Airlines. It is located on the Asian side, 40km / 60 minutes’ drive from Taksim Square.

A third airport, Ataturk Airport, closed in 2019.

The two airports are 80km apart and it takes at least 75-90 minutes to travel between them. There are shuttle buses, but if you show up at the wrong one for your flight, there’s a good chance you’ll be left high and dry. Triple-check your reservation and make sure you show up at the correct airport.

We got caught out with this on our first trip and rolled up at the wrong airport for our flight back to Australia. Luckily we had come a day early with the intention of staying the night at the airport hotel, so we still made our flight.

You can use Havabus/Havaist to get back to the airport from the city, too. Buses depart from Taksim Square. Take the metro to Taksim and follow the exit towards Taksim Gezi Park. From there, the station is a short walk (you will see the coaches waiting and two ticket booths on the footpath).

Buses to both airports depart from the same area, so again, triple-check you’re hopping on the right one!

7. Pre-book your accommodation

Hotel platform Booking.com doesn’t work in Turkey, so if this is your preferred way to find accommodation, you’ll need to do your browsing and booking before you arrive. (This can be overcome by using a VPN of course.)

Pre-booking is essential for peak-period travel as properties do fill up and prices can skyrocket for last-minute reservations.

I normally use Airbnb in Istanbul for the simple reason that I prefer to stay in local neighbourhoods. Sisli is my district of choice: It has great access to public transport, fantastic local restaurants, and a more relaxed vibe.

8. Card is widely accepted, but it helps to carry cash

Ninety-nine percent of venues and shops in Istanbul accept credit/debit cards, including Visa and Mastercard, as well as contactless pay. For small markets and convenience stores, local restaurants, bars and taxis – and when dipping into the wonderful world of Istanbul street food – you’ll need cash.

Many smaller shops in Turkey have a primary limit set on card purchases, meaning you need to meet a certain threshold if you want to pay with a card. In these instances, cash is necessary. Small bills also come in handy for tipping (more on that later).

I suggest withdrawing cash when you first arrive and reserving it for smaller purchases and tips. Check out my Istanbul Travel Budget to learn more about budgeting for your trip and the cost of common items and services.

9. Most ATMs in Turkey charge a fee

ATMs are ubiquitous in Istanbul and most of the time, you’ll see half a dozen different cash machines clustered together. Majority charge a withdrawal fee – up to 5% for some banks – and have a transaction limit of between 3000-5000 TRY.

The only no-fee ATM we could find was Ziraat Bank. It’s red with a distinctive wheatear logo. We also used HalkBank, which did not charge us a withdrawal fee, but did hit us with a 13 TRY fee on Wise.

Banks change their fee structure regularly, so you might need to experiment with a few different machines. If the bank does charge a fee – either a flat fee or a percentage – this should always be displayed on the screen before you finalise the transaction.

On our first trip to Turkey, we had issues with our Australian bank cards not being accepted. This time around, I used my Wise card without any issues. I found the best method for withdrawing cash was to exchange stored currency to Turkish lira within the Wise app, then withdraw lira from the ATM.

Wise is great for international travel and offers very competitive exchange rates – if you don’t yet have an account, you can sign up here .

10. Buying a SIM card in Istanbul is easy, but your options are limited

Open WIFI is not readily accessible in Istanbul, which makes buying a local SIM card more or less a necessity.

If you’re not a Turkish citizen and you don’t hold a residency permit, you’ll find you have limited options when it comes to buying a SIM. Low-cost packages are not available to foreigners and most telcos only offer one standard tourist package.

After doing a bit of research, we settled on a Vodafone SIM. Vodafone only has one option for tourists, which includes 20GB of data, calls and texts, and unlimited access to Whatsapp. We paid 350 TRY (around 19 USD).

The process of buying a SIM is very straightforward and only took us about 15 minutes. You need a hard copy of your passport for registration, so make sure you’re carrying it with you. The tourist SIM automatically expires after 60 days.

11. The public transport system is phenomenal

If you’re considering hiring a car in Turkey to continue your travels beyond the city, make sure you pick it up on the outskirts of the city (possible when using a company such as Local Rent ). The traffic is maniacal and I would not recommend driving in the city centre.

There’s no reason to drive a car in Istanbul, anyway: The public transport system is affordable, easy to use and reliable. Between the metro, trams, buses, ferries, and my personal favourite, dolmus vans, you can get anywhere you need to go with ease. Google Maps works well for planning your route.

Dolmus minivans – Turkey’s answer to a marshrutka – are a fun experience. The name literally means ‘stuffed’ because passengers are squeezed in like sardines. Keep in mind that the entire transport network is very busy and squishy during peak hour, especially in the morning between about 8-9.30am.

When boarding a bus in Istanbul, enter through the front door and tap your IstanbulKart on the electronic reader. If the bus is very full, you can board through the back doors and pass your card down the line for someone at the front to swipe.

12. You need an IstanbulKart transport pass

On our first trip to Istanbul, we walked a lot and relied on buying single-journey metro tickets for longer trips. This time around, we re-learned that only certain ticket machines inside the metro dispense single tickets – and usually they are the ones with an obnoxiously long line of people.

An IstanbulKart is an essential purchase if you plan to use public transport. There are several different cards available – all are valid for the metro, buses, trams and ferries. The so-called Anonymous IstanbulKart is recommended for tourists and is sold at kiosks and newsstands and inside metro stations for 50 TRY (non-refundable). You can use one card for multiple people (up to five people).

A single IstanbulKart fare costs 7.67 TRY. Compared to the 15 TRY for a single-journey ticket, you’ll end up saving almost 50% on every trip.

Note that metrobus fares vary according to the number of stops travelled, but metro fares are flat. Transfers are charged at 5.49 TRY for the first transfer and 4.17 TRY for the second leg.

Find more information about the public transport system here .

13. Use an app for taxis in Istanbul

Istanbul’s cab system is similarly well organised, with three types of taxis at different price points. Yellow taxis are standard and have the lowest fares (6.3 TL/km plus a switch-on fee of 9.8 TL). Turquoise taxis are a premium service and cost 20% more, while black taxis (always luxury vehicles) are twice as expensive as yellow taxis.

Taxis are metered, so it’s generally considered safe for a tourist to hail a cab on the street. However, scams do happen , which is one of the reasons most people (including many locals) prefer to use an app.

After numerous legal battles, Uber re-launched in Turkey in 2021. We used it on several occasions and found the service to be good – short wait times, friendly drivers, and competitive fares (we always paid in cash rather than hooking up our credit card – make sure you are carrying small bills).

Uber alternatives include BiTaksi and Itaksi. The former has POS contactless payment, which is great for paying by card.

14. Tipping is standard

Tipping is customary in Turkey, with 10% being the standard mark for restaurants and bars. For taxi drivers, it’s normal to round up to the nearest lira when paying in cash.

Of course you should only tip if you’re satisfied with the service. We found the quality of customer service in Istanbul to be pretty good across the board, with the exception of one chain cafe where we had a terrible experience.

Tipping is slightly higher for other service providers: 10-20% goes to your tellak or natir at the Turkish baths, and to your hairdresser or barber.

15. Can you drink the tap water in Istanbul?

This is a rhetorical question, because I’m still not sure what the correct answer is! Locals will warn you off tap water while at the same time, the government is running campaigns to encourage more people to drink from the faucet.

From what I understand, Istanbul tap water was undrinkable a decade ago. Infrastructure improvements (and the addition of chlorine to the water stream) have made tap water safe to drink, but many people still prefer to drink bottled water.

If the building you’re staying in has old, rusty pipes, it might be best to give tap water a wide berth. Try a small quantity and see how it sits with you.

16. Don’t flush your loo paper

Istanbul’s pipes are a bit sensitive, thus most restaurants, cafes and hotels request you place toilet tissue in a bin rather than flushing it down the loo. If this is the case, you’ll likely see a sign and a strategically placed wastepaper bin. If in doubt, don’t flush it.

17. If you need a bathroom, head to the nearest mosque

After chasing after non-existent bathrooms in malls and metro stations, I finally cottoned onto this little Istanbul tip: There are public toilets attached to most mosques and in my experience, they are almost always cleaner than public bathrooms elsewhere. Pan toilets are common. Men’s rooms are marked with bay , and women’s with bayan .

Some bathrooms are free to use, while others charge a small (1-2 TRY) fee. Another good reason to carry some small bills or coins with you.

18. Sip ayran to keep your tummy happy

Ayran is a savoury yogurt drink that has its roots in Turkey, but is popular around the region (I developed my ayran addiction several years ago in Bosnia and Herzegovina and have been sipping it ever since). It’s not too creamy, not too watery, and has just a hint of salty effervescence.

Because it’s yogurt, it’s full of good bacteria that do wonders to keep your gut in balance. Just as you might drink lassis in India, you can drink ayran in Istanbul to help ward off any potential food or water-related bugs.

Food poisoning definitely does occur in Istanbul, so watch what you eat and try to consume street food earlier in the day when it’s fresher (especially fish wraps and seafood).

People drink ayran with breakfast, lunch or dinner, and it is served at virtually every restaurant in Istanbul – either in little plastic tubs or from a fountain. Always go for the fresh option when it’s available: It’s light and aerated and extra delicious, presented with a big scoop of yogurty foam on top.

19. Drinking is common, but alcohol is not ubiquitous

The most popular alcoholic drinks in Istanbul are beer, wine and raki , a powerful spirit distilled from grapes or other fruits. Not all restaurants serve alcohol, however, and when you make your way over to the Asian side of Istanbul (which is noticeably more conservative), you’ll find that only a handful of establishments are licensed.

If you prefer to BYO, tekels are Istanbul’s answer to bottle shops. They normally sell a selection of local bottled beers and Turkish wines along with soft drinks, snack foods and cigarettes. It’s illegal to sell alcohol within 100 metres of a mosque or a school, so you won’t find any tekels in some neighbourhoods.

Sales are restricted to certain times of day – you cannot purchase drinks from a bottle shop between 10am and 6am (there are no restrictions on restaurants and bars, though). Alcohol is served as normal during Ramadan.

Excessive drinking is taboo in Turkish culture. Raki, the national drink, is a social beverage consumed slowly with food. It has aniseed notes and is sometimes served over water and ice, which gives it a milky colour.

If you want to try raki, head to a meyhane (meze bar), where alcohol is served with small places of food (also see point #26 on this list). You can order a small 350 mL bottle or a shot (~40 mL). Start slow – some rakis are 80-90 proof.

20. English is widely spoken (sort of)

The number of Turkish people who speak English is somewhere between 15-20% . Of course the rate is much higher in Istanbul, but still, English is not as widespread as you might imagine.

We found a bit of a paradox here: In big shops and phone stores, very little English was spoken, while we encountered staff who spoke perfect English in small restaurants and humble bakeries.

The bottom line is that it’s a bit of a mixed bag, so be prepared to sign and mime your way through some situations. Of course it helps to have some simple Turkish under your belt – knowing a few basic phrases can help to smooth things over.

Istanbul quirks to know before you go

Here are a few unusual quirks that tripped us up in Istanbul.

21. Pharmacies are hard to find

Turkey differentiates between ‘pharmacies’ and ‘cosmetic stores’ in a way that I’ve not noticed in any other country. The latter sells beauty and health products, but there is no pharmacist on staff and nowhere to buy over-the-counter medications or prescription meds.

Chains such as Watsons, Rossmann and Gratis are classified as ‘cosmetics stores’. If you need anything more serious than paracetamol or a revitalising face mask, you need a pharmacy or eczane .

Eczanesi are more difficult to come by. That’s because there are no chain pharmacies in Turkey. All pharmacies are small and owner-operated by a pharmacist – essentially mom-and-pop shops. You won’t find them in malls, only on the streets. Look for the ‘eczanesi’ sign in the window, and when using Google Maps, search for ‘eczane’ rather than ‘pharmacy’.

Pharmacies are worth hunting down if you need them: Many medicines are freely available in Turkey without a prescription, and prices are almost always cheaper than elsewhere in Europe. You do have to ask around, though, as every pharmacy has different stock and different generic brands. My partner spent several days searching for his medication and after asking at a dozen eczanesi, he finally found what he was looking for at a quarter of the price it is in Georgia.

22. Hand cologne is a thing

Istanbulites were sanitising their hands long before it was cool. The first time we had our hands doused in hand cologne by a friendly waiter, we assumed it was hand sanitiser – but no, this tradition far predates the pandemic.

Kolonya harks back to the days of the Ottoman Empire when a pleasant smelling liquid was sprinkled on guests’ hands as they would enter or exit private homes, hotels or hospitals. Today it’s widely used in restaurants after you pay the check. Some places have a little bottle on the table next to the salt and pepper shakers.

Scented with jasmine, lemon, rosewater or dark spice, a dash of hand cologne leaves your paws smelling fragrant fresh. Unlike hand gel, kolonya is very thin and watery – a little bit goes a long way. And because it’s ethanol-based, it does act as a disinfectant as well.

23. Don’t be surprised if you get asked for your phone number

Grocery stores, cosmetic stores, clothing shops and pharmacies alike seem to ask customers for a local phone number – I assume for marketing purposes rather than to track or register anything. This happened to us on a daily basis, and the first few times, the language barrier made it very confusing.

If you don’t have a local SIM (and even if you do), you can always say no and the cashier will copy a random number off the back of an old receipt.

24. Don’t stay too close to a mosque if you like to sleep in

Istanbul has its own backing track, and that is the sound of the call to prayer ( ezan ). The rumble of minarets whispering to each other is incredibly stirring – but your opinion might be slightly different if you happen to be laying your head near a mosque’s speakerbox every night.

The call to prayer happens five times a day, starting with the pre-dawn İmsak ( Fajr ), which reverberates around the city some time between 4-6am depending on the time of year. In July, it can be as early as 3.30am, with a second Sunrise ( Güneş ) call around 2 hours later.

With well over 3,000 mosques, you’ll more than likely have at least one or two nearby. If you’re a light sleeper, it’s worth scoping out the local mosques and choosing accommodation that’s further than earshot from the nearest minaret.

25. Don’t linger too long at a lokanta

Lokanta are a specific type of Turkish restaurant that serve casual, home-style meals to workers and tradesmen. Every neighbourhood has them, and they are a terrific place to sample salt-of-the-earth Turkish cuisine and soak up a bit of local culture at the same time.

When you sit down at a lokanta, a waiter will come to take your order within seconds. Some are cafeteria style, others are a-la-carte. At the end of the meal, empty plates are spirited away and the table sprayed and wiped just as fast as the food came out. Usually you settle the bill at a cash desk rather than requesting a written check.

It’s easy to overstay your welcome at this type of establishment, where the imperative is to turn tables as quickly as possible. They are perfect when you need a quick bite, but if you want a leisurely meal, choose a different sort of restaurant. Sidewalk meyhanes , for example, are the complete opposite. Serving meze and raki, they are designed for long, lingering lunches.

26. Don’t assume those meze plates are free

It’s normal for wait staff at a meyhane to present you with an attractive tray of small plates before they take your order. Turkish meze includes grilled eggplant with yogurt, fava beans, artichoke, and many, many more delicious bites designed for sharing over a bottle of raki.

Don’t make the mistake of assuming these small side salads are free – they are not. (Sides of chopped onion, herbs and chilli served in smaller silver dishes with kebab, on the other hand, are usually included in the price.)

27. Brace yourself for lots of uphill walking

They don’t call Istanbul the ‘City on Seven Hills’ for nothing. After a few days walking the streets, you might think the ‘city of seven million hills’ is a more apt nickname.

Constantinople was laid out in the image of Rome, which was of course built over a septet of hills. On the ground, it feels like all of Istanbul is rippled, with steep streets and vertiginous staircases at almost every turn. There are many advantages to this city plan, the delightfully sloped houses in Balat for one, and the spectacular city views you get from the higher elevations for another.

Comfy shoes and a whole lot of patience are absolutely essential when exploring Istanbul on foot, where it can literally feel like an uphill battle to get from one place to the next.

There are ways to avoid the slog, including using the funicular railways: Taksim-Kabatas and the historic Tunel that links Karakoy and Beyoglu. The latter is the world’s second-oldest subterranean rail line (after the London Underground) and the oldest still-operating underground funicular in Europe.

Istanbul travel tips to feel like a local

While it takes more than a three or four-day stay to feel like a fully fledged Istanbulite, here are a few little tricks to help you fit in.

28. Dress modestly to blend in

Istanbul is a metropolis through and through, with a liberal dress code to match. Almost anything goes, but I still recommend you cover up for comfort and to fit in with the crowd. Women should try to avoid plunging necklines, revealing fabrics, and very short hemlines.

There are noticeable differences between the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, with more modest dress and more hijabs worn in Uskudar compared to Eminonu, for example. Generally speaking, Turkey gets more conservative the further east you go, and this holds true even in the city centre. Keep it in mind if you’re travelling around the country.

One place you definitely must observe the dress code is mosques, where covered arms (to the elbow for men or the wrist for women) and legs (down to the ankles) is required. Women must also cover their hair. Majority of mosques have pull-over muumuus that you can borrow (for free) at the door to fully cover up. Note that there are no dress requirements for young kids.

It’s obligatory to remove your shoes when entering a mosque, so on days when you’re sightseeing, wear kicks that you can easily slip off and on. And if you prefer not to go barefoot, carry a pair of ankle socks in the bottom of your bag. Some mosques provide plastic bags, otherwise you can just leave your shoes outside.

29. Never skip breakfast…

Breakfast is certainly the most important meal of the day in Turkey. Sunday breakfast is the queen of the morning meals, when the famous kahvalti tabagi ‘spread breakfast’ comes into its own.

On a Sunday, some Istanbulites spend the better part of the day between mid-morning and late afternoon gathered around the breakfast table with friends or family, noshing on an extravagant spread of cheeses, olives, cut vegetables and eggs served with supple somun bread. Kahvalti is a daily occurrence in places like Besiktast ‘Breakfast Street’ and in gourmet cafes such as Van Kahvalti.

If you’re on a tight timeline or a budget, breakfast doesn’t have to be drawn-out or expensive: There are faster and more affordable options, such as a pick-and-choose breakfast at Cakmak Kahvalti Salonu, where small plates range from 2-8 TRY each. 

Borekcisi (borek bakeries) serve portions of steaming hot filled pastry and chai, or for a simple breakfast snack on the go, grab a simit bagel from a street vendor.

30. …But don’t order coffee first thing

Kahvalti means ‘before coffee’. Breakfast is traditionally accompanied by cay , strong black tea, rather than Turkish coffee. It’s normal to down half a dozen glasses of tea in a single sitting (though two or three is usually enough). Most sit-down kahvalti breakfasts come with two pots of tea.

If you want to do things like a local, save your Türk kahvesi for after lunch and start your morning with cay sade – strong and bitter tea with no sugar – instead.

31. Don’t be afraid to haggle at the bazaar

Haggling is customary and expected at markets in Istanbul and in other commercial settings. You’ll find that most items at the Grand Bazaar or Spice Bazaar have a price tag, but for those that don’t (and even for those that do), it’s quite normal to bargain for a better price. This is especially true if you’re buying more than one of something or multiple items from the same vendor. Rule of thumb is to aim for a 35-50% discount on the sticker price.

There are huge mark-ups at the Grand Bazaar, which seems to be almost exclusively the domain of tourists these days. There are local markets and street markets all over Istanbul where you’ll have a better chance of striking gold for a fair figure. Markets are held on different days of the week and following a rotating schedule, so you can always find something on. Popular food and flea markets take place in Karakoy (Tuesdays), Ortakoy (Thursdays), Uskudar (Fridays), and Besiktas (Saturdays).

If you do decide to brave the Grand Bazaar or another historic market in Istanbul, the best advice I’ve heard is to do your shopping in the mid-morning. It’s more likely that vendors have already made a few sales and met their daily commission targets, so there will be less pressure on you.

32. Don’t fall for the ‘shoe cleaner trick’

This one got us good.

One early morning we were walking down an alleyway in Besiktas when we heard a clack on the cobbles and noticed that someone had dropped a wooden shoe brush. Being the saint he is, my partner rushed to pick it up without a second thought and handed it back to the shoe cleaner whose caddy it had tumbled from.

Expressing his profound thanks, the guy promptly took a seat on the curb at our feet and insisted on shaking my husband’s hand in gratitude. That’s when he grabbed him by the wrist in a monkey grip and tried to pull him down for a coerced shoe cleaning. I should mention that he was wearing joggers, not leather shoes!

Neither of us were aware of this common scam at the time, so we thought the whole situation was quite hilarious. The man had a gorgeous smile and was very friendly – we actually gave him credit for this ingenious trick.

Only later when we heard about the scam did we realise what had (almost) happened to us. Ross managed to talk his way out of it, dirty shoes still intact.

We were not mad in the slightest, but it could have been a different story had we actually been talked into handing over cash. Keep an eye out for this trick, especially in touristy areas.

33. Embrace cat culture

There are up to a million cats and kittens living on the streets of Istanbul. Every cafe is a cat cafe, and every corner has its own posse of cute pusses. A picture-perfect clowder of cats lounging on fence posts and chairs like the princes and princesses they are awaits you at every turn.

Similar to street dogs in Georgia , the cats of Istanbul are regarded as community pets rather than strays and are fed and cared for by the locals. For the most part, they don’t bother people and keep to themselves. We definitely encountered a few fiercer felines on our travels – it’s pretty obvious which cats want pats and which ones need their personal space. They will let you know with a dagger stare or a hiss.

Cat culture can be traced back to Ottoman times, when tabbys helped to quash the city’s mice population. In this respect, cats are an inseparable part of the city’s social fabric.

If you’re an animal lover, it can be distressing to see so many cats living rough, especially when they’re not in the best shape. (Though I must say that every cat I met in Istanbul was plump and rosy.) It helps to know that Istanbul (and all of Turkey) has a no-kill, no capture policy.

34. Brush up on your basic hammam etiquette

Partaking in a traditional Turkish bath is a must-do in Istanbul. The hammams have aeons of history and custom attached to them – there are definite dos and don’ts, just as there are with the sulfur baths in Tbilisi . It helps to know how to handle things once the towels come out, lest you embarrass yourself.

Regarding nakedness, men normally strip down to nothing while women wear undies (single-use pairs are supplied by most bathhouses) then don a pestemal towel, which stays wrapped around you for the duration of your stay.

The Turkish-style skin peel/massage ( kese ) can be quite rough on the skin and muscles. The therapist, known as a natir or tellak , will always be of the same gender. It’s customary to tip them 10-20% after your treatment.

For more Turkish hammam hints, see this guide .

More helpful Istanbul tips to make the most of your visit

Finally, here are a handful of practical tips for planning your itinerary and getting the most out of your time in Istanbul.

35. Organise your Istanbul itinerary by neighbourhood/district

Istanbul has 39 districts, each with its own character and appeal. From the Instagrammable houses and antique shops in Balat, to the trendy cafes in Cihangir, the rambunctious fish market in Uskudar to the Ottoman-era mansions in Arnavutkoy , every corner of the city has something incredible up its sleeve.

A great way to organise your time in Istanbul is by planning your movements around the different neighbourhoods. Each one is quite discreet, so you can knock out a to-do list before moving onto the next.

Some neighbourhoods naturally pair together thanks to geography and transport logistics: Galata and Karakoy, Fener and Balat, Uskudar and Kadikoy, Cihangir and Cukurcuma. See my Istanbul 4-day itinerary for more ideas on how to plan your visit by district.

38. Consider signing up for a food tour

One thing every Istanbul neighbourhood has in common is its never-ending supply of cafes, restaurants and street food vendors. One of the best ways to discover the city – especially if you’re on a tight timeline – is by signing up for a food tour.

I was lucky enough to join Culinary Backstreets’ Born on the Bosphorus tour during my most recent visit to Istanbul. It was one of the highlights of my trip – not only because of the delicious food, but mainly thanks to our incredible guide, Benoit, who over the course of a full day taught me so much about Istanbul’s food and beyond.

The popular Taste of Two Continents tour, with 11 food stops and a Bosphorus ferry crossing, is a good alternative if you’re looking for a half-day experience.

37. Get an early start to beat the crowds

This is particularly important in summer, when the touristy parts of the city get extremely crowded. One of the best ways to avoid long waits at landmarks such as Galata Tower is by waking up early and arriving as doors open.

The metro starts running at 6am – and from Friday evening to Sunday morning public transport operates 24/7 – so there’s no excuse not to get out in the early AM.

38. Invest in a Museum Pass or Istanbul E-Pass

There is a gamut of different tourist cards and passes available for Istanbul. The 5-day Istanbul Museum Pass or the 2-7 day E-Pass is one of the best investments you can make if you plan on doing the rounds through the city’s best museums and big attractions.

The digital pass gives you skip-the-queue access to 10 of the city’s finest cultural institutions, including Galata Tower, Topkapi Palace and the Harem, the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, and the Galata Mevlevihanesi Museum.

Available to purchase online before you arrive, it uses a simple QR code system. Just show your pass on your mobile – no need to print anything.

Only buy the pass if it makes sense for you, though: You have to visit multiple attractions for it to pay off, though the other perks – particularly the ability to skip the ticket line – are invaluable in a sense.

Purchase the official Istanbul E-Pass here via Viator .

39. Check prayer times in advance

The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are both active mosques, open to visitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Except during prayer times, that is.

All of Istanbul’s mosques temporarily close to non-Muslim visitors five times a day for a period of about 90 minutes. For the duration of the Congregational Prayers, no tourists are permitted to enter.

It’s imperative to check prayer times in advance. If you show up while prayers are on, you will be met with a long wait outside. Times are signposted at the bigger mosques or you can check online .

The queue to enter the Hagia Sophia gets very long towards the end of the prayer session. The best time to visit is 30-40 minutes before the mosque is scheduled to close. Don’t try to visit on Fridays when the Jumu’ah prayer takes place – this is one of the busiest times, and it’s always crowded and chaotic.

If your Istanbul visit coincides with Ramadan or another Islamic holiday, prayer times might be different and mosques might be closed for longer periods during the day.

40. Skip the Bosphorus cruise – take advantage of local ferries instead

Some people opt to experience the Bosphorus on board a yacht at sunset with champagne and nibbles. If your budget won’t stretch that far, or you just prefer a local experience, then a ride on the public ferry offers the same ambiance and water views for a fraction of the price.

Hundreds of ferries criss-cross the strait, linking Istanbul’s Asian and European sides. The most scenic ferry routes include Besiktas to Kadikoy, Karakoy to Uskudar, and Karakoy to Kadikoy. Some boats go up the Bosphorus towards the Black Sea, and others head in the opposite direction towards the Princes’ Islands.

Bring a simit bagel to snack on (and to lure seagulls in for photos), or order a tulip-shaped glass of tea from one of the roving vendors on board.

41. Don’t miss the sunset from Galata Bridge

There is only one way to end a day in Istanbul in my opinion, and that’s by watching the sun go down from Galata Bridge. It might be touristy as heck, but there’s a good reason why this is such a popular spot. Views of the glittering water and intertwining boats, mosque minarets silhouetted against a dusky blue sky framed by fishermen casting their lines off the edge of the bridge, are absolute gold.

I recommend finding a spot to stand on the western side of the bridge, above the area where the Karakoy ferry docks. Aim to arrive about an hour before sunset for the best light.

For the perfect Istanbul photo, wait patiently for the garbage truck to come down the street and dump its load in the bins near the ferry terminal – this sends the seagulls into a frenzy, and they fill the skies with their spinning and diving for a good 15 minutes.

42. ‘Authentic’ Whirling Dervish ceremonies still exist – here’s how to find one

Speaking of Istanbul must-dos: A Whirling Dervish show is a bucket-list item for many. I was warned that all Mevlevi Sema ceremonies had become commercialised and ‘spoiled’ by tourists to the point where they just weren’t worth pursuing any more. So I made it my mission to find a real, ‘authentic’ Sema ritual in Istanbul, and I’m happy to say that I eventually did.

Get all the details about the best Whirling Dervish ceremony in Istanbul in this guide .

Where to stay in Istanbul

Budget: Hostel Le Banc (⭐ 9.5) – This popular hostel in Beyoglu is footsteps from the Galata Tower and Sishane metro station. It features air-conditioned rooms (private doubles and mixed/all-female 4 and 10-bed dorms), a shared lounge and a terrace.

Mid-range: 38 Hotel (⭐ 8.6) – Located in Sisli, close to Osmanbey metro station, this hotel has compact, tidy double rooms and suites.

Boutique: Hotel Empress Zoe (⭐ 9.2) – This gorgeous boutique hotel is decorated with heritage flourishes and boasts hammam-like ensuites and private internal terraces. The location in Fatih, minutes from Sultan Ahmet Mosque and the Blue Mosque, is very central yet the hotel still feels secluded.

Luxury: Ecole St. Pierre Hotel (⭐ 9.5) – Located in Beyoglu close to Galata Tower, this boutique-luxury hotel offers high-end suites with private courtyards and terraces. The building, an old Italian Dominican school with remnants of the 13th-century Galata walls inside its courtyard, is dripping with history.

Turkey essentials

Here are some of the websites and services I recommend for planning a trip to Turkey. Remember to check out my full list of travel resources for more tips.

FLIGHTS: Find affordable flights to Turkey using the Skyscanner website .

VISAS: Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Turkey and apply for an expedited visa online.

DOCUMENTATION: Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation for your visa application.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip to Turkey with HeyMondo , my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance.

CAR HIRE: Use the Local Rent platform to hire a car from a local agent. Prices start from as little as 18€ per day.

ACCOMMODATION: Find the best Turkey hotel deals on Booking.com .

CITY TOURS & DAY TRIPS: Browse the Viator website to find the best itineraries and prices for Istanbul food tours, Cappadocia balloon rides and more!

More Istanbul travel resources

• 1-4 day Istanbul itinerary
• Istanbul travel budget
• The ultimate guide to eating out in Istanbul
• Tips for visiting Galata Tower for Istanbul city views
• The best Whirling Dervishes ceremony in Istanbul
• Guide to Arnavutkoy, Istanbul’s most beautiful district
• The best places to visit in Turkey
• Turkey in winter: Where to go plus travel tips

12 Comments

Detailed tips are super helpful, especially about the best time to visit and the ins and outs of public transport.

Thank you. Right now in Turkey with wife and kids. Following your steps and recommendations. Just one thing: booking asked for a price but the hotel converted the price to Liras and charged me much more for exactly the same booking and service! Thank you again,

I love your travel blog! Your vivid descriptions and stunning photographs make me feel like I’m right there with you. It’s inspiring to see someone embracing adventure and exploring new cultures. Keep the travel stories coming!

Excellent article and links for further information. I am planning a trip to Turkey in September with my wife and your articles a great start and support. Great job! Alejandro

This is very, very helpful. Thank you so much.

Early in your article you indicated that Booking.com does not work in Turkey, yet in the section, entitled “Turkey Essentials”, you direct us to that site for Hotels. Maybe I am missing something, but that appears to be contradictory. I found the article very helpful…..Thanks for the information.

Hi JB – I still recommend using Booking, only you have to reserve from outside of Turkey ie. before you arrive.

Thanks so much, this was really helpful. Lots of good to know stuff that I didn’t find mentioned elsewhere

it was very helpful thank you

Ha, I made the same mistake again and didn’t read through your info thoroughly. In Georgia, I paid more than I needed to for a SIM at the airport and this time, I could have saved a few lira on a bank withdrawal in Istanbul.

Already appreciating the smiles and kindness in Istanbul very much.

Love your work Emily.

Perhaps it’s different for Australian passport holders, but I found the VOA to be a better deal than the eVisa for Americans. Our eVisas were fast and easy to get, but cost $50 plus a 2 dollar service fee. We got them before traveling to Turkey last year, but went twice to make them a better value. This past month we got VOA (no lines) and paid 25 euros each. Both are valid for 6 months. Plus you get a little visa stamp in your passport!

Thanks Owen for the info – you’re right, VOA is more affordable for US passport holders, but not for us Aussies unfortunately! I would have loved a visa stamp. I’ll update that now. Cheers!

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14 must-do things on your trip to Istanbul

Nov 1, 2021 • 8 min read

Get ready to add even more to your Istanbul itinerary: here are the top things to do in the city © Atlantide Phototravel / Getty Images

We’ve all heard the descriptions of Istanbul being a bridge between Europe and Asia, a place where East meets West and where cultures have coexisted for centuries. But not everyone is aware of its endlessly fascinating contradictions.

Here are the top things to do in Istanbul to experience the city’s different stories and faces.

Marvel at the Aya Sofya

History resonates when you visit the majestic Byzantine basilica of Aya Sofya . Built by order of the Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, its soaring dome, huge nave and glittering gold mosaics contribute to its reputation as one of the world's most beautiful buildings, and its fascinating history as church, mosque and museum make it the city's most revealing time capsule. Looted by marauding Crusaders in the 13th century, stormed by Ottoman invaders during the Conquest in 1453 and visited by millions of tourists after being converted into a museum in 1935, it is one of Turkey's greatest treasures.

Since its reconsecration as a mosque in summer 2020 , the Aya Sofya is closed to non-worshippers during the five daily prayer times, women must cover their heads and all visitors must take off their shoes to enter the inner narthex. Most of the building’s ancient marble floor has been covered by carpets, some of its mosaics are shielded by retractable screens and the upper gallery is inaccessible, but its historic grandeur remains breathtaking.

Experience the extravagance of Topkapı Palace

The secrets of the seraglio will be revealed during your visit to the opulent Ottoman Topkapı Palace complex occupying the promontory of Istanbul's Old City. A series of mad, sad and downright bad sultans lived here with their concubines and courtiers between 1465 and 1830, and extravagant relics of their centuries of folly, intrigue, excess, patronage, diplomacy and war are everywhere you look. Highlights include the huge Harem, impressive Imperial Council Chamber, object-laden Imperial Treasury and picturesque Marble Terrace.

Uncover the secrets of Topkapı Palace

Lose yourself in Istanbul's Bazaar District

The chaotic and colorful Grand Bazaar is the best-known shopping destination on Istanbul's historic peninsula, but it certainly isn't the only one. After exploring its labyrinthine lanes and hidden caravanserais, follow the steady stream of local shoppers heading downhill into the busy shopping precinct of Tahtakale, which has at its hub the seductively scented Spice Bazaar . From there, head back up toward the Blue Mosque and its attached arasta (an arcade-style Ottoman bazaar that typically featured practitioners of a single trade), where you may well find a lasting memento of your trip.

Ride Istanbul’s ferries

Climbing aboard one of the city's famous flotilla of ferries is the quintessential Istanbul experience. The trip between Asia and Europe on a commuter ferry is hard to beat, but the Bosphorus tourist ferries that travel the great strait from Eminönü toward the mouth of the Black Sea are even better, offering passengers views of palaces, parks and ornate timber mansions on both the Asian and European shores. It doesn't matter whether you opt for a long or short cruise: either is sure to be memorable.

Istanbul ferries will now run during the night at weekends

Revel in Istanbul's nightlife

Though Istanbul’s nightlife scene has suffered some setbacks, you can’t keep a good party town down. For a traditional night out, head to one of the Beyoğlu district’s meyhanes, tavern-like restaurants serving meze and fish where sing-alongs of classic songs flow with each new round of rakı, an anise-flavored liquor. Lively crowds of young beer-drinkers fill the pubs of the Beşiktaş Çarşı and central Kadıköy, while a swankier set sips cocktails near the Bosphorus in the bars and cafes of Bebek and Arnavutköy. For the full Istanbul experience, top off the evening by joining your fellow revelers in lining up for some late-night street food.

Get acquainted with Turkish contemporary art

Anchored by high-profile cultural institutions like Istanbul Modern , Pera Museum , SALT Beyoğlu and Yapı Kredi Kültür Sanat , the Beyoğlu district has long been a hub for art-lovers, with galleries and museums scattered on and around İstiklal Caddesi , and increasingly in the adjacent Karaköy, Tophane and Dolapdere neighborhoods as well. Well-established commercial galleries in stately apartment buildings also cluster among the chic boutiques of the Nişantaşı neighborhood, while hip Kadıköy has an up-and-coming independent art scene of its own.

Surrender to the steam in a bath house

In life, there aren't too many opportunities to wander seminaked through a 16th-century Ottoman monument. But Istanbul's world-famous hamams offer just that: the chance to immerse yourself in history, architecture, warm water and soap suds all at the same time. A hamam treatment makes for a relaxing finale to a day spent pounding the city's pavements and gives a fascinating insight into the life and customs of Ottoman society. You can surrender to the steam at baths on both sides of the Galata Bridge: the Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı in Tophane and the Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı in Sultanahmet are particularly stunning and luxurious.

Istanbul's bathhouses: a step-by-step guide

Hang out with the cool kids in Kadıköy

Riding a ferry across the Bosphorus is one of Istanbul’s great pleasures and the Asian-side neighborhood of Kadıköy is becoming a destination in itself, with hip cafes, bars, restaurants and boutiques frequented by a lively young crowd. Peruse the colorful produce market , hunt for street-art murals in the backstreets, visit the museum-home of Turkish rock giant Barış Manço or stroll the waterfront with an ice cream in hand. The sunset views from the shoreline are among the most spectacular in the city.

Sample the flavors of Istanbul

More than anything else, Istanbullus love to eat, and food is much more than mere fuel. Instead, it’s a celebration of community. Meals unfurl with great ceremony – they are joyful, boisterous and almost inevitably communal. The national cuisine has been refined over centuries and is treated more reverently than any museum collection in the country. That’s not to say it’s fussy, because what differentiates Turkish food from other national noshes is its rustic and honest base. The small meze dishes you’ll eat will be simple, the kebaps austere, the salads unstructured and the seafood unsauced. Flavors will explode in your mouth because ingredients are used in season.

Top 5 Istanbul cooking courses and food tours

Admire the architecture of Süleymaniye Mosque

Commissioned by the Ottoman sultan Süleyman I, known as “the Magnificent,” this 16th-century mosque has a fittingly grand perch atop one of the old city’s seven hills. The view from here is one of the finest in Istanbul, looking out over domes and rooftops to the confluence of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn waterways and beyond. With its elegant symmetry and soaring interior, the mosque itself is considered among the masterpieces of the great architect Mimar Sinan. The complex around it is inviting and serene, with tall trees, a grassy lawn and a rose-studded cemetery.

Go underground at the Basilica Cistern

When the Byzantine emperors decided to build something, they certainly didn't cut corners. The extraordinary subterranean Basilica Cistern , located opposite Aya Sofya, features a wildly atmospheric forest of columns (336 to be exact), vaulted brick ceilings, mysterious carved Medusa-head capitals and ghostly patrols of carp. A testament to the ambitious town planning and engineering expertise of the Byzantines, the cistern has played a starring role in innumerable motion pictures (remember From Russia with Love ?) and is now one of the city's best-loved tourist attractions.

Go tile-mad at the Blue Mosque

Officially named the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, after the early 17th-century Ottoman ruler Ahmed I, the Blue Mosque gets its better-known moniker from the color of the tens of thousands of İznik tiles that adorn its interior. With its enormous courtyard, grand prayer hall and six minarets (an unprecedented number for a mosque when it was constructed) this is a building made to impress – and to rival the Aya Sofya, which sits directly opposite across a landscaped square.

Ogle the opulence of Dolmabahçe Palace

Weighing in at nearly 10,000 pounds, the crystal chandelier hanging over the Ceremonial Hall of Dolmabahçe Palace exemplifies the opulence of this royal residence commissioned in the mid-19th century by Sultan Abdül Mecit I. It’s a glorious mishmash of styles and materials, with ceilings gilded with thousands of pounds of gold, marble floors, crystal bannisters and bearskin rugs. The Bosphorus views are just as dazzling as the decor.

Let your feet be your guide

Istanbul’s marvelous sights could keep a visitor busy for months, but it’s worth taking some time to explore its myriad neighborhoods as well. Though the city is sprawling, its central districts are walkable and reward wandering, with lively street life and distinct identities. Follow the film crews and Instagram influencers through shabby-chic Fener and Balat’s historical lanes ; sip black tea with a Golden Horn view at the Pierre Loti Café , perched above the leafy cemeteries and holy tomb complexes or Eyüp; or watch fishermen cast their lines from the Bosphorus village of Arnavutköy.

You might also like: A hotel in Istanbul has the world's first baklava butler The best shops you can only find in Istanbul Local's guide to Istanbul

This article was first published February 2011 and updated November 2021

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The 40 best attractions in Istanbul

Our list of Istanbul's top 40 attractions is your gateway to discovering the city's rich historical, cultural, architectural, artistic and natural gems. Let's dive into the heart of Istanbul and discover its treasures

Istanbul connects Europe and Asia and offers a fascinating blend of history and modernity. From the dazzling Hagia Sophia to the lively Grand Bazaar, Istanbul's sights are as colourful and diverse as the city's culture. Whether visiting the city for the first time or having lived here for a long time, exploring Istanbul's top sights is a unique experience. It's not just limited to the famous view of the Bosphorus or its unique historical heritage; it's a vibrant metropolis constantly evolving and full of surprises. The list of Istanbul's top 40 attractions is your gateway to discovering the city's rich historical, cultural, architectural, artistic and natural gems. Let's dive into the heart of Istanbul and discover its treasures.

RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Istanbul                                                             RECOMMENDED: The best hotels in Istanbul                                                                       RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in Istanbul

What makes the cut? While we've not reviewed every attraction, we've based our list on reviews, editorial insight, and popularity to find you the best attractions. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information,  see our   affiliate guidelines .

Istanbul’s top attractions

1.  Sultanahmet District

What is it?  Sultanahmet is the historical heart of Istanbul, encompassing landmarks from the Ottoman and Byzantine eras. This district is home to Haghia Sophia, the Atmeydanı (Hippodrome), Topkapı Palace, the Archaeological Museums, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art, and the Blue Mosque.

Why go?  Visiting Sultanahmet is essential for experiencing Istanbul's rich history and architectural grandeur. It offers a journey through the city's imperial past, with various cultural and historical sites.

2.  Hagia Sophia

What is it?  The Hagia Sophia, a cornerstone of Istanbul's historical landscape, was completed in the 6th century by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. Originally the largest cathedral in the world, it became a mosque and then a museum. This architectural marvel is famous for its massive dome and exquisite Byzantine mosaics, which include portraits of emperors and religious figures. It also houses unique runic inscriptions from the Viking Age.

Why go?  The impressive dome and intricate mosaics give an insight into past civilisations' artistic and cultural heights. This iconic structure is a monument and a testament to Istanbul's historical and spiritual significance - a must-see for anyone passionate about history, art and architecture.

3.  Blue Mosque

What is it?  The Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is a remarkable architectural masterpiece from the early 17th century. Located opposite the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque is still an active place of worship, with visits restricted during prayer time. Despite the crowds, the mosque is a significant testament to its time and epitomises the architectural style of the classical age.

Why go?  Its iconic status and the opportunity to view its majestic design, especially from the nearby Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art, offer a unique experience to understand Istanbul's rich cultural and architectural heritage.

4.  Basilica Cistern

What is it?  The Basilica Cistern, known as Yerebatan Sarnıcı, was reopened in 2022 after an extensive archaeological restoration by the IMM. This vast and remarkable underground cistern, built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian I, is 10,000 square metres and was once an important water source for the city. It consists of 336 marble columns, each 9 metres high and arranged in 12 rows, and is known for its unique architectural elements, including the famous Medusa head sculptures.

Why go?  The cistern's striking columns and mysterious Medusa heads are an enchanting experience. Today, the cistern is a museum that not only showcases the historical significance of the cistern but also hosts various cultural and artistic events.

5.  Topkapı Palace

What is it?  Topkapı Palace is not just a building but a sprawling testament to the luxury and power of the Ottoman Empire. It was the Ottoman sultans' primary residence for over four centuries, a central government seat and a royal court. Today, it is one of the most important museums in Istanbul and displays the rich history of the empire. Visitors can explore the extensive rooms and chambers, each of which tells a different story about the life and reign of the sultans. One of the most valuable exhibits is the 86-carat spoon maker’s diamond, a breathtaking symbol of luxury. The palace also houses an impressive collection of weapons, precious jewellery, and religious artefacts.

Why go?  Walking through the palace halls, you feel transported back in time, surrounded by the luxury that characterised the Sultan's reign. The palace offers insight not only into the private lives of the sultans but also into the administrative and ceremonial functions of the empire.

6.  Gülhane Park

What is it?  Next to the magnificent Topkapı Palace, at the tip of Istanbul's historic peninsula, lies Gülhane Park, one of the city's largest and most beautiful parks. This green oasis is a peaceful retreat in the middle of the bustling old town. Its expansive lawns, shady walkways and picturesque views offer a glimpse into the city's imperial past while providing a tranquil setting for relaxation and leisure. The park's history as part of the Topkapı Palace adds to its appeal and is a vibrant part of Istanbul's rich heritage.

Why go?  If you visit the park in spring, you can admire its brightly coloured tulips - a picturesque sight not to be missed. In spring, Gülhane Park is transformed into a spectacular display of colour with thousands of tulips in bloom, a nod to the flower's deep-rooted significance in Turkish culture.

7.  Eminönü District

What is it?  Eminönü, at the entrance to the Golden Horn, offers a unique insight into the cultural diversity of Istanbul and combines historical architecture with vibrant street life. It's an ideal destination for exploring famous sights such as the Spice Bazaar and Süleymaniye Mosque and experiencing the city's dynamic daily scene. It's an important transport hub that can be reached by ferry and tram, connecting different parts of the city. The neighbourhood is characterised by essential sights such as the Spice Bazaar, Sirkeci Railway Station and the 16th-century Rüstem Pasha Mosque.

Why go?  Eminönü is perfect for those who want to dive into the heart of Istanbul's history and experience everyday hustle and bustle.

8.  Grand Bazaar

What is it?  The Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, is a monumental testament to Istanbul's rich trading history. This bustling marketplace is more than just a shopping destination; it's a historical marvel. The bazaar's intricate network of lanes and alleys, lined with shops and stalls, offers everything from traditional Turkish crafts to jewellery, textiles, and spices. The architecture of the bazaar, with its domed halls and vaulted passageways, reflects the city's vibrant cultural and commercial heritage.

Why go?  Visiting the Grand Bazaar is an experience transcending the mere act of shopping. It's a place to immerse oneself in Istanbul's past and present essence. Even if you're not looking to buy, wandering through the bazaar is like stepping back in time, where every corner holds a piece of history and every shop a story.

9.  Çemberlitaş Hamamı

What is it?  The Çemberlitaş Hamamı, which was built in 1584 by the famous architect Mimar Sinan, is one of the oldest and architecturally most important hammams in Istanbul. Nurbanu Sultan commissioned it, and it is a testimony to Ottoman bath architecture, which combines functionality, elegance and simplicity. Located close to Istanbul's historical sights, this hamam has separate sections for men and women, each topped by large domes and decorated with marble and intricate inscriptions.

Why go?  The Çemberlitaş Hamamı offers an authentic Turkish bath experience steeped in history. The traditional treatments and the tranquil and historic surroundings offer a unique opportunity to relax and immerse yourself in Istanbul's cultural heritage.

10.  Spice Bazaar

What is it?  The Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, is a lively and historic marketplace in Istanbul. It was built in the 16th century and is a more intimate alternative to the sprawling Grand Bazaar. The bazaar is famous for its many stalls selling spices, sweets, teas, dried fruits and other goods. The Spice Bazaar isn't just a place to shop but also a sensory journey through the rich flavours of Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Why go?  A visit to the Spice Bazaar is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a colourful and aromatic world. It's the perfect place to buy authentic Turkish delicacies, spices, medicinal herbs, and unique souvenirs. Whether for shopping or just to experience the lively atmosphere, the Spice Bazaar is a must-see in Istanbul.

11.  Istanbul Modern

What is it?  Istanbul Modern is the pioneering museum of modern and contemporary art in Istanbul. Founded in 2004, the museum was initially located in Antrepo No. 4, a former dry cargo warehouse on the banks of the Bosphorus. In 2018, Istanbul Modern entered a new phase: it temporarily relocated to Beyoğlu while the original building underwent an extensive renovation. In 2023, the museum reopened at its new location in Karaköy. The new design, created by the renowned Renzo Piano, draws inspiration from the shimmering waters of the Bosphorus. It offers expanded exhibition spaces, a state-of-the-art auditorium and improved public facilities.

Why go?  The new building offers an even better experience for visitors with its innovative design and interactive spaces. Whether you're an art lover or a curious explorer, Istanbul Modern offers you a captivating insight into the evolving history of contemporary art in Istanbul and beyond.

12.  Galataport

What is it?  Galataport Istanbul, a 1.7 billion dollar development project, has transformed Istanbul's historic harbour into a dynamic urban space. The sprawling 112,000 square metre complex has 230 retail and restaurant units, making it a bustling hub for shopping and dining. Galataport offers many local and international restaurants, major art museums, and cultural events. As a popular attraction in Istanbul, Galataport draws visitors with its unique mix of retail, dining and culture.

Why go?  It's a perfect place for families and tourists to explore, offering everything from shopping to arts and entertainment. The harbour redevelopment has also opened up a 1.2 km stretch of coastline in Karaköy, where you can stroll.

13.  Pera Museum

What is it?  Opened in 2005 in Istanbul's historic Tepebaşı neighbourhood, the Pera Museum is one of the city's cultural highlights. Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building, the museum features a mix of temporary global art exhibitions and three permanent collections: 'Oriental Paintings', 'Anatolian Weights and Measures' and ‘Kütahya Tiles and Ceramics'. Founded by the Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation, the museum is also home to Pera Film, a cinema that screens various independent films and documentaries.

Why go?  Visiting the Pera Museum offers a deep insight into historical and contemporary art. The museum's diverse exhibitions and permanent collections provide local and global art insights.

14.  Bosphorus Strait

What is it?  The Bosporus is a vital strait that not only forms part of the border between Europe and Asia but is also an important sea route. As the narrowest strait in the world used for international shipping, it connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, which is connected to the Aegean and the Mediterranean through the Dardanelles. With a length of 31 kilometres, the Bosphorus varies in width, with the narrowest point being only 700 metres wide. The strait is bordered by four lighthouses: Rumeli Feneri and Anadolu Feneri in the north and Ahırkapı Feneri and İnciburnu Feneri in the south. This geographical marvel is not only a critical waterway but also a picturesque region of Istanbul that offers classic shoreline promenades, baroque palaces, yalıs (waterfront mansions) and several excellent museums.

Why go?  Exploring the Bosphorus offers the opportunity to experience Istanbul's unique geographical location and rich cultural heritage. The Bosphorus is ideal for leisurely exploring, whether walking along its banks, visiting opulent palaces and traditional yalıs or discovering the diverse museums on its shores.

15.  Cağaloğlu Hamam

What is it?  The Cağaloğlu Hamamı, built in 1741 during the reign of Sultan Mahmut I, is the last great Hamam built in the Ottoman era and a significant historical landmark of Istanbul. Designed by court architect Süleyman Ağa and completed by Abdullah Ağa, the hammam has baroque features and stylistic innovations unusual for classical Ottoman architecture. It was initially built as a çifte (double) public hamam to raise revenue for Sultan Mahmut I's library in the Ayasofya Mosque. The Hamam, covered by a large dome with a glass roof, houses a restaurant, shops, a hairdresser and a shoe shine parlour.

Why go?  A visit to the Cağaloğlu Hamamı offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a traditional Turkish bathing experience in a historical setting. This experience is designed to make visitors feel like royalty, like the Ottoman sultans whose portraits adorn the entrance.

16.  The Museum of Innocence

What is it?  The Museum of Innocence is not just a museum but a living narrative inspired by Orhan Pamuk's novel of the same name. In this innovative space, literature and reality merge and make the setting of the novel tangible. The Museum of Innocence is a captivating destination for anyone interested in Istanbul's cultural and historical diversity. It houses an extensive collection of artefacts, photographs and memorabilia that reflect the novel's bittersweet love story and mirror Istanbul's development since the 1970s.

Why go?  This museum is more than just an exhibition of artefacts; it is an exploration of the soul of a city told through the lens of a poignant story. An added attraction for visitors is the novel's unique feature: a ticket printed on the final pages that can be stamped upon entering the museum. This combined experience enriches the visit and makes it a must for literature lovers.

17.  Maiden’s Tower

What is it?

The Maiden's Tower (Kız Kulesi / Leander Tower), whose history dates back to 24 BC, is a historic lighthouse and cultural symbol on a tiny island at the southern entrance to the Bosphorus. Due to its location, it is regularly exposed to the elements and the sea and frequently damaged by earthquakes. The tower has been restored several times throughout its long history, most notably after being destroyed by an earthquake in 1509 and later by Mahmut II in 1832. The most recent restoration, which took place from 2021 to 2023, was carried out under the supervision of expert academics. You can reach the Maiden's Tower by private boats that depart from the Üsküdar-Salacak and Galataport piers.

Built on a tiny island about 200 metres from the shore of Üsküdar, the Maiden's Tower offers a unique experience combining history, architecture, and stunning panoramic views.

18.  Istanbul Aquarium

What is it?  The Istanbul Aquarium, known as the largest themed aquarium in the world, offers a unique journey through different aquatic worlds. The sprawling aquarium covers 22,000 square metres and houses 66 tanks with 7,000 cubic metres of water, in which around 1,500 species and 17,000 marine and terrestrial creatures can be seen. In addition to themed cafeterias and a restaurant with panoramic views, it offers 17 themed areas and a rainforest that takes visitors from the Black Sea to the Pacific.

Why go?  The aquarium offers interactive elements, films and visual graphics that enrich the experience and make it more than just an exhibition of marine animals.

19.  Rahmi M. Koç Museum

What is it?  The Rahmi M. Koç Museum in Istanbul was founded in 2005 and is dedicated to the history of transport, industry and communication. The museum is housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building in Beyoğlu. It displays a variety of exhibits from the fields of road, rail, sea and air transport, as well as technical and scientific instruments. The collection, mainly from the private collection of Rahmi M. Koç, is complemented by interactive learning areas and a cinema. The museum covers several sites, including the historic Lengerhane building and the Hasköy shipyard, each with its own historical significance. The open-air exhibition features significant artefacts such as vintage cars and a submarine from World War II.

Why go?  The museum is an educational and exciting experience for all ages, with various exhibits that bring the history of industry and innovation to life. The museum's unique location on the Golden Horn makes it even more attractive.

20.  Princes’ Islands

What is it?  The Princes' Islands, an archipelago off the coast of Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara, offer a tranquil refuge from one of the busiest cities in the world. The İstanbul Islands are steeped in history and multiculturalism, reminiscent of the Ottoman Empire era. The group consists of nine islands, four larger and five smaller ones, all of which are closed to modern traffic in order to preserve their tranquil environment. The main islands - Büyükada, Kınalıada, Burgazada and Heybeliada - are accessible by ferry and are popular for their beaches, historic villas and Victorian cottages.

Why go?  The Princes' Islands are an ideal destination for a day trip, especially in summer, as they offer a glimpse into a slower-paced, car-free life. Visitors can explore the islands on foot, by bike or on electric bus tours.

21.  Galata Mevlevi Lodge

What is this?  The Galata Mevlevi Lodge in the heart of Istanbul is a historical and spiritual landmark. Founded in the 15th century, the oldest ‘tekke’ in Istanbul served the Mevlevi order and is known for its deep roots in Sufism. In 1975, this important building was converted into a museum, which today is a central element of Sufi culture and tradition. The Galata Mevlevi Lodge is a treasure trove for anyone interested in Sufi culture and history. It displays various artefacts, including musical instruments, calligraphy and traditional Mevlevi clothing.

Why go?  The main attraction is the mesmerising Sema ceremony, performed by whirling dervishes every Sunday at 17.00, which offers a unique insight into the spiritual practises of the Mevlevi order. Visitors are advised to get tickets in advance and arrive early to get good seats. Occasionally, concerts of classical Ottoman music are also held in the hut, adding to the cultural appeal.

22.  St. Antoine Church

What is it?  St Antoine's Church, the largest Catholic church in Istanbul, adorns Istiklal Caddesi with its majestic Venetian neo-Gothic architecture. Built between 1906 and 1912, the church is a place of worship and a historical landmark. It is known for its association with Pope John XXIII, who served here before becoming pope and commemorated by a courtyard statue.

Why go?  St. Antoine Church offers peace in the busy Beyoğlu district and is ideal for quiet reflection. Services are held in several languages, including English and Turkish, making the church a welcoming place for diverse worshippers and those interested in its rich history and architectural beauty.

23.  Casa Botter

What is it?  The Botter Apartment or Casa Botter on Istiklal Street is an architectural gem built initially as Istanbul's first fashion house by Dutch tailor Jean Botter in the early 20th century. Designed by architect Raimondo D'Aronco, the historic building was recently restored and transformed into a design and art centre that houses various cultural spaces such as an exhibition hall, a demonstration centre and a design workshop.

Why go?  Now a centre for art and design, Casa Botter is a must-see because it offers a unique combination of historical architecture and contemporary art.

24.  Gazhane Museum

What is it?  Gazhane Museum, originally the Hasanpaşa Gashouse, has a rich history dating back to 1892. It was the last gashouse in Istanbul, providing light and fuel for over a century. After its closure in 1993, the building, which represents a significant piece of Turkish industrial heritage, was left to its own devices. After a lengthy and extensive restoration by the IMM, the 130-year-old building was reborn as the Gazhane Museum in 2021. Located in Kadıköy, this vibrant cultural and community space offers a climate and caricature museum, a children's science centre, exhibition and workshop areas, theatres, libraries, and activity spaces. It also includes a climate crisis exhibition, a restaurant, and a café, all within a 32,000 square-meter campus.

Why go?  The museum offers cultural, artistic and scientific events and stages, libraries and workspaces for young people that are open 24 hours a day. Visitors can relax among the resident cats in the garden and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere.

25.  Galata Tower

What is it?  The Galata Tower, built in 1348, is a striking landmark on the Istanbul skyline. It originally belonged to a Genoese colony and has been restored to house a museum showcasing Istanbul's extensive history. From its top-floor balcony, you have a panoramic view of the city, the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara.

Why go?  The tower offers an unrivalled view of Istanbul and a unique insight into the city's historical development - all from a major architectural landmark.

26.  Istanbul Museum of Painting and Sculpture

What is it?  Founded in 1937 and initially located at Dolmabahçe Palace, the Istanbul Museum of Painting and Sculpture (IMPS) is Turkey's first museum dedicated to plastic arts. After a temporary closure, it was relocated to the redesigned Antrepo 5 in the Tophane district. The museum, now housed in a modernised space, completed its renovation in 2021 and offers a contemporary setting for its extensive art collection.

Why go?  IMPS is a must-visit for art enthusiasts, showcasing a rich array of Turkish fine arts in a modern museological environment. The museum's blend of historical significance and contemporary design provides a unique cultural experience, making it a standout destination in Istanbul's art scene.

27.  Belgrad Forest

What is it?  The Belgrad Forest stretches over 1300 hectares and is a green oasis in Istanbul known for its hiking trails, picnic areas and barbecue sites. This deciduous forest is not only a botanical treasure with a variety of interesting plants but also a historical site with ancient aqueducts and several recreational areas such as Ayvad Dam, Bueyuek Çeşme and Mehmet Akif Ersoy Recreation Area. The forest is a habitat for various wild animals, including deer, weasels, snakes and the occasional fox or wolf. A 6-kilometre hiking trail winds around a picturesque lake and is ideal for walking, jogging, or running.

Why go?  Belgrad Forest is an ideal retreat for anyone looking for peace and a touch of nature. The quiet paths and abundant wildlife offer a refreshing break from Istanbul's urban hustle and bustle and are perfect for outdoor activities or simply relaxing in the greenery.

28.  Atatürk Arboretum

What is it?  Founded in 1949 and nestled within the Belgrade Forest, the Atatürk Arboretum covers 300 hectares and is home to almost 2,000 tree and plant species worldwide. This green oasis in the north of Istanbul is home to tranquil lakes, diverse flora including oak, fir and sequoia trees and the city's first swan nursery, founded in 1916.

Why go?  The Atatürk Arboretum offers a peaceful escape from the urban bustle of Istanbul and is ideal for quiet walks and immersing yourself in nature. Just 5 kilometres from the city, it is ideal for relaxation and fresh air amidst rich botanical surroundings.

29.  Istanbul Archeology Museums

What is it?  The Istanbul Archaeology Museums, Turkey's first museum founded in the late 19th century, is a remarkable complex that includes the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Ancient Near Eastern Works and the Tile Kiosk Museum. It houses an extensive collection of artefacts from Ancient Greece, Rome, Turkey and beyond, including the famous sarcophagus of Alexander the Great. The museum buildings are architectural gems, with the Tiled Kiosk being one of the oldest examples of Ottoman civil architecture in Istanbul.

Why go?  Visiting the Istanbul Archaeology Museum offers a deep insight into ancient civilisations. It is an enlightening experience for anyone interested in history, archaeology or art. The museum's extensive collection offers a comprehensive insight into the region's rich past and is necessary for a meaningful and educational journey through time.

30.  Tünel

What is this?  The Tünel is a historic funicular railway connecting Karaköy with Tünel Square in Istanbul. It was opened in 1875, making it the second oldest underground railway after the London Underground. It was initially built to provide traders and merchants a faster way up and down the steep hill between the city's two parts. This short but significant route is popular for those arriving at Karaköy Pier and heading to Beyoğlu. The journey takes around 90 seconds, and trains run every 5 minutes, making it an efficient travel method.

Why go?  As well as being practical, the Tünel offers a glimpse into Istanbul's rich historical past and is a delightful experience for locals and tourists alike. Whether you're interested in history or simply looking for a unique way to travel around the city, a ride on the Tünel is a must in Istanbul.

31.  Süreyya Opera House

What is this?  The Süreyya Opera House, an impressive architectural marvel, was commissioned in 1927 by the famous politician Süreyya İlmen Pasha. This iconic cultural centre is located on the Asian side of Istanbul and is a first-class address for opera and ballet performances. Due to an incomplete stage, the Süreyya Opera House initially served as a cinema and wedding venue for many years. However, after an extensive restoration in 2007, it was reopened and originally served as a performing arts centre.

Why go there?  Today, it is not only the performances that attract visitors but also the building itself, which is a sight to behold. Its walls exude nostalgia, and the art deco foyer, inspired by the Champs-Elysées theatre in Paris, testifies to its historical and architectural significance.

32.  Bomontiada

What is it?  Bomontiada, located in the vibrant European side of Istanbul, is a dynamic cultural complex that has revitalised the once-dormant Bomonti and Kurtuluş neighbourhoods. This innovative space within the historic and previously abandoned Bomonti beer factory is a melting pot of artistic and culinary experiences. It houses the renowned music venue Babylon, the versatile art space Alt, the Leica Camera Turkey, the Ara Güler Museum, and various restaurants.

Why go?  Bomontiada combines art, music, photography, and gastronomy, offering something for everyone. The complex is especially lively during the warmer months, hosting free outdoor concerts and film screenings in its airy courtyard.

33.  Sakıp Sabancı Museum

What is it?  The Sakıp Sabancı Museum in Istanbul's Emirgan district is a famous cultural institution housed in a historic mansion on the Bosphorus. The former residence of business tycoon Sakıp Sabancı is now a prominent museum for significant art exhibitions featuring works by Monet, Picasso and other famous artists. The museum's permanent collections include the ‘Art of the Book and Calligraphy’, which exhibits exquisite Ottoman calligraphy and illuminated manuscripts, the ‘Painting and Sculpture Collection’ with many works of art, the ‘Decorative Arts’ and an ‘Archaeological’ collection.

Why go?  Housed in a mansion known for its equestrian statue and historical significance, the museum is a must-see for anyone wishing to explore Istanbul's artistic and cultural heritage.

34.  Pierre Loti Hill

What is that?  Pierre Loti Hill is located in the quiet in Eyüp and is named after the French writer Julien Viaud, known by his pseudonym Pierre Loti. The hill above the Golden Horn is famous for its breathtaking views and a collection of well-preserved 19th-century Istanbul architecture. Visitors can reach the summit by cable car or a staircase that winds through the Sultan's Cemetery. The hill is not only a natural landscape but also a historical site, home to six historic mansions converted into a boutique hotel, restaurant and café where Loti wrote his novels.

Why go there?  The hill offers one of the most famous views of the Golden Horn and becomes even more magical after sunset when the city lights illuminate the area.

35.  Turkish and Islamic Art Museum

What is it?  Opened in 1914, the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum is located in the historic Ibrahim Paşa Palace near the Blue Mosque and houses a diverse collection of Islamic art. The museum is known for the world's best carpet collection, including rare Seljuk carpets from the 13th century. Also, it displays glassware, ceramics, metal artefacts and a section on life in Istanbul in the 19th century.

Why go?  Although the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art is not one of the most famous museums in Istanbul, it takes its visitors on a journey through time with its works from various historical periods.

36.  Dolmabahçe Palace

What is it?  The Dolmabahçe Palace, completed in 1856, is a historical landmark of Istanbul and was the last residence of the Ottoman sultans and the summer residence of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic. The palace is known for its opulent interiors, including the world's most enormous crystal chandelier, and has been transformed from a natural harbour into a magnificent mansion. It has 285 rooms, 44 halls and a unique blend of Ottoman and Western architectural styles.

Why go?  A visit to the Dolmabahçe Palace is a journey through the luxury of the Ottoman era and a poignant link to modern Turkish history. It was in this palace that Atatürk spent his last days.

37.  Emirgan Korusu

What is it?  Emirgan Korusu is located on the European shore of the Bosphorus north of the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and is one of the largest and most picturesque parks in Istanbul. This tranquil haven is located in Emirgan, which stretches across a low headland between Baltalimanı and İstinye. The park offers breathtaking views across the Bosphorus to Kanlıca and the expansive Beykoz Bay. Emirgan Korusu is known for its lush greenery and tranquil atmosphere.

Why go?  Emirgan Korusu is known for its lush greenery and tranquil atmosphere. It's enchanting in spring when it's transformed into a vibrant tapestry of colour thanks to the thousands of tulips planted for the annual Tulip Festival.

38.  Borusan Contemporary

What is it?  Borusan Contemporary Perili Köşk in Istanbul, also known as the Haunted Mansion, is an innovative "office museum" where the Borusan Contemporary Art Collection is exhibited. During the week, it is the office of the Borusan Holding Company, while at weekends, it is transformed into a museum where a range of contemporary artworks are exhibited, and exhibitions curated by well-known personalities are shown.

Why go?  This unique venue offers a novel experience of viewing contemporary art in a corporate environment. Open to visitors at weekends, it offers a fascinating mix of art and business, enriched with educational programmes and cultural discussions.

39.  Khedive Palace

What is it?  Khedive Palace (Hıdiv Kasrı), dating back to the early 20th century, is an architectural gem in Istanbul's Çubuklu and Kanlıca quarters. This Art Nouveau palace, with Neo-classical Ottoman elements, offers panoramic Bosphorus views from its marble terraces. Nearby, Çubuklu Park provides a serene, less crowded environment for leisurely walks and photography.

Why go?  Visit for a tranquil escape in Istanbul, where the palace's restaurant offers delightful views and dining. The park is perfect for a peaceful stroll, and the nearby Kanlıca quarter is known for its delicious yoghurt and charming architecture.

40.  Miniatürk

What is that?  Miniatürk in Istanbul is a miniature park that displays 1:25 scale models of Turkey's famous landmarks. The miniature park comprises 137 models, including historical buildings from Istanbul, Anatolia and the former Ottoman territories. The park represents Turkey's 3,000-year history and includes replicas of two ancient wonders, the Temple of Artemis and the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus.

Why go?  Miniatürk is a favourite excursion destination in Istanbul for both locals and tourists and offers an excellent opportunity to explore the monumental highlights of Turkey in a short time. The mobile audio guide application in nine languages complements this educational experience.

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25 Best Things to Do in Istanbul

From historic squares to the Grand Bazaar, there's much to do in the Turkish metropolis.

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Surely there has never been a dull moment in Istanbul . An imperial capital for 1,700 years, the metropolis has long stood as a gateway between the East and West, and that has made it a hub for crossing cultures, religions, ideologies, and cuisine. And the legacy of the city — formerly Constantinople — has withstood the test of time. "It is a city with an incredible depth of culture, and history like no other," says Liam Dunch, product manager of Abercrombie & Kent, Europe. "Discovery through the stratification and the layers will be constant and unending. Observing the way that people of the city blend together the notions of the East and those of the West is an incredible experience."

Mina Agnos, president of Travelive and a Travel and Leisure A-List Advisor , agrees that the bustling city is a quintessential destination for anyone aiming to understand Turkey. "Every visit to Turkey either starts or ends with Istanbul," she adds. "It is a uniquely diverse city with so many unforgettable sites to discover." Read on to learn what these experts name as the best things to do in Istanbul.

Related : Travel + Leisure Readers' 3 Favorite Hotels in Istanbul of 2023

Experience Taksim Square.

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Taksim Square is in the heart of modern Istanbul, perched at the end of the famous pedestrian street Istiklal Caddesi. Past meets present here; at one end you have the grand Taksim Mosque, and at the other is the modern Ataturk Cultural Center . This is where the hum of Istanbul’s activity vibrates at its highest level.

Stroll down Istiklal Caddesi.

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Speaking of Istiklal Caddesi, this pedestrian-only walking street is the place to soak in the vibe of Istanbul. It is one of the most famous thoroughfares in the country today and is flanked by both Ottoman-era buildings and Art Nouveau and Art Deco structures. The buildings house everything from boutiques and art galleries to cafes, theaters, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Sample Turkish kebab.

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Turkish cuisine includes a dizzying array of grilled meats, seafood, salads, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern spices, rich desserts, coffee, and tea. When visiting Istanbul, you will want to try as many of the above as possible, but perhaps Turkish kebab especially. Made of marinated lamb or beef, the kebab is cooked on skewers and served alongside vegetables or wrapped up in lavash bread.

Visit the Galata Tower.

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Rising from the historic streets of Istanbul's Beyoglu district, Galata Tower was originally constructed as a watchtower during the Byzantine era. The structure that stands today, however, dates back to the 13th century and serves as a gallery and museum. A primary feature of the tower is a 360-degree observation deck that overlooks Istanbul.

Shop and party in Beyoglu.

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"The European side of Istanbul is home to the main historic district," says Agnos. "This side of the city is considered more 'Western' and it includes nightlife spots and more cosmopolitan districts such as Beyoglu and Karakoy. Beyoglu is famous for its vibrant atmosphere; this area offers wonderful stops for shopping, dining, and nightlife." It's likely you will spend a lot of time in Beyoglu should you travel to Istanbul. Steeped in more than a thousand years of history, the neighborhood is the beating heart of modern Istanbul on the European side of the city.

Grab a drink at Grand Hotel de Londres.

A grande dame of Istanbul, Grand Hotel de Londres is a beautifully preserved building from the 1800s. It's all about opulence here, from the rich color palette and glittering chandeliers to plush wall-to-wall carpeting. The terrace bar is a favorite hangout for tourists and locals; there's often live music here, plus beautiful sunset views over the Golden Horn. "This is a good suggestion for travelers that have been to Istanbul," says Agnos. "It's an off-the-beaten-path suggestion for visitors to really feel the vibe of the city."

Explore Karakoy.

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"Karakoy, the modern name for the old Galata, is part of the Beyoglu district," says Agnos. "It is known as one of the hippest and oldest neighborhoods in Istanbul, home to arty cafes, local boutiques, cocktail bars open late into the night, and art galleries. There is a growing local fashion and art scene in this area."

Marvel at the Blue Mosque.

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One of the most recognizable landmarks in Istanbul, the Blue Mosque (also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is a beacon in the city skyline. It is known for its gorgeous domes and six soaring minaret towers. The mosque dates back to the 17th century and is still a functioning mosque today.

Visit Hagia Sophia.

Not far from the Blue Mosque is the equally impressive Hagia Sophia. Originally built as a church where rulers of the empire were crowned, it was later converted to a mosque. Today it serves as a museum dedicated to Turkey, and it remains one of the most important monuments for both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires.

Roam the Hippodrome.

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Back when Istanbul was the imperial capital of Constantinople, it was known for its horse and chariot racing, and the Hippodrome was where these exciting, adrenaline-pumping races took place. While the original venue is no longer around, what stands in its place is Sultanahmet Square, where several monuments serve as reminders of the area's millennia-old past.

Explore the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum.

The Turkish and Islamic Art Museum is a revolutionary museum for Turkey, being the first in the country to showcase Turkish and Islamic artwork together. Opened in 1914, it was the last museum to open during the Ottoman Empire period. The museum has 1,700 pieces of art, and its carpet collection is among the most impressive in the world.

Journey underground at the Basilica Cistern.

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Istanbul's skyline soars with some of the world's most beautiful and historic monuments, and the beauty continues underneath the pavement, too, thanks to masterpieces of engineering and infrastructure. The primary water reservoir for Constantinople, the Basilica Cistern is cathedral-esque and a sight to see. Built during the 4th century, it is supported by 336 columns and can hold up to 17.5 million gallons of water.

Visit Topkapi Palace.

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This 15th-century palace was once the administrative headquarters for the Ottoman Empire. Now a museum, the venue is full of treasures, from walls festooned with gorgeous paintings to rooms that give way to sumptuous courtyards — you can even explore the opulent former harem. It's one of the best places in Istanbul to learn about the former grandeur of the Ottoman Empire.

Check out the Süleymaniye Mosque.

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Istanbul is not short on impressive mosques, and Süleymaniye Mosque is certainly one of its most beautiful. Considered the masterpiece of architect Mimar Sinan, the mosque was built in the 16th century to honor Sultan Süleyman, the longest-reigning sultan of the Ottoman Empire. The central dome stands at a staggering 154 feet tall and the interior is beautifully decorated with colors of gold, green, red, and blue.

Ferry to Istanbul’s Asian side.

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Istanbul stands as an important crossroads between Europe and Asia, and the city itself is divided between the two continents by the Bosphorus Strait. Be sure to immerse yourself in both sides of this rich city in order to best understand its history. There are more than 20 ferry routes across the Bosphorus, and the crossing takes only 15 minutes.

Admire Beylerbeyi Palace.

Across the Bosphorus, Beylerbeyi Palace is a 19th-century estate built as a summer palace for royalty. It was also used as a residence for visiting heads of state. The now-museum is a gorgeous example of interior design and architecture, with nods to both Ottoman and Neo-Baroque styles. The stunning gardens that surround the palace are equally impressive.

Shop around Kadikoy Market.

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Kadikoy Market is part of a buzzy bazaar on Istanbul's Asian side. Overlooking the Sea of Marmara, the market is a historic one, home to more than 4,000 vendors selling everything from fruits and vegetables to carpets, pottery, textiles, and paintings. It is also one of the best spots in the city to sample Turkish street food and Turkish delights, a jelly candy made with rosewater.

Walk the Kuzguncuk neighborhood.

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Sandwiched between Uskudar and Beylerbeyi, Kuzguncuk is one of the most lively and vibrant neighborhoods in Istanbul's Asian side, and it has always been a melting pot of religions and cultures. You'll see mosques, churches, and synagogues here, plus the neighborhood's funky mishmash of coffee shops, restaurants, tree-lined cobblestone streets, and brightly colored historic homes.

Bargain at the Grand Bazaar.

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Prepare to feast your eyes on the granddaddy of all covered markets. One of the world's oldest and largest venues of its kind, the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul contains a maze of streets and thousands of shops. Vendors sell everything you could possibly think of, so if you're a professional at haggling, this will be like your Super Bowl.

Get a serious scrubbing at Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı.

Wellness has been "on trend" in Turkey for hundreds of years, and visitors can step back into the old ways of wellness with a visit to the iconic Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı. The building dates back to the 16th century and serves as one of the top spots in the city for a classic hamam ritual today. Remember to book accordingly — the hamam is open to women in the morning and men in the afternoon.

Visit the Monastery of Zoodochos Pege.

This early Byzantine monastery has a history of miracles and legends tied to it, thanks to a spring that is believed to have magical powers. It's also set on a hilltop, making it a great place to take in city views.

Connect with the local community.

If you like to step into the shoes of a local when you travel, you can do that in Turkey. Agnos recommends visiting the island village of Bozcaada in August to harvest and sell tomatoes with the local community. Or, if you're in Bodrum, join the olive harvest that occurs between September 15 and December 25.

Enjoy the Mediterranean climate.

Istanbul may be a cosmopolitan city, but it is surrounded by nature at every turn, with coastal views, island-style living, forests, and parks. "There are many seaside promenades where locals walk, run, or socialize and hang out," says Dunch. "From early June to the end of September, public beaches on the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara are open." Dunch also recommends enjoying open-air concerts in the summer, or visiting Belgrad Forest, north of the city. "Around Prince's Island," he adds, "sailing and water sports are popular."

Discover your favorite ‘esnaf lokantası’.

Istanbul has some of the top restaurants in Europe, but local, homestyle street food cafes are where the city really shows its heart. "I recommend eating at a craftsmen's eatery," said Dunch. "They are referred to as 'esnaf lokantası,' frequented by shopkeepers and craftsmen in commercially vibrant areas, such as the markets, and they offer underrated and extremely tasty home-style cooking. This is as close as a visitor can get to the heart of Turkish cuisine."

Be entertained at Bomontiada.

The impressive Bomontiada complex is a center for the arts. There's the Ara Güler Museum, restaurants, and a calendar of outdoor concerts and movie screenings, making this the place to go for all forms of entertainment. It also happens to be housed within the once-abandoned Bomonti beer factory, and it was integral to helping redefine this formerly desolate part of the city.

Istanbul Itinerary: 3, 4, 5, or 7 Day Options

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Istanbul is a buzzing city with so much to see and do. As the once ancient capital of the Roman Empire, Constantinople, and the border between two continents, Europe and Asia, it’s a melting pot of history and diverse culture that cannot be found anywhere else on this planet.

While Istanbul is often visited as a stopover destination, being the largest transit hub in the world, anyone who just passes through this energetic city is really missing out.

From ancient landmarks to relaxing Turkish baths, serene nature, and world-class museums, there are tons of exciting attractions you could add to your Istanbul itinerary.

Whether you plan to stay for 3, 4, 5, or 7 days, these Istanbul itineraries will take you around some of the best sites in the city and tell you the best order in which to see them.

Planning a trip to Istanbul last-minute?

Make sure you book your tours, places to stay, and airport transfers ahead of time to ensure availability!

Here is our recommended airport transfer in Istanbul:

• Airport Shuttle From Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gocken International Airport (SAW) (Super affordable!)

Here are our recommended tours in Istanbul:

• Luxury Bosphorus Cruise At Sunset (A must-do In Istanbul)
• Whirling Dervishes Show (Unique experience!)
• Historical Turkish Bath Experience
• Istanbul Food And Culture Tour

Here are our recommended places to stay in Istanbul:

• Magnuara Palace Hotel (Gorgeous hotel in the historic centre!)
• Pera Palace Hotel
• Cheers Hostel (Budget hostel near the Blue Mosque!)

How many days is sufficient in Istanbul?

This is the age-old question we get asked the most. The amount of time you spend in Istanbul is usually dictated by how much time you have to spare. 

You could easily spend a week here and not get bored. We even spent two weeks there and didn’t run out of things to do.

We would say the optimal amount of time to spend in Istanbul is between three and five days. You could see all the highlights in three days, but if you have more time on your side, allow an extra couple of days for relaxation and to soak in the culture of the city.

After all, you don’t want to spend your time rushing from place to place and not take in the atmosphere. If you have time on your side, take it slow, don’t rush, and spend some time wandering the streets and take it all in.

📚 Read More: A Complete Istanbul, Cappadocia and Pamukkale Itinerary!

The Best Istanbul Itinerary for 3 Days

Most people visiting Istanbul only have a few days before they embark on a greater Turkey itinerary. After all, 3 days is the optimal amount of time to spend in the city.

Below is an Istanbul itinerary for 3 days, which takes you to all the top attractions and iconic landmarks in the city.

Day 1: Sultanahmet

Our itinerary begins in the enchanting city of Istanbul. This once capital of the Roman and Ottoman Empire, named then as Constantinople, is brimming with history and culture. It’s also the only city in the world to span two continents; Europe and Asia.

On the first day of your visit to Istanbul, you’re going to want to explore the neighborhood of Sultanahmet . This is where you’ll find the most iconic landmarks in the city, including the Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern.

This day will do a lot of walking but it’s all within the same area, so you won’t need to travel far today, you’re going to see exactly why Istanbul is a city worth visiting .

Stop 1: The Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, or Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is the most beautiful work of architecture in Istanbul, so it makes sense to visit this attraction first. It was built between 1609- 1616 by Sultan Ahmed I. It became famous for its hand-painted blue tiles that you can see inside.

The mosque features more than 200 stained glass windows, as well as a stunning carved marble mihrab that’s worth checking out. It’s also the resting place of Sultan Ahmed I.

The Blue Mosque has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985 and is one of Turkey’s most famous sites.

Stop 2: Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia is just across the park from the Blue Mosque and is another one of the most important mosques in Turkey. It was built in 537 by the Roman Emperor Justinian. It was originally used as a cathedral for Constantinople, where it remained the largest Christian church in the Eastern Roman Empire for over 1000 years ago.

After Constantinople was seized by the Ottoman Empire, it was converted into a mosque. It was a museum for a short time between 1935-2000 but was converted back into a mosque. It has some of the most stunning architecture, mosaics, and artistic coverings of all the mosques in the city.

Stop 3: Topkapi Palace

Around the corner from the Hagia Sophie is the Topkapi Palace. The palace was the former home of the Ottoman sultans in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Today, it is a large museum, showcasing artifacts from the Ottoman era. Not all rooms are open to the public, but the most beautiful ones are. The Ottoman Imperial Harem and the treasury are the main reasons to visit this palace in Istanbul .

The Topkapi Palace was also declared a UNESCO site in 1985 and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.

Stop 4: Basilica Cistern

During the Roman Empire, the Romans built several cisterns under the city as a water filtration system for the city’s palaces. The largest and best-preserved cistern in the city is the Basilica Cistern.

It is just 150 meters away from the Hagia Sophia, so it makes sense to see this historical landmark on the same day.

Stop 5: Istanbul Archeological Museums

The Istanbul Archeological Museums is a collection of three museums in the Sultanahmet district. They are made up of the Archeology Museum, The Ancient Orient Artifacts Museum, and the Tile Museum (Tile Kiosk).

They contain historic relics dating back to the early Ottoman period after it captured Constantinople from the Roman Empire.

One of the highlights of the museum is the Alexander Sarcophagus, which is the tomb of Alexander the Great, found in the Archeology Museum, and the Egyptian Grave with two coffins in the Ancient Orient Artifacts museum and the geometric tiles of the Tile Kiosk, one of the oldest buildings in the city.

Stop 6: Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar

Another one of the major landmarks in Istanbul is the Grand Bazaar. It is the largest and oldest covered market in the world, with 61 streets and over 4,000 shops. It began operating in 1455 after the Ottomans captured Constantinople.

The vibrant Grand Bazaar is the best place to pick up Turkish souvenirs , from Turkish delights, Turkish lamps, rugs, towels, and clothes.

Around the corner from Grand Bazaar is the Spice Bazaar. This is another souk market where you can shop for various teas and spices. The spices are said to help with certain medical conditions, from diabetes control to weight loss, and mood enhancers.

Stop 6: Evening Turkish Hamam

After all this walking around, you’re going to want to relax a little. We recommend finishing off the day in a Turkish Hamam, which is similar to a Roman Bath. It’s not just a public bathing space, but a spa where you can get massages and beauty treatments.

Located next to the Hagia Sophia is the Hurrem Sultan Hamam, which was built in the 16th century. It’s a little pricey, but if you’re going to enjoy a Turkish bath , you might as well go to an authentic one!

Day 2: Istanbul: Taksim

On the second day, we’re going to cross the Galata Bridge and explore the Kabataş neighborhood. This is still part of Europe, but also features many iconic attractions that should not be missed.

Stop 1: Galata Bridge

We’ll begin at Galata Bridge, a 19th-century bridge that crosses Istanbul’s Golden Horn channel. The bridge is famous because of the fishermen who cast their lines here, attracting hundreds of seagulls.

The bridge has two parts, the top part is where the cars cross the bridge and also where you’ll find the fishermen, and along the bottom part you’ll find many restaurants serving fresh seafood meals.

Stop 2: Galata Tower

Next, we’ll visit the iconic Galata Tower. By now you have probably noticed the tower in the skyline, given that it is the city’s watch tower.

It was built as a part of the Walls of Galata in 1348 by Roman Empire. The Galata Tower has had a tumultuous past, having caught fire in 1794 and 1831. It was also badly damaged in a storm in 1875.

The tower was renovated in the 1960s to look like the original but using concrete instead of wood. You can climb to the top of the tower and witness 360-degree panoramic views of the city. There is also a museum and exhibition hall in the tower.

Stop 3: Istiklal Street

Istiklal Street is the most famous street in Istanbul and is where you’ll find a blend of historic and modern. It was historically known as Grand Avenue of Pera, and is a pedestrian street made famous for its red tram that rides from one end to the other.

There are many high-street brands setting up shops here in the old buildings that were once apartments for the Romans. It’s a great place to pick up some street food or find a traditional Turkish restaurant down one of the side streets.

If you’re into nightlife, you’ll find vibrant bars in this area. There are also many things to do on Istiklal Street , including visiting some of the top museums in the city.

Stop 4: Pera Museum

The Pera Museum is a must-visit for art lovers. It was established in 2005 and is home to a large selection of iconic works from renowned Turkish artists such as Osman Hamdi Bey, Cihat Burak, and Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu, as well as European artists such as Jean-Léon Gérôme and Jean-Baptiste van Mour.

The museum is a cutting-edge cultural space spanning over 5 floors and provides a fantastic space where history and art collide.

Pera has served as a hub for creative expression since it first opened its doors. Amongst its many fascinating collections, there is an art gallery hosting diverse works from across Turkey’s dynamic cultural heritage. Notable pieces include Orientalist paintings and rare photography pieces that explore the late 18th century through to modern-day times.

Stop 5: Bosphorus Cruise

If your legs are a little tired from all this walking, then a Bosphorus cruise is a great way to enjoy an afternoon or early evening.

The cruise takes you through Istanbul’s Golden Horn and out into the Bosphorus. It gives you a unique perspective of the city from the water, and it’s also the best way to see the palaces in Istanbul. Many of the palaces were built next to the water, and their beautiful decoration and architecture are best seen from the water.

You will see boats lined up on the waterfront in Eminönü, and there are plenty of cruises to choose from. They are all pretty much the same, but you do need to book your ticket in advance.

You can either head to the harbor early in the morning and book your ticket, or you can book your ticket online.

Day 3: The Asian Side

On the third day in Istanbul, you’re going to explore the Asian side. We’ll be visiting the largest mosque in Istanbul, the hip and vibrant area of Moda, and tasting delicious Istanbul street food .

Stop 1: Çamlıca Mosque

The first stop is Çamlıca Mosque, located at the top of Çamlıca Hill. To get here, you must first take the metro to Üsküdar and then change to the metro to Kısıklı. From here, you simply walk up the hill.

The Camlica Mosque is the largest mosque in Istanbul and measures at 72 m (236 ft). The six minarets measure even higher to 107.1 m (351 ft). This stunning mosque is a sprawling complex large enough to house 63,000 worshipers at one time.

There’s also an art gallery, library, and conference hall. It was designed by two female architects, Bahar Mızrak and Hayriye Gül Totu, and was said to have cost $110 million USD to make.

Stop 2: Kadikoy

After spending time admiring the mosque, head over to the area of Kadikoy, one of the biggest attractions in Istanbul’s Anatolian side . Here you’ll find bustling markets and fishermen on the waterfront. This is the perfect place to sample some street food. We highly recommend the balık ekmek (fish sandwich).

Stop 3: Moda

After wandering the neighborhood of Kadikoy, head further south to Moda. This is a hipster neighborhood with street art, boutique stores, cool coffee shops, and a relaxing park.

Stop 4: Whirling Dervishes Show

If you went for an afternoon Bosphorus cruise, then you’ve got plenty of time to enjoy a whirling dervishes show in the evening. This is a traditional Turkish dance where dancers look as though they are floating across the floor.

As well as being a dance, it’s an active meditation exercise, which originated from the Sufi tribes in the 13th century. This is one of our favorite things to do in Istanbul at night .

The Best Istanbul Itinerary for 4 Days

If you have an extra day to spend, you might want to spend it doing something more relaxing. Not many people know this, but Istanbul is surrounded by serene nature, and you don’t have to go far to find it.

In our Istanbul 4 day itinerary, we would suggest following the itinerary for 3 days, and on the fourth day, visit the Princes Islands…

Day 4: Princes Islands

On the fourth day, you’ll need to allow a full day to explore the Princes Islands , or Adalar as they are referred to in Turkish. There are nine islands in total, but only four are inhabited. Each island was once used as an exile home for the rich, famous and powerful, including members of the royal family (hence the name, Princes Islands).

There are no cars on the islands and they can only be explored on foot or by bike. You will notice several examples of luxurious, stunning architecture and 19th-century mansions as you explore each of the islands.

To get to these unique islands in Turkey , you must take a ferry from Kabatas or Kadikoy. The ferry stops at Kınalıada, Burgazadası, Heybeliada, and finally Büyükada, or “Big Island” as it’s often referred to.

It takes 75 minutes to reach the last island, Buyukada, and ferries operate every hour – this gives you an hour to explore each island, so you need to plan your trip accordingly.

You may wish to pick two out of the four islands we mention below if you want a more leisurely day.

Be sure to check out the ferry times here .

Stop 1: Kınalıada, Princes Islands

The first stop is Kınalıada, the smallest island in the Princes Island archipelago. It’s the nearest island to mainland Istanbul and its history dates back to the ancient Greeks.

The name Kinaliada means “Henna Island” in Turkish, and it is so named because of the red-color land you see here. This is made by iron and copper deposits which were once mined here.

The first settlers on the island were the Greeks, who used the island as a place of exile from the Byzantine rulers. The most famous exile to live here was Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes, who lived at the Monastery of the Transfiguration on Hristo Peak.

It won’t take you long to explore the small village on the island. Make sure to check out the former Greek Orthodox monastery, the Monastery of Christ, and wander along the small streets to check out the unique architecture. The old fire station and school are particularly beautiful.

After an hour, make your way back to the ferry pier to go on to the next island.

Stop 2: Burgazadası, Princes Islands

Burgazada, or Burgaz Adası, is the third largest in the group and was also an exile settlement for the Greeks. It was once called Antigoni, after Antigonus I Monophthalmus, father of one of the successors of Alexander the Great.

Antigoni built a fort on the island, which you can still see today. The island is small and has one single hill, so you can easily see all the main attractions in an hour.

Be sure to check out the Spanudis Mansion, which was the home to the famous Turkish short-story writer Sait Faik Abasıyanık. Then there is The Church of Iohannes Prodromos which was built in 1899. It was built on the site that was once a prison for St Methodius the Confessor, who was exiled here.

There are also a few monasteries to see, the Monastery of Hagios Georgios Garipi which was a refuge for White Russians fleeing the Russian Revolution, and the Monastery of the Transfiguration, which dates back to the Byzantine era.

Stop 3: Heybeliada, Princes Islands

The second largest island is Heybeliada, which was once used by the Turkish Navy. Each year, the island holds a few small open-air concerts in the summer, which attracts many visitors to the island.

Make sure to check out the Naval High School, which was founded in 1773 and has stunning architecture. It’s also the home of the only remaining Byzantine church on the island,  Kamariotissa , as well as the last church to be built before the conquest of Constantinople.

The grounds are where you’ll find the grave of Edward Barton, who was the second English Ambassador for Elizabeth I of England, who was sent to Constantinople and spent his last days on Heybeliada trying to escape the plague.

As with all the other islands, Heybeliada also has a monastery, named Hagios Georgios tou Kremnou, which was built in the 16th century. There are also the ruins of the Hagios Spyridon monastery which was built in the 19th century.

You can also visit the house of the second President of Turkey, Mavromatakis Köşkü, which is a museum, as well as several other beautiful 19th century mansions.

Stop 4: Büyükada, Princes Islands

The last island is the biggest island, Buyukada. If you only have time for one, make sure this is it. You can see many of the island’s notable landmarks, including the Merkez Eczanesi, a pharmacy from 1870, and the ruins of a villa where Trotsky lived during 1929-1933 on Hamlaci Street 4.

Since this island is much bigger than the rest, we recommend you rent a bike and cycle around the island, taking in the quietness and beauty of the island. See the Greek Orthodox Church, St. George Church, which sits on the highest point of the island with amazing views of the city.

Other notable landmarks on the island are the former Greek Orphanage, which was the largest wooden house in Europe.

You can also find a beach for swimming and relaxing on, as well as a huge green park. You could easily spend more than an hour here. Be sure to stay for sunset and try one of the top-rated restaurants on the waterfront.

The Best Istanbul Itinerary for 5 Days

For those blessed with five full days in the city, you might be wanting to see more off-the-beaten-path places in Istanbul. On our fifth day, we are going to explore the Fener district.

This is home to Balat, the Jewish district of Istanbul. Here you get to see the diverse cultures of Istanbul and see a unique side of the city in its architecture, history, and general way of life.

If you’re looking for a 5 day Istanbul itinerary, we suggest following the itinerary above and adding the following stops on your fifth day…

Day 5: Fener District

The Fener District is where you’ll find the remnants of Istanbul’s Jewish Population. In the late 15th century, Sultan Bayezid II offered citizenship to the Jews fleeing the Inquisition in Spain and Africa, and most of the immigrants ended up here.

The Fener District is part of the  UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Historic Areas of Istanbul . Fener has become a melting pot of culture, with ethnic minorities from places like Armenia, Bulgaria, and more.

The neighborhood also has a number of charming coffee shops and restaurants, as well as art galleries and boutique stores.

Stop 1: Balat District

Balat is the most famous neighborhood in Fener. It’s known for its colorful, narrow wooden houses and cobbled streets. Kiremit Caddesi (Kiremit Street), is the most famous place to find these buildings.

These pastel-colored buildings are some of the  most beautiful buildings in Istanbul . But this is not the only reason to visit Balat .

Nestled among the historic buildings and winding streets, are unique, cozy cafes, some of which are an artist’s playground, such as İncir Ağacı Kahvesi which is known for its umbrella installation and colorful huts where you can sip your coffee in.

You can also find many antique shops and vintage shops, if you enjoy thrift shopping. Be sure to check out the Phanar Greek Orthodox College, which you won’t miss as it’s a striking red building ontop of the hill.

Stop 2: Kariye Mosque

The Kariye Mosque, or The Chora Church as it’s also known, is one of the most historically significant mosques in Istanbul. It was built as a Greek Orthodox Church in the 4th century during the reign of Constantine the Great, at the time when the walls of Constantinople were being built.

It was part of a monastery complex outside the walls of the city and served as an Orthodox church until it was converted to a mosque in the 15th century by Ottoman Turks.

What makes this church unique is that it still has stunning mosaics depicting biblical stories and figures, some of which date back to the 14th century. It also hosts a number of incredible frescoes that showcase Ottoman artistry and engineering prowess.

The Kariye Mosque has been under renovation since 2005 and there has been no end date announced at present. We will update this guide as soon as we know of a re-opening date, and this is one site in Istanbul not to be missed.

Stop 3: The Walls of Constantinople

Have you ever wondered if the walls of Constantinople still stand? The answer is yes, but only in some areas. You can see the remains of the walls of Constantinople on Hoca Çakır Cd, this is where they are the most well-preserved.

The walls were built in the 4th century and were used as a defense against oncoming invasions, and they were withheld for many centuries before the great Mahmet II finally seized the city in 1453.

You can walk along the walls in some areas as well, which offer an incredible view of the Marmara Sea and the Golden Horn.

The Best Istanbul Itinerary for 7 Days

For those who have a full week at their disposal, you have time to truly experience the diversity and uniqueness of the city, but now you might be after a bit of adventure.

So on our sixth and seventh day, we plan to take you to the theme parks and on a day trip outside the city.

If you’re looking for a 7 day Istanbul itinerary, follow the itineraries above and add the following stops to day 6 and 7…

Day 6: Theme Park Day

Istanbul is also home to several exciting theme parks. If you are travelling with kids, you might want to have a theme park day!

Stop 1: Vialand Theme Park

If you only have time for one park, it should be Vialand. There is so much to see and do here, you should spend a full day here.

Vialand Theme Park has something for everyone – from its rollercoaster rides and other thrilling attractions such as Parkour land, mall, and Disney-inspired palace, to its interactive theaters and kid-friendly carnival games.

It opened in 2013 and was the first shopping, entertainment, and living complex in the world that combines a Theme Park and a shopping mall.

The park is spread over a huge 600,000 meters squared and features the world’s 4th biggest rollercoaster, the Nefeskesen, which accelerates to 110 kilometers in just 3 seconds. Don’t miss the “Justice Tower”, which descends from 50 meters, as well as the 7-D movie theatre.

If you’re looking for thrills and entertainment, Vialand has something for even the pickiest traveler!

Stop 2: LEGOLAND

If you have time for another theme park, then we recommend LEGOLAND. You can get a taxi here from Vialand and be here within less than 15 minutes.

Legoland is the perfect place for both grown-ups and children looking for an unforgettable day out. There’s so much to explore – from massive models, three incredible rides, and interactive activities, to 10 LEgo-build areas and Lego workshops.

Open since 2015, it has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Turkey within a few years. It not only offers lots of fun to kids but adults can also enjoy themselves playing with large building sets made from genuine Lego bricks.

No matter how old you are, you’ll be sure to find the perfect way to have some incredible fun at Legoland.

Day 7: Day Trip to the City of Troy (Çanakkale)

By now you must be feeling you’ve seen a lot of Istanbul and would like to explore some other parts of Turkey. Located four hours away by car is the ancient city of Canakkale, which is most famous for being where the ancient city of Troy once was.

Stop 1: Troy National Park

Perhaps the most famous thing about Çanakkale is the nearby ancient ruins of Troy, located in the Historic Troy National Park, which can be visited by guided tours or independently.

This legendary city served as an important historical battleground between Greeks and Trojans in the 8th century BC. Visitors can explore the remains of Troy or take a tour through its open-air museum featuring archaeological finds from Hellenistic and Roman eras. 

According to archaeologists, the City of Troy is only one of nine cities that was built on top of each other, so the findings you see here are that of several civilizations. The oldest city is said to have dated back to 3000 BC.

As well as being historical, it’s also an area of outstanding natural beauty, so take a moment to look out for several species of bird and wildlife that make this park their home.

Stop 2: Cimenlik Castle

The city of Çanakkale is also worth stopping off at, since it has some notable historical attractions, such as the Cimenlik Castle.

It was built in 1462 by Mehmet the Conqueror to protect the Ottoman Empire in the Dardanelles. Just right across the Dardanelles, visitors will also find Kilitbahir Castle, another fortress built around the same time.

Both of these castles are now museums and offer spectacular sea views.

Stop 3: Troy Horse

Many have heard the legend of the Fall of Troy , which has been passed down through Greek mythology for centuries. The story was also featured in Homer’s  Iliad .

If you don’t know the story, the Trojan War  went on for years, in which the Greeks tried to break through the walls of the City of Troy but were unable to breach them.

To trick the Romans on the other side, they built a wooden trojan horse and gave it to them as a gift. Little did the Romans know, the Greeks had waited inside the horse until nightfall, and then attacked the Romans as they slept. And thus the war was won.

To remember the story, head to the waterfront of Canakkale, where you can see the huge steel and fiberglass statue of the horse that was used in the 2004 movie “Troy.”

Extend to 10 Days Istanbul Itinerary

If you have fallen in love with the city and want to spend more time here, you could easily extend it to 10 or more days. 

If you’re looking for some ideas for how to spend 10 days, we recommend you fill your time taking some day trips to the cities near Istanbul . 

Bursa, Kumköy, or Şile are three cities we would recommend adding to your Istanbul itinerary. If you plan your visit right, you could even spend time at the beach in Şile if beaches are your thing.

There are also some beaches closer to Istanbul, which would be the perfect place to spend your days in the summer. 

Aside from that, I would spend time wandering the city, shopping for souvenirs, stopping off at traditional cafes , and gorging on street food. 

Explore some of the parks in Istanbul or check out the museums . There is so much to see and do, we know you’ll find something fun to fill in your time on a 10 day Istanbul trip.

Getting Around The City

Istanbul is a very walkable city, as long as you have some comfortable shoes on. We have purposely organized the stops in our itineraries to allow you to be able to walk from place to place, without the need for public transportation.

However, sometimes taking public transportation is necessary, especially if you plan to visit the theme parks or head over to the Fener district.

We have written a complete guide on public transportation in Istanbul for those who are visiting for the first time. Read about how to get around Istanbul here .

Tips for Visiting Istanbul

To help you have the best trip to Istanbul, here are a few words of advice:

• Go slow and don’t try to pack it all in. I know these itineraries are jam-packed, but you’re going to exhaust yourself trying to see every museum and mosque. Take time to just wander the streets and soak in the atmosphere as well.
• Get the Istanbul E-Pass, this is a tourist pass that gives you free entrance to many of the city’s top attractions. You can save up to 70% by using this card.
• Download Offline Google Maps or MapsMe, so you don’t need to rely on data.
• Pick up a Turkish sim card, but not from the airport. Turkcell is our preferred operator, but you can read more about it here.
• Dress modestly . This is a Muslim country and even though it’s hot, respectful attire should be worn at all time. Leave the hot pants at home, and bring light clothing that covers your knees and shoulders.
• Bring a headscarf if you’re a woman. You will need to wear one when entering the mosques.
• Take out cash, as many places don’t accept credit cards.

Final Thoughts on Istanbul Itinerary

So there you have it, this is how you can spend your days in Istanbul, and as you can see, there is a LOT to see and do.

No matter how many days you plan to spend in Istanbul, we know you will have a great trip.

Do you have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments.

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler

Sean Lau is a professional travel blogger and writer with adoration for Turkey. Originally from the USA, Sean frequently travels to Turkey to explore every nook and cranny. From bustling bazaars of Istanbul to the tranquil beaches of Antalya, Sean has seen it all. He hopes to share his first-hand knowledge, insider insights, and personal anecdotes to inspire fellow travelers to visit Turkey, especially to his favorite destinations – Istanbul and Cappadocia.

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Istanbul Travel Tips: 27 Essential things to know before visiting Istanbul

Planning a trip to Istanbul isn’t that straightforward as there are quite a few things you need to know before visiting Istanbul.

You might be wondering whether you need a visa, what are the best places to stay, how to get around the city, how to save money, or what are the common scams to watch out for.

All your questions will be answered in this blog post where I’ll share my top Istanbul travel tips for first-time visitors and things I wished I’d known before visiting.

So without further ado, here are 27 essential travel tips for Istanbul.

*** This article may contain affiliate links, meaning each time you click through and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you which helps a lot in keeping this website running. Thank you for your support 🙂

Read more about Turkey:

• How to spend 4 days in Istanbul
• Top 20 free attractions in Istanbul
• 16 Best photography spots in Istanbul
• How to spend 7 days in Turkey
• Best ways to get from Istanbul to Ephesus
• How to book a Turkey car rental

Table of Contents

Istanbul Travel Tips for planning your trip

1. you need at least 3 or 4 days in istanbul.

Istanbul is a huge city with so many things to do. This is why you need a minimum of 3 or 4 days for a proper introduction to the city and to hit all the main tourist attractions.

If you need help planning your itinerary, make sure to read my guide on how to spend 4 days in Istanbul .

Related post: Istanbul itinerary for 4 days

2. Book your hotel in advance

One of the most important Istanbul travel tips is to book your hotel in advance, especially if you’re visiting during the peak season (June to August).

Most of the nicer hotels are usually sold out several weeks or even months in advance. Booking in advance also means that you’ll benefit from cheaper rates.

Some of the best places to stay in Istanbul include Tomtom Suites , World House Boutique Hotel , and Hostel Le Banc .

3. Booking.com is banned in Turkey

If you use booking.com to book your accommodation, I highly recommend doing so before you land in the country since it’s banned in Turkey.

Although you can still access the website to manage your bookings, you won’t be able to book a Turkish hotel while you’re in Turkey.

If you want to book hotels on booking.com while you’re in Turkey, I recommend getting a VPN. Alternatively, you can download the Opera browser on your phone and use their free integrated VPN.

4. Stay outside of Sultanahmet if you want a quiet night’s sleep

Sultanahmet is the most popular place to stay in Istanbul since this is where all the main tourist attractions are located.

But what you probably don’t know is that it can be very loud at night and also quite expensive compared to other neighborhoods.

I learned this the hard way during my recent trip to Istanbul. The hotel I initially stayed at was located along a street flanked by rows of restaurants that kept playing music until 2 a.m!

If you absolutely want to stay in Sultanahmet, Camelot Apartment is located on a rather quiet street, not too far from the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.

Otherwise, I recommend staying in either Beyoglu or Karakoy if you want some peace and quiet.

5. You probably need a visa to visit Turkey

One of the most important travel tips for Istanbul is to check whether you need a visa or not. You can do so on the official website here .

There are also third-party websites where you can apply for a visa but these are usually more expensive as they charge an additional fee on top of the visa fee.

Most travelers, including US citizens, need to apply for an e-visa. The visa is valid for a period of 30 to 90 days, depending on your nationality.

UK citizens, for example, are exempt from a visa while others can get a visa for free.

When applying for an e-visa on the official website , click on “new application” and then select your country.

The cost of the e-visa and duration of stay will depend on the country you’re from.

After completing the application process, it can take a few minutes up to 24 hours before the visa is sent by email.

6. When to visit Istanbul

The best time to visit Istanbul will depend on what you want out of your trip. Below is a quick overview of the different seasons and what to expect for each.

Spring :  April to May – Mild temperature, fewer crowds, and cheaper prices. The annual tulip festival takes place in April.

Summer : June to August – Very hot and humid with temperatures rising above 30 degrees Celsius. Huge crowds, hotel and tour prices are much higher.

Fall/autumn : September to November – The temperature starts to drop, fewer crowds, and cheaper hotel rates.

Winter : December to March – Cold weather with the occasional snowfall but it’s considerably less cold than other European destinations.

Istanbul Travel Tips to skip the crowds

7. buy the istanbul museum pass.

The Istanbul Museum Pass gives you access to 10 museums in Istanbul like the Galata Tower, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Irene, Istanbul Archeological museum, and more.

The pass is valid for 5 consecutive days and is perfect for those who want to visit a lot of museums, and at the same time, skip the long ticket lines.

Another option is to buy an Istanbul E-Pass which includes skip-the-line tickets and guided tours for over 40 attractions in Istanbul. The pass is available for 2, 3, 5, or 7 days and is perfect for those who want to see as many attractions as possible while saving money.

CLICK HERE TO BUY THE ISTANBUL E-PASS

Note : I only recommend buying the museum pass under certain circumstances. For instance, if you’re planning to visit 5 museums and the total cost of the individual tickets exceeds the cost of the museum pass, then it makes more sense to get the museum pass.

Otherwise, if you’re visiting one or two museums only, you’re better off buying individual tickets. Just remember that the pass can only be used once at each attraction.

8. Buy attraction tickets online

For those who don’t plan to purchase the Istanbul Museum Pass or Istanbul E-Pass but still want to avoid the long ticket lines, then I recommend booking your attraction tickets online.

You can book tickets to most museums and attractions on the Government website here .

9. Plan your visit outside of the peak season

The peak season in Istanbul, and Turkey in general, is during the summer months of June to August and thus attracts hordes of tourists.

Popular attractions like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are absolutely packed with tourists during this time of the year.

If you can only come to Istanbul during the peak season, I highly recommend visiting these attractions early in the morning, at least before 8 a.m to avoid the long lines.

As more tourists visit Istanbul in summer, hotel rates also increase considerably as well as tour prices.

Another thing to note is that there are also more crowds during popular Turkish holidays like Kurban Bayrami and Ramadan Bayrami. The date changes every year so make sure to do a quick Google search before your trip.

So, if you want to avoid the crowds and get cheaper prices, I recommend visiting during the shoulder season – April/May or September/October.

Istanbul Travel Tips for getting around

10. the bus is the best and cheapest way to get from the airport to the city center.

Istanbul has two airports – Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side.

One of the best Istanbul tips for tourists, more specifically for those traveling on a budget, is to take the Havaist bus (from Istanbul Airport) or Havabus (from Sabiha Gokcen Airport).

It’s definitely the best and cheapest way to get from the airport to the city center. Plus, the buses are very spacious and comfortable.

The bus operates 24/7 and the journey from the airport to the city center takes on average 1-2 hours, depending on where you’re staying. You can buy tickets online or directly at the airport.

If you don’t want to take the bus or are traveling with a group, then I recommend booking a private airport transfer .

11. Download apps like BiTaksi or Uber

If you don’t want to take the bus, be sure to download ride-sharing apps like Uber or BiTaksi. The fares will be much cheaper than regular taxis, plus you can see beforehand how much the journey costs, thus avoiding getting ripped off.

12. Buy an Istanbul Kart

If you’re planning to get around a lot by public transportation, it’s a good idea to buy an Istanbul kart. It costs about 60 TL and you can top up with the amount needed.

The main reason why I recommend getting the Istanbul kart is that the fares are much cheaper with the card (about 50% cheaper) compared to buying a single ticket. You’ll also save time by not having to buy tickets every single time.

A single fare with the Istanbul Kart costs about 10 TL and the good news is that the fare gets cheaper the more you use the card.

The card can be used by up to 5 people, so there’s no need to buy individual cards for each traveler in your group.

You can buy the Istanbul kart at the airport or at most metro stations in the city center and use it on the bus, metro, tram, and ferry.

Alternatively, you can buy this Istanbul transport card that’s pre-loaded with up to 20 rides. You can either pick it up at the airport or have it delivered to your hotel.

Another thing to know before visiting Istanbul is that you can also use the Istanbul Kart to pay for public toilets around the city and inside the metro stations. The toilet fee is about 2 TL.

13. Traffic in Istanbul can be very hectic

One thing to know about Istanbul is that the traffic can be very hectic. One of the most important travel tips for Istanbul is to avoid taking the bus during peak hours, especially in the afternoon.

For instance, I once took the bus at around 5 p.m from Ortakoy to Beyoglu, and what was supposed to be a 40-minute journey ended up lasting 1.5 hours!

The traffic was so bad that I even had to get off the bus and walk back to my hotel. I’m pretty sure I arrived before the bus!

So do yourself a favor by taking the metro instead if you don’t want to get stuck in traffic during peak hours.

14. Don’t rent a car in Istanbul

As mentioned above, traffic can be very hectic which is why it’s not recommended to rent a car in Istanbul unless you plan to leave the city and start a road trip around the country.

Public transportation in Istanbul is cheap, convenient, and reliable so there’s no point in spending extra cash on car rental.

Istanbul Travel Tips to help you save money

15. there are many free things to do in istanbul.

For those traveling on a budget, you’ll be pleased to know that there are many free things to do in Istanbul. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and all other Istanbul mosques are completely free to visit.

Visiting the Grand Bazaar (which is an experience in itself) or exploring the local neighborhoods like Balat, Fener, and Kadikoy also doesn’t cost a cent.

Make sure to read my guide to 20 things to do in Istanbul for free for more things to do.

Related post: What to do in Istanbul for free

16. Take the local ferry instead of a Bosphorus tour

One of the most popular things to do is to take a Bosphorus tour. It costs anywhere from €10 for a 90-minute sightseeing tour up to €55 for a luxury sunset cruise including dinner .

But if you’re on a budget, you can just hop on the local ferry from Europe to Asia. A single ticket costs only about 10 TL which is a bargain.

One thing to note is that the ferry ride will be shorter but you’ll still be able to admire some of the major landmarks in the city.

17. You can use toilets at the mosques for free

If you need to use the toilet, you can simply go to any mosque and use the toilets there for free. They are generally well-maintained and clean.

Otherwise, you can use the public toilets at the metro stations or around the city for about 2 TL. As mentioned above, you can pay the toilet fee with your Istanbul Kart if you don’t have any small change.

Travel Tips for Istanbul for a safe trip

18. take note of emergency phone numbers.

Travel is sometimes unpredictable which is why it’s always a good idea to have local emergency phone numbers on hand. Below are some of the most important ones:

Police: 155

Ambulance: 112

19. Safety in Istanbul

Istanbul is a relatively safe destination even for solo female travelers. I traveled to Istanbul solo and from my personal experience, I didn’t feel unsafe while walking alone nor did I receive any unwanted attention.

Security is pretty tight with lots of police officers especially around Sultanahmet and Taksim so you don’t have to worry about safety issues.

That said, petty crimes like pickpocketing sometimes happen, so always be aware of your surroundings and avoid flashing any expensive objects.

You should also watch out for scams which brings me to my next tip for visiting Istanbul.

20. Watch out for common scams

Like in most big cities, you need to be aware of common scams that mainly target tourists.

The most popular one is the shoe shiner. The person will pretend to drop his brush and when you pick it up, he will then proceed to shine your shoes which obviously isn’t free.

There’s also another scam where someone will approach you and invite you for a drink. You’ll then end up being forced to pay an exorbitant bill.

In order to prepare yourself before your trip, I recommend reading  this article  about the most common scams in Istanbul.

Other Helpful Istanbul Tips for Tourists

21. buy a local sim card.

The best way to stay connected, especially if you need to use Google Maps to navigate the city, is to buy a local sim card.

There are three major internet providers in Turkey, namely Turkcell, Vodafone, and Turk Telekom. All three are quite similar but it is said that Turkcell has the best coverage.

I recommend buying your sim card when you get to the city center since those at the airport are slightly more expensive.

I bought a Turkcell tourist sim card which came with 20 GB of data and 200 minutes of local call, valid for 30 days. You just need to bring your passport and it takes only a few minutes for the sim card to be activated.

Alternatively, you can buy a pocket wifi (with unlimited internet valid for 14 days) and have it delivered directly to your hotel. It’s slightly more expensive but can connect up to 10 mobile phones at a time.

Note : If you need internet as soon as you land in Turkey, you can use the airport wifi for free. Just input your local phone number and after receiving a one-time password, you’ll be able to connect to the wifi.

22. There are lots of steep hills

One thing to know about Istanbul is that it’s also known as the “City on the Seven Hills” so don’t be surprised if you come across a lot of steep hills.

The streets along Beyoglu, Balat, and Galata Tower are among the steepest in Istanbul and you’ll be sweating buckets if you’re not dressed in light clothing. Make sure to also carry plenty of water and to wear comfy shoes.

23. Mosque Etiquette

Although you can wear any type of clothes you like in Türkiye, you need to dress more conservatively when visiting the mosques.

For women, this means covering their shoulders and knees and wearing a head scarf. Men, on the other hand, need to wear long pants.

You also need to take off your shoes before entering the mosques.

24. Check prayer times before visiting mosques

One thing to know before visiting Istanbul is that you can only visit the mosques outside of prayer times. Make sure to check the prayer times on this website before visiting.

25. Learn some basic Turkish words

Although most Turkish people can speak English, I always do my best to learn a few basic words and phrases in the local language when traveling to a new country.

A little goes a long way and I can guarantee that you’ll put a smile on the Turkish people’s faces if you at least try to speak a few words in the local language.

Below are some useful Turkish words to know:

Hello : Merhaba

Thank you : Teşekkür ederim or Teşekkürler

Please : Lütfen

Excuse me : Afedersiniz (I’ve also heard people say “pardon”)

How much : Ne kadar

26. Drinking tap water in Istanbul

Although it’s considered safe to drink tap water in Istanbul, most locals might tell you the opposite due to the old rusty pipes and water tanks.

I did drink the tap water during my first few days in Istanbul and while it didn’t make me sick, I didn’t really like the taste.

If you don’t want to drink tap water, I recommend buying the 5 L water bottles. They are much cheaper and you can also reduce your plastic consumption since you won’t need to buy multiple water bottles.

27. Plug type

The plugs and sockets in Turkey are of type C and F with a voltage of 220 V and a frequency of 50 Hz. You’ll probably need a travel adapter if you’re coming from a non-European country.

There you have it – 27 important things to know before traveling to Istanbul. If you have any additional Istanbul travel tips to share, please comment below.

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Steph is an outdoor enthusiast who’s always down for adventure. When she's not traveling abroad, you’ll either find her exploring her own backyard or researching her next trip. She writes adventure travel guides featuring waterfalls, mountains, and beaches and shares her tips on how to travel on a budget without compromising on comfort and experience.

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Great post! I got enough details and info for my upcoming trip to Istanbul

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Home » Middle East » Turkey » Istanbul

21 BEST Places to Visit in Istanbul (2024)

As a city that straddles two continents, Turkey’s fascinating city of Istanbul really is a place where East meets West; stand in Europe on one side of the Bosporus Strait and cross to the other side to stand in Asia.

Istanbul has a long and colourful history and there are myriad cultural attractions throughout the sprawling city. From viewing glorious buildings, hopping between museums, and cruises on the Bosporus, to shopping, dining, and memorable nights out, there are plenty of fantastic places to visit in Istanbul.

On the downside, planning a trip to Istanbul can be a chore. The city is huge and there are places of interest scattered far and wide.

Now for the positives! Our team of expert travel writers have created this awesome list of the best places to visit in Istanbul to make your travel planning easier. There’s no need to stress about your itinerary.

With a mixture of popular tourist spots and hidden gems, some of these best places to visit in Istanbul are sure to excite you!

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Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet is the historic and cultural heart of Istanbul. It’s the oldest part of the city and is surrounded by bodies of water to the north, east and south, and old city walls to the west.

• Visit the site of the Hippodrome, the former centre of Roman and Byzantine Constantinople.
• Dine on delicious Greek and Turkish food at the famous Pandeli, open since 1901.
• Head underground and walk along the wooden paths as you explore the architecture and history of the Basilica Cistern.

Are you ready for the ride of your lifetime? Before you buckle up, though, be sure to check out where to stay in Istanbul . There’s more to this sprawling metropolis than just Sultanahmet. And now, on to the best places to visit in Istanbul!

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#1 – Blue Mosque – One of the most amazing places in Istanbul!

• Spectacular architecture
• Active mosque
• Ornate details inside and out
• Interesting history

Why it’s awesome: Officially called Sultan Ahmed Mosque, the Blue Mosque is one of the most beautiful places in Turkey . Built in the early 1600s, the grand mosque was built as a show of pride and defiance and a way to reaffirm Ottoman power in Istanbul after losing a battle with the Persians. Standing on the site of an earlier Byzantine palace, the beautiful building has six minarets, five large domes, a number of smaller domes, ornate stained glass, and stunning tilework.

With a blend of Islamic and Byzantine Christian features, it is often thought of as the last great mosque to come from the classical period. Still an active place of Islamic worship, the mosque is also open to tourists. If that’s not enough, it was also used as a James Bond location on From Russia With Love!

What to do there: Be sure to dress respectfully to visit the Blue Mosque and women should don the head covering and gowns provided. Marvel at the striking facades that dominate the skyline and be awed by the size of the main hall. See the magnificent stained glass windows, handmade ceramic tiles with various designs, opulent chandeliers, calligraphy, and fine carpets.

The marble niche, known as a mihrab, is a sight to behold. View where the faithful perform their ritualistic ablutions, stand in the huge courtyard, and admire the beautiful fountain. Watch as devout Muslims perform prayers and hear the hypnotic call to prayer sounded five times per day from the soaring minarets.

#2 – Grand Bazaar – A great place in Istanbul if you love to shop!

• Good place to bargain for cheap goods
• Wide array of items
• One of the biggest and oldest covered markets in the world
• Huge number of shops

Why it’s awesome: Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets anywhere across the globe. The gigantic shopping complex, often said to be one of the world’s first shopping malls, can trace its history back to the 1400s and is a must-see when visiting Turkey . Orinally, there were two separate buildings, though as shops and stalls sprung up around them it eventually created a large shopping district. It was once at the hub of trade in the Mediterranean, with many caravans laden with goods passing through from Europe and Asia.

Until the 1800s there were no actual shops in the bustling market; instead, vendors had seats at small stalls, with the more expensive items kept safely in cabinets. Clothes, silk, ceramics, crystal, jewellery, weapons, spices, books, and used goods were just a few things one could find in the market. Today the market has more than 60 covered walkways and in excess of 4,000 shops. It’s definitely a great place for shopaholics!

What to do there: Pass through one of the four traditional gates to enter the market and admire the beautiful architecture of the Grand Bazaar. Inside, high windows provide plenty of light and shops are set into the walls. Browse a staggering array of goods and pick up plenty of local gifts to take home with you.

Colourful lanterns hang in a jumble outside some stores, there are many beautiful garments, and you’ll also find musical instruments, souvenirs, tea sets, jewellery, scented soaps, toys, crafts, and much, much more. Be tempted by display cabinets filled with traditional sweets, and pick up Turkish teas and aromatic spices. There are also so many day trips from Istanbul too, just in case you need even more to pack into your trip!

Picking up a few souvenirs is a must do on any Istanbul itinerary .

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#3 – Basilica Cistern – One of the more unique places to visit in Istanbul!

• Unusual attraction
• Featured in movies and TV shows
• Atmospheric
• Interesting architecture

Why it’s awesome: The Basilica Cistern is the biggest ancient subterranean cistern beneath Istanbul’s teeming streets. Constructed during the 6 th century, it was used to provide water for the city’s palace and other important buildings. It covers around 9,800 square metres (105,000 square feet).  Although it can hold a huge volume of water, just a small amount covers the floor today. The ceiling is supported by grand columns, a few of which have ancient carvings, and the roof has arches and cross-shaped vaults. It is atmospheric, photogenic, and slightly spooky!

What to do there: Descend the 52 steps into the cistern and let your eyes adjust to the gloom. Be wowed by the sheer size of the cistern hidden beneath the streets and follow the walkways round the huge underground complex, seeing small lights reflecting in the waters and the many columns spread out before you. Don’t miss the two columns with carved Medusa heads on their bases; one of the pillars is upside down, making the snake-haired lady even more interesting.

#4 – Galata Tower – Great place to visit in Istanbul for couples!

• Sweeping city views
• Excellent restaurant
• Major sight in the skyline
• Cool nightclub

Why it’s awesome: The medieval Galata Tower was built in the late 1340s by the Genoese. Constructed in a Romanesque style, the tower stands almost 67 metres (220 feet) tall. Visible from far and wide, the nine-storey building is a prominent feature on the Istanbul skyline. The round tower is topped with a conical roof. Once used as a lookout point to detect fires, today it is open to visitors who wish to see panoramic views of Istanbul.

What to do there: Ascend the tower in the elevator (don’t worry—no climbing is required!) and soak up the sweeping views from the observation area. Views take in the peninsula, Old Town, and the Bosporus, and you’ll easily be able to spot many of Istanbul’s significant buildings from your high position.

Sit down for a romantic meal in the restaurant for a delicious meal with great views. There’s also a café if you just want a quick bite to eat. You can also return later on at night for fun and frolics in the tower’s nightclub, where you can also watch a captivating traditional Turkish show.

#5 – Hagia Sophia – One of Istanbul’s coolest historical sites!

• Fascinating blend of religious influences
• Long and colourful history
• Beautiful architecture
• Stunning mosaics and art

Why it’s awesome: Hagia Sophia was one of the biggest buildings in the world when it was constructed in the 500s. A true architectural masterpiece that influenced building designs and practices, it was originally an Orthodox Cathedral. It was later converted into a Catholic Cathedral, and then an Ottoman Mosque, serving as the city’s main mosque for many years.

Each religion has left its mark on the stunning building. Today, it is a museum. Often said to be one of the most spectacular examples of Byzantine architecture on the planet, the pale building is topped with a glorious dome. There are several half domes, buttresses, and towers too. The insides are ornate, with ancient mosaics, large urns, statues, and other impressive aesthetic features.

What to do there: Marvel at the grand building from the outside and be dazzled by the striking interiors. Walk along the nave to stand underneath the gigantic dome and be awed by the way that light floods through the many windows, almost making the dome appear as though it is floating. The lustrous marble, detailed mosaics, arches, and other decorative elements are sure to impress.

See the well-preserved mosaics, including those of Jesus, the Mother and Child, and the archangels Gabriel and Michael, close to calligraphy from the Quran. View where the empress’s throne was once located, marked with a green stone, huge marble urns, various ornate doorways (such as the Nice Door, the Emperor Door, and the Marble Door), and the so-called Wishing Column, which is believed to have miraculous properties.

#6 – Miniatürk – Awesome place to visit in Istanbul with kids!

• Home to many mini scale models
• One of the biggest miniature attraction parks across the globe
• Great for old and young alike
• Explore Turkey without leaving Istanbul

Why it’s awesome: Open since 2003, Miniatürk is home to more than 100 intricate, accurate, and detailed scale models of famous landmarks and places from around Turkey and beyond. It’s a great place to get an overview of the country and learn about important sites that you may not previously have known about. One of the biggest miniature parks in the world, Miniatürk covers around 60,000 square metres (160,000 square feet), with both open and enclosed areas and waterways. It is sure to capture the imagination of people of all ages and is a great place to take the kids for a couple of hours.

What to do there: Explore Turkey and beyond as you discover a wealth of fascinating places. Models are created in a scale of 1:25 and are very accurate. Take a tour of Istanbul, with places like Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, Maiden’s Tower, the Anatolian Fortress, Ataturk Airport, Hagia Sophia, the July 15th Martyrs Bridge, Dolmabahçe Clock Tower, and Eyüp Sultan Mosque among the models in the park.

Travel to other parts of Turkey, with models including Mardin Stone Houses, the remains of Mount Nemrud, Izmir Clock Tower, the Temple of Artemis, and the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. Global models include the Dome of the Rock, Ataturk’s House, and Mostar Bridge. Watch a cool match at the coin-operated mini stadium, let kids let off steam in the play area, tackle the labyrinth, take a simulated ride in a helicopter, and listen to lovely stories at the Fairytale Tree. Include the sightseeing train or a boat ride in your adventures too.

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#7 – Büyükada – A must visit place to visit in Istanbul on the weekend!

• Island in the Sea of Marmara
• Ancient religious and royal sites
• Almost entirely pedestrianised
• Easy to explore

Why it’s awesome: Büyükada is the biggest of the Princes’ Islands, an island group in the Sea of Marmara. Covering around five square kilometres (two square miles), the island is easy to explore by foot or by bicycle. With the exception of service vehicles, the island is free from motorised transportation. There are diverse attractions on the island, including ancient religious buildings and elegant mansions, and there are also two hills that provide great views.

What to do there: Catch the ferry across to Büyükada and spend a day visiting the island’s interesting landmarks. See the large hilltop Prinkipo Greek Orthodox Orphanage, which is one of the biggest wooden buildings in the world. Climb the other hill to reach the quaint Agia Yorgi Church and lap up the splendid vistas. Explore the valley between the two hills, where you can visit Agios Nikolaos Church and Monastery.

Interestingly, a convent on the island was once used as a place of exile for several Byzantine empresses. Other places of interest include Hamidye Mosque, the former home of Leon Trotsky, Panagia Greek Orthodox Church, the Armenian Church, San Pacifo Church, and the historic mansions of Mizzi, Con Pasa, and Fabiato. See how islanders live and call into a local café for refreshments.

#8 – Eyüp Sultan Mosque – One of the most religious places to see in Istanbul

• Sacred mausoleum
• Lesser-visited mosque
• Exquisite tilework
• Free admission

Why it’s awesome: Located close to the Golden Horn, Eyüp Sultan Mosque is a hugely significant mosque for followers of the Islamic faith. The site is where many people believe that Abu Ayub al-Ansari was buried, a man that was a good friends of the Prophet Muhammad and a standard-bearer. The mausoleum is ornate with many fine Iznik tiles.

The mosque was traditionally where coronations were held for new Ottoman sultans, though the present mosque was built in the early 1800s, occupying the site where an earlier mosque once stood. Non-Muslim visitors can look around the complex, though they must remember to dress respectfully. There is no admission fee for the mosque, but donations are gratefully received.

What to do there: Take pictures of the magnificent pale-coloured building from the outside, taking time to appreciate the glorious domes and soaring minarets. Inside, light floods through the many windows and you are sure to be impressed by the beautiful details of the main dome. Admire the large chandelier that hangs high above the hall, the plush red carpets, and the grand arches and pillars, and watch as Muslims pray and perform religious rituals.

Cross the courtyard to see the lavish tomb of Abu Ayub al-Ansari, adorned with striking Iznik tiles with a rich variety of patterns and hues. Finally, stroll up the hill and pass through the peaceful Eyüp Cemetery.

#9 – Emirgan Park – A beautiful outdoor place to visit in Istanbul

• One of Istanbul’s biggest parks
• Enjoy nature in the city
• Great place for leisure and relaxation
• Free to enjoy

Why it’s awesome: Emirgan Park is one of the biggest public parks in Istanbul, covering some 117 acres (47 hectares) and surrounded by a high wall. The land was once covered with cypress trees, and the estate passed through many owners over the years, eventually becoming available to the public in the 1940s. Filled with many plant and flower species, the pleasant park has two ornamental ponds and three beautiful mansions. A popular recreational spot, there are jogging tracks, walking trails, and places to eat and drink.

What to do there: Take a stroll around the extensive park, seeing the wide array of pretty flora. Trees in the park include pine, cedar, beech, ash, spruce, and willow. The plants attract plenty of birds and insects. Don’t miss seeing the tulips in full bloom if you visit in the spring. Keep fit on the running tracks, relax alongside the ponds, enjoy a picnic, and let kids run and play in the wide open spaces.

See the park’s three mansions; the wooden Yellow Pavilion is maintained like a traditional Ottoman home and houses a cafe, the Pink Pavilion has many historic objects and opens at the weekend as a café, and the White Pavilion also has a café / restaurant and is built in a neo-classical style.

#10 – Isfanbul – Easily one of the most fun places to check out in Istanbul

• Top place for family fun
• Assortment of rides and attractions
• Large shopping centre
• Many entertainment options

Why it’s awesome: Previously called Vialand, Isfanbul is an exciting theme park with something to please all members of the family. There are all kinds of rides, fast and tame, big and small. The big shopping centre adds to the diversity, with more than 100 stores selling a range of items and arranged over open-air and enclosed shopping streets.

Within the shopping centre there’s an indoor zoo with a variety of Istanbul attractions , a cinema, and a modern and well-equipped sports centre. You’ll find a good selection of F&B outlets throughout the theme park and the shopping centre too. The park offers heaps of fun for families, friends, and couples.

What to do there: Wear comfy shoes and spend a fun-filled day discovering the many delights of Isfanbul. Feel the rush on the thrilling rollercoaster of Nefeskesen, twirl through the skies on 360, have a wild adventure on Viking, soar high on Adalet Kulesi, and come face to face with the ferocious King Kong.

Drift along the waters on Cilgin Nehir and watch as kids have fun on rides like Ice Age, Angry Birds, the cool swings of Saray Salincagi, and the farm train of Nesili Ciflik. Browse in the boutiques in the shopping centre, watch a movie in the cinema, and see a selection of animals in Jungle, with creatures like tamarins, marmosets, snakes, alligators, turtles, insects, birds, and fish.

#11 – Topkapi Palace – A great place to see in Istanbul if you love architecture

• Former home of Ottoman sultans
• UNESCO-listed site
• Exquisite ornamentation and furnishings

Why it’s awesome: The splendid and large UNESCO-listed Topkapi Palace was built in the mid-1400s. Previously home to sultans and at the heart of political life, some 5,000 people used to call the palace home. Once one of the biggest palaces in the world, it has elements from various ages, added by each sultan.

A fine example of Middle Eastern architecture, it has sweeping courtyards, grand gates, pools, and hundreds of rooms. The details are opulent, with gorgeous carvings, stained glass, and tiles. There are various displays throughout the palace as well, and it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul.

What to do there: Step back in time and see how leaders from one of the world’s most powerful empires lived in times gone by. Wander through the palace’s many rooms, being dazzled by the spectacular details. Look up at ornate ceilings and at beautifully decorated walls and be in awe of the vibrant colours and details. Note the many golden globes that hang in various rooms; these were a symbol of the sultan’s power, representing the ruler keeping an eye on the whole world. View old Turkish baths, kitchens, living areas, and sleeping quarters.

Pass through rooms used by the sultans, visit the Circumcision Room, where young boys went through ceremonial circumcision procedures, stand where the imperial council used to gather, and explore the lavish rooms of the harem, the place where important females (like the sultan’s mother, wives, and concubines) used to live. Some rooms of the harem were where brothers of the sultans lived, locked away to prevent them from trying to seize power.

Some of the more revered items include a sword said to have belonged to Prophet Muhammad and a staff that is believed to have been used by Moses. After admiring the wealth of architectural delights, brilliant decorative designs, and diverse displays, stroll through the pleasant cypress-filled gardens. Spot the unusual hollowed-out trees and relish the stunning views.

Wonder what to do in Istanbul for 3 days? Head over to our insider’s Weekend in Istanbul guide !

#12 – Chora Church / Kariye Museum – A great place to visit in Istanbul if you are alone/traveling solo

• Ancient church turned into a museum
• Well-preserved internal décor
• Long history
• Learn more about religious events

Why it’s awesome: Chora Church / Kariye Museum stands on the spot of an important cemetery from the 4 th century. Although the exact date of construction of the church itself is unknown, most of the current building dates back to the early 1000s. Constructed in the shape of an inscribed cross, it is famous for its intact and well-preserved religious art. Much of the artwork was added to the church in the 1300s.

The gorgeous images are celebrated as some of the finest examples of frescoes from the Palaiologian Renaissance era. The church was converted into a mosque after the defeat of ancient Constantinople (the former name of Istanbul), with the images hidden underneath layers of plaster. The building was eventually turned into a secular museum and the images were uncovered for everyone to enjoy.

What to do there: Feast your eyes on the striking domed building before discovering the three main inner areas of the entrance hall, main church area, and side chapel. Walk slowly along the sweeping outer entrance corridor, viewing dazzling mosaics that include the nativity, miracles, the journey of the Magi, people fleeing to Egypt, and massacres carried out on the orders of King Herod.

Continue into the wide inner entrance hall, where you’ll find even more stunning mosaics. Learn more about the life of the Virgin Mary, created using the Apocryphal Gospels. Step through the large doors into the main part of the church for even more visual splendour, and discover the beautiful side chapel, which was once used to honour deceased people.

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#13 – Karaköy Lokantas? – A must-see for foodies!

• Eye-catching surroundings
• Popular eatery
• Wide choice of traditional Turkish dishes
• Relaxed ambience

Why it’s awesome: Karaköy Lokantas? is one of Istanbul’s fanciest lokantas, restaurants where locals savour fresh home-made dishes at great prices and with a lively vibe. Many of the best food tours in Istanbul don’t even go this far. The atmosphere is lively, the staff members are friendly, and the service is top notch.

In the daytime it’s a favourite spot for local workers, while in the evenings it transforms into a cool wine house. The décor is attractive, with blue and white tiles, pillars, and a marvellous staircase. The menu contains a great selection of Turkish fare and there’s a well-stocked meze counter to tempt diners too.

What to do there: Admire the beautiful surroundings and soak up the convivial vibe as you sink your teeth into Turkish specialities. Try to go with a group of people—it’s even better when you can share and try lots of dishes! Grab a selection of dishes from the meze counter and ponder the extensive menu. Hot starters include calamari, grilled octopus, and fried courgette, and there’s also a selection of soups and salads.

Mains include chicken and rice, grilled meatballs, and fried liver. Of course, there are plenty of sweets to finish with, and you can order Turkish tea or wine to accompany your meal. Fancy something stronger? Knock back a glass of raki. Come at lunchtime for cheaper prices and a midday buzz, or book a table for a fabulous dinner.

#14 – Yeralti Camii – Quite the quirky place in Istanbul!

• Religious site
• Open to non-Muslims

Why it’s awesome: Located close to the Galata Bridge at Karakoy Harbour, Yeralti Camii is a rather unusual attraction … an underground mosque! Hidden out of sight, the mosque is in what was the crypt of an old castle. The space is believed by many to have been where a gigantic chain was anchored, the chain in place to stop enemy boats from entering the Golden Horn.

Later, the basement was used to store ammunition. It has been used as a place of worship since the 1750s. It’s atmospheric, quiet, and more than a bit eerie! The mosque is open to members of the public outside of prayer times.

What to do there: Enter through the street-level doorways, heading along the narrow, low, and dimly lit tunnels. Shadows flicker on the walls, heightening the slightly unnerving atmosphere. Explore the underground place of worship, walking past stubby pillars that create little cubbies that are perfect for peaceful prayer and contemplation. See the tombs of two Arab martyrs, discovered in 1640. Local legends say that the graves were found because of a dream. Remember to dress modestly when visiting the mosque.

#15 – Istanbul Archaeology Museums – A fascinating educational place to visit in Istanbul

• Three excellent informative museums
• Wide range of exhibits
• Learn more about Turkey’s history and culture
• Discover interesting historical facts about the world

Why it’s awesome: The Istanbul Archaeology Museums contains three top-class museums within easy reach of each other: the main Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Islamic Art, and the Museum of the Ancient Orient. The museums contain more than a million artefacts and objects from across the world and from different time periods. The original museum was founded in 1891, with later additions. It’s a top place to learn more about the past.

What to do there: Travel back in time as you see the well-curated displays and exhibitions in the Istanbul Archaeology Museums. Enter the handsome neoclassical building of the Archaeological Museum and view a vast collection of ancient coffins and tomb stones, including the famous and ornate sarcophagus that is believed to have been made for Alexander the Great.

There are also statues, mosaics, and more to admire as you journey through the city’s Ancient, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman eras. The Museum of the Ancient Orient contains a large array of items from before Islam that were retrieved from all around the extensive lands of the mighty Ottoman Empire. The striking Tiled Pavilion is home to the Museum of Islamic Arts, where you can see a huge assortment of decorative objects.

#16 – Bebek – A nice non-touristy place to visit in Istanbul

• Off the typical tourist track
• Hip and trendy vibe
• Historic neighbourhood
• Popular with locals

Why it’s awesome: Bebek may not be top of the list for tourists, but it’s an incredibly popular place with locals. The atmosphere is energetic, especially at the weekends, and there’s plenty to enjoy in the area. The historic neighbourhood sits alongside the Bosphorus and it has been a sought-after residential district since the Ottoman period. There are many charming buildings along the waterfront. One of Turkey’s most prestigious universities can be found in the area, it has a lovely promenade, and there are many top-class boutiques and eateries.

What to do there: Mingle with affluent locals and go for a walk along the seaside promenade, slapping up the splendid vistas that include the deep, sheltered bay, the Bosphorus, and small fishing boats bobbing on the waters. See the old mosque, the attractive late-19 th -century pale art nouveau mansion that now houses the Egyptian Embassy, and the remains of Rumeli Hisari castle.

Peek into fancy art galleries and window shop at glamorous boutiques. Mingle with locals and unwind in a hip café or sit down for a filling meal in one of the cool restaurants. In the evening, enjoy a youthful and jolly vibe in the area’s trendy bars.

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#17 – Çamlica Hill – A perfect place to visit in Istanbul if you are on a budget!

• Spend time outdoors in a pretty park
• Beautiful vistas
• One of the highest hills in Istanbul
• Few foreign visitors

Why it’s awesome: Çamlica Hill is one of Istanbul’s highest hills and it boasts a beautiful park that is a popular leisure and recreation spot with locals. Few tourists, however, visit the hill. Located on the Asian side of the city, the hill offers terrific views of the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, and both the European and Asian parts of Istanbul.

Just as Istanbul’s best hostels are kind to people on a budget, this public park is free to enjoy and it’s home to lots of foliage and flowers, fountains, and charming teahouses and cafes. The nearby Çamlica Mosque, constructed in 2016, is an enormous building; indeed, it’s one of the biggest mosques in the Asia Minor region. Several eminent Turkish authors have referenced the hill in their works.

What to do there: Stand some 268 metres (879 feet) above sea level and marvel at the spectacular views. You can see both sides of the Bosphorus Straits as well as the two bridges that span the water to connect Europe and Asia. Relax in the park and tea garden, spot various species of birds, eat a cool ice cream, and enjoy various Turkish dishes in the restaurant. Try and come around sunset to watch one of Mother Nature’s most awesome shows.

#18 – Taksim Square – A great place to visit in Istanbul at night

• Said to be the centre of modern Istanbul
• See the Republic Monument
• Wide array of bars and restaurants
• Energetic atmosphere

Why it’s awesome: Taksim Square is a bustling and lively part of Istanbul. Often referred to as the heart of modern Istanbul, it’s popular with both locals and tourists alike. There are many great Airbnb’s dotted around the area as well as a wealth of shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s also a significant transportation hub and home to a large cultural centre. The large square hosts many parades and celebrations, including a huge gathering on New Year’s Eve.

What to do there: Stroll along the busy pedestrianised shopping street of istiklal Caddesi, where you can buy a range of international and local goods. Take a ride on the olde-worlde tram, often a huge hit with kids, and see the Republic Monument that was built to celebrate the 5 th anniversary of Turkey’s independence.

Catch the subway and travel along the second-oldest subway line in the world. Visit the Atatürk Cultural Centre, book tickets to the opera, and dine in an array of restaurants. As evening falls, hit up the area’s vibrant bars for a fun night out.

#19 – Belgrad Forest – A beautiful and scenic place to check out in Istanbul

• Experience nature close to the busy city
• Tranquil and serene
• Abundance of flora and fauna
• See the remains of old communities

Why it’s awesome: Covering 13,590 acres (5,500 hectares), the huge Belgrad Forest is a great place to escape the chaotic city streets and spend time in nature. Named after the large number of Serbs who ended up in the area after Belgrade was captured by the Ottomans, the forest has remains of ancient settlements scattered throughout. You’ll find marshland at the heart of the forest, and there are nine nature parks. Lots of creatures and various plant species inhabit the forest. There are plenty of leisure and exercise opportunities, including hiking and jogging.

What to do there: Spot an array of flora and fauna as you explore the forest’s diverse trails and paths. Visit Atatürk Arboretum, home to around 2,000 different types of plants in well-arranged gardens. You’re also likely to come across various historic buildings as you roam around the forest.

If you’re feeling energetic you can get a workout at the free-to-use gym equipment along the track near Neset Spring. See the large Valens Aqueduct and old dams from the Ottoman period. Spend time in Bahçeköy, a small local town close to the forest’s centre. Enjoy al fresco dining at the picnic areas and cook up a storm with the BBQ facilities.

#20 – Ortaköy Mosque – One of the nicer places in Istanbul to sightsee!

• Splendid views
• Gorgeous architecture
• Featured on many postcards and promotional materials
• Cool neighbourhood

Why it’s awesome: Sitting next to the Bosphorus at Ortaköy pier square and close to a bridge, Ortaköy Mosque is one of Istanbul’s prettiest places of worship. Standing on the site of an older mosque, the present neo-baroque building was constructed in the middle of the 19 th century. The views are stunning, both outwards along the water from the mosque, and across the Straits with the mosque next to the water. The insides are beautiful with many impressive details. It’s free to visit the mosque, although donations are most welcome.

What to do there: Try and get just the right angle to snap a picture of the mosque with its pretty reflection glinting in the sunshine on the water’s surface. You can also capture the mosque with the Bosphorus Bridge in the same shot, providing a great image that perfectly shows Istanbul’s historic and modern faces.

Appreciate the rich details inside the light-filled mosque, including lovely mosaics under the dome, chandeliers, green circles with golden calligraphy, and delicate carvings. Take a stroll around the surrounding area to find the Etz-Ahayim synagogue and Greek Orthodox Church too.

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#21 – Istanbul Museum of Modern Art – Cool place to see in Istanbul with friends!

• Turkey’s first modern art museum
• Local and international artists
• Photography gallery
• Regular creative events

Why it’s awesome: Established in 2004, Istanbul Museum of Modern Art (also known as Istanbul Modern) was the first dedicated museum of modern and contemporary art in Turkey. It aims to introduce people to the world of modern art and help people to fall in love with art. It hosts both permanent and temporary collections, displaying the works of well-known and up-and-coming Turkish artists as well as foreign artworks.

Collections show the nation’s diverse heritage and cultures. There are regular collaborations with famous art institutions around the world, including MoMa and the Pompidou Centre. The museum also has a photo gallery, a library, a cinema, a gift shop, and a café. Various creative events are held at the museum, including those related to literature, film, painting, architecture, and so on.

What to do there: Take time to appreciate the diverse modern pieces housed on the first three floors of Istanbul Museum of Modern Art; with ever-changing displays it doesn’t matter if you’ve visited the museum before, you’ll still find plenty of new pieces to admire. Turkish artists include Omer Uluc, Hale Tenger, Seyhun Topuz, Inci Evener, and Nuri Iyem. International artists include Liam Gillick, Julian Opie, Tony Cragg, and Monica Bonvicini.

Each gallery has interesting information detailing the importance of certain pieces and the development of modern art in Turkey. Visit the photography gallery on the 4 th floor for more creative stimulation and to learn more about how the arts movement in general had an impact on photography. Check the program of events, relax in the café, and pick up souvenirs from the gift shop.

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Istanbul

What is Istanbul famous for?

Istanbul is famous for being the dividing line between Europe and Asia and the former capital of the Roman and Ottoman empire.

Is 3 days in Istanbul enough?

Personally, I would say you need at least 5 days to explore all of Istanbul.

Is Istanbul an expensive place to visit?

No, Istanbul is a very affordable place to visit. Accommodation can be cheap and the cost of eating out is cheap.

What can you do in Istanbul for free?

It is free to enter the mosques in Istanbul, but you do need to wear a head scarf if you’re a woman. If you forget yours, you in some places such as the Hagga Sofia, you need to pay for one at the entrance.

From historic religious sites, some of which now operate as secular museums, and beautiful architecture, to leafy parks, vibrant markets, and lively amusement parks, Istanbul promises to capture your imagination. If you have any worries about whether Istanbul is safe to visit , we’ve got this covered for you too. On the whole, though, Istanbul is a terrific holiday destination for all, add more to your adventures as you work your way through these best places to visit in Istanbul.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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Hi Nina, Thanks for the tips. I wrote down almost every place you said to visit! The organization of your page is really great. I am planning a big trip for myself in a few years. Maybe I won’t be able to wait! It is okay to reply, but it is not okay to place me on any mailing list.

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Places to Visit in Istanbul

Istanbul has a storyteller's personality, revealing its people, beauty, architecture, food, and culture one by one. The historical beauty of Hagia Sophia, the attractive architecture of the Blue Mosque, and splendid shorelines with avant-garde restaurants such as Ulus 29 and Mikla overlooking immaculate scenic vistas are just a few of Istanbul's attractions.

There are a plethora of places to see in Istanbul, some of which include the Bosphorus strait which is a perfect line of fusion because it separates the two continents. Continue going down Istiklal Avenue and into the Grand Bazaar to enjoy the local shopping experience. Climb all the way to the top of Galata and Maiden Tower to take in the city's breathtaking panorama. Explore the enchanting components of the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, as well as the Basilica Cistern's splendor. With each passing day, Istanbul city will continue to fascinate you with new adventures. Istanbul will give you the fun of your life, from drinking Turkish chai and resting in the Hammam to enjoying a hot air balloon tour of the city, cruising the Bosphorus, and cycling through the Prince Islands.

Because Istanbul is topographically diversified and experiences distinct climates in different sections of the city, tourism is surely at its peak most of the year. The months of March to May and September to November are the finest times to visit Istanbul because of the pleasant weather. During the summer, temperatures are extremely hot with considerable humidity, and during the winter, temperatures can drop to - 15 degrees.

• Topping the list of places to visit in Istanbul, Hagia Sophia is a significant Byzantine construction in Istanbul and one of the world's great monuments.
• It is also known as the Church of the Holy Wisdom or the Church of the Divine Wisdom.
• The Byzantine emperor Justinian I looked after the construction of the church in the 6th century.
• It has been turned into a mosque, then a museum, and at last a mosque again over the years.

Checkout Now: Hagia Sophia Museum

• The Basilica Cistern is one of Istanbul's largest and most visited cisterns.
• Basilica Cistern is the largest open to the public among the hundreds of cisterns.
• It is situated on a renowned peninsula, which also houses Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
• The structure was built in the year 542 by the famed Byzantine Emperor Justinian I to supply the water needs of the palaces.
• The Basilica Cistern is a well-known historical attraction that attracts millions of visitors each year. It measures about 140 meters in length and 70 meters in width, with a total surface of 9,800 square meters. The big cistern is made up of 336 columns that are 9 meters long and 4.8 meters apart.

Also Recommended: Basilica Cistern & Hagia Sophia Combo Ticket

• The Topkapi Palace Museum is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Istanbul and houses the Ottoman Empire's imperial collections as well as a huge library of books and manuscripts.
• It is housed in a palace complex that served as the imperial Ottoman court's administrative center and residence from from 1478 to 1856. It opened as a museum in 1924, one year after the Republic of Turkey was established.
• The Topkapi Palace Museum is noteworthy not just for its architecture and collections, but also for the Ottoman Empire's history and culture that it commemorates.

Also Know: Plan Your Visit To Topkapi Palace

Istanbul SEA LIFE Aquarium is considered to be one of Europe's largest aquariums, with over 15,000 aquatic animals distributed in 21 zones.

A stingray display, a touchpool, a 60-strong school of sharks, and a sea turtle hospital with the world's largest turtle weighing 440 pounds are among the highlights (200 kilograms).

At Sea Life Aquarium, there's so much to see, learn, and do! Meet the world's greatest collection of sharks, as well as whales, sea turtles, and a variety of other remarkable sea creatures.

In the interactive rock pools, you may even touch starfish and crabs. You'll feel like you're under the sea as you go through the 83-meter-long underwater Ocean Tunnel and enjoy the massive Sea Bed display. Life under the water will astound you!

The Princes' Islands are a group of nine lovely islands off the Asian shore of Istanbul in the Marmara Sea.

Only four of the nine islands are well-known and operational, and thousands of passengers are transported there every day by fast and regular ferries from Turkey's neighboring towns.

Buyukada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, and Kinaliada are the names of the renowned four islands.

The Princes' Islands, which were once used as a place of exile, are now one of the most popular tourist destinations for a relaxing and serene break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Because vehicles are prohibited, it has become one of the most tranquil weekend resorts.

Start your visit with a factory tour to learn how LEGO bricks are created, or go to the 4D theater for a multi-sensory film experience.

Learn from experienced builders at the Creative Workshop, then put your newfound talents to the test with plenty of LEGO bricks.

Alternatively, you can dive right in and put your talents to the test with exhibitions like LEGO Racers: Build & Test and the Kingdom Quest laser ride.

MINILAND, an exhibition of sites from Istanbul and throughout the world created from more than one million LEGO bricks, is a great source of inspiration.

• Dolmabahce Palace is a luxurious residence and a must-see place to see in Istanbul, located on the Bosphorus Strait's scenic European shore.
• This magnificent royal estate is the epitome of Ottoman architectural intrigue and is regarded as the world's most opulent mansion.
• Dolmabahce Palace, undoubtedly one of Istanbul's most appealing tourist attractions, boldly displays its historic majesty through structural finishing embellished with a plethora of precious gemstones, gold, and everything vivid that adds attractiveness to every nook and cranny of the structure.

Recommended Read: Dolmabahce Palace Inside

Madame Tussauds, the world's most famous wax museum, has opened in Istanbul, with a 250-year history!

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Rumi, Suleiman the Magnificent, Messi, Rihanna, and Muhammad Ali are among the approximately 60 popular individuals from Turkey's and the world's history, culture, art, sport, science, and politics shown at Madame Tussauds Istanbul.

You may get your tickets now to participate in this unique, interactive event, which allows you to see your favorite celebrities together, touch and embrace them, and take photos with them!

• The Galata Tower , also known as Christea Turris by the Genoese, is a 1348-built medieval tower in Istanbul's Galata Quarter. It is a cylindrical tower with a high cone crown that provides a 360-degree perspective over Istanbul's historic center.
• The skyscraper has nine storeys and is 66.90 meters tall, making it the city's highest structure at the time of its construction.
• It is the ideal site to see Istanbul's peninsula and surroundings from a different perspective, as it is close to the main intersection of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.

Book Now: Galata Tower Tickets

• The Blue Mosque also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a popular tourist attraction in Istanbul, recognised for its beautiful architecture.
• At night, the mosque gleams like a blue diamond, thanks to the lovely reflections created by the falling lights from the minarets.
• Hand-painted blue tiles adorn the interiors, which are a lovely mix of Turkish (Ottoman) empire, Byzantine empire, and traditional Islamic architecture.
• The foundation location of the mosque is the Byzantine emperor's palace, which is located in front of the famous museum Hagia Sophia and Sultanahmet square.

You Can Also Checkout: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour

• The Kariye Mosque, also known as the Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora, was a medieval Greek Orthodox church in Istanbul's Edirnekapi neighborhood that is currently used as a mosque.
• The neighborhood is located in the western region of the Fatih district.
• The structure is a fine example of Byzantine design. It was converted into a mosque in the 16th century during the Ottoman Empire, became a museum in 1945, and was turned back into a mosque in 2020 by President Recep Tayyip Erdoan.

In the center of Istanbul, you'll find the world's oldest and largest covered market!

Every day, hundreds of visitors and shoppers from all over the world flock to the famed and historic Grand Bazaar.

The Grand Bazaar lives up to its name, with a market space that spans 30,700,000 square meters.

It has approximately 4,000 shops, which are set up along 62 covered lanes and sell everything from clothing to home decor to sweets and goods related to Turkish culture and cuisine.

• The Rüstem Pasha Mosque is an Ottoman mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, near the Spice Bazaar.
• It is located in the Hasrclar arşs in the Tahtakale neighborhood of the Fatih district.
• It was designed by Ottoman imperial architect Mimar Sinan and completed in roughly 1563, and is named for Rüstem Pasha, who served as Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire under Sultan Suleiman I.

• The Ortaköy Mosque, formally the Büyük Mecidiye Camii or Sultan Abdülmecid's Grand Imperial Mosque in Beşiktaş, Istanbul, Turkey, is located on the waterside of the Ortaköy pier plaza, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Istanbul.
• This structure is representative of Ortaköy since it boasts a unique view of Istanbul's Bosphorus Strait and the Bosphorus Bridge.
• The mosque may be seen from the popular Bosphorus Cruise, which takes tourists from Istanbul's Asian side to the European side aboard a ferry boat.

Suggested Read: Mosques Walking Tour

• The Istanbul Museum of Modern Art or Istanbul Modern Sanat Müzesi, which opened in 2004 as Turkey's first museum of modern and contemporary art, moved to a temporary location in the Asmalimescit neighborhood in 2018 while a new structure was being built.
• The city's premier modern-art museum presents rotating temporary exhibitions and current works by Turkish artists.

Also Checkout: Dolmabahce Palace History

FAQs of Istanbul

What is the most visited place in istanbul.

Dolmabahce Palace is the most visited place in Istanbul as it houses some of the major tourist attractions of the city.

Also Checkout: Dolmabahce Palace Red Room

Where should I visit in Istanbul?

• Dolmabahce Palace
• Hagia Sophia Mosque
• Sultanahmet District
• Suleymaniye Mosque
• Topkapi Palace
• Bosphorus Strait
• Historic Areas of Istanbul
• Gulhane Park

What should I not miss in Istanbul?

• Admire Hagia Sophia's colossal dome ...
• Inside the Topkapi Palace, have a look around.
• Inside the Blue Mosque, be mesmerized by the tiles.
• At the Basilica Cistern, you can travel back in time to Byzantium.
• The Archaeology Museum is a great place to brush up on your ancient history.
• Gülhane Park's tulips are in full bloom.

What is Istanbul famous for?

Istanbul is well recognised for being the cultural capital of various monothetic religious sects, each of which claims to have their own unique architectural signature and domes around the city. In Istanbul, there are a number of well-known structures that display a wealth of legends about the city's great ancient kings.

How many days do I need in Istanbul?

If you're visiting for the first time, allow at least three days. Three days in Istanbul will give you enough time to explore the city's most famous landmarks, but plan on a jam-packed itinerary if you want to make the most of your time there!

Which is the best month to visit Istanbul?

Mid-April to June and September to October are the best months for weather and peak season. During the off-season, you can usually find cheaper deals and fewer crowds, the weather is usually beautiful, and all of the attractions are open.

Is Istanbul tourist friendly?

Istanbul is a safe city to visit if you stay away from the areas that are considered unsafe. You should be informed that the majority of thefts and pickpocketing occur in tourist destinations, restaurants, shops, and public transit, as well as serious crime.

What is the name of the famous museum in Istanbul?

The most popular museum ideal for sightseeing in Istanbul is Topkapi Palace Museum.

Which are the best beaches in Istanbul?

Here are some of the most popular beaches in Istanbul :- Kilyos Beach- Burç Beach- Burgaz Adası- Ağva & Kilimli Cove- Büyük Ada

Top Things to Do in Istanbul

• Attraction Tickets
• Travel Guide

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The 25 Best Things to Do in Istanbul

Istanbul, a melting pot of cultures, iconic architecture and diverse cuisine. With over 8,000 years of turbulent history and as the capital of three ancient empires, the city attracts over five million visitors a year, who arrive to enjoy the many magical things to see and do in Istanbul.

Divided by the Bosphorus strait, the city straddles both Europe and Asia . Joined by two suspension bridges across the waterway, its 15 million population makes it the largest city in Turkey and the fifteenth largest worldwide.

Two international airports on the outskirts offer easy access to visitors from around the world planning to make the most of the many attractions to see in Istanbul.

With an integrated transport system of trams and buses, subways, metro, water-taxis and ferries , Istanbul’s 70 plus museums and mansions, ancient bazaars, pavilions, palaces and numerous shopping malls are all within easy reach.

For that all-important downtime, you can stop off at one of the many coffee shops (kahvehans), tea gardens (çay bahçesis), kebab restaurants (kebapçıs) and Turkish bars (meyhanes) dotted around the city, where you can enjoy some light refreshment, lunch, or an evening meal, while picking out your next attraction to see in Istanbul.

Get the Istanbul Touristpass and save time and money with skip-the-line entrance to Istanbul’s top attractions

If you’re planning a visit to the city, in this blog, we’ve highlighted 25 of the best things to see and do in Istanbul , to help you make the most of the time you have available.

Table of Contents

25 Best Things to Do in Istanbul

1. topkapı palace, a place of sultans, courtiers, concubines and eunuchs.

Built originally in the mid-1400s, this stunningly beautiful palace was home to multiple sultans, their families and courtiers right up to the 19th century. Each of the numerous rooms has elaborate mosaic tiling on floors and walls.

You can tour the pavilions; and kitchens with their displays of cooking equipment. You can stroll the treasury with its religious artefacts and priceless jewellery collection, and look around scores of ornate rooms and chambers in its four courts.

If you want to visit the palace with a guide this Topkapi Palace Guided Tour also includes skip-the-line tickets.

2. Topkapi Palace, Harem section

Although an integral part of the palace, the Harem section is a separate tour that shouldn’t be missed. With its entrance situated below the Tower of Justice, the Harem was the private family quarter, Harem in English meaning ‘private’.

In its numerous sections and rooms, young girls would be educated in the Islamic culture, language, reading and writing, music and dance, how to apply make-up, dress, deportment and embroidery. 

All to advance up the social ladder to ladies-in-waiting and eventually, possibly, being chosen as a wife.

On this tour, you can also learn the history of the Mosque of the Black Eunuchs, visit the Courtyard of the Black Eunuchs and the Black Eunuchs’ Dormitories.

3. Visit Hagia Sophia, one of the most popular things to see in Istanbul

There are innumerable monuments in Istanbul dedicated to one religion or another, but Hagia Sophia, like so many incredible monuments to see in Istanbul, has, over the centuries, been both church and mosque.

In the early sixth century, Hagia Sophia was built by Byzantine emperor Justinian and consecrated as an Orthodox church in 537. In 1204 it became a Catholic cathedral, before it was converted to a mosque by the victorious Ottoman Empire in 1453.

In 1935 it was declared a museum by the then secular Republic of Turkey, before being reopened in 2020 as a mosque.

Its massive dome was considered the Byzantines most notable architectural achievement, and even today’s architects consider it something of an architectural phenomenon.

A guided tour around Hagia Sophia takes around 1 hour.

4. Visit the Hippodrome, for some time at the races

Okay, not quite a day at the races, unless you can time-travel back to Roman times. Constructed in the fourth century AD , the Hippodrome was once the venue for chariot racing. And in regular use for 1400 years by both the Byzantine and Ottoman conquerors.

Various emperors also used it to gauge the mood of the people, and as a place of mass execution . In its heyday, the racing arena included two levels of viewing galleries, start boxes, obelisks, statues and other adornments.

Today, three large obelisks remain , and the area is a popular meeting place where visitors and locals can catch up with friends and family to enjoy a drink, sample the street food from the vendors in the square and do a little promenading.

5. The Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul’s most photographed attractions

Close to the Hippodrome and constructed in 1616 , the impressive Blue Mosque has the largest courtyard of any Ottoman mosque. 

It has six minarets , over 250 windows, and a large central prayer area covered with over 25,000 blue Iznik tiles that give the Sultanahmet Mosque its popular name, the Blue Mosque.

As a working mosque and with its popularity as a visitor attraction, admission is controlled to maintain the hallowed atmosphere. It is also closed to non-worshippers 30-minutes before each of the five daily prayer times. 

Head coverings are compulsory for ladies , with headscarves being available on loan from the mosque if required.

You can visit the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia with this Small Group Tour .

6. Visit Galata Tower and take a stroll along narrow Galata Streets

Built in the early 1500s by the Genoese at Bereketzade, Beyoğlu, the Galata Tower stands 52 metres high , and has been repaired over the centuries due to storm and fire damage. 

Nonetheless, overlooking the Golden Horn, it remains one of Istanbul’s most noticeable landmarks.

With a lift that carries you to the observation deck and top floor restaurant, it is a popular attraction to see in Istanbul, with visitors looking for views across Istanbul’s fabulous old-city skyline.

While in the area, take a stroll down the narrow, cobbled street of Galata with its tall, pastel-coloured, terraced houses and businesses. You can do a little shopping, take a few photographs, or stop off for a bite in one of the many local cafes.

You can also cross the pretty Galata Bridge , which connects old Istanbul with some of its newer neighbourhoods.

7. The Basilica Cistern, an underground reservoir dating back to the 6th century

Located at Yerebatan Caddesi, Sultanahmet, the roof of this massive underground reservoir is supported by 336 uprights, in 12 rows of 28 columns each.  

The cistern was built by Emperor Justinian I and used to hold 80,000 cubic metres of water to feed his nearby palaces.

It also houses two columns of unknown origin, which have carvings of the head of Medusa at their base.

If out-of-the-ordinary attractions tempt you, add a visit to your things to do in Istanbul list.

Read also: Where to stay in Istanbul

8. Visit the Istanbul Archaeology Museum and its thousands of artefacts

Located at Osman Hamdi Bey Yokusu Sokak, Gülhane Park, Istanbul’s Archaeology Museum was opened in the late 1800s and is divided into three sections of Archaeology, the ancient Orient and Islamic Art.

Many of the original exhibits are from the Topkapi Palace collection, curated by Ottoman archaeologist Osman Hamdi Bey, the museum’s first director.

The Archaeological section features statues and tombs, including such gems as t he sarcophaguses from Sidon, Lebanon , again attributed to Osman Hamdi Bey. In the same area, you can also learn the history of Istanbul through the ages.

The Oriental section specialises in artefacts, pre-Islamic art and heritage from across the Middle East. While the third section, known as the Tiled Building, houses an extensive collection of ceramics and pottery.

9. Shopping in the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı), one of the top things to do in Istanbul

If you’ve never had the opportunity to enjoy the buzz and atmosphere of an Asian bazaar, think magic carpets and colourful lampshades, and include a visit to the Grand Bazaar near the top of your things to do in Istanbul list.

Trading from the early 1500s, at Divanyolu Caddesi in the old city quarter , this wholly covered market stretches between the Beyazıt Mosque and the Nuruosmanıye Mosque.

Entry is through one of eleven gates, where the winding walkways will guide you past hundreds of colourful shops and stalls. 

Here, you will find everything from the aforementioned carpets and lampshades; to scarves, shawls, tablecloths, cushions, jewellery and kaftans, to tiles and ceramics, pots and pans, lamps and lanterns, and plenty of visitor souvenirs.

Most products are gathered in specific areas, making browsing for particular items much easier. 

Remember, if you are buying, bartering is the name of the game. Don’t be shy. The shopkeepers and stallholders expect it and enjoy it. They already know the minimum they need to take – what you’ve got to do is find it.

10. Enjoy a little ‘Turkish Delight’ at the Spice Bazaar

If replicating those favourite local dishes you enjoy during your Turkish holiday is part of your holiday experience, add a visit to the Spice Bazaar to your list of things to do and see in Istanbul.

Also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, it is smaller than the Grand Bazaar, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in stature.

In existence since the 1700s, you will be greeted by stall upon stall of colourful spices arranged pyramid style on display trays. 

You will also find vendors selling Turkish Delight (locum) , peppers, dried fruits, nuts, a range of teas and sweets, and herbal products purporting to help improve digestion, memory, the immune system, and overall wellbeing.

This bazaar is very popular with cruise ship passengers, so if you want to avoid the crowds, try to visit in the morning or after 4 pm .

11. Visit the Dolmabahçe Palace, where east meets west

Located at Dolmabahçe Caddesi, Besiktas, and built in 1854 by Sultan Abdulmecid as his main residence, Dolmabahce Palace is heavily influenced by the European style of architecture and sumptuous furnishings of the time.

The interiors are a mix of Baroque and Rococo, Ottoman and Neoclassical, with massive crystal chandeliers, plenty of gold-leaf and luxurious French furnishings.

The palace was also the official residence of Ataturk , founder of the modern-day Turkish Empire, who died here in 1938. While here, stroll the gardens with their colourful flower borders, basins and ornamental fountains.

You can book a Dolmabahçe Palace Admission and Guided Tour here.

12. Visit the Chora Church (Kariye Cami) and its world-famous mosaics

Just outside the walls of old Constantinople city, at Kariye Cami Sokak, Edirnekapı, stands the ancient Church of Chora ( full name Church of St. Saviour of Chora ).

Thought to have been built originally in the 5th century, the church through the years required some serious surgery and parts of the building you see today were refurbished between the 11th to 14th centuries.

Although originally a church, it was converted to a mosque after the Ottoman conquest until 1945. Then, it was turned into a museum until 2020, when it reverted to being a fully operational mosque.

What makes this monument so popular are the striking Byzantine mosaics and frescoes that date back to the 14th century and depict the life of Jesus Christ through stories in the New Testament.

13. Visit Eminonu Square, Istanbul’s waterside hub

Sometimes it’s just nice to do a little exploring independently , without the time and other restraints associated with organised excursions. 

Eminonu Square, nestling on the waterfront between Yeni Camii Mosque and the Galata Bridge , is one such place, where you can take in the sights and sounds of working Istanbul at your own pace.

Historic buildings surround the square, with street food stalls selling grilled fish, and cafes and restaurants where you can rest and do a little people-watching as the ferries and trams drop visitors off and pick up new passengers.

If you want to go native, pick up a ‘Balik Ekmek’ from one of the stalls or fishing boats around the harbour. Delicious grilled fish served with chopped raw onions and salad in a large chunk of white bread. Enough to satisfy the heartiest of appetites.

You are also close to other things to do in Istanbul, with the Spice Bazaar and Yeni Mosque being close by.

14. Have a day on the water with a Bosphorus River Cruise

Starting from the Eminonu Ferry Port, you can just lay back and relax, in between snapping those must-have photographic memories of course.

You will head up the river towards the Black Sea , with plenty to keep your attention during the trip. Around midday, your cruiser will dock at the pretty fishing village of Anadolu Kavagi, where you can enjoy lunch.

After lunch, a pleasant 15-minute stroll will take you to Yoris Castle , where you can explore the fortress and take in the fabulous views across the Black Sea.

Re-embarking your cruiser, you can once again relax as the landscape glides past as you head back down river, to tie up at the ferry terminal.

The cruise is a fabulously relaxing way to split up a heavy trip of sightseeing. So add it to your things to do in Istanbul list.

You can book your Istanbul Lunch Cruise on Bosphorus and Black Sea here.

15. Explore Istiklal Street and Taksim Square

Another great way to split up a busy itinerary of sightseeing. Independence Street (Istiklal Caddesi) is a bright, airy, wholly pedestrianised street , except for the colourful trams that shuttle locals and visitors back and fore.

A bustling shopping area full of modern shops like Gap and Nike, local cafes and Starbucks, restaurants and hotels, you will also find the more unusual, like music stores, art galleries, chocolate shops and ice cream vendors. 

You can enjoy just a couple of hours browsing, or a full day, seeking out nearby local attractions , combined with some tourist shopping. You will also be able to tick off a few other items on your things to do in Istanbul list.

16. Ride the world’s second-oldest underground railway

Constructed in 1875, to help traders move their goods from Karaköy up the steep hill to Taksim Square, the two-minute funicular ride starts near Galata Bridge, and the cars run every five minutes. Do it because you can.

17. Take some time out in Maçka Park with its Military Museum

Just past Taksim Square you will come to Maçka Park . With wide-open spaces filled with picnickers, joggers, outdoor exercise equipment, a doggy run, a kiddies playground and public toilets, it’s an ideal place for the little ones to burn off that excess energy.

Close to the park you will also find the Military Museum , a large sprawling building with military displays dating from the 13th century to the present day. It is also home to a military band with various concerts held throughout the year.

18. Treat yourself to a night out at the magnificent Haydarpasa Train Station

Designed by two German architects and built U-shaped in neo-renaissance style , Haydar Pasa was the epitome of Turkish affluence in the early 20th century.

Inaugurated in 1908, the station’s interior is as breath-taking as the exterior, with garlands and trailing cartouches, marble stairways, balconies, circular turrets and large stained glass window.

One of its regular visitors was the Orient Express , picking up passengers from Europe who wanted to continue their journey to Bagdad.

Mythos Restaurant inside the station is still packing in the diners with its nostalgic, sumptuous surroundings and excellent cuisine.

19. Looking for something a little different to see in Istanbul, take in the Whirling Dervishes Show

Held in the Hodja Pasha Cultural Centre, a converted 500-year-old Turkish Bath, this colourful dance extravaganza dates back over 800 years.

An hour in length, Sema depicts a spiritual journey made by the soul as it matures, to God. Before returning in human form to serve humanity on earth. It demonstrates in dance, the belief that everything on earth is linked to the universe.

The Sema ceremony is divided into seven sections starting with a Turkish classical music concert. You can enjoy the dances of the whirling dervishes, the drumbeat and hypnotic chanting as dancers reach a ceremonial climax. The show is held every Sunday at 17.00.

Book your The Whirling Dervishes Show at the HodjaPasha Culture Center here.

20. Enjoy Contemporary Art at the Istanbul Modern

Recently established in its new home at Asmalı Mescit, Meşrutiyet Cd. No:99, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, the city’s leading Museum of Modern Art , was established in 2004.

With its thousands of years of history, ancient monuments, churches and mosques, it is easy to forget that Turkey also has a modern side. The Istanbul Modern balances the scales, with works from contemporary Turkish artists and others on display.

The museum also offers stand-alone events, cultural activities, photography displays, social and educational programmes, a library, café, shop and an in-house cinema.

If art museums and galleries are what you want to see in Istanbul, the Beyoğlu district also houses Pera museum, Yapi Kredi Kultur Sanat, SALT Beyoglu, and other commercial galleries located around the Nisantasi area.

21. Pamper yourself with a Turkish Bath at Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı

Forget your next spa day, and instead enjoy an invigorating Turkish bath at Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı.  

Built between 1578-1583 for the benefit of serving members of the Ottoman Navy, the old Turkish baths underwent a major refurbishment in the early 21st century and reopened to the public in 2012.

The process involves being unceremoniously drenched with water before being laid out on a heated marble platform.  

Then, using rough mittens and black soap, you will be washed by your attendant to exfoliate dead skin from the face and body, before being rinsed with cold water.

The final phase is a relaxing soapy bubble bath before rinsing and drying. The after-effect is a feeling of smooth, clean, fresh skin like you’ve never felt before.

Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı is open in the morning for women and the afternoon for men.

22. Visit Aya Irini (Hagia Irene), the tomb of Constantine The Great

At first glance, you may even wonder why you added a visit to this dilapidated old building on your things to do in Istanbul list, but look closer. The courtyard has numerous Roman relics to be examined, and once inside the imposing walls, you begin to feel the aura of history.

Constantine adopted Christianity as the primary religion of the Roman Empire, and this church (Aya Irini) is one of the few not converted to a mosque . Some of the original architecture, such as the atrium, still stands.

More recently, historians have concluded that the tomb in the church is that of Emperor Constantine himself, giving the church greater historical value.

Through the summer months, with its excellent acoustics, you can also enjoy classical music concerts in the church, as a part of the Istanbul Music Festival.

23. Be amazed by the beautiful Süleymaniye Mosque

Standing on the third of Istanbul’s seven hills and overlooking the Golden Horn, the Süleymaniye Mosque was commissioned by the Sultan Süleymaniye the Magnificent. It was built between 1550 and 1557 and is one of the most popular mosques to see in Istanbul.

Although not the biggest of the Ottoman period mosques, its claim to fame is its majestic façade and the sheer elegance of its four minarets and ten balconies.

Legend has it that Süleymaniye was the fourth Osmali sultan to rule the city, and the tenth after the empire was established.

Another interesting fact is that many of the mosque complex’s original buildings have survived and been adapted for modern-day use . 

It was built as a place of worship, but it also contained a hospital, seminary, soup kitchen, bazaar, library, restaurants and inn, as well as its tombs. Many of which continue in service to this day.

The mosque has no entrance fee , relying instead on donations from believers and those who come to visit.

24. Istanbul Aquarium, one of the best things to do in Istanbul with kids

Whether touring as a young family or an older couple, a visit to this cutting-edge aquarium should be on everyone’s list of things to see and do in Istanbul.

Billed as the largest thematic aquarium in the world, the layout follows a geographical route that runs for over a kilometre , guiding the visitor along a path that takes in a rainforest and 17 different themes that travel from the Black Sea through to the Pacific.

The 66 tanks hold 7,000 cubic metres of water, and contain 17,000 animals from 1,500 species. There is also information on the cultural, historical, architectural and geographical properties of each area, as well as interactive games, films and graphics.

The aquarium also has a large car park, three cafes, a restaurant and a gift shop. You can buy tickets online .

25. Make your final memories of Istanbul with a Bosphorus Dinner Cruise

There are many Bosphorus trips available , and we’ve already mentioned one to put on your list of things to do in Istanbul, the Bosphorus trip to the Dead Sea. 

What better way to end a week of hectic sightseeing, than with a relaxing 3-course meal aboard a catamaran or ferry cruising the Bosphorus at sunset.

You’ll be offered a complimentary cocktail as you’re welcomed on board, and drinks throughout your evening are included.

You could be entertained by a Turkish belly-dancer, colourful folk dancers , or background music from your onboard DJ.

You’ll get a whole new perspective of Istanbul’s magnificent architecture as the lights come on in the mosques, waterside mansions, villas, nightclubs, restaurants and hotels, throwing their reflection across the water on a star-filled night.

Your cruise will last three hours , and hotel pick-up and drop-off are included.

Book your Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Entertainment here.

So there we have it. 25 of the best things to do in Istanbul . 

With its spread-out, multicultural neighbourhoods, the best way to get a real feel of life in this enchanting metropolis, is to spend a little time strolling the streets, lanes and waterfront areas of the places you choose to visit.

Soak up the bustling, laid-back atmosphere of open-fronted shops, markets and bazaars. 

Sample varied cuisine i n the many cafes and restaurants on both the European and Asian side of the city, and get a feel of why the local population is the beating heart of irresistible Istanbul.

Photos: Shutterstock

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Road is Calling

41 Best Places to Visit in Istanbul: Tips For Every Taste & Budget

Wow, how huge Istanbul is. How fabulously beautiful, mysterious, noisy, majestic, and important this city was, is and will be. A bridge between Europe and Asia, between the traditional East and modern West, Istanbul does not tire even after the tenth visit. And, with hundreds of the best places to visit in Istanbul, one trip here is never enough.

When Mark and I visited for the first time, we immediately knew we wanted to return. But next time to return to stay for at least a few months . So we did. Instead of flying for the winter to Bali , we decided to leave our comfy apartment in Brasov, Romania , and come to Istanbul. It was difficult to resist a desire to plunge into a bright oriental tale from mosques, aromas of spices, the taste of Turkish delight, and the pleasant noise of the Bosphorus. So now we are living in Istanbul as digital nomads .

And here is my list of the best Istanbul places to visit. I believe they are iconic and definitely should be on everyone’s Istanbul trip itinerary . To help you navigate through this very long post, I broke it down to categories based on interests and preferences. So take a look. Also, I am writing more content on this amazing city. You are welcome to subscribe to my email  to know when the next post is up.

Before I go into details, I would like to share my favorite picks for Istanbul accommodation. If you haven’t booked anything yet, check them out, perchance they will be to your liking.

Best Places to Stay in Istanbul – My Favorite Options 

There are hundreds of amazing places where to stay in Istanbul . Literally, hundreds. It all depends on which neighborhood you want to stay in, how much time in the city you’ll have, and where exactly you plan to go.

Among all the wonderful accommodation options, I would love to share a few of my favorite ones. In some of them, we have personally stayed while others are on the list of our dream places. So, if you haven’t booked anything yet, take a look at my list and see maybe it’ll inspire you too. Also, don’t miss my more detailed post about the best cheap holiday apartments in Istanbul and unusual hotels to stay in Istanbul . 

HANEDAN HOTEL : A budget option for those travelers who want to stay in the historical center of Istanbul. For $25 you will get an almost home-stay in the middle of an Ottoman-style accommodation with breakfast included. As a bonus – you get a gorgeous view of Hagia Sophia.

HISTORICAL FLAT NEAR ISTIKLAL STREET : If you want to rent an Apartment and look to stay next to all the main attractions, check out this fantastic flat. It has a stylish interior and is near the Galata Tower. At the same time, the apartment is in a quiet neighborhood .

HOTEL NENA : Here is an option to treat yourself. An old beautiful building, old-style rooms, a winter garden, a rooftop restaurant (with breakfast included) overlooking the Bosphorus, and a location near top attractions. Price per night – € 90-140.

SHANGRI-LA BOSPHORUS HOTEL : This is a luxury hotel that is not cheap, but it is definitely one of the best hotels in Istanbul. And if you are looking at Istanbul hotels with a view of the Bosphorus and the pool, then Shangri-La has the most panoramic view. One of the features of this hotel is roses. They are literally at every corner. A pool is not just a pool, but a real work of art.

SUMAHAN – ON THE WATER : Hotel Sumahan – on the Water is located in the building of the former distillery. It was built in the 19th century and for many years in the building, Turkish vodka from fig fruits was made. Now, this is a chic hotel in the Asian part of Istanbul, right on the coast of the Bosphorus spill and five minutes walk from the marina. The hotel provides a free shuttle service using its own boats.

Best Places to Visit in Istanbul For Lovers of History & Culture 

Hagia sophia mosque-museum .

I am not sure if it is right to start my list with the most touristy place but this building is so unique that it deserves all the attention it gets. If you can bear the number of tourists, Hagia Sophia mosque is definitely worth your time and you can’t visit Istanbul without seeing it.

This mosque is one of the main attractions and a hallmark of the city. For more than a thousand years the cathedral was considered the largest church in the Christian world – until the moment when St. Peter’s Cathedral was built in Rome.

In 1453, when Turks captured Constantinople, Turkish sultan Mahmed Fitih the Conqueror was totally struck by the beauty and huge size of Hagia Sophia. He ordered not to touch the Orthodox church but to turn it into a mosque by adding a minaret in the western part. Later he ordered to add three more minarets.

In 1935, Hagia Sophia was transformed into a museum.

The temple is almost 1,500 years old but it looks like it’s in perfect condition. Here you can see the interweaving of two religions : Christian murals and mosaics that are organically combined with quotes from the Koran on huge billboards.

Once you visit, do not forget to climb centuries-old stairs onto the balcony and put your finger in the “crying” column, making a wish before it.

The entrance tickets cost 60 TL. They are sold at the box office in front of the entrance.

Working hours : from 9 am to 5 pm every day. 

Should you go on a tour? In my experience, I recommend either purchasing a museum card or going on a tour, yes. A  Museum Card for 220 TL allows you to visit different Istanbul attractions within 5 days and get into the Hagia Sophia ahead of the line.

We personally love tours and find a lot of value in them. This interesting tour with a professional local guide helps you skip the line and learn a lot. 

Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace is another important attraction in Istanbul. It was once the main palace of the Ottoman Empire. And it was from here that the sultans ruled the vast state. In fact, 25 sultans lived in this palace and for 400 years, it was their main residence.

Topkapi Palace was built after the conquest of Constantinople in 1475-1478 by the order of Sultan Mehmed II. At first, the sultan himself lived in the palace where he held official meetings . And in the middle of the 16th century, at the request of Roksolana, Sultan Suleiman I built the Harem .

In 1856, Dolmabahce Palace was built, where the Sultan and his retinue moved. Topkapi Palace, in turn, became a home for the widows of the Sultans and wives of the deposed rulers.

Since 1923, by order of Ataturk, Topkapi Palace began to work as a museum. Now it is one of the most visited museums in Istanbul and a cluster of attractions. Everyone wants to see how the Sultans and their wives lived.

It is interesting to see the palaces themselves (and there are four of them – on 7 thousand square meters), to look at the courtyards, gates, various buildings on the premises, chambers, and pavilions.

Adjacent to the palace is Gülhane Park , the oldest and one of the largest parks in the city and just a very nice place to walk through. Thirdly, here in the park, you will find the Istanbul Historical Museum of Islamic Science and Technology with old optical and astronomical instruments.

Working hours : from 9 am to 6 pm daily. Tuesday is a day off. 

Ticket price : 72 TL.

Should you take a tour? During the high season, Topkapi is always overcrowded. If you don’t want to take a tour, make sure to be among the first visitors. Otherwise, there are a few tours for almost the same price as the entrance ticket but they include a ‘skip of the’ line option and a tour. 

Blue Mosque

The most photogenic building of Istanbul is the grandiose project of Sultan Ahmet I (1603-17) whose grave is located on the northern side of the site facing Sultanahmet Park. The mosque features a cascade of domes and as many as six graceful minarets.

The official name of this mosque is the Sultanahmet mosque but people call it the Blue Mosque because of the blue color of the tile used in the design of the interior.

The architect managed to create a monumental structure which in its splendor surpassed even the magnificent Aya Sofia. The Blue Mosque has six minarets and a very spacious courtyard. The interior is no less spectacular. You have to see it!

At the entrance, you must take off your shoes. In the mosque you can sit on the carpet, relax, look around and contemplate the magnitude of greatness.

Entrance : Free! 

Working hours : The mosque is an active place of worship and doesn’t have formal opening hours. Please be aware that the mosque will be closed to tourists for the 6 daily prayers, for about 45 minutes before the call to prayer and 30 minutes afterward.

|| RELATED POST ||

TOP 20 THINGS YOU MUST DO IN ISTANBUL TO FALL IN LOVE WITH THIS CITY

Sultanahmet Square 

Sultanahmet Square or Hippodrome Square in Istanbul is the heart of the city. The main historical monuments and life are in full swing here around the clock. All sights are located within walking distance from each other, so you can walk everywhere, using a map. The square will be interesting and informative not only for adults but also for children.

Part of Sultanahmet Square is located on the site of the former Hippodrome . It was built in the III century AD by order of the Byzantine emperor with the goal of chariot races. Its arena consisted of a central treadmill and a two-level amphitheater for spectators. The hippodrome served for more than 1000 years and during that time it witnessed not only horse races but also bloody political dramas.

During the Fourth Crusade, the magnificent Roman hippodrome was looted and after the conquest of Byzantium. Later the Ottomans completely destroyed it. So there is not much left besides a neat square in the place of the arena and an octagonal fountain decorated with gold mosaics in the place of the entrance gate.

Yet, this historical spot is interesting to see.

First of all, nowadays, Sultanahmet Square is one of the most popular places in Istanbul for meetings and walks in the city. Second, it is a starting point for many sights. And third, just imagine where you walk today once horses and humans participated in dangerous sports.

Sights to see : German fountain, Obelisk of Konstantin (or Walled Obelisk), Egyptian Obelisk (or Obelisk of Theodosius), Ancient Greek bronze column. 

Basilica Cistern

Among other best places to visit in Istanbul is the Basilica Cistern.  One of the largest underground reservoirs of Constantinople, resembling a palace, was used as water storage for residents of the Grand Palace in Byzantine times and Topkapi Palace during the Ottoman Empire.

A vaulted ceiling is supported by 336 columns eight meters high. And the walls are made of refractory bricks and covered with a special waterproofing mortar. It is hard to imagine that this luxurious room served as a reservoir of water for the time of drought or siege. 

The place looks completely mystical and unusual that when you go inside, you feel like in a science fiction movie. In summer, it is twice pleasant to enjoy natural coolness here.

In 1984, the reservoir was cleaned of a meter-long layer of dirt and restored. Thus, the original brick floor and 2 columns were restored at the base of which are the heads of the Gorgon Medusa. Thanks to wooden flooring made at the same time, today you can walk around the reservoir. At various times dignitaries, world stars and other celebrities visited the Basilica Cistern. At some point, it also served as a location for many concerts, films, and video clips.

Entrance : The entrance fee is 20 TL. The Museum Pass is not valid here.  

Working hour s: 9 am – 5:30 pm every day.

Tour to take : Basilica Cistern also gets crowded on most days. You can purchase a guided skip the line tour . 

Dolmabahce Palace 

Dolmabahce Palace is one of the hallmarks of Istanbul.

The openwork building with rich interiors and a well-kept garden in its architectural design resembles the magnificent palaces of European monarchs. We visited this place after we went to Topkapi Palace, and I advise you to do the same because this Palace is just much brighter and richer if I can say that.

In addition to the magnificent interior of the palace, I want to note a beautiful view of the Bosphorus through the openwork gate which, like a cherry on a cake, complements the overall picture of the place. Besides that, not far from the crystal pavilion there is a house with well-fed royal peacocks which many people who visit Istanbul with kids may be interested to look at.

And the last thing, in the palace park on the very shore near the entrance there is an excellent cafe where you’ll enjoy a cup of coffee with dessert. The view is also stunning. 

If you have limited time and think where to go and what to skip, keep in mind that Dolmabahce Palace is definitely worth a visit. Especially if you enjoy visiting historical attractions. 

Entrance : 60 TL per person. Kids up to 6 years old are free of charge. 

Working hours : Tues – Sun from 9 am to 4 pm. 

Should you take a tour? There is no other way to see the Palace except for taking a tour. In our experience, the self-guided tour is more than enough. It provides an opportunity to wander around at your own pace.

Istanbul Archaeological Museum 

This underrated superb museum is one of the most interesting museums to visit in Istanbul . It exhibits rare archaeological and art treasures, some of which date back to the 4th century AD.

The museum is big and takes up three buildings. Among its exhibits are ancient artifacts, classical sculptures, and various ancient finds. They all reveal the history of the formation and development of Istanbul.

The ancient sarcophagi from the necropolis in Sidon are especially striking (one of them was long considered the sarcophagus of Alexander the Great himself).

The complex consists of three main parts: the Museum of the Ancient East, the Archaeological Museum, and the Islamic Art Museum.

Working hours : 9 am – 7 pm every day. 

Entrance : 36 TL per person. Children under 8 years old are free to enter. 

Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Mosque

This mosque is called the Istanbul Diamond Mosque. It is wonderfully inscribed in the surrounding landscape and captivates not with its appearance but with its interior.

The mosque is decorated with tiles with floral patterns. Some particles of the sacred Kaaba stone that are walled over the entrance were brought from Mecca. One of the inner walls of the mosque is completely covered with bright blue-green tiles.

In general in Istanbul, you need to go inside the mosques, not only look at them from outside . They all are very beautiful and most importantly are free to enter . In many Islamic countries, non-Muslims are not allowed to go inside mosques. In Turkey, in particular, in Istanbul, everyone is welcome. 

Read more about this mosque on this source . 

Museum of Turkey’s Military History

This museum is considered the second-largest military museum in the world .

Here you’ll find the whole military history of the country. From the first Turkish cannons to American planes and French helicopters as well as armors, weapons, and battle dioramas.

At 15:00 you can watch the concert of the Janissaries military orchestra. During the Ottoman Empire, musicians participated in military campaigns and solemn processions. Today it’s interesting to watch and imagine how the orchestra performed in the past. 

The highlight is the huge collection of firearms of the XVI-XX centuries. Melee weapons of different eras have their own separate section. There is a hall dedicated to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. The collection of military uniforms and weapons of the Ottoman era, protective armor for horses and camels, camping tents of the sultans, a collection of flags and banners – you can find it all in this museum.

In general, I recommend this educational Istanbul attraction to both men and women, and families with children.

Working Hours : Wednesday- Sunday from 9 am to 4:30 pm. 

Entrance : 6 TL for adults. 

Museum of Great Palace Mosaics

Behind the Blue Mosque on a pedestrian street lurks a mosaic museum of the Grand Palace . Once there was an imperial palace but an earthquake completely destroyed it.

Later, in the 1930s and 1950s, archaeologists from the University of Ankara and the Scottish University of St. Andrews discovered a stunning mosaic floor depicting hunting scenes and ancient Roman mythological subjects. The fragments found there tentatively dated to the Early Byzantine period and appeared at a time when Rome was still pagan.

Between 1983 and 1997, the mosaic was restored and now you can admire it in this wonderful museum. The building includes several small galleries with a central hall, divided into two floors.

This is an ideal place to immerse yourself in history and distract from the constant chaos of the city.

Working Hours : 9 am – 4:30 pm every day.

Entrance : 20 TL

Rumeli Hisari Fortress 

Rumeli Hisary (or Rumeli fortress) is one of the truly picturesque places in Istanbul. Nonetheless, it doesn’t receive much tourist attention and the reason for that is probably the location. Even though the fortress is a bit outside the main tourist route, it is still worth a visit, especially if you have a museum card. In this case, you can get inside for free. 

Being in the narrowest part of the Bosphorus, at one time Rumeli Fortress served as an outpost of protection against sea attacks.

When you look at the walls of the fortress, you start to question how so that this building was completed only in 4 months.

In the Rumeli Hisari, every stone has a history. And when you are there, you are mentally traveling in the past time of battles and conquests.

I recommend visiting this Istanbul attraction only if you are spending at least 5 days in the city. Come here for the history and amazing views (which Istanbul is full of). The best view is from the upper steps by the left tower.

Working Hours : 9 am to 7 pm every day except Wednesday.

Entrance : 18 TL. 

Cool Istanbul Places to Visit for Foodies

Balkon restaurant & bar.

If you want to spend an evening on a beautiful terrace in good company, and even with delicious dishes and drinks on the table – be sure to check out the Balkon Restaurant & Bar . This place is having a good menu, offering some Turkish breakfast food , lunch and dinner, pleasant music, and offers just an incredible view of the Bosphorus! This is probably the main reason why everyone loves it here.

The menu at the Balkon Restaurant is classic: there are salads, light snacks, meat dishes, and, of course, dishes of national Turkish cuisine. The assortment also has a lot of desserts and bowls with fruits.

Hours : 11 am to 2:30 pm daily. 

Average bill : $$

Balkan Lokantasi

Lokantasi is a Turkish catering establishment or in other words bistro , where locals usually have lunch or dinner. The food here is cooked in advance and put behind the glass in a display window in special metal containers that keep on low heat.

There are many different types of Lokantasi around Istanbul. Some are smaller and family-owned while others are bigger with many workers.

Balkan Lokantasi is a chain with many bistros around the city . They all remind an ordinary canteen where you need to take a tray, choose your favorite dishes as the line moves, pay, and only then sit down to eat. The variety, quality of food and taste in all Balkan Lokantasi bistros are amazing. Moreover, food is almost the same as in expensive tourist cafes but only several times cheaper.

No matter which part of Istanbul you are in, you can find Balkan Lokantasi. In any restaurant, you can try almost all the popular dishes of Turkish cuisine on a budget. Vegetarians and vegan will find many options here too. If you are a foodie, I highly recommend saving this place!

Hours : Depends on the establishment. Some are open from 7 am to 10 pm, others to 11 pm. 

Solera Winery

Wine anyone? Turkish wine anyone? After Mark and I got a chance to live in Tbilisi,  there we tried all sorts of Georgian wine.  Since then, in every new destination we go to, we are just looking for local wine to try. And Turks, I have to tell you, make really good wine too. 

Solera wine bar is that perfect place for wine lovers who want to come here after a long day of walking around Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. You’ll find here more than 50 local wines , good food, welcoming staff and such a nice atmosphere.

If you tell the waiter that you have no idea where to start, he will bring you five bottles of wine and give you to try each one. Just note that most Turkish wines contain 14-14.5% alcohol, so it’s possible to get drunk a little faster than usual. For wine, you can order a cheese & dry meat plate as an appetizer.

Check more reviews and photos here . 

Hours : Noon – 2 am every day.

Average bill : $$$. Wine (as any other alcohol) is not cheap in Turkey. 

Karaköy Güllüoğlu

Remember this name because the best baklava in Istanbul is for sale in Karaköy Güllüoğlu.

Usually, it is good for three days but here they make it every morning. If you want to buy different goodies and take them with you, guys at the shop can easily wrap them in a tight vacuum.

Large carrot-shaped pistachio baklava (fistikli havuç dilim baklava) will cost 13 TL ($2.3). For the same money, you can take a “bride bag” (fıstıklı gelinbohçası baklava) where there are 5 pieces in a serving. This place has earned its reputation a long time ago and every type of baklava they sell is incredibly delish. 

Hours : Mon-Sat from 7 am to 1 am. Sunday from 8 am to 1 am. 

Eminonu Pier District 

The Eminonu Pier district itself is not particularly noteworthy. It is a significant transport hub with railway, sea, and bus terminals. By the way, the famous “Orient Express” connecting Istanbul and Paris leaves from the Eminonu Station. And there is a Galata bridge that connects opposite two shores of the European side along Golden Horn Bay.

Nonetheless, what makes this part of Istanbul appealing to foodies is the ground floor of the bridge with many small fish restaurants.

Nearby, if you walk a bit to the side, you can watch a fascinating picture. On beautiful old boats, fishermen unload a freshly caught fish, on another boat they clean and wash it, and then on the next boat behind the sellers they prep and fry it and then pass it to sellers to make a famous sandwich balyk-exmek – a fresh bun with fried fish and onions. 

Anyways, if you are not in the mood for a fish sandwich, multiple restaurants under the bridge have extensive menus. Even the most demanding gourmands will be surprised by the selection. 

Hours : It depends on the restaurant. Some establishments open as early as 10 am and close as late as 2 am. 

Prices : $-$$. 

Unique Instagrammable Places in Istanbul For Photographers 

Maiden tower .

Among all the best places in Istanbul, there is one which you see on many postcards. And that’s the Maiden Tower. The rich history of this place made it not only a famous architectural monument but also a popular destination among tourists. Its beautiful view is especially nice to observe during a ferry trip along the Bosphorus .

Over many years, it managed to serve as a watchtower, as a customs control point, a sea lighthouse, a quarantine chambers, and even a restaurant. Once the tower even appeared in one of the James Bond movies.

This part of the Uskudar embankment is one of the most romantic places in Istanbul . Locals love coming here to sit on the steps on soft pillows, drink tea, and take a million photos with seagulls trying to grab the simit from their hands.

By the way, if you decide to visit the tower, there is a small restaurant on the top.

Icadiye Cd. (Street) in Kuzguncuk

Among all the best places to visit in Istanbul, Kuzguncuk neighborhood is one of the cutest and most charming ones. This cozy community is located in the Uskudar region on the Asian side of the Bosphorus. You can get there by boat from the European side or by bus if on the Asian side. 

The beauty of this district lays in quiet streets with ancient carved wooden houses, small colorful shop windows, and grocery stores. People here are very friendly, always smile, and always invite you for a cup of tea.

Do you love books and coffee? Then visit Nail Kitabevi Cafe . As soon as you pick up your book and order your espresso, go upstairs to get comfortable in one of the chairs by the window. 

The entire Icadiye street reminds more of a decoration from a movie studio. With all vintage shops, quirky cafes, old colorful houses it is a great setting for photos.

From what I’ve heard from local friends, Icadiye street shows precisely how Istanbul used to be before urbanization. It was quiet, people lived their lives at a slower pace, taking care of their neighborhood.

I advise you to walk around and look for the prettiest spots for photos. They are around each corner.

To all who prefer to sip their drink overlooking the Bosphorus, I can recommend Kuzguncuk Cinaralti cafe . There, in the shade of the trees, you can fully enjoy the privacy and get Zen. 

Colorful Houses & Quirky Cafes in Balat Neighborhood 

Another colorful neighborhood that not many tourists know about. And definitely one of the best places to visit in Istanbul, even if you don’t care for Instagram. 

Balat – the oldest Jewish district of Istanbul – used to be unsafe. Not many locals would recommend going there even a few years ago. However, with time, it started to change for better, keeping its authenticity and unique style.

Balat today is very safe to visit and interesting to see. Being full of authentic bars, vintage shops, the famous rainbow color stairs and colorful houses ( on Merdivenli Yokuş Evleri street ) it serves as a great spot for photographers and Instagrammers.

Everywhere you walk you see the bed linen hanging on the ropes, lazy cats lying at every porch and restaurant, locals not being in a hurry, enjoying life and drinking their Turkish coffee.

Walk through Balat from one corner to another, take lots of photos for your Instagram and grab a snack at one of many quirky cafes. Be sure to visit the three main attractions of the area – the Patriarchate of Constantinople, Church of St. Mary of the Mongols and the Greek Orthodox College .

Ferry Across the Bosphorus

The ferry is the fastest, most romantic, and comfortable type of public transportation in Istanbul. However, for tourists, boarding a “floating taxi” means more than just crossing from the European side of Istanbul to Asian and back.

Taking a ferry is one of the most fun attractions and things to do in Istanbul . With a cup of tea or salep and panoramic views of the city, you’ll definitely have amazingly beautiful photos. If you take a ring of simit, then certainly expect a flock of gulls naturally appear in your pictures too.

The fare is between 3-4 Lira ($0.6-0.7). A glass of tart Turkish tea or Salep will cost 2 and 4 Lira ($0.35 and $0.70) respectively. I advise you to climb the upper deck and go to the stern where the Turkish flag is.

The most scenic routes for a ferry ride are from Eminonu to Kadikoy (and back), from Karaköy to Uskudar and from Eminonu to Park Emirgan. The last one is one of the longest trips which takes more time and costs more money. Although, it also presents a wonderful opportunity to see a bigger part of the European and Asian sides. 

Ihlamur Palace

Ihlamur Palace is the summer residence of the Sultans. Sultan Abdul-Majid loved to vacation here and receive important guests. Double baroque staircases, bohemian glass chandeliers, and French furniture make it look magnificent and somewhat fairytalish. 

The Palace consists of two buildings – the ceremonial Mayet and the ceremonial Merasim. The second would be probably ideal for serving as a ghost house in a movie. With two massive baroque staircases, stone flowers, vases, columns, and dark arched windows it looks a bit spooky.

Nevertheless, this is an amazingly beautiful place. And despite the fact that the name translates as “a palace under lindens”, the garden has a huge amount of magnolias , so it is better to come here in the spring when they bloom.

Opening hours are from 09:00 to 17:00. Mondays are off. 

Entrance fee : 5 TL.

Buyuk Mecidiye Mosque (Known as Ortaköy Mosque)

Ortaköy Mosque is definitely one of the most instagrammable places in Istanbul. And you have probably seen many photos of this spot. It is a favorite place for girls in bright colorful dresses that come to the mosque long before dawn.

On the pier, there is even a “special” ledge that has a nice angle that lets you take a photo with the Mosque, the Bosphorus Bridge, and Bosphorus itself in one photo. During the high season, tourists line up there in the afternoon and the place gets crowded.

On a few occasions when we were there, it was raining, so there were no people around. If you are looking to have photos without people in the background and not be in a hurry then plan to come as early as possible. Rainy and winter days are almost free of people too. Winters in Istanbul are particularly quiet. But don’t worry, the weather is not going to ruin the experience and photos. They will have a mystical look with heavy skies and a stormy sea. Photos above were taken on a rainy day in February. 

If you want to get to the mosque by water , board the Kadikoy-Sariyer ferry which enters the port of Ortaköy.

Terrace in ‘Seven Hills’ Restaurant

Seven Hills restaurant is one of those places in Istanbul that every blogger and travel magazine has on their list. This well-known fancy restaurant with an outdoor terrace in Istanbul’s Old Town offers stunning views of all the sights at once.

In addition to the already fantastic view, there are no less photogenic seagulls flying around trying to steal a piece of food. 

Besides the location and views, Seven Hills restaurant offers a wide range of seafood from the Marmara Sea (which is pretty good by the way). The average bill for a dish though bites a little – it is usually about 145-175 TL ($25-30) for two. If you want to come here for the photos alone, I recommend ordering only a tea for 7 TL ($1.2).

The best place for a photo is the tables in the corners of the restaurant, so it is best to book them in advance or come at sunset on a weekday.

Hours : 7:30 am to 11 pm every day.

Suleymaniye Mosque

Istanbul’s largest and second most important mosque is also one of the most beautiful and popular mosques in the city. It is that popular partly because of the fact that there is the tomb of Roxolana.

The road to the mosque is not easy. But the grandeur of its architecture and the beautiful view of the Bosphorus and the city make you forget about the strenuous walk. Suleymaniye offers views of the city, the Bosphorus, and the Galata Tower in a distance.

For tourists, the mosque is closed for salat time. So the best hours for visiting are from 9:00 to 12:30 and from 13:45 to 15:45 . On Fridays the mosque is closed until 2:30 pm, so avoid visiting on this day. Admission is free.

The best places for photos are the main gate and a mini-garden in the backyard . Devote at least 2 hours of your time to this place since it’s huge. 

Grand Bazaar 

Even if you don’t like sights and don’t like to go to the bazaars and markets, Kapali Carsi (Turkish word for Grand Bazaar) will not leave you indifferent. In fact, a visit to this place can take all your day .

Unique architecture, many shopping malls, restaurants and cafes in the largest and oldest covered market in the world, which can accommodate up to half a million people at a time, can easily amaze everyone. 91 million people a year visit the market (the only thought about it blows my mind).

The foundation of the bazaar was laid in 1461. In its labyrinths that extend over an area of ​​30.700 square meters, there are 66 streets and about 4,000 shops (can you imagine?).

Today, many of the shops, of course, differ from the shops in the past. Still and all, the streets of the market retained the old names.

Kapali Carsi has long become more of a tourist attraction than a market in the full sense of the word. But I will not dissuade you from buying souvenirs. If you come across something truly valuable, why not, right? Even if it turns out that you paid three times more than what it really costs, take this as an honor – you were deceived in the largest and oldest indoor market in the world. Ha! 

Grand Bazaar is truly one of the most instagrammable places in Istanbul. I recommend you take a couple of photos in spite of the million warnings not to do so. They are intended only for those who are trying to photograph the shop stealthily.

If you ask the owner of the shop with lanterns or carpets for permission, he will kindly invite you in . Besides that, you will not only get a chance to take a picture but also a cup of Turkish tea.

Spice Bazaar (or Egyptian Bazaar)

Built in 1660 as part of the New Mosque complex, the Egyptian Bazaar is one of the most populous places in Istanbul. During the time of the Ottoman Empire, it was a place where others could buy medicines from special medicinal herbs along with various spices of the Middle East, herbal teas, fruits, pastille, and Turkish delight.

Today, in the Egyptian Bazaar, you can find jewelry, fabrics, spices, nuts, dry fruit, handmade baskets, and various souvenirs. Anyone who has fun choosing unique multi-colored souvenirs must certainly visit this interesting market.

To take the best photos, you need to search for an ‘Aladdin’ store . You’ll find it at the beginning of the spice market on the right side. Of the six entrance gates, you should choose those that “look” at the Bosphorus . Aladdin’s shop sells dry fruits and tea. In the center, there is a stand (apparently for tea drinking) which many people love to sit on when taking pictures. 

In fact, there are many similar places in the spice market. You just need to walk around and look for the right one. Once you find the shop you want to have in your Instagram feed, ask a merchant nicely to take a photo inside. Most of them will smile and give permission. 

Galata Tower

Galata Tower is one of the most popular places in Istanbul for tourists and locals alike. Instagram is literally full of pictures of this landmark.

It is worth noting that the view of the Galata Tower itself is much nicer than the view from it . A lot of sources recommend going to the top of the tower for one of the best views. I honestly don’t understand why. There are so many amazing restaurants and vista points with a much better view and fewer people. Why would you be wasting your vacation time in a place that is totally overrated and overpriced? 

The climb to the viewing platform for tourists costs as much as 25 pounds and you get to see very little up there. I can say the same about the restaurant which is located inside the tower. Any other place in Istanbul has tastier food, better ambiance, and cheaper prices.

But to see the tower itself and take a few Instagram worthy pictures is definitely worth it . It is best to come to Galata Square very early in the morning before people start to flood the place. Another great time is in the evening or at night when the illumination is already turned on. Buy a glass of freshly squeezed pomegranate juice at ‘Star Bufe’ and settle down on one of the benches nearby to fully enjoy the grandeur of Galata’s beauty.

Büyük Hendek Street is the perfect place for taking photos with the Galata Tower in the background.

Rooftop Kubbe

Until recently, it was Istanbul’s secret open roof. Today, it is the most instagrammable and photographed place to visit but still, not everyone knows about it. You can find the rooftop on the way from Suleymaniye Mosque to the Egyptian market.

Look for Nasuhiye Street . Go up to the ‘Pak Pride Pizza Salonu’ cafe and turn left. A stealthy courtyard with a steep staircase is what you need. From the derelict and cluttered with debris roof, you get to see a panoramic view. The tops of houses and the Bosphorus are on the one side, the Beyazit Tower and the Suleymaniye mosque on the other.

Alternatively, you can visit the Kubbe-i Aşk cafe which is located nearby. I wrote about this cafe in my where to eat in Istanbul  post, so if you are interested to find details, feel free to give it a read. 

Kamondo Stairs 

In 1860, the banker Kamondo pleased the locals in Beyoglu district by building a “winding” staircase. Its predecessor was too steep and slippery, so when rushing to work, people often rolled head over heels directly onto the roadway.

160 years later, and now Kamondo caters to lovers of beautiful photos in unusual places.

Just keep in mind, if you want to be the only person on the staircase, come in as early as sun rises. 

Kucuksu Palace 

Kucuksu Palace is another palace of Sultan Abdul-Medjid. It is located on the Asian side of Istanbul, between the two small rivers. Such a picturesque place has always attracted many people here. And today Kyuchyksu is a pearl on the banks of the Bosphorus.

The palace itself is a two-story building that looks like a small castle. You can see it from the water on a ferry ride. On one side there is a fortress of Anadoluhisari and on the other – the bridge of Sultan Mehmed Fatih.

Since 1944, the palace turned into a museum. But only in 1994, the museum was restored and opened to the public. 

Tourists visit this palace much less often than any other and that’s a mistake. The building is very beautiful and always quiet. With the baroque gate and massive staircase, it is ideal places to visit in Istanbul for photographers.

Kucuksu Palace is open every day from 09:00 to 17:00. Monday and Thursday are days off.

On weekends, you can also have a royal-like breakfast from 9:00 to 13:00 . The entrance fee is 20 TL. 

Best Places in Istanbul For Nature Lovers 

Yildiz park.

Istanbul has many parks where you can spend several hours or even a day away from city noise while taking leisurely walks and enjoying the surrounding view. Yildiz Park is one of those ideal places.

Generally speaking, it is not even a park but a forest in the city . It lies on 46 hectares between the hills of Besiktas in Ortaköy. The entire territory of the park which includes greenery, trails, arbors, and recreation areas becomes real salvation from a noisy metropolis.

In the past, the Sultans went hunting here but today it is a great place for relaxation and picnics.

Gulhane Park

In the very center of the historical part of Istanbul, there is an amazing park, which rightly bears the romantic name Gulhane Park. Laying on a hillside next to the Topkapi Palace, the park was previously a property of the Sultan. Therefore, tens of thousands of rose bushes you find there today, in the past were only for the sultan, his close associates, and residents of the Harem.

Today, Gulhane Park is a favorite place for romantic walks . There you can wander for hours, looking at trees, flowers and admiring fountains with sea views. Or just spend time lying on a velvet lawn, reading a book or looking at the ephemeral figures of clouds.

Since this park was once part of the Topkapi Palace, it is a great idea to combine a walk there with a visit to the palace.

Princes Islands (or Adalar)

When you get around all the main attractions of Istanbul and want to relax a bit from the noisy active city, go to the Princes’ Islands (Adalar). They are located in the Sea of ​​Marmara, 25 km from the Istanbul center.

The largest of the Princes’ Islands is Buyukada. But the most romantic one is Burguzada . The trip will take about 2 hours one way but it will be a real sea adventure . The ferry is comfortable and has panoramic decks .

Due to the fact that rich and high-ranking officials lived on Buyukada Island at the beginning of the 20th century, many luxurious suburban villas were built there and they perfectly complement the surroundings of the island. You will see many luxurious homes drowning in breathtaking bougainvilleas.

Another attraction is to go biking, hiking, or swimming at the beach. I advise you to rent a bicycle for 5TL per hour if weather permitting of course. This will provide an excellent opportunity to explore everything at your own pace.

Buyukada is an absolutely perfect place to relax from the hustle and bustle of the city, enjoy the sea views, eat delicious sea bass on the beach in a tavern in the company of seagulls and admire from a distance how grand Istanbul is. But Burguzada offers just that, yet with fewer people. See my post about this island and get inspired to visit.

Polonezkoy is a Polish village on the far edge of the Asian side of Istanbul, founded by Polish immigrants.

The village retains the charm and culture of the 19th century. People who live here use Polish and Turkish languages and support Polish traditions. If you have been to Poland, it will come as a surprise to find some polish motifs in the middle of the Asian part of Turkey. 

In the village, you can get a picnic basket and go for a walk through the picturesque meadows and forests. Nearby Nature Parks have a lot to offer. If the visit to the village falls on June 16-17, you can also go to the “Cherry Festival”.

Pierre Loti Hill

This is one of a few places in Istanbul where you can experience how quiet and calm Istanbul is. If you take the Eyup funicular , you will find yourself in a large garden on top of the mountain with a fantastic view of the Golden Horn and Old Istanbul.

Just nearby there is a cafe where the Turks play traditional backgammon and drink their favorite coffee. A bit higher the road there is a Pierre Loti restaurant.  It is perfect for some meditation or a cup of tea with a unique view.

Miniaturk Park-Museum

If you think it is impossible to see all the sights of Turkey in one day, you are wrong. You can definitely do it in Miniaturk Park, in an open-air museum that combines the rich heritage of civilizations.

Some people call the complex a ‘small model of a large country’, where the most valuable historical monuments from the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires stand in miniature.

Miniaturk Park has 134 iconic objects of Turkey in miniature, on a scale of 1:25. In total, the territory of the complex, besides the museum, includes the restaurant, cafeteria, souvenir shop, children’s playground, parking for 300 cars, an exhibition hall, and much more.

The exposition consists of three parts. One part is about the sights of Istanbul . The second part includes exhibits that represent valuable monuments of Turkey . And the third part is full of the historical sites of the Ottoman era that are now located in other countries. Also, the third part has models of two of the seven wonders of the world – the temple of Artemis and the mausoleum of Halicarnassus, both have not survived to this day. 

It is a very interesting and unique park to visit in Istanbul if you are a returning visitor who has seen a bit of the city. 

Belgrade Forest

Once inside the vast Belgrade forest, it will be hard to believe that you are still in Istanbul. For a long time, the forest was not just an oasis of beauty and wildlife but it also served as a reservoir, supplying Istanbul with water for centuries. Today, the park no longer plays such an important role in the water supply of Istanbul but the best underground springs are here.

Mostly oaks grow in this forest but also here you can find eastern birch, hornbeam, and Anatolian chestnut. Approximately 71 species of birds and 18 species of mammals live there. You can see foxes and wolves, in the depths of the forest there are even wild boars deer.

Residents of Istanbul come here for extensive walks around the lake, have a picnic, and relax during the weekend. If you love getting into the wilderness, this is the place to go to.

Emirgan Korusu Park

A 47-hectare park could have remained “unrecognized” by tourists if it did not host the annual International Flower Festival on its territory in 2005. Since that time, the festival is taking place every year in April. More than 11 million flowers of nearly 80 different varieties planted around Istanbul. Yet Emirgan Korusu accounts for a bigger percentage of that number.

April is not the only time to visit, really. We have been to this park during the offseason in December and March and enjoyed our walks there. There are two artificial lakes, a waterfall, several restaurants, and a dozen picnic areas with benches.

The festival itself takes place in early April – from the 6th to the 10th. But tulips bloom all month.

The entrance is free and the park is open 24/7. 

Kadikoy Moda Park

Park Moda is one of the quieter and less-visited green places on the Asian side of Istanbul. Now we are living in Kadikoy and visiting this place in Istanbul on many occasions. And I really want to share a few words about how cool this park is.

This is an extensive sheltered rather small park where people who live in the area love to jog, walk and relax here. Families often get together on weekends laying on the grass and enjoying the view of Fenerbahce neighborhood. I recommend visiting this park only if you are exploring Kadikoy and Moda. It doesn’t make much sense to come to this side only for the park alone.

Also, if you feel like renting a bike, there is a bike station in the park and biking paths that go all the way to Fenerbahce Park, passing by another small park by the water Kalamis Ataturk Park. 

Fenerbahce Park

Here is another magnificent park with a romantic name in the Asian part of Istanbul. As I mentioned above, talking about Kadikoy Moda Park, it is easy to reach this green area by bike. If not, then by walking or by bus from Kadikoy neighborhood .

The main feature of the park is various exotic species of shrubs and trees. Here you will find an abundance of tulips in flower beds, almonds, and magnolias near the trails . April and May are the best months to visit, this is the time when almonds and magnolia blossom.

Additionally to natural beauty, there are a few indoor venues and outdoor cafes that offer a picturesque panorama of the Princes’ Islands .

Ulus Park 

Ulus Park is located in one of the upscale residential areas of Istanbul. It is very popular due to the stunning views of the Bosphorus.

In this park, the noise of the city gives way to peace and quiet. You can come here to unplug, enjoy the clean air, filled with aromas of flowers and conifers.

Ulus park is great at any time of the year . Due to the abundance of evergreen trees and shrubs, even in winter, it gives the impression of an oasis among city blocks. And in the summer, when flowerbeds are covered with floral carpets, you will want to stay longer near this magnificence in order to remember the beauty. 

Locals love coming here with their families on weekends. The observation deck of the park gives an opportunity to enjoy a beautiful view of the blue waters of the Bosphorus and fascinating architecture of the Asian side of Istanbul.

A Few More Tips For Your Trip to Istanbul

If this is going to be your first trip to Istanbul, I recommend reading my guide to Istanbul airport transfer , main Istanbul sightseeing spots, travel tips for Istanbul , and guide to prices in Istanbul . Foodies should read my guide to Istanbul restaurants and cafes . 

From my point of view, the best way to understand the city is to go on one of the tours. You can go on a full-day private tour around the classic monuments of Istanbul , on off-the-beaten-path tour, and definitely try traditional delicious delicacies on a food tour.

For all my posts about Turkey, go to this page .

If you are looking to find out what to expect from Istanbul , I highly recommend picking one of the books:

It was one long post with too many details. If you have anything to add, please let me know in the comments. If you follow one of these recommendations, I would love to hear what was your favorite place. Also, don’t forget to share it on Pinterest!

Enjoy Istanbul! 

Anya is originally from Ukraine but in heart she is a citizen of the world. She is working online and that’s why has an opportunity to travel a lot and live in different countries. At present time, she is based in Spain while waiting for the war in Ukraine to be over to be able to return home. On this blog, her main goal is to inspire others to travel to under-the-radar places and discover the world while working remotely.

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This is an incredible blog! I’m planning a trip to Instanbul so this was very helpful!

Glad to hear, thanks Emma!

Wow AMAZING guide. The best one I’ve found! Thank you

Thank you, Madelyn, I am updating this and other posts and adding more content on Istanbul, so I hope to see you here again!

Brilliant work. So much in detail. Thank you.

Awesome and helpful guide, I am considering visiting this summer for the first time, are 2 full days enough to do sightseeing or better allocate 3 days?

Hi Marat, no, 2 days are too little time for Istanbul. If you have a chance, turn them into 3 (and you’ll thank me later for that :)). But if that’s not possible, then try to pack your 2 days from very early morning to late night.

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22 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Istanbul

Written by Jess Lee Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Jess Lee has been a regular Istanbul visitor for twenty years and used to run tours in the city. She lives in Turkey.

Coveted by empires across the centuries, straddling both Europe and Asia, Istanbul is one of the world's great metropolises.

Founded around 1000 BCE, the colony of Byzantium grew into the Byzantine Empire's great capital of Constantinople and after the Ottoman conquest of the city, retained its glorious place as the heart of their empire.

The city (officially renamed Istanbul after the founding of the Turkish Republic) is liberally scattered with glorious remnants of its long and illustrious history, and the tourist attractions here will impress even the most monument-weary visitor.

As well as the big four (the Hagia Sophia Mosque, Topkapı Palace, the Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar), leave enough time to explore the other sights.

Although many of the most popular and best places to visit are located in, or near, the old city district of Sultanahmet, there is a dazzling array of other things to do throughout the farther reaches of the city.

Plan your trip with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Istanbul.

See also: Where to Stay in Istanbul

1. Admire the Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) Mosque

2. explore topkapı palace (topkapı sarayı), 3. visit the blue mosque (sultan ahmet cami), 4. head underground at the basilica cistern (yerebatan sarnıçı), 5. stroll the hippodrome, 6. check out the collection in istanbul archaeology museum, 7. shop in the grand bazaar (kapalı çarşı), 8. admire the architecture of the süleymaniye mosque, 9. sample turkish produce in the spice bazaar (mısır çarşısı), 10. soak up the splendor of dolmabahçe palace, 11. see the frescoes of the chora church (kariye cami), 12. visit the museum of turkish and islamic arts (türk ve islam eserleri müzesi), 13. view the little aya sofya (küçük aya sofya), 14. admire the tilework of the rüstem paşa mosque, 15. walk the ramparts of yedikule fortress (yedikule hisarı), 16. climb up galata tower, 17. cruise the bosphorus strait, 18. take in the art at istanbul modern, 19. visit the historic fatih mosque, 20. view the pera museum's ottoman-era art, 21. stroll istiklal caddesi and taksim, 22. explore the district of üsküdar, where to stay in istanbul for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to istanbul, map of tourist attractions & things to do in istanbul, istanbul, turkey - climate chart.

Highlights: Ancient architecture, deep religious significance, and glittering mosaics

It's said that when the Byzantine Emperor Justinian entered his finished church for the first time in CE 536, he cried out " Glory to God that I have been judged worthy of such a work. Oh Solomon, I have outdone you! "

The Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya in Turkish) was the emperor's swaggering statement to the world of the wealth and technical ability of his empire.

Tradition maintained that the area surrounding the emperor's throne within the church was the official center of the world.

Through its conversion to a mosque, after the Ottoman armies conquered Constantinople, to its further conversion into a museum in the 20th century and its reconversion back into a working mosque in 2020, the Hagia Sophia has remained one of Istanbul's most cherished landmarks.

Address: Aya Sofya Meydanı, Sultanahmet

• Read More: Exploring Aya Sofya (Hagia Sophia): A Visitor's Guide

Highlights: Ottoman-era finery, sumptuous tilework, and the Harem complex

First built by Mehmet the Conqueror in the 15th century, glorious Topkapı Palace , beside the Bosphorus, was where the sultans of the Ottoman Empire lived and ruled from.

The vast complex is a dazzling display of Islamic art, with opulent courtyards lined with intricate hand-painted tilework, linking a warren of sumptuously decorated rooms, all bounded by battlemented walls and towers.

Of the many highlights here, the most popular are the Harem complex (where the sultan's many concubines and children would spend their days); the Second Court , where you can walk through the vast palace kitchens and stand in awe at the dazzling interior of the Imperial Council Chamber; and the Third Court, which contained the sultan's private rooms.

The Third Court also displays an impressive collection of relics of the Prophet Muhammad in the Sacred Safekeeping Room and is home to the Imperial Treasury, where you're greeted with a cache of glittering gold objects and precious gems that will make your eyes water.

To fully see Topkapı Palace, you'll need at least half a day.

Address: Babihümayun Caddesi, Gülhane Park

Highlight: Home to Istanbul's famed domed interior of Ottoman tilework

Sultan Ahmet I's grand architectural gift to his capital was this beautiful mosque, commonly known as the Blue Mosque today.

Built between 1609 and 1616, the mosque caused a furore throughout the Muslim world when it was finished, as it had six minarets (the same number as the Great Mosque of Mecca). A seventh minaret was eventually gifted to Mecca to stem the dissent.

The mosque gets its nickname from its interior decoration of tens of thousands of Iznik tiles.

The entire spatial and color effect of the interior makes the mosque one of the finest achievements of Ottoman architecture.

A great sightseeing joy of a trip to Istanbul is wandering amid the gardens sandwiched between the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia to experience their dueling domes in twin glory.

Come at dusk for extra ambience, as the call to prayer echoes out.

Directly behind the Blue Mosque is the Arasta Bazaar; a great place for a shopping stop as the handicraft shops here sell high-quality souvenirs.

Even if you're not interested in a browse, head here to see the Great Palace Mosaic Museum , which is tucked between the Arasta Bazaar and the mosque.

This small museum displays the 250-square-meter fragment of mosaic pavement that was unearthed in the 1950s here. Excellent information panels explain the mosaic floor's recovery and subsequent rescue.

Highlight: Walking amid this atmospheric, majestic, and columned Byzantine-era space

The Basilica Cistern is one of Istanbul's most surprising tourist attractions.

This huge, palace-like underground hall, supported by 336 columns in 12 rows, once stored the imperial water supply for the Byzantine emperors.

The project was begun by Constantine the Great but finished by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century.

Many of the columns used in construction were recycled from earlier classical structures and feature decorative carvings.

The most famous of these are the column bases known as the Medusa stones in the northwest corner with their Medusa head carvings.

A visit here is very atmospheric with the columns beautifully lit and the soft, steady trickle of water all around you.

Address: Yerebatan Caddesi, Sultanahmet

Highlights: Central park area holding relics from ancient Egypt and Greece.

The ancient Hippodrome was begun by Septimius Severus in CE 203 and completed by Constantine the Great in CE 330.

This was the center of Byzantine public life and the scene of splendid games and chariot races but also factional conflicts.

Today, there isn't much of the Hippodrome left to see, except for a small section of the gallery walls on the southern side, but the At Meydanı (park), which now stands on the site is home to a variety of monuments.

On the northwest side is a fountain, presented to the Ottoman sultan by the German Emperor William II in 1898.

Then, heading southwest are three ancient monuments: a 20-meter high Egyptian obelisk (from Heliopolis); the Serpent Column brought here from Delphi by Constantine; and a stone obelisk that originally was clad in gold-covered bronze plating until they were stolen by the soldiers of the 4th Crusade in 1204.

Highlights: Viewing the Sidon necropolis collection, Anatolian sarcophagi, and the Tiled Pavilion

Just a hop, skip, and jump away from Topkapı Palace, and easily visited afterwards, Istanbul Archaeology Museum brings together an array of artifacts from both Turkey and throughout the Middle East, which sweeps through the vast breadth of history of this region.

There are three separate sections in the museum complex, each of which are worthy of a visit.

The Museum of the Ancient Orient displays a collection focused on the Middle East's pre-Islamic art and heritage.

The main Archaeology Museum houses statuary and tombs, including the famed sarcophaguses from Sidon, Lebanon that were unearthed by Ottoman architect Osman Hamdi Bey. Also here, you'll find the Istanbul through the Ages exhibit room, which helps you visualize the city's vast and epic history.

The museum's third building is the Tiled Pavilion, built by Mehmet the Conqueror, which houses a wide range of ceramic art.

Address: Osman Hamdi Bey Yokusu Sokak, Gülhane Park

• Read More: Exploring Istanbul's Archaeological Museum: A Visitor's Guide

Highlight: One of the world's great shopping experiences

For many visitors, sightseeing in Istanbul is as much about shopping as museums and monumental attractions, and the Grand Bazaar is where everyone comes.

This massive covered market is basically the world's first shopping mall, taking up a whole city quarter, surrounded by thick walls, between the Nuruosmanıye Mosque and Beyazıt Mosque.

The Beyazıt Mosque (built in 1498-1505) itself occupies the site of Theodosius I's Forum and has architecture inspired by the Hagia Sophia.

Entrance to the bazaar is through one of 11 gates from where a maze of vaulted-ceiling laneways, lined by shops and stalls selling every Turkish souvenir and handicraft you could imagine, cover the area.

The various trades are still mostly segregated into particular sections, which makes browsing easier.

Near the bazaar's Divanyolu Caddesi entrance is the Burned Column. This stump (still 40 meters high) of a porphyry column was set up by Constantine the Great in his forum. Until 1105, it bore a bronze statue of Constantine.

Address: Divanyolu Caddesi

Read More: Istanbul's Grand Bazaar: Things to Buy & Shopping Tips

Highlights: Ottoman mosque architecture at its finest and the tomb of Sultan Süleyman I

Sitting high on the hill above Sultanahmet district, the Süleymaniye Mosque is one of the most recognized landmarks of Istanbul.

It was built for Sultan Süleyman I (commonly known as Süleyman the Magnificent; reigned 1520-1566) by the famed Ottoman architect, Sinan, who is responsible for many of the feted Ottoman-era monuments in Turkey including the Selimiye Mosque in Edirne .

The Süleymaniye Mosque's interior, dominated by its soaring 53-meter-high dome is notable for its harmonious proportions and unity of design.

Outside in the tranquil garden area is an interesting Ottoman-era cemetery, which is also home to the türbes (tombs) of the Sultan Süleyman and his wife Haseki Hürrem Sultan (often commonly known outside of Turkey as Roxelana).

Address: Professor Sıdık Sami Onar Caddesi

Highlights: One-stop-shop for Turkish flavors and sampling the country's famed sweet treats

The Spice Bazaar is the place to get your foodie fix of lokum (Turkish delight), dried fruit, nuts, herbs, and, of course, spices.

Much of the money that helped construct it came from the taxes the Ottoman government levied on Egyptian-made products, which is why its name in Turkish (Mısır Çarşısı) means "Egyptian Market."

The Spice Bazaar is one of Istanbul's most popular tourist attractions and at certain times of the day gets ridiculously crowded with huge tour groups from the docked cruise ships.

Try to come before 11am or after 4pm to dodge the crowds.

Just next door to the Spice Bazaar's main entrance is the stately Yeni Cami (New Mosque), which was begun in 1615 and finished in 1663 – that's "new" for Istanbul.

It is worthwhile taking a peek inside while you're sightseeing in the area, as the interior is richly decorated with tilework and liberal use of gold leaf.

Address: Yenicami Meydanı, Eminönü

Highlights: Extravagant palace interiors and manicured formal gardens

The sumptuous and ornate Dolmabahçe Palace shows the clear influence of European decoration and architecture on the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century.

Built by Sultan Abdülmecid I in 1854, it replaced Topkapı Palace as the main residence of the sultans.

Dolmabahçe Palace was also used as an official residence during the founding years of the Turkish Republic, and Atatürk (the founder of modern Turkey) died here in 1938.

The formal gardens are punctuated with fountains, ornamental basins, and blooming flower beds.

Inside, the interiors blend Rococo, Baroque, Neoclassical, and Ottoman elements with mammoth crystal chandeliers, liberal use of gold, French-style furnishings, and frescoed ceilings to create a dazzling Turkish Renaissance style of sheer splendor and pomp.

Location: Dolmabahçe Caddesi, Besiktas

Highlight: Home to a famed collection of late-Byzantine-era frescoes and mosaics

Chora means "country" in Greek, and this beautiful Church (originally called the Church of St. Saviour of Chora) lay just outside old Constantinople's city walls.

The first Chora Church was probably built here in the 5th century, but what you see now is the building's 6th reconstruction as it was destroyed completely in the 9th century and went through several facelifts from the 11th to 14th centuries.

The church was turned into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople and became a museum in 1945. In 2020, it reconverted into a working mosque.

The monument is rightly world-famous for its fabulously vibrant 14th-century mosaics, preserved almost intact in the two narthexes and fragmentarily in the nave, and the frescos along the walls and domes.

These incredible examples of Byzantine artistry cover a wide range of themes, from the genealogy of Christ to the New Testament stories.

Location: Kariye Cami Sokak, Edirnekapı

Highlights: World-famous carpet collection; showcase of the wood, ceramic, and stone artistry of the Islamic empires

Housed in the palace of Ibrahim Paşa, who was Grand Vizier for Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in Ottoman and Islamic art.

The carpet collection on display here is vast and is heralded by textile experts as the world's best.

This is a prime place to come have a peek at the dazzling array of styles of Turkish carpets (along with carpets from the Caucasus and Iran) across the centuries before setting out on a shopping mission to purchase your own floor piece.

There are also exquisite ceramics, calligraphy, and wood carving exhibits ranging in date from the 9th century CE to the 19th century.

Address: At Meydanı Caddesi, Sultanahmet

Highlight: Serene church-turned-mosque amid Istanbul's historic core

Before Emperor Justinian built the Hagia Sofia (Aya Sofya) , he had to test out if the building would work structurally, so he built this miniature version first.

Its original name was the Church of Sergius and Bacchus, but the obvious architectural parallels with the Aya Sofya led to its long-held nickname becoming the building's official title.

During the Ottoman era, the church was converted into a mosque and it still functions as a working mosque today.

Although its proportions aren't as grandiose as others in Istanbul, the building has been beautifully restored and is well worth a visit.

The walk here, down narrow alleyways lined with tall Ottoman-era buildings – some lavishly restored and others creaking their way into dilapidation – is a tranquil respite from central Sultanahmet.

Take the time to have a glass of tea in the Little Aya Sofya's peaceful garden to sustain you for further sightseeing exploits.

Address: Küçük Aya Sofya Caddesi , Sultanahmet

Highlight: An interior of glorious and immaculately preserved ceramic tilework displays

Possibly the most perfectly pretty mosque in Istanbul, the Rüstem Paşa Mosque is home to the most stunningly preserved Iznik tile panels in the city.

Sure the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) may get all the glory, but it's here – covering both the exterior courtyard walls and the mosque interior itself – that you'll find the best examples of these gorgeously intricate hand-painted tiles in blues, reds, and greens.

Even better, as it's less known, you're likely to be able to admire them up close without having to battle any crowds.

Finding the mosque adds to the fun as it's squirreled down a skinny lane lined with market stalls and always bustling with life, near the Spice Bazaar.

Address: Hasırcılar Caddesi, Eminönü

Highlight: Take in the sea views while strolling this preserved section of the city's Byzantine walls

Although it's a bit of a schlep on the suburban train to get out to Yedikule (Castle of the Seven Towers), this commanding fortress is well worth it.

Built in the 5th century by the Emperor Theodosius II, the fortress made up the southern section of Constantinople's defensive walls.

The mammoth arch (blocked up in the late Byzantine period) was known as Porta Aurea (Golden Gate), with doors plated in gold.

When the Ottomans conquered the city, they used the fortress for defense, and later as a prison and execution place.

Yedikule has been restored in recent years, and you can climb up to the top of the battlements for superb views across the Sea of Marmara.

Address: Yedikule Sokak, Yedikule

Highlights: Views of this landmark building from the surrounding narrow alleys, and vistas of the historic city center from the top

The Galata Tower , overlooking the Golden Horn, was built by the Genoese in the 14th century. Today it remains one of Istanbul's most recognizable landmarks.

Standing 52 meters tall, the tower was Istanbul's tallest building for centuries. The tower has been restored several times over the years due to being damaged by fire and storms.

Today the observation deck at the top story, and its restaurant, is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul for taking in the iconic skyline views of the central old city.

Be aware, though, that it's a super popular sight, so come early or be prepared to queue.

Address: Bereketzade, Beyoğlu

Highlights: Easygoing sightseeing and panoramic city views on one of the world's great straits

For many visitors, a trip to Istanbul isn't complete without hopping aboard a Bosphorus excursion ferry and cruising the city's famed waterway, which connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara.

Istanbul's most iconic views are all from the water, and the Bosphorus excursion ferries are all about sitting back, relaxing, and taking in the scenery.

The most famous ferry tour is the Long Bosphorus Tour, which heads from Eminönü ferry dock daily, all the way up the strait to the village and fortress at Anadolu Kavağı, near the northern mouth of the strait into the Black Sea.

Along the ferry cruise there are shoreside vistas of defensive fortresses, Ottoman-era palaces and mansions, and the Bosphorus' bridges.

The Long Bosphorus Tour takes two hours one-way, stops in Anadolu Kavağı for three hours, and then returns, so you need to set aside a full day of your itinerary if you want to do it.

There is also a Short Bosphorus Tour option that operates daily two-hour afternoon sailings from spring to fall. This return ferry cruise heads up the Bosphorus as far as Rumeli fortress before turning around.

Highlights: Leading center for Turkish contemporary art plus trail-blazing temporary exhibitions

Proving that Istanbul isn't just about historic sightseeing, this thoroughly up-to-the-minute art gallery holds an extensive collection of Turkish modern art with an ever-changing calendar of exhibitions, hosting both local and international artists throughout the year.

This is by far the best place in town to get your finger on the pulse of Turkey's contemporary art scene.

As well as the galleries, the Istanbul Modern has a cinema that hosts a program of film viewings and a library.

The galleries are being temporarily hosted in a historic Beyoğlu building while they wait for the completion of this art museum's new permanent home in Karaköy.

Address: Mesrutiyet Caddesi, No:99, Beyoğlu

Highlights: Historic Ottoman-era mosque and site of Sultan Mehmet II's Tomb

The district of Fatih is home to this important mosque, which sits on the hilltop site of the first mosque built in the city by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror, who finally broke through Constantinople's walls, ending the Byzantine era.

The original 15th-century mosque was badly damaged by an earthquake and so was replaced with this grand and imposing building, replete with multiple domes and minarets, in the 18th century.

Being the site of the first of Istanbul's grand imperial mosques to be built, as well as being home to Sultan Mehmet's tomb, it's an important historic building and a popular pilgrimage site.

Location: Fevzi Pasa Caddesi, Fatih

Highlights: Acclaimed collection of Orientalist art and world-class temporary art exhibitions

Istanbul's most famous art gallery is the lovely Pera Museum , which is where art-hounds head to view one of the finest collections of Ottoman-era art in the world.

In particular, the museum contains the well-known paintings of Ottoman artist Osman Hamdi Bey. While the collection also features many other artists who focused their work on the Ottoman world, both local and foreign.

As well as the Ottoman art, the Pera holds a renowned collection of Ottoman-era tile and ceramic work and a vast collection of artifacts from the Ottoman period, as well as pieces from earlier eras.

There's also a program of regularly changing exhibitions, which focus on both historic and contemporary art and often feature some of the international art world's biggest names.

Address: Mesrutiyet Caddesi, Tepebası

Highlights: Cafe-hopping, a historic tram ride, 19th-century façades, and a dining hub

Pedestrianized Istiklal Caddesi (Independence Street) is a bustling modern shopping street with a wealth of restaurants and cafés.

The lower end of the street can be reached by taking the world's oldest underground railway (the Tünel, constructed in 1875) from near Galata Bridge. There is also a quaintly old-fashioned tramway that runs along its length right up to Taksim Square at the top of the hill.

From Taksim Square, busy Cumhuriyet Caddesi is lined with hotels, shops, restaurants, and high rises. On the east side of the road, just after the square, is Maçka Park, which is home to the interesting Military Museum.

The area around Istiklal Caddesi is home to many churches and old consulate buildings with ornate facades.

Also nearby is Orhan Pamuk's Museum of Innocence . Pamuk is Turkey's most famous author and the winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature. This conceptual-art museum is based around the theme of his novel The Museum of Innocence and is a rather bizarre, kooky, and wonderfully atmospheric experience.

Address: Istiklal Caddesi

Highlights : Hillside strolls with city views and historic lesser-seen Ottoman mosques

Istanbul's Asian shore is easily reached by ferry from Eminönü dock across the Bosphorus.

On an islet just off the Asiatic shore stands the 30-meter-high Kızkulesi (Maiden's Tower).

Üsküdar was traditionally known as Scutari and has some handsome old mosques, winding lanes, and weathered brown timber houses (particularly between the ferry dock and the large cemetery).

The town, known in antiquity as Chrysopolis, was one of the earliest Greek settlements on the Bosporus.

It was much more exposed to attack by foreign conquerors than Constantinople, with its defensive situation and strong walls, but it was able to draw economic advantage from its exposed situation – until 1800 it was the terminus of the caravan routes that brought the treasures of the East to Constantinople and onwards to Europe.

Of particular sightseeing interest here is the Atik Valide Mosque, which was designed by the famed Ottoman architect Sinan; and the Çinili Mosque, which contains some beautiful Iznik tilework.

If you're planning to see Istanbul's top tourist attractions, the easiest place to base yourself is Sultanahmet (Istanbul's old city district), which is a short stroll from all the city's major historical attractions. The Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, and the Hagia Sofia (Aya Sofya) are all within a five-minute walk, and many hotels in the area have stellar views of these buildings, as well as out to the Bosphorus from their rooftop terraces. A tram line runs through Sultanahmet, and public transport is plentiful, connecting the district with other tourist attractions farther afield.

Another popular place to stay is across the Galata Bridge in the Beyoğlu and Taksim districts. These are both lively entertainment areas in the center of modern Istanbul. Below are some highly rated hotels in convenient locations for sightseeing:

Luxury Hotels:

• In a century-old Neoclassical Turkish building, the sunny-hued Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet is a mere five-minute stroll from the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Hagia Sophia.
• Decorated in Ottoman style, the boutique White House Hotel Istanbul also lies minutes from these major historical attractions.
• For those who prefer to stay near all the entertainment action in Taksim, the Grand Hyatt Istanbul is a great choice only a few minutes' walk from Taksim Square.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• The elegant Orient Express & Spa by Orka Hotels is an excellent mid-range option within walking distance of the Sultanahmet historical attractions and Sirkeci train station.
• Also in a prime Sultanahmet location is the Osmanhan Hotel , with beautiful views of the Bosphorus.
• In the heart of Taksim, the Artisan Istanbul MGallery offers contemporary comfort close to Taksim Square and Istiklal Street, one of the city's most famous walking streets, lined with cafes, boutiques, and bookstores.

Budget Hotels:

• If you're traveling on a budget, the boutique Sultans Royal Hotel offers great value for money in the heart of Sultanahmet and is known for its friendly, helpful staff.
• The Walnut Shell Hotel is also within walking distance of all the major monuments that make it a prime Istanbul base, and has rooms brimming with color and character.
• Explore the Main Sights: If you have only a day or two set aside for sightseeing, take the Istanbul in One Day Sightseeing Tour . This walking tour will ensure you see the most important attractions, including the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar, as well as others. This is a small group tour, limited to 14 people, and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a traditional lunch, and admission to the sites.
• Private Tours: With more time up your sleeve to see the city, and the option to fully customize what to do and what to see, the private Best of Istanbul Tour offers one-, two-, or three-day Istanbul itineraries with a tour guide.
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours: The Istanbul Hop-On Hop-Off BusForUs Tour uses a traditional double-decker bus, which stops at the major sites and allows you to tour the city at your own pace. It's also a great way to get familiar with the general layout of the city. Tickets are valid for one day.

The best time to visit Istanbul is, in general, from late spring to early fall — the months of May, June, July, August, and September.

July and August are peak tourism season and bring the hottest weather with long summer days heralding plenty of blue skies and sunshine — great for fitting in plenty of sightseeing. Average temperatures in the city during this period vary between 20 and 29 degrees Celsius. T-shirt weather carries into the evenings for these months, meaning you can slim down your packing requirements.

If you're planning to travel in May, June, or September instead (which are still considered high season in Istanbul), daytime temperatures are usually thoroughly pleasant. For some visitors, its slightly milder temperatures are preferable to July and August for sightseeing, but you will need to pack a warmer layer to throw on after the sun sets. And, remember to bring along an umbrella, as May and September in particular can bring up to eight or nine rainy days per month.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

The Coast and More Historic Cities: After an Istanbul sojourn, why not hit Turkey's famed coastline, lapped by the waves of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. Check out our articles on Bergama and the North Aegean , Fethiye , Antalya, and Kas for inspiration. Turkey has plenty of other historic cities to discover. Konya and Sanliurfa are two of the best and are city guides to these destinations can help you plan your time.

More on Turkey

10 Things To Do On A Layover In Istanbul, Türkiye

• Indulge in Turkish cuisine by booking a food tour in Istanbul to experience the culture and traditions through food. Best Tour Companies: Secret Food Tours and Yummy Istanbul. Cost varies.
• Explore the aromatic spice market at the Egyptian Bazaar in Fatih district. Hours: 8 AM to 7:30 PM. Cost: Free.
• Take advantage of Istanbul's unique location and cross the Bosphorus to explore two continents within one city. Cost: From ~10 Turkish Lira ($0.50).

Visiting Istanbul, Türkiye, on a layover, is a great way to cross another country off the bucket list without paying for a separate flight to the destination.

Turkish Airlines is an ideal airline for transiting through Istanbul and making use of the stopover time to explore (there are also many other airlines that offer free stopovers ). Turkish Airlines even has a stopover program for connections of 20 hours or longer in Istanbul .

So, for those wondering how to spend a layover in Istanbul, here are a number of things to do in the capital of Turkey , a city that bridges continents.

Related: Traveling Turkey? Here Are The Best Modes Of Transportation

Take A Turkish Food Tour

One of the best things to do in Istanbul on a layover is to indulge in Turkish cuisine. Hopefully, travelers arrive hungry (or make room) because the food in Istanbul's best dining spots is worth indulging in.

Booking a food tour as part of a stopover in Istanbul is a great way to learn about the culture and traditions through food while getting information about the best and oldest restaurants in the city.

• Best Tour Companies: Secret Food Tours and Yummy Istanbul
• Cost: Varies

Visit A Spice Market

Spice markets are an aromatic place to explore and shop in Istanbul. The Egyptian Bazaar in the Fatih district is home to an expansive spice market that overwhelms the senses in the best possible way.

• Address: Rüstem Paşa, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
• Hours: 8 AM to 7:30 PM

Related: 10 Off-The-Beaten-Path Destinations You Should Visit In Turkey

Cross The Bosphorus To Asia

The Istanbul Airport is located in the city’s Arnavutköy District, which is on the European side of the Bosphorus Strait.

This body of water divides Europe and Asia, allowing travelers to explore two continents within one city on a single layover.

• Address: Caferağa, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye
• Hours: 24 hours
• Cost: From ~10 Turkish Lira ($0.50)

Visit A Mosque

Islam is the primary religion in Turkiye, with 99% of the population identifying as Muslim . As such, there are some beautiful mosques in Istanbul that are worth visiting on a brief layover.

Both the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque are impressive structures, so travelers can make time to visit at least one.

• Address: Hagia Sophia, Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye OR Blue Mosque, Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:10, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
• Hours: Open 24 hours but visitors hours may vary (confirm before visiting)
• Cost: Free (Donations are welcome)

Remember that modest dress codes apply when visiting mosques. Out of respect for the religion, travelers should ensure they are wearing appropriate clothes .

Have A Turkish Breakfast

A traditional Turkish breakfast is something of a feast, and travelers will want to experience it if they have at least 24 hours in Istanbul.

The table is filled with many small dishes, including olives, eggs, tomatoes, fresh-baked bread, cucumbers, cured meats, cheeses, jams, honey, and pastries.

• Where To Have Turkish Breakfast: Café Privato Restaurant, Poiká Breakfast & Coffee, and Van Kahvaltı Evi

Related: Check Out These 10 Unmissable Travel Experiences In Turkey

Bathe In A Traditional Turkish Hammam

Bathing in a traditional Turkish Hamman (spa) is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that deserves to be on travelers’ bucket lists.

These steam baths and public bath experiences are found all over Istanbul, but the Hurrem Sultan Hammam is often regarded as the best in the city.

• Address: Cankurtaran, Ayasofya Meydanı No:2, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
• Hours: 8 AM to 10 PM
• Cost: From 90 euros (~$94)

Shop At The Grand Bazaar In Istanbul

Shopping is a great way to pass the time on a layover and obtain some souvenirs of the trip. Travelers can head to the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, located in the heart of Istanbul.

There are more than 4,000 shops, so there is truly something for everyone here.

• Address: Beyazıt, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
• Hours: 8:30 AM to 7 PM (closed Sunday)

Related: 10 Cheap Vacation Spots In Turkey You Should Visit This Summer

Walk Around The Sultanahmet District

With limited time on a layover, travelers can simply stroll around the Sultanahmet District in Istanbul to take in some of the top sights.

This historic neighborhood is home to the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia mosque, and the Obelisk of Theodosius. All of these sites are among the top attractions in Istanbul to visit on a layover, as they showcase the city's beauty, architecture, and history, all in one convenient place.

• Address: Sultanahmet, Alemdar, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
• Hours: Open 24 hours

Tour The Topkapı Palace

The Topkapı Palace is a must-visit stop in Istanbul on a brief layover in Istanbul. It’s conveniently located in the Fatih District and was the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire from the 1460s until the 1850s.

Today, it can be toured as a museum that paints a vivid picture of Istanbul’s storied history.

• Address: Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
• Hours: 10 AM to 4 PM (closed Tuesday)
• Cost: From 750 Turkish Lira (~$27)

Visit The Galata Tower

History buffs should make a stop at the Galata Tower in Istanbul when exploring the Turkish capital on a layover. This structure was initially built as a watch tower, and today, it’s a museum.

The Galata Tower is located in the Beyoğlu district of the city, which is one of the best places for travelers to stay. Perfect for spending an overnight layover!

• Address: Bereketzade, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
• Hours: 8:30 AM to 10 PM
• Cost: 650 Turkish Lira (~$23.00)

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Peninsula Istanbul

Describe the hotel in 3 words : Majestic waterfront location

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The Rundown

Does the hotel have a standout perk?

The hotel has its own pier, making it easy to enjoy an obligatory cruise along the Bosphorus. For wellness aficionados, however, it’s got to be the spa and wellness center downstairs, which includes a 269-foot indoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center, two hammams, and eight private treatment rooms.

Did they greet you by name at check-in?

Yes—from the moment I stepped off the plane at Istanbul International Airport. A young man was there to greet me. He escorted me to a private buggy, then whisked me through the sprawling airport and through customs before walking me to the parking lot, where my Peninsula driver awaited me. When I arrived at the hotel some 40 minutes later, a greeter welcomed me by name the second the door opened.

Welcome drink ready and waiting when you arrived? Bonus point if it wasn’t just fruit juice.

Shortly after I checked into my room, a waiter came by to pour tea into a classic tulip-shaped glass. It was the perfect complement to the selection of Turkish delights that awaited me on a side table.

Private butler for every room?

Yes—on request. But that’s not all; the hotel offers an array of special services. Use PenChat, a 24-hour private messaging service, for everything from dinner reservations, spa bookings, and boat trips. (Dockage for guests is at that private boat pier.) You can also access special excursions, classes, and cultural events through the Peninsula Academy. There’s even a pet-friendly program to boot!

Is there a private pool for the room’s exclusive use?

Is the sheet thread count higher than 300?

The sheets are made of 300 thread count 100 percent Egyptian and Indian cotton, comfy as can be. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, complete with armchairs, desks, and wall hangings by local artists, all of which fade away the moment you open the curtains and admire that jaw-dropping view.

Is there a heated floor in the bathroom? What about a bidet?

Yes. And Toto toilets, complete with heated seats and bidets, for the win. My bathroom had two vanities and a luxurious standalone tub. The Turkish cotton bathrobe came home with me.

Are the toiletries full sized?

They’re medium-sized. The hotel commissioned local perfumers Mert Güzel and Murat Katran to create a signature fragrance for the line of in-room bath products.

Is the restaurant worth its salt?

Oh yes, quite literally. Inspired by the flavors of the historic Silk Road, whose western terminus was Istanbul, Gallada is one of the buzziest restaurants to have opened in the city over the past year. Located on the rooftop of the Peninsula’s central building, the dining room serves Turk-Asian cuisine by renowned Turkish chef Fatih Tutak as well as spectacular views of the old city across the Bosphorus.

Is there caviar on the room service menu? If so, what kind?

The hotel is just an hour away from the Black Sea; caviar is  de riguer . The menu features Ossetra and Fine Beluga. But don’t overlook the delicious Turkish options on the menu—from Çılbır (pronouned chil-bir), a breakfast dish of poached eggs served over a bed of thick, garlicy yogurt, to platters of tasty grilled kebabs.

Do you want to spend Friday night in the lobby bar?

Absolutely—except it’s not a lobby bar. The Topside Bar is located in an elegant rooftop space that borrows its nautical theme from the cruise ship passenger hall that used to occupy the hotel’s central building.

I’d have to wrestle the property away from Michael Kadoorie, the Hong Kong–based billionaire businessman who has a controlling interest in the Peninsula Hotels, but I would certainly try.

The Verdict

I can think of no better way to experience the magnificent city of Istanbul than as a guest of the Peninsula. The property combines comforts with historic and cultural design elements that pay homage to the city’s centuries-old heritage. Plus, if you’re a sucker for a good view, the one you’ll see from your room here will spoil you forever.

Rate : For suites during the winter period (December-February), the starting price is 1,800 euros (about $1,972).

Score : 9

What Our Score Means:

1-3: Fire your travel agent if they suggest you stay here. 4-6: Solid if you’re in a pinch—but only if you’re in a pinch. 7-8: Very good. We’d stay here again and recommend it without qualms. 9-10: Forget booking a week. When can we move in permanently?

Victoria Gomelsky is editor-in-chief of the jewelry trade publication JCK and a frequent contributor to the New York Times and Robb Report. Her freelance work has appeared in AFAR, WSJ Magazine, The…

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Istanbul airport provides anxious travelers with paw-sitive experience by hiring 5 therapy dogs.

Ayse Wieting And Mehmet Guzel

Associated Press

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

A traveler pets the dog Kuki while walking with handler through Istanbul Airport in Turkey, Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Istanbul Airport has made five new hires to provide stress-free travel experience for anxious passengers: therapy dogs that are ready to offer support with snuggles, belly rubs and sloppy kisses. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

ISTANBUL – Five new hires are selflessly roaming the halls of one of the world’s busiest transportation hubs, hoping to provide a paw-sitively stress-free travel experience for anxious passengers.

Meet Istanbul Airport’s therapy dogs — always ready to offer support with snuggles, belly rubs and sloppy kisses.

Recommended Videos

The Associated Press caught up with Kuki and Alita, two of the dogs taking part in the pet-friendly airport’s new pilot project aimed at easing stress and anxiety among travelers.

All four-legged members of the program are certified therapy dogs, professionally trained and conditioned to comfort humans.

The “Therapy Dog Team” has been on duty since late February following months of preparation and intensive training, learning desensitization to distracting stimuli, like sounds and people.

“We have to ensure that they are safe and they are 100% adapted to all environments,” said Kadir Demirtas, Istanbul Airport’s customer experience manager.

Kuki, a Lagotto Romagnolo, an Italian retriever breed, is team captain. He works hard to please but likes his breaks and sometimes plays hooky.

That's OK, however.

The team’s veterinarian said each dog’s temperament dictates their hours on the job each day.

“They walk around the airport led by their handlers who are also responsible for their care,” said Volkan Arslan.

The dogs, who are airport employees with official badges and uniforms, have a set schedule and work during peak travel hours, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Alita, a border collie, is Kuki’s teammate. Her intense gaze and dedication to her handler are striking, as is her ability to soothe and calm nerves.

“We are always surrounded by people who are constantly petting her," said Volkan Gul, Alita’s dedicated handler, adding that she helps them relax.

Airport officials said they already have plans to expand the pilot project following initial positive feedback from travelers.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Make a reservation

Additional information.

• Dining style Casual Elegant
• Price $50 and over
• Cuisines Mediterranean, Turkish
• Hours of operation Breakfast Daily 7:00 am–11:00 am Lunch Daily 12:30 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Daily 6:00 pm–11:00 pm
• Phone number (0212) 413 01 01
• Website http://www.jwmarriottistanbulmarmarasea.com/
• Payment options AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
• Dress code Business Casual
• Executive chef Mehmet Faruk Yardımcı
• Location Ataköy 2-5-6., Kisim Mah, Rauf Orbay Cd. 2/1 D:L B, Bakirkoy/Istanbul 34158
• Neighborhood Bakırköy
• Parking details Valet
• Additional Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Liquor, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Be the first to review this restaurant

Overall ratings and reviews.

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

Noise • Moderate

At present, Ceres has no reviews. Please add a review after your dining experience to help others make a decision about where to eat.

Is Ceres currently accepting reservations?

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Ataköy 2-5-6., Kisim Mah, Rauf Orbay Cd. 2/1 D:L B, Bakirkoy/Istanbul 34158

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Istanbul airport provides anxious travelers with paw-sitive experience by hiring 5 therapy dogs

Istanbul Airport has made five new hires to provide a stress-free travel experience for anxious passengers: therapy dogs that are ready to offer support with snuggles, belly rubs and sloppy kisses

ISTANBUL -- Five new hires are selflessly roaming the halls of one of the world’s busiest transportation hubs, hoping to provide a paw-sitively stress-free travel experience for anxious passengers.

Meet Istanbul Airport’s therapy dogs — always ready to offer support with snuggles, belly rubs and sloppy kisses.

The Associated Press caught up with Kuki and Alita, two of the dogs taking part in the pet-friendly airport’s new pilot project aimed at easing stress and anxiety among travelers.

All four-legged members of the program are certified therapy dogs, professionally trained and conditioned to comfort humans.

The “Therapy Dog Team” has been on duty since late February following months of preparation and intensive training, learning desensitization to distracting stimuli, like sounds and people.

“We have to ensure that they are safe and they are 100% adapted to all environment s,” said Kadir Demirtas, Istanbul Airport’s customer experience manager.

Kuki, a Lagotto Romagnolo, an Italian retriever breed, is team captain. He works hard to please but likes his breaks and sometimes plays hooky.

That's OK, however.

The team’s veterinarian said each dog’s temperament dictates their hours on the job each day.

“They walk around the airport led by their handlers who are also responsible for their care,” said Volkan Arslan.

The dogs, who are airport employees with official badges and uniforms, have a set schedule and work during peak travel hours, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Alita, a border collie, is Kuki’s teammate. Her intense gaze and dedication to her handler are striking, as is her ability to soothe and calm nerves.

“We are always surrounded by people who are constantly petting her," said Volkan Gul, Alita’s dedicated handler, adding that she helps them relax.

Airport officials said they already have plans to expand the pilot project following initial positive feedback from travelers.

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Istanbul airport provides anxious travelers with paw-sitive experience by hiring 5 therapy dogs

A traveler pets the dog Kuki while walking with handler through Istanbul Airport in Turkey, Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Istanbul Airport has made five new hires to provide stress-free travel experience for anxious passengers: therapy dogs that are ready to offer support with snuggles, belly rubs and sloppy kisses. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

The airport therapy dog Alita wears a uniform while walking with a handler through Istanbul Airport in Turkey, Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Istanbul Airport has made five new hires to provide stress-free travel experience for anxious passengers: therapy dogs that are ready to offer support with snuggles, belly rubs and sloppy kisses. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

A traveller pets the airport therapy dog Kuki while walking through Istanbul Airport in Turkey, Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Istanbul Airport has made five new hires to provide stress-free travel experience for anxious passengers: therapy dogs that are ready to offer support with snuggles, belly rubs and sloppy kisses. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

A child plays with airport therapy dogs Alita and Kuki at Istanbul Airport in Turkey, Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Istanbul Airport has made five new hires to provide stress-free travel experience for anxious passengers: therapy dogs that are ready to offer support with snuggles, belly rubs and sloppy kisses. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

Airport therapy dog Alita looks at her handler while walking through Istanbul Airport in Turkey, Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Istanbul Airport has made five new hires to provide stress-free travel experience for anxious passengers: therapy dogs that are ready to offer support with snuggles, belly rubs and sloppy kisses. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

A traveller pets the dog Alita while two handlers walk airport therapy dogs Alita and Kuki through Istanbul Airport in Turkey, Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Istanbul Airport has made five new hires to provide stress-free travel experience for anxious passengers: therapy dogs that are ready to offer support with snuggles, belly rubs and sloppy kisses. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

A traveller pets the airport therpay dog Alita in Istanbul Airport in Turkey, Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Istanbul Airport has made five new hires to provide stress-free travel experience for anxious passengers: therapy dogs that are ready to offer support with snuggles, belly rubs and sloppy kisses. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

A traveller pets the airport therapy dog Alita while walking through Istanbul Airport in Turkey, Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Istanbul Airport has made five new hires to provide stress-free travel experience for anxious passengers: therapy dogs that are ready to offer support with snuggles, belly rubs and sloppy kisses. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

Two handlers walk with airport therapy dogs Alita and Kuki through Istanbul Airport in Turkey, Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Istanbul Airport has made five new hires to provide stress-free travel experience for anxious passengers: therapy dogs that are ready to offer support with snuggles, belly rubs and sloppy kisses. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

The official ID badge of airport therapy dog Kuki is displayed on her showing a photo and her information at Istanbul Airport in Turkey, Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Istanbul Airport has made five new hires to provide stress-free travel experience for anxious passengers: therapy dogs that are ready to offer support with snuggles, belly rubs and sloppy kisses. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

Travellers pet the airport therapy dog Alita while walking with a handler through Istanbul Airport in Turkey, Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Istanbul Airport has made five new hires to provide stress-free travel experience for anxious passengers: therapy dogs that are ready to offer support with snuggles, belly rubs and sloppy kisses. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

• Copy Link copied

ISTANBUL (AP) — Five new hires are selflessly roaming the halls of one of the world’s busiest transportation hubs, hoping to provide a paw-sitively stress-free travel experience for anxious passengers.

Meet Istanbul Airport’s therapy dogs — always ready to offer support with snuggles, belly rubs and sloppy kisses.

The official ID badge of airport therapy dog Kuki is displayed on her showing a photo and her information at Istanbul Airport in Turkey, Wednesday, April 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

The Associated Press caught up with Kuki and Alita, two of the dogs taking part in the pet-friendly airport’s new pilot project aimed at easing stress and anxiety among travelers.

All four-legged members of the program are certified therapy dogs, professionally trained and conditioned to comfort humans.

The “Therapy Dog Team” has been on duty since late February following months of preparation and intensive training, learning desensitization to distracting stimuli, like sounds and people.

“We have to ensure that they are safe and they are 100% adapted to all environments,” said Kadir Demirtas, Istanbul Airport’s customer experience manager.

A child plays with airport therapy dogs Alita and Kuki at Istanbul Airport in Turkey, Wednesday, April 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

Kuki, a Lagotto Romagnolo, an Italian retriever breed, is team captain. He works hard to please but likes his breaks and sometimes plays hooky.

That’s OK, however.

The team’s veterinarian said each dog’s temperament dictates their hours on the job each day.

“They walk around the airport led by their handlers who are also responsible for their care,” said Volkan Arslan.

A traveller pets the airport therapy dog Alita while walking through Istanbul Airport in Turkey, Wednesday, April 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

The dogs, who are airport employees with official badges and uniforms, have a set schedule and work during peak travel hours, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Alita, a border collie, is Kuki’s teammate. Her intense gaze and dedication to her handler are striking, as is her ability to soothe and calm nerves.

“We are always surrounded by people who are constantly petting her,” said Volkan Gul, Alita’s dedicated handler, adding that she helps them relax.

A traveller pets the airport therapy dog Kuki while walking through Istanbul Airport in Turkey, Wednesday, April 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

Airport officials said they already have plans to expand the pilot project following initial positive feedback from travelers.

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Istanbul airport provides anxious travelers with paw-sitive experience by hiring 5 therapy dogs

Turkey Airport Dogs A traveler pets the dog Kuki while walking with handler through Istanbul Airport in Turkey, Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Istanbul Airport has made five new hires to provide stress-free travel experience for anxious passengers: therapy dogs that are ready to offer support with snuggles, belly rubs and sloppy kisses. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra) (Khalil Hamra/AP)

ISTANBUL — (AP) — Five new hires are selflessly roaming the halls of one of the world’s busiest transportation hubs, hoping to provide a paw-sitively stress-free travel experience for anxious passengers.

Meet Istanbul Airport’s therapy dogs — always ready to offer support with snuggles, belly rubs and sloppy kisses.

The Associated Press caught up with Kuki and Alita, two of the dogs taking part in the pet-friendly airport’s new pilot project aimed at easing stress and anxiety among travelers.

All four-legged members of the program are certified therapy dogs, professionally trained and conditioned to comfort humans.

The “Therapy Dog Team” has been on duty since late February following months of preparation and intensive training, learning desensitization to distracting stimuli, like sounds and people.

“We have to ensure that they are safe and they are 100% adapted to all environments,” said Kadir Demirtas, Istanbul Airport’s customer experience manager.

Kuki, a Lagotto Romagnolo, an Italian retriever breed, is team captain. He works hard to please but likes his breaks and sometimes plays hooky.

That's OK, however.

The team’s veterinarian said each dog’s temperament dictates their hours on the job each day.

“They walk around the airport led by their handlers who are also responsible for their care,” said Volkan Arslan.

The dogs, who are airport employees with official badges and uniforms, have a set schedule and work during peak travel hours, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Alita, a border collie, is Kuki’s teammate. Her intense gaze and dedication to her handler are striking, as is her ability to soothe and calm nerves.

“We are always surrounded by people who are constantly petting her," said Volkan Gul, Alita’s dedicated handler, adding that she helps them relax.

Airport officials said they already have plans to expand the pilot project following initial positive feedback from travelers.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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