travel and explore istanbul

Wander-Lush

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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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.

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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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Taste of Two Continents: Istanbul Food Tour

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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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Find things to do in Istanbul, days out, attractions and sightseeing in Istanbul, what’s on, Istanbul festivals and events, tours, restaurants and hotels in Istanbul. Plan your trip to Istanbul with useful traveler information.

We are a team and fellows of Istanbul locals, expats and world travelers. We aim to provide the very up-to-date and quality information and advice for your trip to our city Istanbul. We try to do our best to keep our website up-to-date with all the tourist information. Our motto is  “Your Go-See-Do-Heal Advisor” . We try to do our best to provide you the best advice on the city’s top sights and sounds, with the very best tourist , medical and health services from the trusted companies and providers.

Things to Do in Istanbul (2024 Essential Attractions Insider Guide)

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Augusta, Antonina, Nova Roma, Byzantion, Byzantium, Constantinople and finally Istanbul…  These exciting names reminds the mysterious and enchanting past of the city. Istanbul can be considered as the combination of the old and modern city, as well as Islamic and Mediterranean mixture of cultures in a captivating atmosphere. There are only few cities in the world that can be so delightful to experience and enjoy as Istanbul.

Istanbul offers an unforgettable experience for its travelers, with its colorful daily city life and dynamic nightlife. The beautiful silhouette of the city combines historical sites and monuments such as Roman aqueducts, Byzantine churches, Venetian towers, Ottoman palaces from the Byzantine, Ottoman and Turkish periods. And the skyline covers monumental minarets with skyscrapers and plazas. And especially the  Historical Peninsula  and the  Bosphorus  will make you deeply fall in love with the city…

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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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27 Best Things to do in Istanbul, Turkey

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: July 24, 2023

Istanbul, Turkey embraces a mixture of European and Asian culture and visitors will sense the contrasts with each turn. If there is one city that can truly claim the title of being the gateway to both Europe and Asia, it’s Istanbul.

To really explore and understand the culture and energy of the city one would need months or even years but we’ve highlighted our favorite things to do in Istanbul from our four different visits. Straddling two continents, Istanbul is a city divided by the narrow waterway known as the Bosphorus.

Table of Contents

Top Things to do in Istanbul, Turkey

During our time in Istanbul, we witnessed young urbanites embracing the modern world while others cling to traditional values of the Byzantium period and the Ottoman Empire. These are all the things to do in Istanbul to make the most of your stay. 

Beautiful Istanbul – Travel Tips

To get to and from the airport, we took TransferExpert.com . Their services were professional and friendly! It was nice to have a sign with our name on it waiting for us when we landed at the hectic airport.

Many of the top things to do in Istanbul are within walking distance. And while exploring the old town, the best way to get around is by walking. From the Old Town to crossing the Galata Bridge, there’s no better way to get around Istanbul.

A great travel tip is to get an Istanbul Museum Pass to skip the line to popular museums like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Harem, Great Palace Mosaics and more popular museums in Istanbul with the guided tour app. Check out this pass here.

A visit to Istanbul will ignite your senses. it is one of the most exciting cities to visit in Europe and these are the best things to do in Istanbul to make the most of your stay.

1. Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and is definitely one of the most popular things to see in Istanbul. It was once a church and a mosque but is now one of the most visited museums in the world. We didn’t go inside on our first trip to Istanbul, but we realized we were missing out so we made sure to go in during our second visit to Istanbul. The interior of Hagia Sophia is really a must-see in Istanbul.

For 916 years it was a church and then following the conquest of Sultan Mehmed, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque and remained so for 482 years. In 1935 it was converted into a museum. IN 2019, Hagia Sophia was just converted back into a mosque but like most mosques, it is open to the public and you can still go inside to see its mosaics, calligraphy, tiles, and the Sultan’s lodge.

Book this entry to Hagio Sophia with a guided tour. Meet your local guide starting with a short history of the Old City. The tour explains the mystery of this important monument both for the Byzantine and the Ottoman Empires.

• Opening Hours: April to October: 9am to 7 pm daily November to March – 9am to 6pm. (closed on Mondays)
• Free access to Hagia Sophia with museum pass or 72TL if paying at the entrance.
• Tram stop – Sultanahmet

2. Blue Mosque

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is Istanbul’s most famous mosque in Istanbul and is definitely one of the top things to do in Istanbul. A visit to the city would not be complete without laying eyes on its beauty.

It’s known by its more common name, The Blue Mosque because of the blue tiles surrounding the walls of its interior. The Blue Mosque is still a functioning mosque but visitors can enter if they follow the rules. Long pants should be worn and women must have their shoulders and heads covered. Located in the old city, it’s the perfect way to start your day before moving on to the other sights nearby.

T his highly-rated tour takes you on a 4-hour introduction to the city of Istanbul. Your licensed professional tour guide will take you to Hagia Sophia Museum, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, and the Grand Bazaar, to search for precious handmade carpets, jewelry, leather, and souvenirs.

• Opening Hours: 9 am to 7 pm
• Read our tips for visiting Istanbul’s Blue Mosque. 
• Tram Stop – Sultanahmet

3. Grand Bazaar

One of the best things to do in Istanbul is to get lost in the massive Grand Bazaar. Within walking distance from the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, and Topkapi Palace it’s just a short walk down the street that takes you to the Grand Bazaar. This is one of the most exciting shopping experiences you’ll ever have. There are more than 5,000 shops in the Grand Bazaar covering 60 streets.

The Grand Bazaar was an important trading center dating back to the 15th century. I can only imagine how it once was with traders coming in from Asia and Africa bringing their exotic items for merchants to peruse from Europe. Spending a day losing yourself in the giant labyrinth that houses Mosques, hammams, cafes, and jewelry stalls makes this one of Istanbul’s top attractions.

A great way to see all of the main attractions in the old city is to book this tour starting in the Sultanahmet district at Hagia Sophia. You’ll then discover the Basilica Cistern dating back to the 6th century before venturing into the Grand Bazaar and its 4000 shops that sell carpets, silks, ceramics and more.

Be sure to visit the Spice Market in Istanbul as well. This city was an important stop on the spice route and the Spice Bazaar is not far from the Grand Bazaar.

• Hours: 10 am to 6pm
• Tram Stop – Beyaz?t – Kapal?çar?

4. Süleymaniye mosque

The Süleymaniye mosque stands on the third of the seven hills that overlook the Golden Horn. While the Blue Mosque is the most well-known of Istanbul mosques, the Süleymaniye mosque is one of the most striking in the city skyline. The largest mosque in Istanbul, it was built during the Ottoman empire of the 16th century but the Sultan of Suleyman.

This tour takes you off the beaten path in Istanbul to not only see the Suleymaniye Mosque but you’ll also enjoy the ancient practice of hookah while sampling Turkish pastry called borek before heading over to the Spice Bazaar. This tour also takes you to the Church of St. George.

• 8 am to 9:30pm
• Tram Stop – M2 to Vezneciler

5. Beylerbeyi Palace

Beylerbeyi Palace was the summer residence of the Ottoman Sultans and is a great place to visit in Istanbul to see the lavish lifestyle of the rulers. It has a white marble exterior and an opulent interior filled with art, priceless vases, fountains, and crystal chandeliers.

You can get there by ferry or if you have a hop on hop off boat tour , it is one of the stops. This is a great tour to explore the historic sites along the Bosphorus. It begins at Emirgan where you’ll visit an 18th-century mosque, Emirgan Park, and Sabanci museum. The boat then goes to the Asian side of Istanbul to see the royal pavilions of Kucuksu, then Beylerbeyi Palace, and Beylerbeyi Mosque before making your way to the last stop at a local market at Bsiktas Square before hopping on the tram back to Taksim.

6. Hippodrome of Constantinople

When walking through Istanbul, I couldn’t help but sing the song “Istanbul is not Constantinople.” But as a matter of fact, it was! Constantinople was the capital of the Byzantine empire. Located just a short walk from the Blue Mosque is the Hippodrome of Constantinople. An ancient stadium that held 100,000 people gathering to watch chariot races and horse racing.

The Egyptian obelisk survived the years along with a sculpture of three-headed serpents. Obelisk of Theodosius

Today it stands at the Sultan Ahmet Square and is the historical heart of the old city. A guided tour of the Hippodrome is great if you are a history buff and want to learn more about this fascinating neighborhood.

7. Walls of Constantinople

The Walls of Constantinople were largely intact until the 19th century when they were dismantled. But surprisingly many are still intact. There are many places to see the old city walls as they have been undergoing restoration since the 1980s. The tower in the Wall of Constantinople is one of the best places to see its remains. This Byzantine tour along the Golden Horn takes you on a journey to discover Constantinople before the Ottoman conques t. You’ll walk along the old city walls and gates and discover so much more outside of the Old City of Istanbul.

8. Galata Tower

Across the Galata Bridge crossing the mouth of The Bay of Istanbul you’ll find one of Istanbul’s top attractions, the Galata Tower. It is located on the North Bank of the Golden Horn and you can take tours up it to view the city overlooking the Bosphorus from its observation deck. It has one of Istanbul’s best views of the Bosphorus and is not to be missed.

The Galata Tower offers the best panoramic views of the city, the Bosphorus, and is an excellent vantage point to gaze upon Old Istanbul. Until the 1960’s it was a watchtower for city fires, but today it is open to tourists to walk around its balcony near the top of the 67 meters (220 feet) high tower. Take a walking tour of the Taksim and Galata neighborhoods where you’ll learn of the Galata Tower, Tunnel Square (second oldest metro in the world), and Dervish Lodge as you walk through its bustling markets and shops.

• Opening Hours of Galata Tower: 9 am to 7 pm
• Cost : 35 TL

We stayed in an apartment looking right at this tower and it was breathtaking. This is another amazing apartment with views of the Bosphorus. You can see them both on VRBO.

9. Indulge in Turkish Delight

There’s a great square at the base of the Galata Tower where you can enjoy some Turkish Delight while people watching on the terrace. But you can pick up Turkish Delight anywhere in Istanbul. Make sure to give it a try. Dave hates it, but I love it. However, I am a fan of Big Turk chocolate bars here in Canada.

10. Belly Dancing and Whirling Dervishes

The Galata Tower itself is 9 stories high with a restaurant café and nightclub where you can watch a Turkish show complete with Belly dancing and whirling Dervishes. If you want to take in an Istanbul show , there is nothing cooler than seeing talented Belly Dancers and Whirling Dervish do their thing.

The 1001 Turkish Nights Performance will pick you up at your hotel where you’ll drive along the Bosphorus to your dinner and show. You’ll enjoy music, a Fasil orchestra and belly dancing. It includes your choice of wine, gin, vodka, Raki or beer.

The Istanbul City Pass gives entry to 30 attractions including a whirling dervish show in Hodjapasha Hamam

11. Istiklal street

Visited by nearly 3 million people daily, Istiklal Street is the beating heart of the city of Istanbul. This 1.4 km long pedestrian walkway houses everything from cinemas to nightclubs and boutiques to cafés. If you are looking for places to visit in Istanbul at night, this is a great place to start.

It’s also on Istiklal Street that we tried our first Turkish Delight treats and bought some much-needed medication from the pharmacies. If you don’t feel like walking, you can take the historic tram all the way to Taksim Square to view the monument of the republic.

• In a Hurry? Book this tour of Istanbul. This private walking tour can be tailor made to see the top Istanbul attractions ranging from 1 to 3 days.

12. Topkapi Palace

One of the most iconic places to visit in Istanbul. A tour of Topkapi Palace is a must. It is not only filled with history, it is also beautiful. Go inside to view the beautiful mosaic tiles and ornate treasures from the Ottoman Empire. The Topkapi Palace Museum has a collection of books in its library outlining the history and culture of life here from 1478 to 1856. Get a skip the line ticket that includes a guided tour of the Audience Hall, High Court, Historical Kitchens, and The Treasury.

The administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, was also home to the Ottoman Sultans making this lavish palace is a fascinating tour through time. Make sure to visit the Harem, home to the palace concubines. It was also the living quarters of the Ottoman sultans so it is must visit addition to the basic entry fee.

13. Archaeological Museum

This tour offers Skip the ticket lines to enter the Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern with local host. The passes are good for three days so you can choose to visit all 3 museums in 1 day, or the three of them separately on different days. Once inside the museum, your local host will give you tips on how to discover the museums in the best way.

• Opening Hours: Wednesday-Monday: 9 am to 7pm (from November to march 9 am to 5pm) Closed on Tuesdays.
• Cost : 72 TL (note this does not include the Harem) To book the Harem, it is another 42 TL)

14. Eat with the Locals

Eating in Istanbul is a feast for the senses and to truly appreciate the cuisine, you must join a family for an authentic local experience. It starts by meeting a family and learning about their way of life. And then the feast begins with an array of small dishes known as mezze. Mezze platters include pita bread with hummus, cacik, and tabbouleh salad. Main dishes include kebabs and believe it or not pizza! The feast ends with Turkish delight and sweet tea.

15. Visit a Local Family

You can book many dining experiences in Istanbul and the best way is to spend time with a local family. We joined two different local tours in Istanbul, was with the “Other Tour” Where we met our guide’s mom and we also booked one through Get Your Guide where we had a private guide take us to see Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque at night.

Insider Istanbul Tip:

In Istanbul, you will often meet friendly people that invite you for dinner. The people of Istanbul are very friendly and even if you don’t go to their home, you will often find yourself sitting down for tea and becoming fast friends. To really experience Turkish food and culture book this top rated tour that takes you on a food and culture tour of Istanbul food followed with dinner at a local family’s home.

16. Ortakoy – Where to go in Istanbul for Nightlife

One of the city’s best places for nightlife is in the Ortakoy neighborhood. Our guide told us that Madonna and other famous celebrities love to party in Ortakoy. Once a fishing village, this district is now the area for upmarket chic looking for a place to party. The waterfront is filled with bars and clubs and this is where the hip young professionals of the city hang out.

Istanbul is home to both traditional and modern ways of life and the contrast between the two cities is immense. To really experience Istanbul you must spend some time in Ortakoy. Dave and I clearly didn’t hang out here late into the night as we’re neither hip nor young, but we did take a stroll through the city and had a glass of wine!

17. Ortakoy Mosque

Ortakoy Mosque is another beautiful mosque in Istanbul that is worth a visit. Located directly on the Bosphorus it can be reached by ferry. Visiting this area gives you a feel for local life in Istanbul. There are many restaurants and coffee shops around the mosque that you can sit back and relax in after visiting. Make sure to dress appropriately when visiting any mosque in Istanbul.

18 Sip Turkish Coffee

If there is one thing that we wanted to try in Turkey, it was Turkish Coffee. We’d had it all over the world, but to have it in its country of origin was beyond heavenly. It takes great preparation to make this tiny little cup of caffeine, but the effort is worth it as it’s one of the most delicious and rich blends of coffee you will ever have.

Hot tip : Don’t drink it to the last drop though, the bottom of the cup is filled with coffee grinds. (the secret ingredient perhaps?) Want to explore more food and culture? Istanbul Food and Culture Tour takes you on a walking tour through 2 Continents as you explore Turkish food and culture.

19. Walk Across the Galata Bridge

It was easy for us to do our daily walk across the Galata Bridge during our first visit to Istanbul. We were staying right near it in an apartment rental. This is a beautiful place to take in the best Istanbul view of the Blue Mosque, views of the Bosphorus, and the Golden Horn. Keep an eye out for rows of friendly fishermen who are happy to chat as families stroll across taking in the views. It’s a great spot for cheap eats, especially a delicious fish sandwich.

20. Cruise the Bosphorus

You must visit the Asian side of the city when visiting Istanbul! A cruise of the Bosphorus offers beautiful views of the Istanbul skyline including the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia and different views of the Bosphorus from the other side. We took a yacht cruise to take in the sights, and this cruise takes you on a 2.5-hour boat cruise of the Bosphorus Strait takes you passed the city’s landmarks and monuments including the Galata Tower and the Dolmabahçe Palace, both the Asian and European Coasts and a stop at the 19th-century Küçüksu Palace which was the hunting lodge of the Ottoman Empire.

Keep an eye out for the Maiden’s Tower. Also known as Leander’s Tower, the Maiden’s Tower stands on a small island in the Bosphorus. A structure has been on this island since the 3rd century BC, but this current tower dates back to the 1700s. Visitors can stop here to enjoy some Turkish food while taking in views of the city and perusing its museum.

If you are looking for things to do in Istanbul at night, book this Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Entertainment for an evening view of the city of Istanbul and a fun Turkish experience.

21. Take the Local Commuter Ferry

If a cruise isn’t in the cards and you are looking for a more affordable option, hop on the commuter ferry for the chance to pop over to the Asia side of Istanbul. How often can you visit two continents in a matter of minutes and not even have to go through customs?

We popped over to Asian Istanbul after a scenic cruise checking out the shores of both North and South. A good stop near the port is Kanlica, famous for its thick yogurt with honey.

22. Basilica Cistern

Head underground to tour the Basilica Cistern. The Basilica cistern is only one of the city’s cisterns, there are hundreds of cisterns under Istanbul but it is the largest. Cisterns were used to store water but today you can tour it. Located just a short walk from Hagia Sofia, there are art exhibits, a fortress of columns, and two medusa heads acting as a base. What is up with that?

23. Play a Game of Backgammon

When strolling through the city, you’ll see many older gentlemen playing games. The game of choice is Backgammon and you must give it a try. Look for a local café offering boards to use, sit down and order a coffee or tea and play until your heart’s content. This popular game dates back 5,000 years in the Persian empire and is going strong today in the city of Istanbul.

• If you need someone to play Backgammon with This Tour it includes an evening out in their tours.

24. Smoke a Hookah

Also known as Shisha or waterpipe, Hookah lounges are very popular in the city. Hookahs are flavored tobacco smoked through a water pipe. It became popular in Turkey in the 17th century and was a status symbol for those in the city. Dave and I are ardent non-smokers, but to visit Istanbul without giving a Hookah a try would be criminal.

25. Visit a Turkish Bath

You cannot visit Istanbul without experiencing the weirdness and wackiness of a Turkish Bath, also known as a traditional hammam . Be prepared to strip down to your birthday suit and have strangers vigorously bathe and massage your entire body after a hot steam bath. It can be painful, strange, and heavenly all at once. You may or may not like it, but I can tell you one thing for sure, you will never forget it.

If you don’t want to take a chance of a shady Turkish bath, book this Turkish Bath Experience that some call one of the city’s best. The historical Çemberlita? Hamam with a traditional Turkish bath including a scrub and a massage. Once you finish you can spend as long as you like in the Hammam.

26. Istanbul Modern

If you are spending some time in Istanbul, you may want to check out the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art (aka Istanbul Modern). It has become a very popular museum in Turkey showcasing modern art through permanent and temporary displays from the 20th century to today. There is a cinema, cafe and a library with more than 11,500 books.

27. Dolmabahce Palace

One of Istanbul’s most beautiful historic sites is Dolmabahce Palace. It was Turkey’s first European-style palace and they went all out. It is a large palace on the water filled with gold and crystal. It is certainly an over-the-top palace, but that was for a reason. It was built to hide the fact that the Ottoman Empire was falling. Once built, it was newer than Topkapi Palace so the Sultan moved to enjoy its more modern luxuries.

This guided tour takes you through the largest palace of the Ottoman Empire where you’ll learn of the differences between Dolmabahçe and Topkapi Palaces. Make sure to look up to see its ornate ceilings with Baccarat and Bohemian chandeliers including the biggest Bohemian chandelier on the planet.

How to Get Around Istanbul

Istanbul is a busy and vibrant city and the best way to get around is by tram. It’s affordable, fast, and easy. We hopped on the tram to take us everywhere from the old city to Taksim Square, took Ubers, and booked Transfer Expert from the airport. But in our opinion, the best way to discover Istanbul is on foot. Lose yourself in Sultanahmet, explore the streets of Constantinople, and get lost in the Grand Bazaar.

Where to Stay in Istanbul

There are many great places for accommodation in Istanbul. These are three places that we stayed, but we also stayed in a few apartment rentals in Istanbul as well.

• Swissotel The Bosphorus – This five-star luxury hotel right is in the centre of Istanbul on the European banks of the Bosphorus. It is a perfect location for exploring Istanbul with a rooftop pool and free WiFi. Check out Availability & Prices at Booking.com / Trip Advisor
• Sura Hagia Sophia – Located in Sultanahmet, this 5-star hotel is perfectly situated to all the main attractions. The hotel also offers a well-designed garden with an attractive pool area and Free Happy Hour. Check out Availability & Prices Booking.com / Trip Advisor
• Elite World Europe Hotel – Situated close to the airport, this newly-opened hotel offers luxury at budget prices. Perfect for a layover or to avoid Istanbul traffic if you have a flight leaving in the early morning hours. Check out Availability & Prices Booking.com / Trip Advisor

And these are all the things to do in Istanbul that we recommend. It is one of the most exciting cities in the world and if you get a chance to go, be sure to spend at least a week exploring both the old and new cities. There are so many things to do in Istanbul, you will want to go back again and again.

What did we miss? We have visited Istanbul three times and still, I know there is so much more there, I’m sure you have some favorite things to do in Istanbul that we didn’t get a chance to do ourselves.

Plan Your Next Trip to Turkey With These Resources

• The Blue Mosque of Istanbul and tips for Entry

13 Facts About Turkey That Will Surprise You

• Amazing Historical Sites In the World – That We’ve Seen
• Turkey Travel Guide
• Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon: How to Choose the Right Company

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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53 thoughts on “27 Best Things to do in Istanbul, Turkey”

Thank you very much from Dhaka-Bangladesh for your clear guide lines regarding a very nice city like Istanbul. I will visit Istanbul with my wife and three children and i will try to stay ten days both of the Asian and European sides with my family.

You must go back and visit Fener and Balat. It’s the most colorful part of Istanbul and an absolute highlight for me. I love Turkey!

Very informative have been to Turkey however, I haven’t been to Istanbul. I am going to save this article so I can refer to it in my future travels to Turkey.

I really love Istanbul, thank you very much

A very unique post I must say. I like your Image and your presentation. Thank you for sharing this with us.

Very informative post, really liked this post… Thanks for sharing.

I just want to say thanks for your wonderful post, it images a lot of knowledge and information that I needed right now. Thank you for sharing this great post.

Thanks for the great article, I want to learn the Turkish language!

This is a great list with amazing tips to do in Istanbul. Thanks for sharing it.

love Istanbul..amazing city…amazing people..historic… and guys must try “Baklava”

The sea view is really great all over Istanbul. Historical buildings, mosques and streets are really beautiful. I would recommend anyone to see it.

Sounds interesting! Did you get massages there? Where would you recommend if so? I love to travel and experience different massages! ?

That’s a great post ! thanks a lot.

What a great piece of research, there is one issue that you have not addressed the internet issue. Between purchasing a Pocket WiFi and renting a pocket WiFi which one is the best. Am considering to renting a Pocket WiFi from rent n Connect

Though I have never been to Istanbul, it is one of my top favorite destinations to explore, your post introduces some of the best things, and it is really interesting to learn more about the city through your post.

The Ayasofia offers beautiful views of the city. It is located just North of the Golden Horn in the Galata Quarter. Thanks for share

Thanks for taking the time to write this.

It was very helpful and informative.

I visited Istanbul last summer July 2018 and it wasss the best week of my life even tho I didn’t tour it very well and I didn’t see a lot of places but still the best vacation ever I really wanna go back there this summer inchallah

The Galata Tower offers beautiful views of the city. It is located just North of the Golden Horn in the Galata Quarter. Thanks for share

Wooow just woow!!!!! What a beautiful city is turkey! I am feeling like I really want to be there once. Wish to have so much funs, to explore new things and new place, but also I just want to feel Euro-asian culture over there. May God help me to make my dreams real one day, hope that it will be the most wonderful time in my entire life.

What a great blog- very good read.

Thanks for all the tips too!

Thanks, looking forward to being there over New Year’s!

Wow! Istanbul is so interesting! Would love to sip the Turkish tea. I’m sure the experience of being in Istanbul is very transforming, very different. There is so much to absorb.

Great post. There is so much history in Istanbul. Ankur does not like history and hence, we figured out stuff that non-history loving people can do in Istanbul.

Amazing city!

Thanks for your review of great Istanbul

The list is great. Those who go to Istanbul can visit Süleymaniye Mosque. I recommend dry bean foods here.

I think every human being should visit The Most Visited Historical and Popüler Places in ?stanbul

Istanbul is a beautiful city

there are alot of things to do in istanbul

Istanbul is really the most wonderful place to visit, I heard lot about Turkish baths, and it clears out many ailments, though we have many Hamam centers in our country that do not reproduce same benefits as the real ones. The city really wonderful with a blend of European and Asian culture, I appreciate your efforts for putting many things in the post. Pictures are really inspiring, the city is the must visit destination in 2018.

I have not visited Istanbul. But recently, I have done an article on top tourist attractions in Istanbul based on online research. I just feel like it has a wonderful combination of everything a tourist can ask for. I think it is well prepared to give every of its visitor the best experience….

Wow! Istanbul is so interesting! Would love to sip the Turkish tea.Your photos of the Blue Mosque are spectacular.

Love this post and love Istanbul!! It’s one of my favorite places in the world and this brought back such beautiful memories. The East and West blend truly makes the city so special. Miss the yummy Turkish delights. And yes, the Hamam was definitely a memorable experience. Haha! 😉

Great post. There is so much history in Istanbul. Ankur does not like history and hence, we figured out stuff that non-history loving people can do in Istanbul. Check out our post… http://www.tickingthebucketlist.com/2014/07/istanbul-beyond-monuments.html

Nice list but you left off the favorite place we visited in Istanbul- Basilica Cistern. Although I didn’t like the taste, another interesting thing is to try a fish sandwich from one of the boats in Eminonu.

Oh, I’m heading there in February (only four four days), and this post just fueled my excitement! Also, you’re right about the hamams… I did one in Morocco and I definitely won’t ever forget that experience. Although, as strange as it was, I’m contemplating giving it a go again in Turkey!

Your photos of the Blue Mosque are spectacular. Istanbul is one of those places that I’ve been meaning to visit for years but I just haven’t got round to it yet!

Great timing on this post. I’m heading to Istanbul in May and I cannot wait to experience these things for myself. Your photos are so vivid and vibrant! It just adds fuel to the fire of anticipation for the trip 🙂 thx & cheers!!

Wow! Istanbul is so interesting! Would love to sip the Turkish tea. I’m sure the experience of being in Istanbul is very transforming, very different. There is so much to absorb.

Istanbul is one of my favorite cities – Been there 8 times and I have never enough 🙂 Beeing and art fan, I like islamic art museum and one of the new, recently discovered things in Istanbul are the rainbow stair – really cool and a very popular thing around locals, who come there just to take a selfie 🙂

Beautiful photos! Istanbul is at the top of my travel wishlist and I’m hoping to finally visit this year!

Do not forget to add your visit to Turkey in the Aegean! There are wonderful places to see in Izmir and its surroundings.

I love all your photos so much. Istanbul has definitely been on my travel list for a little while now and your post just added fuel to my wanderlust fire.

So glad that we could fuel the fire. You are going to love Istanbul

Great post. There is so much history in Istanbul. Ankur does not like history and hence, we figured out stuff that non-history loving people can do in Istanbul

Thanks for your review of great Istanbul. But a correction is much needed on the Turkish coffee item of your list. The photo shows “demlik”s, which we brew tea in Turkish style. We prepare Turkish coffee in a different traditional way. But without a doubt, this photo resembles Istanbul. Thanks from an Istanbulian 🙂

Thanks, That was my fault, we had a photo of the coffee in a cup that we drank and I wanted something more artistic. I asked Dave if he had anything else and I chose this. My bad. I may put the coffee back in.

No problem 🙂 keep up the good work!

Thanks, and I’ll be putting up another photo today 🙂

Thank you for this great article about istanbul. Love it and share it.

• Top 10 Things To Do...

Explore Istanbul: Things to Do in the City

A rich city visit combines niche attractions with the big-hitting classics. Read on for Culture Trip’s curated selection of things to do in Istanbul , from soaking up the sights of Sultanahmet to trying your hand at Turkey’s world-renowned glass art.

Want to explore Turkey’s vibrant bazaars and rocky valleys? Book Culture Trip’s 12-day group tour where you’ll stop at key historical sites and glide across the landscape in hot-air balloon.

See Sultanahmet and the Old City

Istanbul’s most celebrated historical sites are located in Sultanahmet Square , including the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern. The square is also dotted with vendors who sell typical Turkish snacks such as freshly squeezed pomegranate juice, simit (a circular bread typically encrusted in sesame seeds) and roasted water chestnuts. Just a short walk from Hagia Sophia is Sultanahmet Koftecisi, a restaurant open since the 1920s and famed for serving delicious grilled kofte (meatballs). Plan your sightseeing in the Old City during the early-morning hours to safely avoid hordes of tourists and the queues that form outside major sights. Planning your trip during spring or fall is also a good way to avoid crowds in the high season, which begins at the end of May and lasts until August. About a 10-minute walk away from this square, you’ll also find the entrance to the Grand Bazaar , one of the largest covered bazaars in the world with more than 4,000 shops selling everything from carpets to jewellery and more.

After you’ve seen all the essential landmarks, get to know the trendier side of Istanbul by getting lost in the labyrinth alleyways of the city’s up-and-coming neighbourhoods . Take the metro to Osmanbey (one stop away from Taksim) and walk to the Teşvikiye neighbourhood, located right behind the Teşvikiye Mosque. Sip some excellent third-wave coffee and eat a home-made brownie at the local favourite Petra Topağacı, which has a stylish Parisian vibe. To check out work from local artists and photographers, head to the Milli Reasürans Art Gallery, and in the evening go to Efendi Bar, where Istanbulites like to meet up for an after-work cocktail or to make a start into the weekend. If you want a place to sit at the many cafes that line the streets of Teşvikiye, opt for a weekday to explore this neighbourhood. On the weekends (especially when the weather is nice) the whole area teems with people and it’s hard to find a seat.

Check out a contemporary gallery

Istanbul’s art scene has moved away from the city centre to more commercial neighbourhoods such as Dolapdere and Mecidiyeköy. Head to Dirimart Dolapdere, a contemporary art gallery housed in a 1,000-sq-m (10,765-sq-ft) space that was designed by architect Markus Dochantschi (who also founded Studio MDA in New York). Then make your way to Mecidiyeköy neighbourhood to wander through Pilevneli’s newest gallery – an exhilarating avant garde building designed by French architect Robert Mallet-Stevens and commissioned by Mustafa Atatürk, who was a revolutionary and the first president of Turkey. Destroyed in 2012, the structure was rebuilt in its original aesthetic and now houses some of the city’s best contemporary art exhibitions.

Head to Princes’ Islands

Take a ferry over to Princes’ Islands , located just a stone’s throw away from heady Istanbul. To avoid the holidaying crowds, you could choose to visit the more laid-back island of Burgazada instead of the always-bustling larger island of Büyükada where most tourists go. Most of the island locals here were once city dwellers who quit their jobs to open businesses on Burgazada. Have a coffee at Four Letter Word Coffee and check out the concept store 3 Things on an Island, right next door to the coffee shop, which sells local handmade goods. Try to visit Burgazada in the warmer months, and take a swim at Madam Marta Koyu, a hidden cove on the other side of the island where locals like to hang out on the beach and even camp.

Explore Turkish gastronomy

Istanbul’s gastronomy scene is wide and varied, from small backstreet eateries that serve up the best of regional recipes from all over Turkey to fine dining and more modern interpretations of classics by up-and-coming chefs. Try your hand at Turkish cuisine by taking a cooking class at Cookistan, located in the multi-ethnic Kurtuluş neighbourhood. Go shopping for ingredients at some of the oldest markets in the area, including three organic bazaars that are held on Saturdays. Once you have your ingredients, you’ll get a hands-on lesson preparing six different dishes. Afterwards, enjoy a communal meal of home-made delicacies accompanied by rakı (a popular anise-flavoured alcoholic drink). Another popular place to take a cooking class in Istanbul is Turkish Flavours, which offers laid-back cooking sessions with a knowledgeable local in their own home. Students prepare classic Turkish dishes together and then share a meal accompanied by Turkish wines. Turkish Flavours also hosts Istanbul Food Walks, which take participants through the city’s best gourmet markets and shops for an authentic taste of the city.

Create world-renowned Turkish glass art

The Glass Furnace in Istanbul is a cultural centre dedicated exclusively to glass art. Located in a peaceful haven by the Riva River, the centre is said to be the country’s largest and most well-equipped, and hosts frequent workshops. The Turks were once world renowned for their glasswork, an art form that reached its peak during the 16th century under Ottoman rule. This legacy is seen around Istanbul today in galleries, bazaars and through the work of local artists. At the Glass Furnace, you can learn the whole process of making glass art, from the basics such as how hot glass is formed in a furnace to making colourful beads out of glass that can be used for jewellery or creating glass animals through flamework. Beginners and experienced artists alike are welcome.

Enjoy some live music

Istanbul’s music scene is a nod to its diverse cultural make-up, and Babylon has been the city’s most important local music venue for years. Having left their famous location in the middle of the Beyoğlu neighbourhood, they still host arguably the best concerts in their new (and larger) location Babylon Bomonti. Located inside a renovated beer factory, they features Istanbul artists regularly, such as psychedelic group BaBa ZuLa and singer Gaye Su Akyol.

Discover the city’s street art

Anyone who has walked down Istiklal Street will have noticed the many walls covered in urban art . The annual Mural Istanbul Festival is one of the reasons street art in the city is flourishing. Working alongside the municipality, the organisation allows local and international artists to paint building-high murals in the city. You can find the giant Mural Istanbul pieces in the Yeldeğirmeni neighbourhood on the Asian side as well as Sarıyer on the European side. Look out for the iconic panda bear by local artist Leo Lunatic, colourful cats from local artist Max on Duty and a portrait of a young woman sitting in contemplation by Croatian artist Lonac. Street Art Istanbul is a helpful app to guide you through the stunning art pieces.

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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Discovering Istanbul: A Melting Pot of Cultures

Exploring istanbul, where east meets west.

Istanbul, the city where East meets West, stands as a captivating destination with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture. Straddling two continents, this Turkish metropolis offers an unparalleled blend of European charm and Asian mystique. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore Istanbul’s must-visit landmarks, delve into its cultural tapestry, and provide practical tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Exploring Istanbul’s Rich History and Culture

The sultanahmet district: a journey through time.

• Hagia Sophia : A marvel of Byzantine architecture, now a museum showcasing Christian and Islamic art.
• Blue Mosque : Renowned for its striking blue tiles and six minarets, a masterpiece of Ottoman design.
• Topkapi Palace : The opulent residence of Ottoman sultans, filled with treasures and captivating views of the Bosphorus.

The Bosphorus: A Cruise Between Continents

• Experience a boat tour along the Bosphorus , offering stunning views of palaces, fortresses, and waterside mansions.

The Grand Bazaar and Spice Market: A Shopper’s Paradise

• Lose yourself in the labyrinthine corridors of the Grand Bazaar , one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets.
• The nearby Spice Market entices with its array of fragrant herbs, spices, and delightful Turkish delights.

Istanbul’s Modern Side: Taksim and Beyoglu

• Stroll along Istiklal Street, a bustling thoroughfare with shops, cafes, and street performers.
• Visit the trendy neighborhood of Karaköy for contemporary art galleries and hip coffee shops.

Culinary Journey: Savoring Istanbul’s Flavors

• Turkish Breakfast : Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast – a spread of cheeses, olives, bread, and tea.
• Kebabs and Seafood : Feast on succulent kebabs and fresh seafood by the Bosphorus.
• Turkish Delights and Baklava : Indulge in these sweet treats, perfect after a savory meal or as a snack.

Cultural Insights: Embracing Istanbul’s Diversity

• Istanbul’s melting pot culture is evident in its diverse neighborhoods, from the historic Sultanahmet to the modern Beyoglu.
• Engage with locals and experience the famous Turkish hospitality, especially in traditional tea houses and cafes.

Practical Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit : Spring (April to June) and Fall (September to November) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
• Getting Around : Utilize Istanbul’s extensive public transportation, including trams, ferries, and the metro.
• Stay Connected : Purchase a Turkish SIM card for easy communication and navigation.
• Most travelers need a visa. Check Turkey’s e-Visa portal for requirements and applications.
• Istanbul is generally safe but exercises standard precautions, especially in crowded areas.
• The Turkish Lira (TRY) is the local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for smaller vendors.
• It’s advisable to drink bottled water, which is readily available and inexpensive.
• Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.

Plan Your Istanbul Adventure with One Nation Travel: Ready to embark on your Istanbul journey? Visit One Nation Travel for tailored travel packages and expert advice to make the most of your Istanbul experience.

Top 3 Exquisite Tour Packages in Turkey

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15 Best Things To Do in Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is a city steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty, seemingly on everyone’s bucket list. With all Istanbul has to offer, it’s no wonder it made American Express Travel’s 2023 Trending Destinations List based on travel bookings by American Express cardholders for 2023. Located in the northwest of Turkey, Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia and has been a popular destination for centuries, making it an important hub for trade, culture, and religion.

In this guide to the best things to do in Istanbul, you’ll find everything from can’t-miss attractions and landmarks to more off-the-beaten-path destinations you’ll fall in love with. You can explore the city’s rich past, enjoy its many modern attractions, and create unique experiences that will stay with you long after your vacation; from its bustling bazaars to grand palaces and monuments, Istanbul offers visitors an unforgettable experience.

This post contains affiliate links that may reward me monetarily or otherwise when you use them to make qualifying purchases – at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please read our  disclosure policy .

15 Things To Do in Istanbul

1. see the beauty of the blue mosque.

The Blue Mosque is one of Istanbul’s most recognizable landmarks, and a visit is easily among the most popular things to do in Istanbul. This stunning building was built in the 17th century and features eye-catching blue tiles, which inspired its name. The mosque has six minarets and an elegant courtyard with a large fountain.

Visitors can explore the mosque if they follow the dress code (covering your shoulders, arms, and legs). As a functioning mosque, the Blue Mosque is closed for prayer several times daily. Try to visit when it is open and marvel at the beauty of this iconic building.

2. Enjoy Turkish Cuisine

No trip to Istanbul is complete without trying the local cuisine. Turkey is known for its mezes (small dishes), such as stuffed vine leaves, hummus, and delicious kebabs. If you want something more traditional, try döner kebab (meat cooked on a vertical spit) or lahmacun (flatbread with a minced meat topping).

Do you have a sweet tooth? Try baklava (a pastry made with honey and nuts) and künefe (a dessert made from shredded wheat, goat cheese, syrup, and pistachios). Istanbul has no shortage of delicious options, so try as much local cuisine as possible!

Plan a Trip to Turkey

• Where to Stay in Istanbul + Best Istanbul Neighborhoods
• Pamukkale, Turkey: Ultimate Travel Guide
• 7 Best Beaches in Turkey
• Cappadocia, Turkey by Hot Air Balloon

3. Visit the Magnificent Hagia Sofia

The Hagia Sofia is one of Istanbul’s most impressive and beautiful buildings. This former Byzantine church was converted into a mosque after the Ottomans conquered the city in 1453. Today it is a museum/mosque showcasing its Christian and Islamic heritage.

The interiors are stunning, with ornate mosaics and marble arches, while the exterior features beautiful minarets and a grand dome. It’s worth a visit to admire the beauty of this building and learn more about its history.

Read More: Where to Stay in Istanbul + Best Neighborhoods in Istanbul

4. Make Interesting Discoveries at the Museum of Innocence

The Museum of Innocence is a unique museum dedicated to the works of Nobel Prize-winning author Orhan Pamuk. This museum, located in Istanbul’s Beyoglu district, houses a collection of artifacts depicted in Pamuk’s novel.

Visitors can see old photographs, letters, and objects that tie into the novel’s narrative. This museum is a great spot for book lovers and anyone interested in exploring the city’s history and culture.

Do you have the novel? Bring the printed ticket at the end of the novel, head to the museum’s ticket booth and get it stamped in exchange for free entry.

5. Visit Sultanahmet Square

Sultanahmet Square, located in the old city, is one of Istanbul’s most popular attractions. It’s home to many iconic structures, such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Museum, and Topkapı Palace. The square also offers spectacular views of the Bosphorus.

Take a guided tour of Sultanahmet Square or wander alone and explore the many monuments, bazaars, and shops. Plenty of great restaurants are nearby if you want to grab a bite.

6. Find Hidden Treasures at Feriköy Flea Market

The Feriköy Flea Market is a place to find unique and interesting items. The market is held at Cumhuriyet, Semt Pazarı every Sunday, and it’s filled with antiques, vintage clothes, art, jewelry, furniture, and more. You will surely find some hidden gems if you don’t mind elbowing through the crowd.

You can also find some delicious traditional Turkish food at the market, including borek (a type of pastry), braided pastries called simit, and tavuk göğsü (a sweet pudding made with chicken). It’s a great place to pick up some souvenirs and taste the local culture.

7. Visit Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace is a stunning example of Ottoman architecture and was once home to the ruling sultans. The palace complex consists of four main courtyards, each with a distinct character. You can spend hours exploring the buildings, gardens, and collections of artifacts.

Several museums within the palace grounds also house an impressive collection of Chinese porcelain, Ottoman weapons and armor, manuscripts from Islamic scholars, and other items from the imperial treasury. Topkapi Palace is a must-see for anyone interested in Istanbul’s rich history.

8. Explore the Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets, with over 4,000 shops and 35,000 workers, making a visit easily one of the best things to do in Istanbul, and a true bucket list travel experience ! The bazaar dates back to 1461, and visiting it is like taking a step back in time. There are shops selling everything from souvenirs and clothing to carpets, jewelry, spices, and antiques.

Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, visiting the Grand Bazaar to experience its unique atmosphere is worth it. Meet the locals, bargain with shopkeepers, and sample some delicious street food while you’re there.

9. Take a Cruise on the Bosphorus

The Bosphorus is an important waterway that separates Europe and Asia. It connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and has been a major maritime route since ancient times. Taking a cruise on this fascinating river from Eminönü to Anadolu Kavağı is one of the best ways to enjoy the scenery of Istanbul.

On your cruise, you’ll see some of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, such as the Blue Mosque, Dolmabahçe Palace, and Ortaköy Mosque. You can also visit some picturesque villages along the way, including Bebek, Arnavutköy, and Rumeli Kavağı.

Read More: 7 Best Beaches in Turkey

10. Experience the Hamam Ritual at the Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı

The Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı is a traditional Turkish bath house that is still open and operating in Istanbul today. This 16th-century hamam offers visitors the chance to experience their “hamam ritual,” which involves steam baths, massages, and relaxation.

This unique experience is a great way to learn about Turkish culture and relax after a long day of sightseeing. Book your spot in advance to guarantee your place at this popular attraction. Note: The Hamam is open to women in the morning and men in the afternoon.

11. Climb the Galata Tower

The Galata Tower is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks and offers spectacular city views. It was built in 1348 by the Genoese and stands at an impressive height of 205 feet. You can climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of Istanbul or visit its café and restaurant on the lower floors.

If you visit the tower during the evening, you can enjoy traditional music and belly dancing. The building is a great spot to take in the sights of Istanbul and watch the sunset.

12. Enjoy Live Jazz at Nardis

If you want a fun night out, head to Nardis Jazz Club. This popular venue is one of the best places in Istanbul to listen to live jazz music and enjoy cocktails and snacks. It’s an intimate setting with a cozy atmosphere and great music. Take a one-minute stroll from the Galata Tower, and you’ll find yourself at this exciting spot.

Local and international jazz musicians perform here, so there’s always something new to hear. Reserve a table in advance to guarantee a spot in the limited 120-capacity venue, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this iconic jazz club.

13. Take in the Beauty of Nature at Belgrad Forest

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, go to Belgrad Forest. This lush forest is just outside of Istanbul and provides a peaceful escape from the busy city life. You can go hiking or cycling through the trails, explore nearby lakes, and observe the wildlife in its natural habitat.

Take a break and grab a bite to eat at one of the cafes or restaurants near the forest, or enjoy some peaceful time wandering through the trees. Belgrad Forest is a great spot to relax and unwind during your trip to Istanbul.

14. Board the Local Commuter Ferry

Taking the local commuter ferry is one of the best and most affordable ways to get around Istanbul. This ferry system runs along the Bosphorus Strait and offers stunning views of Europe and Asia. It’s a great way to see the city from a different perspective and to get around quickly.

You can hop on the ferry at any of its many stops, and it runs until late. Check out the different routes and plan your trip for an affordable and enjoyable way to explore Istanbul.

Read More: Pamukkale, Turkey: Ultimate Travel Guide

15. See the Beautiful Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent

The Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent is located in the city’s Old Town. This mosque was built by legendary Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan in the 16th century. It was renovated in 2010, and that accounts for its modern, pristine condition.

You don’t want to miss the mosque’s impressive façade, intricate decorations, and stunning interior. Take a guided tour to explore this incredible structure, admire its beauty, and learn about the history of this spectacular building.

Enjoy Your Stay in Istanbul

You can’t possibly have a boring time in Istanbul, with many places and activities to explore. Allow yourself to get lost in the city’s culture, discover its hidden gems, and try something new. These unmissable experiences will make your stay in Istanbul as much of an adventure as it can be.

Carley Rojas Avila

Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual New York-based travel writer, editor, content marketer, and the founder of the digital travel publications Explorers Away and Home to Havana. Carley is an expert on all things Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, having lived and worked in four different countries in the region. Her writing has appeared on the Associated Press wires and in Travel + Leisure, Yahoo, MSN, Euronews, The Weather Channel, and more. When she's not writing about her travels, find her front row at a Bad Bunny concert, befriending street cats, and taste-testing every pizza in Havana.

Your Travel Guide for Istanbul

Istanbul, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, is Turkey’s largest city with a population of over 15 million. It’s renowned for its historic sites like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, while also being a bustling modern metropolis. Istanbul welcomes around 13 million tourists annually, offering a unique mix of cultures, cuisines, and experiences. Tourists can savor delicious Turkish cuisine, explore iconic historical sites, enjoy warm hospitality, shop in vibrant bazaars, immerse themselves in a diverse culture, and experience a lively nightlife scene.

Get ready for your trip

• Discover the best time to visit
• Book your flight
• Find the best place to stay in Istanbul
• Make a list of top places to see
• Learn how to get an IstanbulKart and how to use public transport
• Get your Museum Pass for Istanbul
• Find out how to get from Istanbul Airport to Taksim
• Discover the best Street Food in Istanbul
• Learn more about the Istanbul Must-Eats
• Find the best Night Clubs
• Discover where to get the best Turkish Breakfast in Istanbul

Learn more about Istanbul

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Practical things to know before visiting istanbul, planning the trip.

• Spend 3-4 Days Exploring Istanbul When visiting Istanbul, allocate at least 3-4 days to get a proper introduction to this vast city and see its main attractions. Istanbul’s endless neighborhoods, ferry trips, museums, and dining options mean you could easily extend your stay beyond a week.
• Pre-Book Your Accommodation Hotel booking platforms like Booking.com might not work in Turkey, so it’s wise to browse and secure your lodging in advance. This is especially vital during the peak season (June to August) when nicer hotels tend to sell out early, and prices can surge. Find the best hotels in Taksim !
• Avoid Renting a Car Istanbul’s traffic can be chaotic, making it unnecessary to rent a car within the city. The public transportation system, which includes the metro, trams, buses, and ferries, is affordable and dependable. Google Maps is a valuable tool for planning routes.
• Choose Comfortable Footwear For extensive walking and standing, wear comfortable, well-broken-in shoes. Leave heels at home and opt for trainers, especially if you plan to use public transport.
• Stay Away from Mosques If You’re a Light Sleeper Mosques in Istanbul may issue calls to prayer as early as 4 am. To ensure a peaceful night’s sleep, consider booking accommodation away from mosques if you’re a light sleeper.
• Be Mindful of Banned Websites Certain websites, including PayPal, Wikipedia, and Booking.com, may be inaccessible in Turkey. Plan your online activities accordingly, and consider using a VPN.

Getting around

• Use Public Transport from the Airports For convenience and speed, opt for public transport options like shuttle buses or the metro when arriving at Istanbul’s airports. They provide direct access to areas like Taksim and the city center. Learn more about how to get from Istanbul Airport to Taksim .
• Invest in an Istanbul Kart Consider purchasing an Istanbul Kart for public transportation. It offers significantly reduced fares compared to single tickets and can be used by up to five people, making it a cost-effective choice for groups. Find out how to get an Istanbulkart and the prices !
• Use Taxi Apps Istanbul offers various types of taxis at different price points, but it’s safer to use taxi apps to avoid scams and ensure reliability.
• Enjoy Local Ferries Rather than splurging on a Bosphorus cruise, take advantage of affordable local ferries to enjoy similar scenic views. Ferries criss-cross the Bosphorus, offering a more budget-friendly way to experience the city’s waterways.

While you are there

• Combine Cards and Cash While credit/debit cards are widely accepted in Istanbul, smaller shops, street food vendors, and certain restaurants may prefer cash. Carry small bills for tipping and to meet card purchase limits in some stores.
• Be Prepared for Hills Istanbul is known as the “City on the Seven Hills,” so expect steep streets, especially in areas like Beyoglu, Balat, and around the Galata Tower. Comfortable shoes and water are essential for navigating the hilly terrain.
• Consider Tourist Passes Invest in tourist passes like the Istanbul Museum Pass or E-Pass for skip-the-line access to major cultural institutions. These passes are particularly beneficial if you plan to visit multiple attractions. Learn more about the Museum Pass !
• Start Early to Beat Crowds To avoid crowds, especially during the summer, start your day early and arrive at popular landmarks when they open. The metro operates as early as 6 am, making it easy to get around in the early morning.
• English Is Limited While English is spoken, it’s not as widespread as you might expect. Learning a few basic Turkish phrases can be helpful, as not everyone you encounter will be fluent in English.
• Don’t Flush Toilet Paper Many places in Istanbul request that you dispose of toilet tissue in a bin rather than flushing it due to sensitive plumbing. Follow the posted instructions in restrooms.
• Beware of Scams Be cautious of potential scams, such as overcharging in restaurants and cab rides. Double-check your bills and use reputable services to avoid unwanted surprises.
• Remember to Tip Tipping is common in Turkey, and it’s customary to tip between 5-10% of the bill in restaurants, with higher-end dining often warranting a 10-15% tip. Always tip in cash.

Is Istanbul expensive?

Istanbul’s affordability for travelers has evolved over the years. While it used to be very cheap, it is still relatively budget-friendly compared to many other European cities. However, the cost of your trip can vary significantly depending on your preferences and choices. In recent years, Istanbul has seen an increase in prices for various aspects of travel, from accommodation and transportation to groceries and entertainment. This increase can be attributed to several factors, including Turkey’s currency devaluation, foreign trade deficit, negative interest rates, and the Russian war in Ukraine, all contributing to rising prices.

The good news is that you can experience Istanbul on a budget and still have an enjoyable trip. Accommodation, public transport, and local food can be quite affordable while offering a rich cultural experience. Additionally, purchasing a museum pass for around $75 can cover most of the city’s attractions, making it a cost-effective way to explore Istanbul’s history and culture.

Ultimately, the cost of your trip will depend on your choices regarding dining, accommodation, and the activities and attractions you decide to explore. Many international visitors still view Istanbul as one of the most affordable destinations in Europe, which is why the city continues to attract millions of travelers each year.

Where to stay in Istanbul?

When deciding where to stay in Istanbul, it’s essential to consider your preferences and priorities. The city offers a diverse range of neighborhoods and accommodations to suit different traveler needs. If you want to be at the heart of Istanbul’s historical and cultural attractions, Sultanahmet is an excellent choice. It’s home to iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Meanwhile, Taksim Square in Beyoglu is perfect for those who want a vibrant, bustling atmosphere with plenty of dining, shopping, and nightlife options. If you prefer a more tranquil and charming setting, consider the historic neighborhoods of Balat or Kadikoy, known for their picturesque streets, local markets, and waterfront views.

Overview of the best places to stay in Istanbul

• Sultanahmet : This is where you’ll find Istanbul’s most famous landmarks, making it an ideal choice for history enthusiasts. Accommodations here range from luxury hotels with stunning views of the Bosphorus to charming boutique hotels.
• Taksim/Beyoglu : If you want a lively atmosphere, Taksim is the place to be. It’s packed with restaurants, bars, and shops. Choose from trendy boutique hotels, international chains, or budget-friendly hostels.
• Sirkeci : Located near Sultanahmet, Sirkeci offers a convenient location for exploring historic sites. You’ll find a mix of international chain hotels and charming boutique options.
• Galata : Galata is famous for its historic tower and the trendy Karakoy neighborhood. Accommodations include boutique hotels with modern amenities and panoramic views.
• Ortaköy : Situated on the Bosphorus, Ortaköy is known for its vibrant nightlife and the iconic Ortaköy Mosque. You can choose from waterfront hotels and cozy guesthouses.
• Besiktas : This area is known for its waterfront, vibrant nightlife, and upscale shopping. You can stay in modern hotels or stylish boutique accommodations here.
• Balat : This historic district offers a taste of old Istanbul, with colorful houses and a relaxed vibe. You can find boutique hotels and guesthouses that provide a cozy, local experience.
• Kadikoy : Located on the Asian side, Kadikoy offers a more laid-back environment with a local feel. You’ll discover comfortable hotels and rental apartments, along with great local eateries.
• Üsküdar : On the Asian side, Üsküdar provides a more tranquil setting with beautiful views of the European side. Accommodations include waterfront hotels and comfortable guesthouses.

Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökcen Airport?

For tourists, choosing between Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökcen Airport (SAW) depends on your destination within the city. Istanbul Airport, is located on the European side and is better connected with a frequent shuttle bus service and a shorter metro connection to the city center. Istanbul Airport offers around-the-clock shuttle buses to various tourist destinations. On the other hand, Sabiha Gökcen Airport, situated on the Asian side, has limited shuttle bus options to Kadiköy and Taksim, and the metro connection to Kadiköy takes almost an hour. Additionally, most international flights operated by Turkish Airlines land at Istanbul Airport. So, if you’re heading to the European side or looking for more transportation options, Istanbul Airport might be your preferred choice, while Sabiha Gökcen may be more convenient if you’re staying on the Asian side of the city.

More reads about Istanbul

Planning a trip to Istanbul ? If you want to know more about the impressive history of the city, how to get around , what to visit , which are the typical dishes served in Turkey, and many other first-hand tips and tricks that will help you plan your holiday. You'll find answers to all these questions and more in the guide to Istanbul.

Istanbul Travel Guide

• Information
• Top Attractions
• Getting to Istanbul
• Restaurants

Why Visit Istanbul?

Istanbul is one of the world's most visited cities and, having been the capital of three empires (the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman ), it's a city that no traveler should miss. Fall in love with the history of former Constantinople and its natural wonders, the Golden Horn and the Bosphoru s.

Chaotic and serene at the same time, with more than 15 million inhabitants , Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey. And each and every visitor is left astounded by a city on the crossroads of two continents: too Eastern to be European and too Western to be Asian.

A journey into the past itself, touring Istanbul, you'll find yourself in a historic and lively city between two seas , The Sea of Marmara and The Black Sea; between two continents , Europe and Asia, and between two worlds, the t raditional and the modern .

Visit the Hagia Sophia  and the Blue Mosque , sail the Bosphorus in a boat, browse the Grand Bazaar , and see the shadow of the splendor of the Ottoman Empire in the Topkapi Palace  is something every world traveler should do once.

Looking for Accommodation in Istanbul?

The earlier you reserve, the better discounts you can find. Discover the range of hotels in Istanbul with discounts of up to 75%.

Hotels in Istanbul - Reserve online with a guaranteed minimum price

top activities

Istanbul Bosphorus Boat Cruise On this cruise along the majestic Bosphorus Strait , you'll drift along Istanbul's main waterway and see the contrasts between the European & Asian sides .

Bosphorus and Black Sea Cruise Cruise along the Bosphorus and see landmarks including Galata Tower and Bosphorus Bridge. When you get to the Black Sea, take a swim and enjoy lunch on board.

Hagia Sophia Skip-The-Line Tour This  skip-the-line tour of Hagia Sophia is ideal for discovering all the details of one of Istanbul's star monuments. A must to learn about the city's history!

Basilica Cistern Guided Tour On this tour of the  Basilica Cistern , we'll visit this  authentic gem in Istanbul and see how its columns store water. Welcome to the  Submerged Palace !

Istanbul Tour: Bosphorus Cruise, Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Join us in Istanbul for a  Bosphorus cruise  and to visit the renowned Blue Mosque , marvel at the timeless beauty of Hagia Sophia , & tour the Spice Bazaar.

A cruise along the Bosphorus is a must for every trip to Istanbul! We'll sail around the Golden Horn , the oldest quarter in this Turkish city .

Turkish Coffee Workshop Uncover the historic ritual of preparing traditional Turkish coffee in this exciting coffee workshop in Istanbul , and learn the secrets of this iconic drink.

Istanbul Free Tour Admire the exterior architecture of opulent mosques and discover the amazing history of Istanbul with this guided tour. Plus, it's free!

Troy Day Trip On this  day trip to Troy from Istanbul , we'll uncover the secrets of this  ancient city which mixes reality with mythology . You'll love it!

Topkapi Palace Ticket With this skip-the-line ticket to the Topkapi Palace, you'll discover all about one of the highlights of Istanbul . An absolute must-see!

Istanbul E-pass Can't decide which monuments to see in Istanbul? Get the Istanbul E-pass and enjoy free entry to more than 60 attractions for 2, 3, 5, or 7 days!

Dolmabahçe Palace Guided Tour Enjoy a guided tour of the Dolmabahçe Palace during your stay in Istanbul. Explore one of the most opulent European-style palaces along the Bosphorus ,

Bosphorus Night Cruise + Dinner & Show Enjoy breathtaking views of Istanbul from the Bosphorus as the sun sets, enjoying an exquisite dinner and traditional Turkish music and dancing .

Whirling Dervish Show The Sufi whirling, also known as Sama, is one of Turkey's best-known and most inspiring ceremonies. This 800-year old tradition is a personal and mystic voyage.

Blue Mosque Guided Tour With this guided visit to the Blue Mosque , we'll get to know its secrets and sacred spaces throughout Istanbul . Join us for a deep dive into the city's history !

Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the First World War in Turkey with this essential day trip to the Gallipoli battlefields .

Cistern Basilica & Blue Mosque Tour + Hagia Sophia or Topkapi Palace On this tour of the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern , we'll discover the history of two of the most iconic monuments in Istanbul . You'll love it!

Istanbul Tourist Bus The Istanbul sightseeing bus is the best way to discover this magnificent city. Hop on and off at any of the stops to explore at your own pace.

Cappadocia 4-Day Tour On this 4-day tour to Cappadocia from Istanbul we'll pass through Ankara, Saratli, Uçhisar and the Goreme Valley , the jewels of Turkey .

Rhythm of the Dance Show Delve into Turkish culture through its folk music and dance , enjoying a show of traditional dances, belly dancing and live music. A truly memorable experience!

7 Day Turkey Classics Tour Discover Classical Turkey on a seven-day trip from Istanbul and explore its fascinating historic cities: Ankara, Pamukkale, Ephesus , and more.

​ Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Suleymaniye Mosque . On this tour of the mosques of Istanbul , we'll visit some of its  most important religious landmarks .

Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus 6-Day Trip Set off on a 6-day trip from Istanbul to Ankara  and visit other historical cities including Saratli, Uçhisar, Göreme, Konya, Pamukkale and Ephesus .

Private Tour of Istanbul Explore the vibrant city of Istanbul on a private tour and choose which landmarks, museums and neighborhoods you want to visit.

Bosphorus Sunset Luxury Yacht Cruise Enjoy the romantic landscapes of the   Istanbul sunset with this luxury cruise down the Bosphorus Strait. Unforgettable views await!

Istanbul Mosques & Palaces Tour On this tour of the mosques and palaces of Istanbul , we'll discover Ottoman architecture masterpieces and see emblematic buildings such as the Hagia Sophia!

In this pub crawl in Istanbul , we'll experience a wild night in the capital of Turkey as we let ourselves be swept away by the beat of the music.

Ticket to the Hagia Sophia Museum If you're in Istanbul, you can't miss the Hagia Sophia History Museum . Immerse yourself in a world of architectural and cultural marvels .

Cappadocia One Day Trip by Plane This one-day tour is ideal if you wish to discover the best areas of the historical region of Cappadocia if you are only in Istanbul for a few days.

Princes' Islands Full-Day Tour Immerse yourself in the history of Istanbul and the Ottoman dynasty on a full-day cruise to two of the Princes’ Islands: Kinaliada and Buyukada .

On this guided bus tour of Istanbul, we'll visit the city's most important places and enter the Topkapi Palace . Don't miss out!

Istanbul Asian Side Tour + Beylerbeyi Palace Cross the Bosphorus Bridge and explore the easternmost part of Istanbul with us on this tour of the city's Asian side. Let's go!

Private Yacht Cruise on the Bosphorus On this private yacht cruise on the Bosphorus Strait , you'll be able to admire the beauty of Istanbul and see its iconic monuments while sunbathing in style!

Turkish Lamp Workshop If you're in Istanbul , don't miss out on this Turkish lamp-making workshop ! Learn how to craft  one of Turkey's most popular traditional handicrafts .

On this food tour of Istanbul , we'll sample delicious traditional Turkish dishes as we explore this breathtaking city. You'll adore this Turkish cuisine.

Turkish Bath + Massage At DoubleTree by Hilton Indulge in a lavish experience with a Turkish bath and   bubble massage  at the exclusive DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul Spa .

Hierapolis & Pamukkale Day Trip Visit the holiday destination for the Empire's nobles with this Hierapolis & Pamukkale Day Trip. You'll also stroll through the cotton castle of Pamukkale.

Bursa Excursion Do you know what the first capital of the Ottoman Empire was ? We'll learn about its firey history on this trip to Bursa  from Istanbul!

Tour of the Galata District In this tour of Galata , we'll discover this district in the European part of Istanbul, which was separated from ancient Constantinople by the Golden Horn.

On this tour to Sapanca Lake and Masukiye, we'll get away from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul to enjoy nature and do a variety of cool activities!

Belly Dance Show + Dinner Wondering what to do in Istanbul? Feel the magic of the sensual belly dance and enjoy a Turkish folk performance with this spectacle, including a complete dinne

Golden Horn Boat Trip + Tour of Fanar On this tour, we'll visit the Greek quarter of Fanar , take the cable car up to Pierre Loti Hill and take a boat trip on the Golden Horn .

2-Day Trip to Cappadocia by Plane On this  2-day trip to Cappadocia ,   you'll fly from Istanbul to one of  Turkey's most famous sites ,   which you will no doubt absolutely adore!

Istanbul Segway Tour Enjoy a fun ride on this segway tour through Istanbul while visiting the city's biggest attractions, like Topkapi Palace ,  Süleymaniye Mosque , and Hagia Sophia !

Princes' Islands Ferry Sail the waters of the  Sea of Marmara on this ferry to   the Princes' Islands . In just one day, discover this  beautiful archipelago from Istanbul .

Mustafapaşa, Sobessos + Soğanli Valley Tour On this excursion to Mustafapaşa, Sobessos & Soğanli Valley, you'll travel back in time to discover Roman and Greek ruins and rock-hewn monasteries .

Istanbul Airport Shuttle Bus to Taksim & Aksaray Are you travelling to Istanbul ? With this  bus service from Istanbul Airport to Taksim or Aksaray , you'll get to your destination quickly and conveniently!

Beylerbeyi Palace & Eyup District Tour Discover the Asian side of Istanbul on this half-day tour. Cross the Bosphorus Bridge and visit the beautiful Beylerbeyi Palace , followed by a tour of Eyup.

Immerse yourself in Turkish culture and experience a Turkish bath in Istanbul ! Unwind and relax at the Cagaloglu Hammam , a lavish spa in the city center .

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Our Istanbul guide has been created by travellers like you , to help you when planning your trip, and making the most of your time while saving money. The information and data here were updated in February 2024.

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3 Days in Istanbul – Itinerary for First Time Visitors

Last Modified: January 22, 2024 //  by  Anda //   19 Comments

Some may argue that 3 days in Istanbul is hardly enough time to explore this great city in depth. And I agree. It’s impossible to exhaust all the dazzling array of things to do in Istanbul in just 72 hours. However, if you just want to see the main historical sites, this 3 days in Istanbul itinerary is just perfect for you.

Table of Contents

How to Spend 3 Days in Istanbul

Istanbul first impressions, istanbul itinerary day 1, istanbul itinerary day 2, istanbul itinerary – day 3, where to stay in istanbul for 3 days, getting around in istanbul, is istanbul safe to visit, a final note.

3 days may seem like very little time for a city like Istanbul. There is so much to see and do in this great city, that it may take months to explore every inch of it. Having said that, I don’t think there is a set amount of time that would be optimal for visiting the city.

Some people storm in and out of Istanbul in a day, others complain thirty days were insufficient. The length of your visit depends on your interests and what you really want to see in the city.

We’ve spent a little over two weeks in Istanbul when we traveled to Turkey , and still can’t say we have exhausted it. Visiting Istanbul is not only about the main attractions, it’s also about the small things. Like walking the streets aimlessly. Or trying the food in Istanbul . Or simply play with the street cats (which by the way, are many!)

If you have only 3 days in Istanbul, you can still visit the major sites and go home in awe of this place. No matter how long or how short your visit will be, I’m sure you’ll like Istanbul.

Istanbul is not an easy place to sum up. With its impressive mosques, ornate palaces and tumultuous bazaars, Istanbul is undeniably a very unique city. An interesting mix of Oriental and Western civilization where the former tends to overshadow the latter. 

The cosmopolitan modernity of Istanbul is more obvious in Beyoglu district, around Istiklal Caddesi street. This area is home to many foreign consulates and is very popular for its restaurants and nightlife.

3 DAYS IN ISTANBUL ITINERARY

Below is a suggested 3-day itinerary that you can follow if you want to see the main attractions in Istanbul. You may choose to see these sites in a different order, or even skip some of them.

First Day: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, the Grand Bazaar, Old Wall of Constantinople Second Day : Topkapi Palace, Hagia Irene, Basilica Cistern, Suleymaniye Mosque, Chora Church Museum Third Day : Galata Bridge, Galata Tower, Taksim Square, Dolmabahçe Palace, Bosphorus Boat Tour

Hagia Sophia              

Hagia Sophia  is Istanbul’s most famous monument. What makes it unique is its troubled and unusual history. Hagia Sophia started as a Christian church built by the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great in 325 AD.

Sadly, nothing remains today of the original church that burned down completely a hundred years later. Hagia Sophia went through many adversities before Emperor Justinian I built it in its present form in 537. 

The story says that after completing it, Justinian exclaimed: “Solomon, I have outdone thee!” And indeed, when seeing its grandeur, you can only agree that this is one of the most majestic churches ever built.

Hagia Sophia remained a functioning Christian church until 1453, when the Ottomans conquered Constantinople. Amazed by its beauty, Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror converted the church into his imperial mosque.

As the Islamic religion forbids the visual of human figures in mosques, he covered all the faces depicted in Hagia Sophia with plaster.

Hagia Sophia remained a mosque until 1934 when, under the Turkish president Kemal Atatürk, was secularized and turned into the Ayasofya Museum .

The Blue Mosque        

Just opposite the Hagia Sofia is the Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. The Blue Mosque is the second most beautiful landmark in Istanbul. The mosque was built between 1609 – 1616, during the rule of Ahmed I.

The Sultan was determined to build a mosque that would surpass the Hagia Sophia (at the time the most respected mosque) and therefore he chose to build it opposite the Hagia Sophia. 

When you first look at the Blue Mosque you may wonder why do they it called blue when it’s not blue? But once you get inside and see the intricate tile design in all shades of blue, you understand why. 

At first glance, the Blue Mosque can indeed rival with Hagia Sophia. The elegant curves and grandiose domes and minarets make for a beautiful silhouette. But if you compare the interiors, the Blue Mosque isn’t as spectacular as Hagia Sophia.  

What sets the Blue Mosque apart are its six spearing minarets. The story says that Sultan Ahmed ordered a minaret made of gold. But the Turkish word for gold ( altin)  is very similar to number six ( alti), which confused the architect. He thought the sultan wanted six minarets and as such he built six, instead of just one made of gold.

Luckily, the Sultan liked the mistake as no other mosque in the world had six minarets. And so the architect didn’t have to pay with his dear life for this mistake.

Note:  Since the Blue Mosque is a functioning place of worship, a dress code is imposed. Men should wear long trousers, but can wear short-sleeved shirts. Women should cover their arms, legs and head.

The Hippodrome of Constantinople

Right next to the Blue Mosque is the Hippodrome, a large open-air square known dominated by two Egyptian obelisks. The Hippodrome was the sporting and social center of Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire. 

The construction of first Hippodrome dates back to the 3rd century and is attributed to the Emperor Septimius Severus. During the 4th century, Emperor Constantine the Great greatly enlarged the city. One of his major projects was the renovation of the Hippodrome.

Unfortunately, very little of this old structure remains today. Most of it was destroyed during the Crusades, in the early 13th century. The Hippodrome stopped being used and its spectacular monuments and art works were looted.

Today, 4 prominent monuments tower the hippodrome. At one end is the modern German fountain. The fountain was a gift from the German government in 1900 to commemorate the visit of Emperor Kaiser Whillem II to Istanbul. The other monuments are much older. They include the obelisk of Egyptian (nearly 3,500 years old), the old serpent column (2,500 years old) and the walled obelisk (about 1,100 years old).

The Grand Bazaar

If there is one thing that best reflects the spirit of Istanbul, that is the Grand Bazaar! This place is one of the world’s largest and liveliest markets, stretching over an area of 61 streets. A maze of alleys in which you can loose yourself for hours!

From stores, booths, workshops, and warehouses, to cafés, restaurants and exchange offices, you can find almost everything here. There is even a mosque, a police station and a post office in the Grand Bazaar, so one could righteously consider this place  a city within a city . 

Shopping at the Grand Bazaar is one of the best things to do in Istanbul. You can buy some of the best foods, deserts and spices here. The bazaar includes more than 4000 shops that attract hundreds of thousand of fascinated visitors every year.

The Grand Bazaar was founded over 500 years ago by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror. The reason for concentrating the trade in one place was to provide security against theft. The gates were always closed at night and the bazaar was patrolled by guards paid by the merchants.

Bazaar’s merchants were organized in guilds. Being accepted in a guild was possible only by co-optation, as the son of a deceased member or after paying a large amount of money to a member who wanted to retire.

The bazaar has a long and tumultuous history. It has witnessed many historical incidents, survived earthquakes and fires but came back to life again and again. The 1980s restoration returned the place to its old glory.

Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is not only a shopping oasis, but also a very interesting cultural experience. A great opportunity to discover the people of Istanbul.

Old Wall of Constantinople

The Old Wall of Constantinople is a must-see in Istanbul. The Old Wall can be seen in different parts of the city. We saw these walls from the taxi, on the way to our hotel. Of course, we knew about them but weren’t sure we would have time to visit this part of town.

On our last day in Istanbul, we hired a taxi and came to explore them in more detail. I’m glad we did, because they are quite impressive! You can really understand the defense they provided once you get to see them.

When you see these thick fortified walls and their towers you understand how Constantinople resisted the attacks for so many centuries. These walls have managed to keep out the crusaders, Bulgars, Turks, Russians and many others. The walls are now but a reminder of the greatness of Constantinople, but also of the Ottoman Empire.

Topkapi Palace

Topkapi palaces was the royal residence of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, one of the greatest Ottoman military leaders. He didn’t spare any expense for the construction and used the most expensive and rare materials he could find. Over the centuries, the sultans who followed added more pavilions to the palace. The final version measured 700,000 square meters and was home to 4000 people at some point.

Topkapi Palace was the official residence of the Ottoman sultans since Mehmet the Conqueror until the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid in 1853, who moved the court to the Dolmabahçe Palace. In 1924, after the fall of the Ottoman Empire, Topkapi became a museum. 

Arguably the most interesting part of the palace is the Harem, where the Sultan’s wives and their children lived. You can see how the Sultan family lived back in those days, and how the palace was a city within a city. 

There are very many other areas in the palace that are worth visiting, like the library, the museum and beautifully manicured gardens.

One of the things you shouldn’t miss when visiting the museum is the Spoonmaker’s Diamond.  This 86 carat diamond is the 5th biggest diamond of the world! The diamond  owes its name to a story that says that the fisherman who found it, swapped it at the market for three spoons, thinking it was glass.

The palace is definitely an interesting place to visit in Istanbul, although not my favorite one. The ticket line is huge no matter how early you arrive. Also, you have to pay extra to visit various sections of the palace. The good news is that except for the relics and jewelry, you can photograph almost everything else.

Hagia Irene (Eirene)      

Right outside Topkapi Palace you will find the beautiful church/museum of Hagia Irene (in translation the  Church of the Holy Peace) . This Greek Eastern Orthodox church dating back to the 4th century was the very first church built in Constantinople.

Despite the fact that the cross on top of the dome has been replaced by the crescent moon (the symbol of Islam) this church has never been converted into a mosque. 

When the Ottomans conquered Constantinople, Hagia Irene ended up enclosed by the outer walls of Topkapi Palace. The Sultan’s troops used the church as an arsenal until 1826 and later as a warehouse for military equipment. In 1726, during the reign of Sultan Ahmet III, the church became the National Military Museum.

Today Hagia Irene serves mainly as a venue for classical music performances, due to its extraordinary acoustic and impressive atmosphere.

The Basilica Cistern      

The Basilica Cistern is an ancient water reservoir built during the 5th century on the site of what used to be a famous basilica. Also known as the  Sunken Cistern,  the reservoir was built for the purpose of supplying water for the Great Palace.

The cistern’s roof is supported by 336 marble columns in Ionic and Corinthian styles. The columns that were recycled from an earlier pagan temple, made the cistern look a lot like a church. Hence the name  Basilica Cistern .

Among the columns there are two Medusa heads, one positioned upside down and the other tilted on the side. 

After fulfilling its function for many years, the cistern stopped being used and in time forgotten. In 1545 a Frenchman rediscovered the cistern after he began investigating the appearance of fresh fish in the wells of the houses above it.

Basilica Cistern is one of the hundreds of ancient cisterns hidden underneath the streets of Istanbul. Definitely the coolest spot in town during the hot summer months! 

Süleymaniye Mosque    

Although it’s the largest mosque and one of the best known landmarks of Istanbul, Süleymaniye Mosque is unfairly overshadowed by its famous sisters in Sultanahmet. The Mosque was built on the Third Hill on the Golden Horn at the order of Süleyman the Magnificent. It features four slender minarets and a large domed building in the style of Hagia Sophia.

Süleymaniye Mosque suffered many perils, among which a ravaging fire in 1660 and an earthquake in 1766. During World War I the courtyard functioned as a weapons depot and when some of the ammunition ignited, the mosque suffered another fire. In 1956 the mosque underwent its last restoration.

The main entrance to the mosque is from Professor Sıddık Sami Onar Caddesi. The buildings on this side are home to the Süleymaniye Library and some popular street-side restaurants that used to be teahouses. To the right of the main entrance is the cemetery, home to the octagonal tombs of Süleyman and his wife.  

Note: Since Süleymaniye is a functioning mosque, so there are dress requirements. Visitation is not possible during prayer times.   

Chora Church

Chances are you may have never heard of a church in Istanbul named Chora . Before traveling to Istanbul I had only read about it briefly in a magazine. But nothing you may read about Chora Church can prepare you for the revelation you’ll have when seeing it.

Although not as famous as its sister, Hagia Sophia, Chora Church is equally beautiful. And also like its sister, Chora Church suffered a crisis of identity, going from an Orthodox church, to a mosque and to a museum.

The church’s full name was the Church of the Holy Saviour in the Country  and it was built in the 4th century, as part of a monastery complex outside the city walls of Constantinople. Chora Church is one of the most beautiful examples of Byzantine architecture. But what sets it apart are the 50 fabulous mosaics dating back to the 14th century, most of which are still in excellent shape.     

The exterior of the church is rather modest compared with Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque. But once you step inside you won’t believe the splendor that surrounds you! Part of the church displays mosaics with scenes from the New Testament and the early life of Christ, while another part features beautifully colored frescoes. 

Chora Church is tucked away in the little-visited Edirnekapi District, which makes it difficult to reach. For more information on how to get to Chora Church , you can read my more detailed post about it.           

Galata Bridge

One of the most colorful places in Istanbul is Galata Bridge, which makes the connection between Beyoğlu and Eminönü. The bridge is constantly full of cars and pedestrians crossing in both directions.

The upper part of the bridge is a favorite spot for local fishermen trailing their lines into the waters below, surrounded by shrieking seagulls. Street vendors are also a fixture here selling everything, from fresh-baked simits (Turkish sesame pretzels) to Gucci replicas.

On the lower level of the bridge there is a bunch of restaurants and cafes that serve drinks and food all day and night. Galata Bridge is a nice to stroll if you want to see the local color . Or you can stop and enjoy a beer while watching the ferries crossing to and from Eminönü and Karaköy.

Galata Tower      

One of the most recognizable landmarks of Istanbul is Galata Tower, a medieval stone tower located in Galata quarter. The cylindrical tower rises 66 meters high and provides a superb panoramic view of the city. The tower was built in 1384 as Christea Turris (Tower of Christ) and was used for many centuries as an observation tower for spotting fires.

The access to Galata Tower is done by two elevators, but the lines are always long. We waited for a full hour! However, the view from the top was very rewarding.  

Taksim Square and Istiklal Caddesi

Start your 3rd day in Istanbul in Taksim Square, in the Beyoğlu district. This is the modern part of Istanbul, famous for its amazing restaurants and lively night clubs. From here you should make your way down İstiklal Caddesi, one of the most iconic and busiest streets in Istanbul.

This pedestrian avenue is the ideal place for shoppers, with famous Turkish and international brands at very affordable prices. There are countless places to shop around here, so walk around the many side streets lined up with small boutiques.

On Istiklal Caddesi you’ll notice quite a different atmosphere from the one you experienced in Sultanahmet. The street is full of tourists, street performers and food vendors. The entire area is a maze of restaurants, bistros, bars, fish markets, spice shops, flower shops, and much more! Don’t miss the cute, vintage tram that goes from Tünel to Taksim Square!

We’ve been here during the day and also returned in the evening for dinner, at one of the restaurants. Food was excellent and the atmosphere quite romantic.

The Dolmabahçe Palace      

Dolmabahçe is Turkey’s biggest and most extravagant palace and Istanbul’s first European-style palace. The Palace was commissioned in 1843 by Sultan Abdulmecit I, as a cover up for the declining Ottoman Empire. Therefore, to impress the world, he decorated the building lavishly with tons of gold and a large collection of Baccarat crystal chandeliers. 

The construction costed over five million Ottoman mecidiye gold coins, which would be the equivalent of around $1.8 billion dollars in today’s money.

The design is a mixture of Rococo, Neo-Classic and Baroque art. The palace stands on the European shore of the Bosphorus straight, in a beautiful garden. The visit will take you through the three main sections of the palace: the administrative apartments, the Ceremonial Hall, and Imperial Harem . 

The most impressive part of the Palace is Ceremonial Hall, where all the important state and religious ceremonies took place. This hall is absolutely huge, spreading over 2.000 square meters of area and and a 36 meters high ceiling.

A huge Hereke carpet adorns the Ceremonial Hall and a 4,5 tons crystal chandelier adorns the ceiling. The chandelier was a gift from  Queen Victoria of United Kingdom. It’s not every day that you can see so much opulence in one place.

If you have time, stroll through the beautiful gardens which right on the shore of the Bosphorus.

READ NEXT: The Cheapest (Yet Beautiful) Countries to Visit in Europe

Bosphorus Tour

One of the most exciting things to do in Istanbul is watch the city’s waterfront. The best way to do that is sail along the Bosphorus straight. The Bosphorus commuter ferry is one option.

The ferry goes north from Istanbul, up the Bosphorus, almost into the Black Sea, then back again. Along the way it stops at the small ports along the coast, letting you get off at whichever one you care to visit.

The tour lasts about 6 hours, but you don’t need to stay on the boat the entire time. Just hop on the ferry at Terminal 3 in Eminönü and go as long as you have time. You can get off at any of the stops, and then get back on the next boat with the same ticket.

There is also a shorter Bosphorus Cruise that lasts only two hours and goes from Eminönü to İstinye (and back). The cruise goes by a few small towns on the Asian side passing underneath both bridges in the meantime. The boat makes only one stop in Ortaköy to pick up more passengers.

This short cruise may be a better option if you only have 3 days in Istanbul. We took the long tour and stopped in one of the small villages across the bay to take a few pictures of Istanbul’s skyline.

Like in all my other European travel guides , I always recommend the most central location you can afford in a city. I can’t stress enough how important it is to be close to the tourist attractions, as well as have good restaurants, parks and shopping around. There are quite a few nice neighborhoods where you could rent a place for your 3-day stay in Istanbul.

Sultanahmet is the historic district of Istanbul and the best area area to stay as a first time visitor. Most tourist attractions are located in Sultanahmet, so you can practically walk anywhere if you are in a decent physical condition.  There are also many great places to eat traditional Turkish food this district.

Beyoğlu is one of the good neighborhoods to stay on the European side of Istanbul. In Beyoğlu are some of the most popular areas of istanbul, like Taksim Square, Pera, Galata, the trendy Karakoy and the pedestrian Istiklal Caddesi, famous for its shops and fancy restaurants.

Şişli is an upscale neighborhoods where you’ll find the banks, businesses, and shopping malls in Istanbul. If you stay you will need to use public transportation to reach the attractions.

Staying on the the Asian side of the strait doesn’t seem like a good idea, especially when you only have a few days in Istanbul. Getting to the tourist sites from here presumes taking the ferry every day to cross the river.

Public transportation works great in Istanbul. It includes boats, subways, buses, trams and funiculars. We used mainly the tram and occasionally a cab. Taxis in Istanbul have a bad reputation of ripping people off, so one of the first things to check is if they use a meter.

To use all public transit in Istanbul you will need the magnetic card ( Istanbul Kart ). You find it in the small kiosks near all metro stations, piers, and also bus stations. Istanbul Kart is a prepaid and is rechargeable.

   • How to Travel Between Ataturk Airport and the City Center

Ataturk airport is only 25 km away from the city center. The cheapest way to get to the city center is by shuttle bus (33 TL each way). The fastest and most convenient way is by taxi. (about 54 TL to Sultanahmet and 67 TL to Taksim Square).

There is also a metro line that will take you from the Ataturk Airport close to Taksim Square, but this is probably the least convenient way to travel from the airport if you’re traveling with luggage.

If you asked me this question before 2015, I would have wholeheartedly answered “yes”! But since Istanbul has been the scene of a failed military coup and some devastating terrorist attacks. In the years following the attack, the U.S. State Department was advising its citizens against traveling to Turkey.

However, the two-year state of emergency is now over and travelers are slowly returning to Istanbul. Would I return to Istanbul? I most likely would, but not with a light heart.

My advice to any traveler to this part of the world would be to exercise caution. While most visits to Istanbul go uneventful, you should always be alert to your surroundings and remain vigilant in crowded places.

Even before 2015, walking through Istanbul was a little intimidating for me. While I didn’t feel unsafe in most places we visited, there were some parts of the city where I would have never ventured alone. And some of these streets were right in the heart of Istanbul, on the tourist route. I must say however that most tourist areas seemed safe enough, although not all of them looked necessarily inviting.

You may feel overwhelmed by the amount of information contained in this post. If this 3 day itinerary seems too busy for you, remember you can always select what you what to see when you are in Istanbul.

We like to think of Istanbul as the one city in the world that encompasses two cultures: Western and Oriental. But in reality, its real heart lies in the division of the two that manage to coexist in an illusionary balance. The fascination of this place derives precisely form its diversity and energetic rhythm.

DON’T MISS OUT! READ NOW:

• Useful Tips for Visiting Istanbul – All You Should Know for Having a Perfect Trip
• All About Hagia Sophia – Istanbul’s Most Controversial Monument
• Where to Eat Excellent in Istanbul Without Getting Ripped Off

Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

Reader Interactions

April 1, 2024 at 4:52 am

One of the best blogs for Istanbul, very well structured and great tips. thank you.

April 1, 2024 at 2:45 pm

Thank you, Anja.

Roseanne Lorenzana

December 19, 2022 at 1:07 pm

This is a wonderful 3 day itinerary. Thank you for posting. If my accommodations were in the Old City, it seems that each day could be accomplished by walking … is my impression correct? Would this be safe to do as a solo female traveler – of course, with being alert to surroundings and vigilant? Thanks for the added information.

December 21, 2022 at 1:37 am

Istanbul is as safe as any other big city in the world, despite the fact that in the past couple of months there were a couple of incidents. But you had such unhappy occurrences in Paris as well, a few years ago. Of course, you’ll have to exercise caution and not walk alone in dark alleys or late at night. I’m sure you’ll have a lot of fun in Istanbul.

May 8, 2019 at 4:24 pm

I’ve never been to Istanbul but anyone I know that has been sings it’s praises highly. I guess it’s that mix of Asian and European influences. I’d love to go someday and I’ll use this itinerary and guide if I do. Great post, Anda!

Anda Galffy

May 8, 2019 at 11:17 pm

Thanks, Jill. Istanbul is definitely a must. You should go if you have a chance.

Manjulika Pramod

May 6, 2019 at 11:18 am

The palace looks great and ofcourse all other places. I have heard a lot about Turkey and I learned a lot through your post too. I would love to do the major attractions as well as walk on the streets aimlessly. I would keep a few extra days for exploring the restaurants, bistros, bars, fish markets, spice shops, flower shops and more.

May 6, 2019 at 9:36 am

Thank you for your very interesting tour around Istanbul, a place I haven’t visited however I certainly like the look of the architecture here it’s rather gorgeous. Some really pretty colours and certainly a history there.

Thanks for sharing and especially like the church photography in particular the Hagia Irene church and museum as it’s fairly subtle in design and you can really get an authentic feel of the history and charm.

May 6, 2019 at 3:20 am

I visited Istanbul a few years ago and must say was taken back with the amount of history and culture the city and country has to offer. A very detailed guide I must say with some of the highlights mentioned clearly like the blue Mosque and the souks. I loved the Topkapi museum which has so much of relics and artefacts. The culinary delights of this country are another thing I liked. Thanks for sharing a great post which will be very helpful for any first timer.

Shreya Saha

May 5, 2019 at 7:39 pm

This blog has all the information you need to plan visiting Istanbul. That’s a great and extensive list of places to visit there in three days and also I agree how important it is to choose the location of the accommodation when you are going there for just a few days to visit. I would love to check out all the places you have listed here and probably stay in sultanahmet so that I am close to the historical sites of the country. Thanks for the share.

May 5, 2019 at 9:12 am

I would love to visit Istanbul someday. My sister went there a couple of months ago and she said it was really wonderful. Your post made me want to visit it more. The details and structural design of the Blue Mosque are fascinating. I would love to see it up close. Thank you for sharing this itinerary. Saving this for future reference.

May 5, 2019 at 11:02 am

Hope you will, Clarice.

Sandy N Vyjay

May 5, 2019 at 8:03 am

This is a very interesting and informative post, especially for us as Istanbul appears high on our bucket list. It is a dream destination for us, an exotic place straight out of Arabian Nights. But there is so much to see and experience here. Places like the Blue Mosque are of course iconic, but the other mosques too are really exquisite. Your post is has a wealth of information that is going to be invaluable to the first time visitor.

May 5, 2019 at 8:44 am

Thank you, Sandy. If you decide to visit Istanbul, you should try to stay longer than just 3 days.

Nikki Godwin

May 5, 2019 at 7:29 am

I’ve heard a lot of great things about Istanbul and this itinerary just confirms that. It sounds like a really vibrant place to visit. I may have to consider a stopover there one day when I return from Tanzania (I currently live here and believe Turkish Airlines fly from here to London with a stop there). Thanks for such a comprehensive guide.

May 5, 2019 at 8:51 am

You are welcome, Nikki. Hope you’ll have a chance to visit this great city someday.

Sinjana Ghosh

May 4, 2019 at 12:21 pm

Wow this is absolutely beautiful. I have never seen so many beautiful mosques. The architecture is so brilliant, and I especially love the use of blues in the interiors. This is the perfect 3- day itinerary that I would love to follow when I visit Istanbul.

May 4, 2019 at 9:00 am

Oh my gosh those mosques are just gorgeous! Especially the Blue Mosque. I just love the intricate detail on the interior. I only wish that we preserved older historic buildings in the US the same way that they do in Europe.

Arnav Mathur

May 3, 2019 at 10:23 pm

This is such an amazing writeup Anda ! I had Istanbul on my radar ever since my friend explored this amazing city during her layover. But going through this write up in detail, has convinced me of one thing, that one day is definitely not enough even get a glimpse of Istanbul. I have Istanbul on the cards for this year, and I’ll make it a point to keep at least a week to explore.

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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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After Five Centuries, Stars Rise in Istanbul

The Zeyrek Cinili Hamam, an early-Ottoman-era masterpiece, is restored to its original use as a public bathhouse.

At Zeyrek Cinili Hamam, visitors can enjoy a Turkish bath under domes pierced with star-shaped skylights. Credit... Bradley Secker for The New York Times

Supported by

By Wendy Moonan

Reporting from Istanbul

• May 10, 2024

This article is part of our Design special section about water as a source of creativity.

On May 3, Zeyrek Cinili Hamam , a 500-year-old public bathhouse, reopened in Istanbul after a 13-year, $15-million-plus restoration. Named for its original cobalt-and-turquoise cladding (cinili is the Turkish word for “tiled”), the hamam is the jewel of the Zeyrek district, a historic neighborhood in Istanbul that is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Visitors can enjoy a traditional Turkish bath under soaring domes pierced with star-shaped skylights that send shimmering rays into the rooms. A typical hourlong bath costs 95 euros (about $101) and includes an exfoliation scrub and a massage accompanied by the soothing sound of water splashing into marble basins.

Just as in Ottoman times, anyone who can afford the entrance fee is welcome, regardless of faith, class or profession.

Restoring the bathhouse, which was built from 1530 to 1540, was Bike Gursel’s self-described obsession. Fourteen years ago, as a board member of the Marmara Group, a privately held real estate investment firm, Ms. Gursel decided a classical Turkish hamam was just the thing to diversify the company’s offerings.

“I was looking to buy a hamam for a long time, and when I couldn’t find one, I began collecting hamam artifacts such as embroidered towels and mother-of-pearl inlaid clogs made for the bath,” she recalled. “I was already thinking about a museum.”

In 2010, at Ms. Gursel’s urging, the Marmara Group bought the Zeyrek Cinili Hamam even though it was a near ruin. “The architect said it would take three years to restore,” she recalled. “Not 13.”

The restoration specialists KA-BA Architecture in Ankara, Turkey, supervised the project and its team of archaeologists, engineers, scholars and artisans. The long and complicated process began with a survey of the bathhouse, which had been badly damaged over the centuries by earthquakes, fires and neglect.

The 30,000-square-foot building was completely unstable.

“We had to excavate 36 feet down to find solid ground,” said Cengiz Kabaoglu, KA-BA Architecture ’s founder. A subterranean structure of steel and concrete was built to reinforce the compound. This allowed the builders to repair the roof and walls, install gas furnaces to replace the former wood-burning ones, replace the wood beams and tie the domes with ribbons of steel.

Antiques surfaced during the excavations: ancient coins, fifth-century Roman glass bottles, Byzantine oil lamps, terra-cotta vessels and tile fragments. They are on view in a new museum next to the bathhouse.

What didn’t turn up were the resplendent 16th-century Iznik tiles that once covered the walls. Ms. Gursel learned that, in the 1870s, an Ottoman antiques dealer took possession of the tiles and spirited them off to Paris. Some ended up in the Louvre. Others in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Others in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. All were reassembled virtually in a display at the hamam’s museum.

Now the hamam walls are covered in pale gray Marmara marble. The rooms are minimal, elegant and serene. On the rebuilt exterior, the roofs have been resurfaced in lead, with handblown glass “elephant-eye” hats protecting the skylights. A roof terrace offers views of the magnificent domes.

When Ms. Gursel retired in 2021, she passed her Marmara Group board seat and restoration responsibilities to her daughter, Koza Gureli Yazgan, a business school graduate.

Mrs. Gureli Yazgan described the restoration project as thrilling, but not easy. “We value cultural preservation, but this project was like opening a Pandora’s box,” she said. “Every discovery led to a delay. At one point the board said, ‘Stop digging.’ But we couldn’t. It was the story that kept us going.”

The hamam’s original patron was Hayreddin Barbarossa, the grand admiral of the Ottoman Empire who was also known by the Italian translation of his name: Redbeard. Born on the island of Lesbos in the late 1400s, Barbarossa was part of a family of pirates who roamed the Mediterranean at the time of Spain’s conquest of Grenada. As privateers, they ferried Muslim immigrants forced to leave Spain to North Africa, captured Rhodes and Tunis, attacked the Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese fleets, and briefly conquered Algiers in 1516.

Barbarossa’s successful naval campaigns attracted the attention of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent, who appointed him his grand admiral in 1534.

Before Barbarossa died in 1546, he commissioned the bathhouse from Mimar Sinan, a former slave who became the chief imperial architect of the Ottoman Empire at the height of its political and cultural power in 1538.

The bathhouse is a rare “double hamam” with separate areas for men and women.

“In addition to the functions of physical and spiritual purification and cleansing, hamams also provided their frequenters with the opportunity to socialize, keep up with daily events, gossip and celebrate many milestones of life together,” writes Leyla Kayhan Elbirlik, a visiting scholar at Harvard University, in a new book on the bathhouse restoration, “Barbarossa’s Cinili Hamam: A Masterpiece by Sinan.” Those milestones included circumcision baths for boys, premarriage baths for men and women and postnatal baths for mothers and their newborns.

The bathhouse was also notable for its address — the “Fifth Avenue” of an affluent Ottoman neighborhood, home to palace officials and military commanders. Barbarossa presumably picked the spot because it overlooked the Bosporus, allowing him to view the sultan’s shipyards he supervised on the opposite shore.

Now, 500 years later, the Zeyrek Cinili Hamam may again be the anchor of a fashionable area. Across the street, a large new hotel is under construction.

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Video shows FedEx cargo plane land on its nose in Istanbul after landing gear fails

A Boeing-767 type cargo plane operated by FedEx ran into a couple of bumps and sparks as it attempted to land at Istanbul Airport in Turkey without its front landing gear Wednesday.

The cargo plane, operated by FedEx, was flying from Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport, according to a statement by Turkey's Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu , when the pilot of the aircraft informed the control tower at Istanbul Airport that its landing gear had failed to open. The official said airport officials sprang into action and assisted the aircraft in touching down, while managing to remain on the runway. Emergency response, medical teams and necessary fire extinguishing equipment was also deployed on standby, Uraloğlu said.

Video footage from the landing shows the plane touching down on the runway before it tilts forward and starts dragging on its nose the runway creating a cloud of dust and sparks. It eventually comes to a stop with its fuselage touching the ground. As the plane comes to a halt, fire trucks douse the plane with water.

"With the successful guidance of our staff, the aircraft landed smoothly on its fuselage," Uraloğlu said.

No injuries reported

Two pilots were onboard the aircraft, according to Uraloğlu's statement, and were medically assessed after the landing. No injuries were reported.

The runway where the plane had landed was temporarily closed for all flights as multiple agencies gathered on site. A video shared by the minister shows crews and officials gathered around the aircraft while a fire truck and ambulance are parked on the side.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing, said Uraloğlu without going into further details into why the landing gear had failed.

Another Boeing plane issue? Don't fall for the headlines.

The freight aircraft involved in the accident is nearly 10 years old and was delivered to FedEx in 2014, according to a Boeing spokesperson. Following delivery, operators oversee ongoing maintenance for airplanes in operation. Reuters reported that Boeing 767 freighter is one of the most common cargo planes.

FedEx, meanwhile, in a statement to USA TODAY, said that the FedEx Express Flight 6268 was flying from Paris to Istanbul when it experienced an issue during landing.

"There were no reported injuries to our crew members," FedEx said. "We are coordinating with investigation authorities and will provide additional information as it is available."

While Boeing incidents have been in the news in recent months after a series of high-profile incidents, aviation experts maintain you shouldn't worry about flying .

“We don’t have to worry that there’s something systemically wrong with aviation,” Clint Balog, an associate professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, previously told USA TODAY.

Contributing: Staff, USA TODAY

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @saman_shafiq7.

Why you can – and should – travel to southeast Türkiye

May 9, 2024 • 5 min read

Gaziantep's Zeugma Mosaic Museum came out of the 2023 quakes unscathed © Muratart / Shutterstock

On 6 February 2023, Türkiye suffered one of the most devastating events in its post-war history: a pair of 7.8- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes that ravaged the country’s southeastern region, killing more than 50,000 people in 11 provinces. With over 160,000 buildings severely damaged or destroyed, 100,000 people injured and 3 million displaced, the disaster’s effects were felt across the nation and reverberate to this day.

More than a year later, some affected cities, most notably the historic center of Antakya in Hatay province, remain too badly damaged to host travelers. But other parts of this ancient and enthralling region are as rewarding to visit as they always were – and need the economic boost of tourism more than ever.

“It’s always difficult for all the people who rely on tourism, from drivers to hotel owners to guides, when something like this happens, because it can take years before travelers go back,” says Berry Vos from Mithra Travel , an Antalya-based tour agency that operates trips all around Türkiye.

“But the eastern part of Türkiye is very big, it’s not just Hatay and Kahramanmaraş,” Vos adds, referring to two of the provinces most severely affected by the earthquake. “Most of these beautiful places are open and ready for visitors.”

What sights in Türkiye are welcoming travelers again?

Some of the region’s highest-profile attractions escaped unscathed from the earthquake, including  Göbeklitepe , the Neolithic worship site that has upended the world’s understanding of how human culture developed since its rediscovery in 1994. In nearby Şanlıurfa, the top-notch  Archaeological Museum , the  Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum and the colorful bazaar are all back in business.

Though earthquakes centuries ago partially toppled the giant statues atop Nemrut Dağı, the remote monuments sustained no further damage in 2023 and are open to visit.

Home to some of the finest Roman-era mosaics in Türkiye, the  Zeugma Mosaic Museum in Gaziantep reopened soon after the earthquake when it was assessed to be undamaged. The city’s rich culinary culture offers another good reason to visit – and to support the many local restaurants that stepped up after the disaster to offer free food to neighbors in need, despite the hit to their own bottom line.

In Diyarbakır, the impressive Seljuk-era  Ulu Cami (Great Mosque) which sheltered displaced people after the earthquake is now welcoming worshippers and visitors as usual. Museums, mosques and historic sites in the city of Adana are open as well.

The picturesque, labyrinthine old town of  Mardin and the monasteries and Roman ruins in its surrounding area were outside the main zone damaged by the quake.

What’s still being restored after the quake

The city of Antakya and the rest of Hatay province, along with Kahramanmaraş and Adıyaman provinces, suffered some of the worst damage in the disaster and are still getting back on their feet, with many displaced people remaining in temporary shelters. The splendid Hatay Archaeological Museum is among the many buildings that must be repaired in downtown Antakya before it can reopen.

In Adıyaman province, the ruins of  Arsameia and Yenikale in the mountainous Nemrut Dağı region are still off-limits to visitors for safety reasons following the quake.

In Gaziantep, the centuries-old  castle in the center of the old city partially collapsed during the earthquake. Restoration work is underway and reportedly more than half completed, with hopes to reopen the site to the public by the end of 2024.

In general, travelers in Türkiye’s southeastern region should call ahead or inquire at central tourism bureaus before visiting more remote sites to confirm they are open.

What travelers can do to help with recovery

Spending money in places that have reopened to tourism is one of the best ways to help people in the affected provinces rebuild their incomes and lives. Consider hiring a local guide or driver and opt for local restaurants and shops over international chains.

Neighboring provinces like Mardin and Mersin contributed greatly to the emergency relief in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake and have seen their populations grow with people displaced by the disaster, so they could use an economic boost too.

In Mardin, for example, celebrity chef Ebru Baybara Demir, owner of the restaurant Cercis Murat Konağı and initiator of the Topraktan Tabağa cooperative shop, spearheaded numerous food-relief initiatives in the wake of 6 February.

Türkiye’s high level of internal migration means that people from the earthquake region were living all around the country even before the disaster, with large numbers in Istanbul. Even if you don’t travel to the southeastern region, patronize restaurants in Istanbul or other cities that specialize in the cuisine of Hatay, Gaziantep and other affected areas. Their owners are likely to be supporting family back in their hometowns, and in the case of Hatay cuisine in particular, eating at these restaurants helps keep rich culinary traditions alive while in (hopefully temporary) exile.

Istanbul chefs from popular restaurants  Basta Street Food Bar ,  Yeni Lokanta ,  Mabou and  Develi were also among those who pitched in with post-disaster aid efforts while the  Local Makers boutique and the  Postane café-shop both supported small businesses in the earthquake region. Think of a meal or purchase as a way of saying thank you.

The  Abraham Path Initiative , a US-based NGO that helps develop walking trails in Türkiye and the Middle East, has provided micro-grants to help small tourism businesses like homestays around the path in Şanlıurfa, Göbeklitepe and nearby Harran get back on their feet following the earthquake.

“It’s a very welcoming community. The culture of hospitality in that area can’t be fully understood unless you’re there,” says executive director Christopher McLaurin. “It’s been a long road, but watching these communities recover from the trauma of the earthquake and contributing to that makes me feel really positive about the future.”

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