30 Best Things to Do in Istanbul

With its many historic sights, there’s no end of things to do in Istanbul. You could spend a lifetime in this amazing city and never see all of its wonders.

Any first-time visitor will want to see the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern. You would also not want to miss the Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, and a wealth of major mosques.

With more time, you can visit the many museums or enjoy some of the city’s scenic parks. Plunge into historic neighborhoods to find a quirky shop or take an exciting ferry ride to another continent. The choices are endless.

Be Awed by Hagia Sophia

Built as a Byzantine cathedral in 537 AD, the magnificent Hagia Sophia—meaning “Holy Wisdom”—is now a mosque. It has been a major influence on both Christian and Islamic architecture.

One of the best places to visit in Istanbul, the massive dome was an engineering marvel of its time and is still awe-inspiring. It seems to float above the vast interior, with beams of sunlight pouring through its many windows.

The interior still has a large number of Byzantine Christian mosaics, while its later Islamic calligraphy is also impressive. Rich with gold, both attract and reflect the light in different ways.

Non-Muslims can no longer access the ground floor but can visit the Upper Gallery. An audio guide will help you find such details as faded Viking runes from the 11th century.

Go Inside the Blue Mosque

Built in 1616, the Blue Mosque stands out for its six minarets and the thousands of blue Iznik tiles inside that give it its familiar name. More formally, it is named after Sultan Ahmed I, who ruled the Ottoman Empire from 1603 to 1617.

This is a working mosque, so you need to dress modestly to enter and remove your shoes. In return, you can admire the sunlight filtering through hundreds of stained glass windows to dance across the carpeted floor.

The mosque’s exterior is also impressive, with six minarets and a flowing series of domes. These combine to make a striking, picturesque silhouette on the Istanbul skyline.

Standing opposite the Hagia Sophia, the two buildings make one of the world’s most impressive architectural pairings. Built in contrasting styles, a thousand years apart, and for different religions, they share a wonderful human and spiritual harmony.

Wander in Topkapi Palace

Once the home of Ottoman sultans, ruling over a vast empire, Topkapi Palace reflects their wealth and prestige. Part administrative center, part residence for the sultan’s family, it stands in the Sultanahmet district. A visit here is one of the best things to do in Istanbul.

Finished around 1478, the palace is a complex of courtyards, gardens, chambers, and royal pavilions. The Harem is perhaps the most interesting, once holding the sultan’s mother, sisters, daughters, wives, and concubines.

With the Harem alone having 300 rooms, including its own mosque, the Palace can overwhelm with its intricate tiling, woodwork, and architectural details. Its gardens and fountains make relaxing places to relax and take it all in.

Well-known treasures include the Topkapi Dagger and the Spoonmaker’s Diamond. You’ll find many other jewels and precious artifacts in the Imperial Treasury.

Visit the Basilica Cistern

Sometimes called a “Sunken Palace”, this vast underground water reservoir dates to the sixth century. Near Hagia Sophia in the Sultanahmet district, it supplied water to the Great Palace of Constantinople and later, the Topkapi Palace.

There are 336 massive columns, each 30 feet high, in 12 rows supporting a vaulted ceiling. The marble or granite columns have been repurposed from Roman-era buildings, sourced from around the former empire.

Visiting this vast, cathedral-like space is a mystical experience. The shining water, ethereal lighting, and rows of columns are strikingly atmospheric.

Water is kept at a low level to preserve the cistern and visitors walk around on wooden platforms, which can be damp and slippery. The site is also now wheelchair accessible since a 2022 renovation.

Bargain at the Grand Bazaar

One of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, the Grand Bazaar offers everything from jewelry to carpets. For visitors, it’s a vast maze with more than 60 streets and around 5,000 shops.

Getting slightly lost is part of the fun, though, as you never know what you might stumble on. The only problem if you find a unique treasure is finding your way back if you don’t buy it at first sight.

Bargaining is expected, a chance to try your wits against shopkeepers from a culture with centuries of experience in haggling. It’s important to treat it as a polite ritual and remain good-humored.

Take time to admire the amazing architecture, including the painted domed ceilings, and intricate tilework. More than just a local market, the bazaar is also a social center, full of buzzing tea houses, cafés, and restaurants.

Buy Turkish Delight in the Spice Bazaar

The Spice Bazaar is a much smaller version of the Grand Bazaar, with around 100 shops. Once dedicated to spices, herbs, and teas, it’s now being taken over by more profitable goods.

However, enough remains of its original products to conjure up the colors and smells of the past. You can still buy saffron, Turkish Delight, or mint tea alongside the jewelry, lamps, and other oriental temptations.

The market was built in the 17th century as part of the Yeni Cami, or “New Mosque” complex. Revenues from it were designed to support the upkeep of the mosque, its school, and its hospice.

You’ll hear it called the “Egyptian Bazaar” as this market and the mosque were both built with an import tax on goods from Egypt. Its ornate architecture, with rows of arches supporting high, domed ceilings, remains a delight.

Climb Galata Tower

This medieval tower has panoramic views of Istanbul’s skyline and the Bosphorus from its upper levels. The original Galata Tower was built in 508 AD, at one end of a chain defense that could close off the Golden Horn’s harbor.

This iteration dates to 1349, with rebuilds after events such as a fire in 1831. This saw the top two floors and a distinctive conical roof added.

Over the centuries, the 200-foot-high tower has served as a lighthouse, prison, and astronomical observatory. Once part of a defensive wall, it now stands high above an area full of shops and cafés.

The 360-degree view makes the Galata Tower a popular attraction, so booking ahead is normally essential. An elevator will take you most of the way up, but you need to climb the last two flights of stairs.

Sail to the Princes’ Islands

This archipelago of nine islands makes for a peaceful escape from the bustle of this Mediterranean city. They stand in the Sea of Marmara, about an hour by ferry from Istanbul.

The islands take their name from being a place of exile for Ottoman royalty. In the 19th century, they became a fashionable place for wealthy Turks to spend their weekends and holidays.

Biking and hiking are good ways to explore the four main islands. Vehicles are banned, except for the electric carts that recently replaced horse-drawn carriages.

Each of the islands has churches, monasteries, and lavish Ottoman-style mansions built as Victorian-era holiday homes. You’ll find green hills, quiet beaches, and scenic spots with views of the Istanbul skyline.

See the Mosaics in Chora Church

One of Istanbul’s finest Byzantine buildings, the Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora dates from the 11th century. It is particularly famous for its well-preserved mosaics and frescoes showing scenes from the life of Christ.

The rich mosaics illustrate the central role of the Virgin Mary in Byzantine Christianity. They depict her being told by the angel Gabriel that she would bear the Son of God and of his birth and her own death.

Frescoes in a side chapel show vivid scenes of God’s Last Judgment at the end of time. Their realism and expressive style make them powerful examples of Byzantine religious art.

The church has been converted into a mosque but visitors are welcome. However, you will need to dress modestly, including a head scarf for women.

Imagine Life at Beylerbeyi Palace

This wonderful Ottoman palace is on the Asian side of Istanbul in the neighborhood of the same name. Dating to the mid-19th century, it was once a summer residence for the sultans.

With its opulent architecture and picturesque setting, the palace is a mix of Ottoman, Neoclassical, and Baroque styles. That reflects the growing European influence on Turkey at the time.

Inside, you will find lavish decor including ornate ceilings, rich fabrics, and intricate woodwork. The Grand Hall has magnificent chandeliers, while the opulent Sultan’s Apartment is a showcase of the decorative arts.

The palace’s landscaped gardens offer a cool respite from Istanbul’s summer heat. They enjoy a picturesque view of the Bosphorus, making them popular with walkers and photographers.

Visit the Archaeology Museums

The Istanbul Archaeology Museums are among the world’s most important collections of their kind. Sometimes overlooked in favor of higher profile sights, they house a vast range of artifacts from various civilizations.

There are three main parts: the Archaeological Museum; the Museum of the Ancient Orient; and the Tiled Kiosk Museum. The first, founded in 1891, concentrates on the familiar Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods.

The Museum of the Ancient Orient focuses on the ancient civilizations of the Near East, such as Persia. Relics from Babylon include parts of the Ishtar Gate, a remarkable example of ancient architecture.

The Tiled Kiosk Museum is housed in a 15th-century building, once part of the Topkapi Palace. Covered in decorative Iznik tiles, it is filled with decorative arts from the Ottoman era.

Travel Through Time in The Museum of Innocence

The Museum of Innocence is named for a 2008 novel by Nobel Prize-winning author Orhan Pamuk. The book describes how Kemel, a wealthy Istanbul businessman, falls in love with a poor relative, Füsun.

Blurring the line between fiction and reality, the museum is full of objects related to Kemel’s obsession. In the book, he collects things such as salt cellars she has touched or cigarette butts she has smoked.

Pamuk began the project several years before starting the novel, which spans the 1950s through the 1980s. He scoured antique shops and flea markets to find artifacts from that era.

This fascinating museum is therefore a time capsule of life back then, making it one of the quirkiest things to do in Istanbul. “The past is always an invented land,” wrote Pamuk, and this unique place reinforces that thought-provoking idea.

Stroll Gülhane Park

As one of its oldest parks, Gülhane has long been one of Istanbul’s most peaceful retreats. Once part of the outer gardens of the Topkapi Palace, it is known for its beautiful landscaping, walking paths, and large trees.

The park’s name means “Rosehouse”, reflecting its original use growing roses for the Topkapi Palace. It is still filled with a variety of flowers and other plants.

From early April, the park bursts into vivid color as one of the venues for the annual Istanbul Tulip Festival. Millions of tulips are planted around this beautiful city and they continue in bloom throughout the spring months.

Gülhane has a section dedicated to statues of historical interest and you will find several cafés scattered in its vast grounds. There is also a lovely view of the Bosphorus, particularly from the higher areas.

Shop in Asia

While no story about Istanbul can resist highlighting its division between Europe and Asia, the differences are now as much in the mind as in reality. However, the city’s eastern side is less historic and more modern, and that is reflected in its shopping.

On Bağdat Avenue or Bağdat Caddesi, you’ll find a mix of high-end boutiques, familiar international brands, and upscale restaurants. There is a focus on fashion and plenty of cafés from which to watch the passing show.

In the Moda neighborhood, you’ll discover an area of cobbled streets and trendy boutiques with a very European feel. Antique shops, bookstores, and craft shops add to that arty, bohemian atmosphere.

Moda is part of the Kadıköy district, well known for its fresh produce market. Its colorful displays of fish, fruit, veg, spices, and teas are made for social media. Besides buying some Turkish specialties, you might want to try the many authentic cafés.

Tour Kadıköy’s Murals

The same Kadıköy neighborhood as the Toy Museum hosts an annual Mural Festival. This brings in local and international artists to transform walls into works of art.

A major legacy is a growing number of large murals on themes ranging from social issues to environmental awareness. Local artists bring many aspects of Turkish culture and heritage into their works.

Among the largest murals are those covering the gables of entire five-story buildings. You might see a leaping tiger, a robot, or a cubist-style pattern of colors.

The best way to discover the most interesting art is to join a guided walking tour. This will show you the bohemian side of this area full of coffee shops, galleries, and yoga studies.

Read: Best Cities for Art in the World

Look Out From Piyer Loti Café

French navy officer and novelist Pierre Loti published a semi-autobiographical book about what was then Constantinople in 1879. Describing his supposed love affair with a harem girl and Turkish daily life, “Aziyadé” helped spark the western fascination with an “exotic” east.

The cozy, traditional-style Piyer Loti Coffeehouse—renamed in his honor—is the actual café he finished this first novel in. It sits on a small hill with remarkable views of the Golden Horn and Istanbul skyline.

You can reach the top by road or by climbing the steps up the hill from Eyüp, which is also linked by a short cable car ride. The café’s terrace is particularly popular as a place to take in the panorama.

Part of the café is dedicated to a display of Loti’s novels, which influenced Marcel Proust. Belongings such as his typewriter and gramophone are also on display.

Cruise the Bosphorus

Old-time residents say that to fully understand Istanbul, you must have lived on both sides of the Bosphorus. This waterway, separating Europe and Asia both divides and unites two continents.

As a visitor, you might not have much time to spend on the city’s two sides. However, a Bosphorus cruise gives great views of each and is an essential thing to do in Istanbul at least once.

Notable sights include Dolmabahçe Palace, the Maiden’s Tower, and the two famous suspension bridges. You’ll also see charming waterfront neighborhoods such as Ortaköy, Bebek, and Arnavutköy.

If time is short, a ferry ride—such as from Eyüp to Üsküdar around the Golden Horn—lets you experience the sights, smells, and sounds of the strait. Fun, good luck traditions on any crossing are to wear blue and to throw a small coin in the water at the midway point between continents.

Listen in Suleymaniye Mosque

Sitting on a hill overlooking the Golden Horn, the Suleymaniye Mosque is a majestic sight on the Istanbul skyline. A masterpiece by Ottoman architect Sinan, it is a building of great simplicity and beauty.

The mosque was funded by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and completed in 1557. The complex included schools, baths, a public kitchen, and a charitable hospital.

Four soaring minarets mark the exterior, surrounding a massive dome inspired by the unique building of Hagia Sophia. The interior is understated in its subtle Iznik tiling, light filtered through stained glass windows, and beautiful Islamic calligraphy.

The acoustics are remarkable with clay pots embedded in the walls to enhance the sounds of prayer. The mosque has survived earthquakes and fire over the centuries to become one of Istanbul’s most-loved icons.

Walk Through Dolmabahçe Palace

Dolmabahçe Palace was built in the 1850s as a European-style residence to replace Topkapi Palace. This was a time when the sultans were embracing a desire to modernize their outlook and lifestyle.

Sitting on the European side of Istanbul, it is one of the most lavish palaces of the Ottoman Empire. Its long facade presents a face to the Bosphorus that mixes Ottoman Baroque and Neoclassical styles.

Outside, you can see white marble, ornate balconies, and wide terraces. Inside, you are awed by tons of gold leaf in hundreds of rooms and dozens of grand halls.

The European influence is obvious in the French crystal chandeliers, Italian marble, and British period furniture. Highlights include a staircase of Baccarat crystal and mahogany, as well as the lovely gardens overlooking the water.

Cross the Galata Bridge

The Galata Bridge spans the Golden Horn, the deep natural harbor around which the Byzantine and Ottoman empires grew. There has been a bridge here since the Byzantine era but the current two-level one dates to 1994.

The upper level of the bridge is for road traffic and pedestrians. In contrast, the lower level is full of busy cafés and seafood restaurants serving traditional Turkish food.

The lower level is a popular spot for fishermen, a sight that adds considerably to the bridge’s charm. There are great views of the Golden Horn, the Istanbul skyline, and sights such as the Hagia Sophia.

Drawing in sightseers, photographers, diners, and those just out for a walk, the bridge is a major social hub. Many come to eat a traditional balık ekmek, a fish sandwich, either here or at the nearby Eminönü Pier.

Photograph Sultanahmet Square

In front of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, better known as the “Blue Mosque”, is Sultanahmet Square. Both are named for Sultan Ahmed I, who reigned from 1603 to 1617.

The Hagia Sophia also stands on the square with the Topkapi Palace nearby. These attractions, its gardens, and cooling fountains make the square a favorite meeting point, always busy with visitors.

The square stands on the site of the Hippodrome where the Byzantine emperors held chariot races and other public events. Ancient Egyptian obelisks and the Serpentine Column still mark the centerline of that arena.

Stand Under an Aqueduct

The monumental Aqueduct of Valens was built in the fourth century during the reign of Roman Emperor Valens. It was part of a system designed to bring water from the Belgrade Forest to Constantinople.

The aqueduct was originally 167 miles long and the most remarkable surviving section is in Istanbul’s Fatih district. The double-tier aqueduct—3,186 ft long and 100 feet high—spans the hills between Istanbul University and the Fatih Mosque.

The original aqueduct system filled a number of major underground cisterns including the Cistern of Philoxenos. It was in use until the 1950s when it was still delivering 1.5 million gallons of water a day.

Count the Tiles at the New Mosque

Yeni Camii—the “New Mosque”—is near the Spice Bazaar in the Eminönü district. Commissioned in the 16th century, it was eventually completed around 1665.

Standing at the south end of Galata Bridge on the Golden Horn, it is a major landmark. Its elegant architecture is similar to the earlier Suleymaniye Mosque but in a more compact form.

Its real beauty is inside, where beautiful İznik tiles and intricate calligraphy enchant the eye. As the last mosque built by the Sultans, the whole is the pinnacle of Ottoman art and architecture.

The mosque complex included a hospital, school and other buildings, such as an astronomer’s observatory. The Spice Bazaar was also built beside it to help support the mosque’s charitable works.

Window Shop on Istiklal Street

Istiklal Street is the busy, mile-long pedestrian avenue stretching from Taksim Square to the Galata area. Known for its historic buildings, it is lined with shops, cafés, and galleries.

Looking up, you’ll see much Ottoman-era architecture in Art Nouveau and Neo-Classical style. These often form a striking contrast to the shop frontages from familiar global brands.

Another throwback is the historic tram, dating to 1914, that still runs down the street. Hop on and off at the three stops on the street, or ride it to and from the terminals at Taksim or Tünel squares.

Taksim Square is dominated by a statue of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, commemorating the foundation of the Turkish Republic in 1923. This event also gives Istiklal Street its name: Istiklal means “Independence”.

Soak Up the Cistern of Theodosius

The Cistern of Theodosius, dating to the fifth century, stands near Sultanahmet Square. Less well-known than the Basilica Cistern, it’s actually one of the largest ancient cisterns in Istanbul.

This impressive cistern was designed to store water for the Great Palace of Constantinople. It was built by the Emperor Theodosius, who also built the city walls and the Hagia Sophia as it stands today.

It shares a similar design to other cisterns with a vaulted roof sitting on 32 pillars. Repurposed from other buildings, many of the columns have ornately carved capitals.

The dim lighting, reflective water, and dripping sounds make for an atmospheric visit. These underground spaces can be chilly; it’s refreshing on a hot day, but do bring an extra layer when visiting.

Sip Turkish Coffee

Istanbul has a rich coffee culture with roots going back to the 16th century. Alongside traditional coffee houses celebrating that past, you’ll find the most innovative of modern outlets.

While Turkey is now growing some of its own beans, the Ottomans sourced their coffee beans from Yemen. “Turkish Coffee” refers to the process of boiling finely ground beans with water in a special pot.

The resulting strong coffee is served unfiltered, with the grounds settling at the bottom of the cup. The small cups come with a glass of water and often a sweet treat such as Turkish Delight.

You’ll find the coffee has a strong, rich flavor and a thick, smooth feel in the mouth. It’s normal to take it with sugar – and it might even come boiled with it.

As important as the coffee itself is the process of socializing, perhaps over a game of backgammon. Search out a few coffeehouse gems, such as Mandabatmaz, near Taksim Square, or Karaköy Güllüoğlu, known for its baklava.

Read: What to Eat in Istanbul

Watch the Whirling Dervishes

The Mevlevi Order was founded in the 13th century within Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam. They are followers of the Persian poet and mystic Rumi who preached love, tolerance, and meditation.

His poetry and philosophy are central to the order’s “Whirling Dervish” dance. Individuals hope to experience spiritual awakening through meditation and the whirl.

The hypnotic dance that Turkey is known for, with its poetry and music, is a way to enter a trance-like state. It symbolizes the circling of the universe, bringing believers each day closer to the divine.

You can watch this mesmerizing ceremony at several places in Istanbul, notably the Galata Mevlevi House. Remember that this is a religious ceremony, so dress modestly and show respect to the dancers.

Explore Üsküdar

Üsküdar, on the Asian side of the Bosphorus, is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Istanbul, and at its heart is the Fisherman’s market. Also selling fruit, vegetables, clothing, and souvenirs, it is still famous for its fish soup.

In contrast, Nevmekan Sahil is a multi-function space that is notable for its photogenic domed library/café lined with bookshelves. Any book- and coffee-lover will be in heaven drinking in the atmosphere and setting here.

The futuristic, half-domed design of the tiny Sakirin mosque caused a real stir when it opened in 2009. Its wonderfully modern, bright interior was the world’s first mosque prayer hall designed by a woman, Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu.

But most visitors come to Üsküdar to take the short ferry ride to the Maiden’s Tower. Standing just offshore, it dates to 1725 and is popular for its history, café, and views.

Be Arty at Istanbul Modern

The Istanbul Modern Art Museum is Turkey’s first museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art. You will find it on the waterfront of the Karaköy district.

The distinctive building by architect Renzo Piano takes full advantage of the Bosphorus and city views. A reflecting pool on the roof makes for a particularly spectacular viewpoint.

Besides its rotating exhibitions, the museum holds a diverse range of work by both Turkish and international artists. However, the emphasis is on major works by local names such as Sarkis, İnci Eviner, or Gülsün Karamustafa.

You’ll be drawn in by everything from painting and sculpture to installation and video. There is also a strong emphasis on photography, with the art all captioned in both Turkish and English.

Learn in the Islamic Arts Museum

This collection of Turkish & Islamic art is in the former 16th-century palace of Ibrahim Pasha. As a favorite grand vizier of Suleiman the Magnificent, his home was among the largest and grandest in the Ottoman Empire.

The museum is in the historic Sultanahmet district, sitting opposite the Blue Mosque. Founded in 1914, it moved here in the 1980s and now has 40,000 artifacts in its collection.

There is a staggering treasure trove of decorative arts, from calligraphy and glassware to carpets and copies of the Holy Quran. You can also study a fascinating set of traditional costumes from different regions and eras.

Among the more unusual displays are a nomad’s tent from Central Asia and a collection of miniature manuscripts. You might be surprised by some beautiful prayer rugs or the many types of musical instrument.

Ready to discover more about the extraordinary wonders around every corner of Istanbul? Browse Celebrity’s cruises to Istanbul and plan your next adventure.