20 Unmissable Things To Do In İstanbul, Turkey

A city of fascinating history, exotic architecture, and vibrant neighborhoods, İstanbul is a true cosmopolitan gem. Here are our favorite things to do.

Originally founded as Byzantium by the Greeks, conquered by the Persians, reclaimed by the Spartans, rebuilt by Constantine, and ultimately taken by the Ottomans, İstanbul has seen empires rise and fall.

This rich and layered past makes it one of the most intriguing cities in the world.

Though political power shifted to Ankara after the fall of the Ottoman Empire, İstanbul retained its status as a cultural powerhouse, brimming with iconic historical sites.

Yet, this modern, ever-evolving city continues to surprise, with new attractions and experiences constantly emerging.

From awe-inspiring landmarks to contemporary art, lively neighborhoods, and warm Turkish hospitality, İstanbul offers an unforgettable mix of old and new.

Mark and I have been to Istanbul several times, and if anyone asks what our favourite city is, Istanbul is always the first to pop into our heads.

Our guide covers the top attractions, the best neighbourhoods to visit, tips for seeing the sites and recommendations on where to stay.

İSTANBUL MAP: TOP ATTRACTIONS

To hit the ground running, use our map of Istanbul with all the top sights, local attractions, bars and restaurants we mention in this guide.

WHAT TO DO IN ISTANBUL?

Throughout the top attractions listed below, we’ve mentioned the MuseumPass – a card that provides access to 13 museums in the city.

However, the pass has changed significantly in recent years, and with key sites no longer included, it’s hard to justify the cost.

That said, we’ve noted which attractions accept the pass and provided more details in the tips for visiting Istanbul section below.

1. HAGIA SOFIA (AYA SOFYA)

Built by the Byzantine Roman Emperor Justinian in the middle of the 6th century CE, the church of Hagia Sophia was the largest interior space in the world.

When the Ottomans captured the city just under a millennium later, it was converted into a mosque. Then in 1935, it was declared a museum before returning to mosque status in 2020.

It’s the grand master of historic architecture, blending Byzantine styles with Islamic designs.

The towering domes, calligraphic roundels and Christian mosaics make it a fascinating place to visit.

Inscriptions by crusaders etched into hand railings stand alongside massive medallions painted with the names of Allah.

How to visit Hagia Sophia – Entry for visitors is via a special entrance on the southeast corner of the building. Non-muslims can no longer enter the ground floor, but you can still see the upper viewing deck, and some of the 10th-century mosaics.

Tickets – Hagia Sophia is not included on the MuseumPass and an entry fee of €25 has recently been introduced. You can book skip-the-line tickets in advance, but professional guided tours are no longer permitted.

2. THE GRAND BAZAAR

The Grand Bazaar was built by the Ottomans shortly after they conquered the city in 1453.

It is a warren of stalls selling anything you could possibly want and lots of things you wouldn’t. Soaps and spices, trinkets and trays, carpets and clothes, bowls and baklava, masks and mascara.

But the most important and satisfying commodity at the Grand Bazaar is the endless hubbub and energy.

We highly recommend Carsi Kebab, a great local kebab stall in the northwest corner of the bazaar.

Grand Bazaar Guided Tour – If you’d prefer to be guided around, this great tour includes Hagia Sofia & The Blue Mosque.

3. TOPKAPI PALACE MUSEUM

To cement the Ottoman victory over Constantinople, the Topkapı Palace was built on the hill from which the Acropolis of the Caesars overlooked their city.

It was to be the main residence from where the Sultans would rule their massive empire.

Today it is a beautiful museum of grand buildings and courtyards, in an array of different architectural styles.

Take time to admire the wood-inlaid ceilings, stucco tiles and tree-strewn squares. In particular, don’t miss the intricately decorated Harem, or the Circumcision Chamber & Baghdad Pavilion tucked into the fourth courtyard with its great views of the city.

The palace also contains collections of art, cultural relics and riches from all over the Ottoman Empire. It’s a thoroughly sumptuous and extravagant icon and a wonderful thing to do in İstanbul.

Tickets – If you don’t have a Museum Card, book tickets online to avoid the queues. The museum is closed on Tuesday.  

4. CRUISE THE BOSPHORUS

The Bosphorus is a narrow strait of water that divides the European and Asian sides of İstanbul. As a busy shipping route and a popular tourist destination, the river always has a buzz of activity.

Taking a tour on the Bosphorus via a ferry or a private cruise is a great way to have a break from the chaos of the city and capture some fine views.

There are a few ways to go.

• Day Cruise – A 2-hour tour around the Bosphorus and Golden Horn with audio guide.
• Sunset Luxury Yacht Cruise – 2.5-hour luxury cruise on a yacht as the sun goes down.
• Dinner Cruise – Treat yourself to a dinner cruise on the Bosphorus to see the magic of İstanbul at night.

Alternatively, take the local ferry, Şehir Hatları, for a much cheaper way. We took the ferry from Eminönü to Kadıköy, which was a great thing to do. The details are in our Istanbul itinerary.

5. TRY THE BAKLAVA FROM KARAKÖY GÜLLÜOĞLU

Baklava is a rich, sticky filo pastry that is sweet and a Turkish institution. No Turkish meal is truly complete unless finished with a calorific injection of this tasty goodness.

The best baklava is found at Karaköy Güllüoğlu. Housed in an unassuming shop front, it’s a buffet-type café you might easily ignore from the outside.

But inside, it’s packed with both locals and tourists day and night.

The queue can be confusing, the selection of baklava mind-boggling, but their swirling flavours and sweet goodness are not to be missed in İstanbul.

6. THE BLUE MOSQUE (SULTAN AHMED MOSQUE)

Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, was built on the foundations of the Great Palace of the Byzantine emperors. It was designed to complement the Hagia Sophia, which is opposite.

Its name is from the 20,000 beautiful blue tiles that adorned the domed ceiling.

This calming blue is lit by massive hanging chandeliers that cast light and shadows across the rich carpets covering the floor. It is a magical and uplifting place of calm in an often chaotic city.

The most dramatic approach is from the Hippodrome where the domes and minarets of the Blue Mosque rise above the Roman obelisks that decorate the square.

Don’t miss the Sultan Ahmed Tomb, which is on the north side of the mosque and faces Sultanahmet Park. His tomb and those of his family members are decorated in Iznik tiles like the ones in the mosque.

Visiting the Blue Mosque – The Blue Mosque is open from 9 am to 6 pm, and it’s free to enter. However, it’s closed to visitors during prayer times.

7. SPICE MARKET (EGYPTIAN BAZAAR)

Absorbing the sights and smells of the Spice Market (Mısır Çarşısı) is an intoxicating thing to do in İstanbul.

Tucked within a few narrow covered laneways, piles upon piles of spices, nuts, dried fruits and sweets fill the air with a tantalising and confusing aroma. Make friends with the shopkeepers, join the hubbub of excitement and be overwhelmed by the magnificent sensory overload at the market.  

Outside, the streets stretching in every direction around the Spice Market contain a few hidden gems. The Rüstem Pasha Mosque and the New Mosque are both nearby. They were both closed on our last visit, but both are supposed to be worth a look.

Join the queue at Kurukahveci Mehemt Efendi Mahdumlari, where they have been serving coffee to locals for over 100 years.

8. TURKISH HAMMAM

Having a layer of skin scrubbed off in a Turkish Hammam is another unmissable İstanbul experience.

Often housed in attractive domed buildings, a hammam is a traditional bath that has been around since Roman times.

The process starts with a quick dousing of water, followed by a short break on a heated marble platform to relax.

Next, the attendant performs a vigorous wash with black soap and a special rough mitten to remove dead skin cells. Cold water is then mercilessly poured all over you. The experience finishes nicely with a soapy bubble wash.

Most hammams operate separate men and women’s sections at different times or in different spaces. The most traditional hammam is Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı. One of the most deluxe is Hôtel Les Ottomans.

9. DOLMABAHÇE PALACE

Ottoman rulers moved the centre of their administration from Topkapı Palace to the Dolmabahçe Palace in 1856.

Taking up a commanding position on the banks of the Bosphorus, it is designed in Baroque Rococo and Neoclassical styles with traditional Ottoman influences.

More European than Turkish, it was so extravagant the financial burden it caused contributed to the empire defaulting on its debt in 1875.   

The palace is split into two sections, the Harem (the Sultan’s family’s private quarters) and the Selamik (the official palace rooms).

In our opinion, it’s worth paying for both.  The big highlights of the complex are the Blue Hall, Crystal Staircase and Grand Ceremonial.

On our first visit, we did a guided tour, which was very bad. Fortunately, this has now been replaced by a good audio guide that clicks in and out as you enter the different rooms.

Tickets – Dolmabahçe Palace is not included on the Museum Pass so we suggest buying skip-the-line tickets in advance. The palace is closed on Monday.

10. WHIRLING DERVISH CEREMONY

The Mevlevi order is an Islamic religious order based in Konya, in central Turkey. A 13th-century Persian poet and Sufi mystic founded it.

Most people, however, will recognise them as the Whirling Dervishes, named because of the flowing movements of their ritual dance during worshipping ceremonies (Sema).

Sema is performed every Sunday at 5 pm at the Galati Mevlevi Museum. The small octagonal building – holding no more than three hundred people – has seats on every side and a performance space in the centre.

It’s a mesmerising tradition and something we really think every visitor to Istanbul should do

Tickets – Whirling Dervishes are very popular, so we suggest buying tickets in advance. Performances start at 7 pm.

11. AYA İRINI (HAGIA IRENE)

Through a courtyard scattered with Roman relics, Aya İrini is a large empty shell of a building, hiding a greater past within its imposing stone walls.

The Byzantine church was one of the few not converted to a mosque and some of the original features, like the atrium, remain intact.

Classical concerts for the İstanbul Music Festival are held here for the extraordinary acoustics and haunting atmosphere.

Another reason that makes Aya İrini an important site in İstanbul is the very nondescript tomb that some historians now believe is that of Emperor Constantine.

Constantine founded Constantinople and turned Christianity from a cult to the predominant religion in the west, making him possibly one of the most influential people ever to have lived.

Tickets – Hagia Irene is included in the MuseumPass.

12. İSTIKLAL CADDESI (ISTIKLAL AVENUE)

The ever-busy pedestrian avenue Istiklal Caddesi has a polarising effect on visitors and locals alike.

At times, it draws over 3 million people a day on weekends, so it’s hard to know whether the street is the tourist attraction or whether you are.   

A good place to start is Taksim Square, a symbolic location to many Turks and the meeting point for demonstrations and protests.

From there, amble down Istiklal Caddesi stopping in at the huge array of shopping opportunities and cafes.

There are also historic buildings, churches, modern art galleries and a few hidden passageways to explore.

Make sure you duck into Hazzopulo Passage which Ottoman Greeks populated in the 19^th century, and Suriye Passage with its second-hand retro stores.

13. BASILICA CISTERN

Basilica Cistern is the largest of a complex network of ancient cisterns beneath İstanbul and one of the most interesting Byzantine sites in Turkey.

It was built in 532 AD to hold the ancient Byzantine city’s water supply. The cistern is 139 metres long, about the size of a cathedral, and can hold 80,000 cubic metres of water.

The dark, eerie space has been used in several feature films, including From Russia with Love and the Dan Brown adaptation, Inferno.

The roof is held up by columns that were constructed from ruined temples in the area. Don’t miss the pillar bases at the far end of the cistern with the famous Medusa faces. One is upside down, the other on its side.

Many legends circulate as to why they were placed the way they are. Some believe it demonstrates that Byzantine builders saw ancient Roman relics as nothing more than building rubble.

Others believe they possibly just fit better that way.

Tickets – The Istanbul Museum Pass is not accepted at Basilica Cistern, but you can purchase skip-the-line tickets in advance.

14. ORTAKÖY

Ortaköy is a lovely İstanbul neighbourhood beside the Bosphorus.

It’s a popular place to hang out, particularly on a weekend when the local streets fill with markets. Come here on Sunday and be rewarded by a convivial atmosphere and some of the finest brunches in İstanbul.

The pick of the cafes are on Firini Street. We went to Café Zemheri, which we really liked. The food was excellent, and the service was friendly. But there are plenty of others to choose from.

After brunch, stroll past the flea market – a delightfully vintage strip of humble stores – and the covered market near the waterfront. (Sunday’s only)

The Ortaköy Mosque has the most picturesque setting of all the mosques in Istanbul, and it’s well worth seeing it.

The mosque was designed by the same architect who designed the Dolmabahçe Palace, which we’ll go to later today. Large windows flood the interior with light, illuminating the dome roof covered with pink tiles.

15. İSTANBUL’S MODERN ART MUSEUMS

The art scene in İstanbul can rival any of the major art centres in Europe with a Turkish twist that makes strolling galleries one of the great experiences in the city. Here are some top art galleries to visit.

İSTANBUL MODERN ART

The huge warehouse that is İstanbul Modern is widely considered one of the best modern art exhibitions in the world.

The collection includes works in various media from prominent Turkish artists as well as an international collection and several focus on contemporary social issues in Turkey.

The last time I was at the museum was on my very first trip to Istanbul in 2009.

On our last visit, the museum was still closed for renovations, so we haven’t been since it reopened. We’d love to hear what you think in the comments.

Tickets – Istanbul Modern is not covered on the Museum Card. View ticket prices and book online tickets on the official website.

TOPHANE-I AMIRE CULTURE AND ART CENTRE

Tophane-I Amire Culture and Art Centre is free to visit and hosts contemporary art exhibitions. The building was the armoury for the Ottoman Empire, whose purpose was to manufacture cannonballs.

The Five Domes Gallery is a beautiful space that contains the permanent collection, which includes works by Renoir.

If you have the time, it’s a wonderful gallery to visit.

MUSEUM OF INNOCENCE

The Museum of Innocence is an exhibition based on the novel of the same name by the author Orhan Pamuk.

It evokes İstanbul of the 1970s, with objects displayed in cases corresponding to the chapters in the novel. The ground floor contains a spiral representing the present moment, from which the objects of the museum link moments in the characters’ lives.

But you don’t need to read the book; it’s interesting enough without the backstory.

PERA MUSEUM

The Pera Museum is a private museum adjacent to İstiklal Caddesi and we really enjoyed it. There are 3 permanent collections and rotating temporary exhibitions with a focus on supporting young artists.

The museum is closed on Mondays.

16. CHORA CHURCH (KARIYE MOSQUE)

The Chora Church is a medieval Greek Orthodox church in the Fatih district of İstanbul. Chora means country as the building was originally outside the city walls constructed by Constantine.

Chora Church is the best-preserved Crusader Byzantine Church in Istanbul. The construction has undergone a number of reincarnations, starting as a church, converting to a museum, then returning to a mosque again.

The current version was reconstructed from the 11th to the 14th centuries.

The frescoes and mosaics are breathtaking.

Most of the mosaics depict the life of Jesus and Mary, including the stunning Genealogy of Christ. Most of the frescoes cover scenes from the Old Testament.

Tickets – The church has now been converted to a mosque, but it’s still possible for non-muslims to visit. Entrance is on the north side of the building on Kairye Türbesi Street. Buy tickets in advance to avoid the queues.

Prayer times – Chora Mosque is closed for prayer on Fridays. All non-muslims need to avoid prayer times on all other days. Check prayer times in advance

Chora Mosque is not included on the Istanbul Museum Pass.

17. THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUMS

There are 3 main sights at the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Orient, and the Tiled Kiosk Museum.

All three are worth exploring and the visit took us around 2 hours.

The neoclassical building of the Archaeological Museum houses a sprawling array of Greek and Roman statues and a thoroughly impressive collection of sarcophagi from Syria, Lebanon and Ephesus.

The highlight of the Museum of the Ancient Orient is the Babylonian and Assyrian reliefs and numerous pre-Islamic items from the Ottoman Empire.

Don’t miss the entrance to the Tiled Pavilion; a 14-marble column portico covered in stunning blue tiles.

Tickets – The Archaeological Museums are included on the MuseumPass İstanbul.

18. KADIKÖY

While Istiklal Caddesi is great for people watching and indulging in the tourist side of İstanbul, Kadıköy on the Asian side is an altogether more local experience.

With a young student population and a host of local markets, it’s a great way to see a different side of İstanbul.

Soak up the vibrant atmosphere with a stroll around Kadıköy Square and Fenerbahce Kalamis, grabbing a spot at one of the many cafes for some people-watching.

Pop into the busy collection of shops along Bahariye Street, admire the catch at the fish market and peruse the second-hand bookstores on Tellalzade Street.  

We met a friend in Kadiköy who took us to Ciya Sofrasi for dinner in the heart of the market. We really enjoyed it. The grilled meats, the mezze, and the lively atmosphere made it one of our favourite places to eat in Istanbul.

Getting there – The best way to get over to Kadikóy is to catch the public ferry from Eminönü to Kadıköy. Tickets are purchased from the yellow ticket machines near the ferry terminal. A round trip is around $1 US. Timetables are available on Sehir Hatlari.

19. SÜLEYMANIYE MOSQUE

The intricate interior of the Süleymaniye Mosque is considered one of the best examples of Ottoman art in Turkey.

It was built in 1550 and reigned as the largest mosque in İstanbul for over 460 years. Inside, the single vast space is decorated simply with blue and turquoise floral tiles.

Süleymaniye Mosque takes up a commanding position on the Third Hill of İstanbul and offers some of the city’s best views.

Head down to Aga Kapisi Café and have a coffee on their rooftop bar while absorbing the many personalities of İstanbul’s skyline.

Tickets – Entry is free, but donations are gratefully accepted. Non-Muslims must avoid prayer times.

20. İSTANBUL’S ROOFTOP BARS

İstanbul has a rooftop bar scene that rivals some of the best in the world. With the seven hills undulating under the sprawling city, seeing it from above is one of the best things to do in this vibrant city and there are plenty of bars to choose from.

Seven Hills Hotel // Located in Sultanahmet this hotel has stunning views over Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, with a pretty good seafood restaurant as well.

360 Istanbul // An upmarket restaurant with a focus on Turkish meze mixed with international cuisine. Its balcony is arguably one of the best roof bar views in İstanbul with slick service, a wide range of cocktails and live music.

Leb-i Derya // A top-end restaurant set up more like an atrium rather than a rooftop bar, but the wine list is long, the food expertly prepared and (if you can get seated by the window) the views excellent.

MORE THINGS TO DO IN İSTANBUL

In a city as diverse and full of interesting attractions as İstanbul, we had to be selective. But, if you have some more time, here are other great experiences that might capture your attention in İstanbul.

Gülhane Park – a historical green space in the Eminönü district near Topkapı Palace and a great place for a picnic. Surprisingly, the café in the park is pretty good too.

Galata Tower – This medieval stone tower in Karaköy has great views over the city centre but the queues to ascend can be long.

Rüstem Pasa Mosque – Although not a heavily-visited attraction in İstanbul, this is an excellent example of Ottoman architecture, as is the beautiful Süreyya Opera House.

Little Hagia Sophia – The former Greek Orthodox church was built around 535 and converted to a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. It’s a surprisingly quiet part of the city with several local restaurants around the perimeter.

1453 Panorama Museum – Located on the ancient walls of the city, this museum is best seen by taking the T4 tram from Topkapı to Edirnekapi.

WHERE TO STAY IN İSTANBUL?

Istanbul spans both sides of the Bosphorus River, and it’s vast. While the Asian side is worth a visit, you’ll likely spend most of your time on the European side—making it the best place to base yourself.

For the ideal stay, we suggest Beyoğlu, Karaköy, or Taksim. These areas have a lively evening atmosphere with plenty of great restaurants and bars, yet they’re far enough from the busiest spots to offer some peace and quiet. Plus, excellent transport links make getting around the city easy.

We recommend avoiding Galatasaray and the central stretch of İstiklal Caddesi, as both can be noisy late into the night.

THE NEIGHBOURHOODS

Here is a quick run-down of the neighbourhoods of Istanbul.

TAKSIM

Taksim is the commercial centre of İstanbul and the focal point for nightlife, shopping and dining. The main pedestrian boulevard of Istiklal Caddesi starts in Taksim Square. As one of the focal points for the city you’ll find everything from public demonstrations to tourist souvenirs.

BEYOĞLU

Another entertainment centre of İstanbul, Beyoğlu is the go-to neighbourhood for good food, hip live-music venues and edgy hotels. Incorporating the residential districts alongside Karaköy, Beyoğlu has a bohemian local feel.

KARAKÖY

Once a gritty working area of İstanbul where locals would go to buy fish and hardware supplies, Karaköy is now one of the hipster centres of the city. Amongst its narrow laneways, cool cafes & funky bars vie with retro stores and classy boutiques.

KADIKÖY

A laid-back residential neighbourhood on the Asian side of İstanbul. It’s most popular for the bustling fish market, supported by a host of other fresh food suppliers. Complete with an indie edge, the lived-in architecture is adorned with cool street art.

SULTANAHMET

The unavoidable centre of the old town housing the biggest attractions in İstanbul including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar. With the city’s most popular tourist attractions, don’t be surprised by inflated prices and attentive hagglers. Plenty of Istanbul city tours explore this area in detail.  

ORTAKÖY

An attractive river-side neighbourhood with few large visitor attractions except for the beautiful Ortaköy Mosque. Come here on a weekend to stroll the local market and enjoy a classic Turkish brunch before a relaxing walk down the river.

OUR HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS

Here are a few recommendations from us. They are all very well located for seeing the main attractions.

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TIPS FOR VISITING ISTANBUL

MUSEUMS CARDS

There are so many museums and attractions in Istanbul and queues can be long. So, it’s worth getting some tickets in advance to save both time and money.

MUSEUMPASS İSTANBUL

The Museum Pass Istanbul provides access to 13 museums and archaeological sites. However, only three are on this itinerary: Topkapi Palace, the Archaeological Museums, and the Galata Tower.

The Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, and Dolmabahce Palace used to be included, but they are no longer. Therefore, if you follow this itinerary, buying the pass is not worth it.

If you decide to get it, the pass costs €105 and provides skip-the-line access to each museum once in 5 days. The pass can be collected from any of the museums, or you can purchase it online in advance.

ISTANBUL MUSEUM PASS

A similarly named product is the Istanbul Museum Pass, which includes many more museums. However, it’s also much more expensive.

It starts at €150 per day, so you’d need to visit many museums to make it worthwhile.

ISTANBUL TOURISTPASS

The final offering is the Istanbul TouristPass which provides access to over 100 museums, tours and attractions. You can skip the line at all sights, and a cruise of the Bosphorus is included.

The pass is around €158 for 1 day or €193 for 2 days or €229 for 3 days. Unless you visit many museums, it’s probably not worth it for a financial perspective alone. However, it does come with a 1 GB data card.

BEST TIME TO GO TO ISTANBUL

The best time to visit İstanbul is from late April to October.

Many official museums have different summer and winter hours, with winter closures two hours earlier—limiting how much you can see.

Summers can also be extremely hot, making the shoulder seasons ideal for exploring the city on foot.

For a quieter experience at major sites, consider visiting during Ramadan. With fewer local travelers, crowds are minimal. Some restaurants may have limited menus or reduced hours, but we found this rarely an issue.

Lastly, Turkey’s weak currency makes it an exceptionally affordable destination. If you’re considering a trip, it’s best to go sooner rather than later.

MORE TURKEY GUIDES

• More great things to do can be found in our guide to visiting Istanbul.
• Travelling around? Read our guide to the best places to visit in Turkey.
• Try these incredible hikes in Cappadocia (maps included).
• Here are the best things to do in Antalya.
• Take the ultimate scenic voyage in a Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon ride.
• Plan your trip with our Turkey Itinerary.
• Here are the best things to do in Cappadocia.
• Relive history in the best ancient ruins in Turkey.
• Plan the ultimate 4-days in Cappadocia with our detailed itinerary.