Best Things To Do in Istanbul, Turkey

Are you looking for what to do in Istanbul?

You might have a list of things to do in Istanbul and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. Places like Sultan Ahmed Mosque and Topkapi Palace will make sure your dream destinations are ticked off. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

With so many world-famous sites and attractions to visit, deciding on the best things to do in Istanbul can be a daunting task. Visiting selective places and carrying the best memories is the best alternative. Don’t rush to see all of the attractions in Istanbul on your first trip itself.

Istanbul is the type of city that you will love to visit again and again. Every time you revisit Istanbul you can keep unfolding the different sides of it. This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Istanbul getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Istanbul with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Istanbul

Here is the list of things to do in Istanbul and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Sultan Ahmed Mosque

    4.7 (9502 Votes)
    Sultan Ahmed Mosque

    Mosque, Religious Site, Landmark, Architecture

    Sprawling, lavish and yet elegant, this is Turkey’s most popular mosque. It was built in the early 17th century. It’s interiors are decorated with over 20000 hand made tiles with tulip patterns. Instead of focusing on grandeur, the mosque focuses on space and tranquillity, bringing out a reality that other mosques just can’t match. If you hang about till night time, there are...Read more
  2. Topkapi Palace

    4.6 (7446 Votes)
    Topkapi Palace

    Landmark, Historical Site, Palace, Arts And Crafts

    This was the promary residence of the Ottoman Kings for 400 years during their six century reign, as well as an important dimplomatic royal entertainment hub. People are drawn here primary by exhibits of items belonging to Prophet Mohammed himself. There’s a room displaying finely crafted Ottoman clocks and watches. Also visit the Treasury, the Kitchen and the Harem rooms. The audio guid...Read more
  3. Hagia Sophia

    4.7 (9329 Votes)
    Hagia Sophia

    Mosque, Religious Site, Landmark, Historical Site

    Through its history, the Hagia Sofia has seen several changes like being converted from an Orthodox Church to a mosque and then finally being converted into a museum. It is as stunning from the inside as it is from the outside. A must visit indeed! It is advised to buy tickets for Hagia Sofia in advance as a lot of people usually visit it. Get Hagia Sofia tickets from our ticket section and co...Read more
  4. Miniaturk

    4.6 (5100 Votes)
    Miniaturk

    Park

    One of the worlds largest miniature parks, it contains about 122 models of world famous stuctures from Turkish history built at 1/25 of the actual scale. It’s said that if you haven’t time to visit the whole country, one trip to the park will usually be a good stand in. Bring the cameras and click away, pretending to tower of the Temple of Artemis. You might want to dress up as a S...Read more
  5. Grand Bazaar

    4.4 (7161 Votes)
    Grand Bazaar

    Market, Shopping Center

    Established in the 1450s this is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. A true example of human hardiness, the bazaar has survived numerous fires, earthquakes and wars and continues to thrive today. Highly crowded, everyone here is looking for the best deal; bargaining is a way of life. Start with a fourth of the asking price and you might end up paying only half of it. It...Read more
  6. Istanbul Archaeological Museum

    Art And Culture, Museum, Specialty Museum

    There are actually three museums here dedicated to Archeology, the Islamic Arts and the Ancient Orient. Built in the 19th century, the museums have gained quite an impressive collection including what could possibly the first documented love poem, the world’s first peace treaty, relics from Sidon, Babylon and Assyria, Greek and Roman statuary, pottery, a sarcophagus collection and the ma...Read more
  7. Suleymaniye Hamami

    Leisure, Spa

    Suleymaniye Hamami is considered as one of the Turkish Baths. This hamam was in operation since the year of 1550 and is considered as one of the oldest hamams in the Istanbul. This hamam was designed by the well known architect Sinan. Families as well as couples can bathe here. The other services of this hamam also include soap massage, peeling, hot room etc. Also, visit the popular attra...Read more
  8. Basilica Cistern

    4.5 (7219 Votes)
    Basilica Cistern

    Landmark, Historical Site, Architecture

    The Sunken Cistern is an ancient water reservoir built during the 5th century on the site of what used to be a famous basilica. It’s said over 7000 slaves were used in the construction of this cistern. Its capacity is if of roughtly 100000 tonnes of water. It has been featured in the James Bond movie “From Russia With Love”. Of special interest are its two base columns featur...Read more
  9. Dolmabahce Palace

    4.7 (5174 Votes)
    Dolmabahce Palace

    Landmark, Historical Site, Palace, Architecture

    Constructed in the 1850’s at a cost of 35000 tonnes of gold at the time of its construction, this palace had been home to six sultans over the years. It’s the biggest palace in the city, covering over an area of about 110000 square metres. Visit to appreciate the sheer opulence of the palace. The world's largest Bohemian crystal chandelier is here. Rooms are lavishly decorated in g...Read more
  10. Chora Church

    4.4 (2546 Votes)
    Chora Church

    Church, Museum, History Museum, Landmark

    This well reserved Byzantine Church is perhaps the most beautiful of it’s kind still existing. It was built originally in the 5th century and then underwent extensive renovations in the 11th century. Its fine mozaics and frescoes were decorated in the 13th century. The mozaics tell apocryphal stories of Christian history, so research beforehand if you want to make a sense of this at...Read more
  11. Galata Tower

    4.6 (6618 Votes)
    Galata Tower

    Landmark, Historical Site, Tower, Architecture

    This striking tower is one of Istanbul's best known landmarks. It is 67 metrers tall and 35 metres high from sea level. It’s almost 700 years old and was used to spot fires within the city. From the restaurant and cafe on it’s upper floors, one can enjoy stunning views of the Bosphorus waters, a sight that is even better at sunset. At night, belly dancing and other authentic shows ...Read more
  12. Emirgan Park

    4.6 (4081 Votes)
    Emirgan Park

    Outdoors, Park, Landmark, Historical Site

    Take a trip to the pristine Emirgan Park and have a thorough experience of the park with the help of Emirgan Park tickets. While the entry to the park is absolutely free and there are no tickets for Emirgan Park, the reason for the Emirgan Park ticket prices provided in the tours section is because the tours offer a complete experience of Istanbul. So without wasting time, buy tickets for Emir...Read more
  13. Solar Beach

    3.7 (2882 Votes)
    Solar Beach

    Outdoors, Beach, Leisure, Water Sport

    The largest beach in Istanbul is a lively place. Pristine sands, clear water and a diverse cuisine make this a perfect shore experience. There are occasionally things happening here, and there is a bar closeby. DJ’s usually set a party going in the evenings. Apart from being the entertainment hub, this beach is also popular for watersports such as kite boarding, jet skiing, go-carting, d...Read more
  14. Babalu Park

    4.1 (2748 Votes)
    Babalu Park

    Theme Park

    This is what every parent wishes theme parks for kids were like. Devoid of arcade games and flashy lights, the park instead focuses on unusual physical activits that keep the kids involved. The Tri-Fold Game Tower can host 200 children at once in it’s various obstacles and designs constructed tunnels, ball pools, and slides. Rodeos and Air-hockey are naturally included in this eclec...Read more
  15. Istanbul Modern

    4.4 (2940 Votes)
    Istanbul Modern

    Art Museum, Museum

    Istanbul modern is the museum of the modern art and is one of the best arts available in Istanbul. This place was inaugurated in 2004. This place prominently features the Turkish artwork. This museum is located in Bosphorus in one of the converted warehouses and is located in the neighborhood of Tophane. It is of its first kind in Turkey. Also, visit the popular attractions in the city by...Read more

Istanbul
Ask question in category
  • where is the bridge in Istanbul

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  • Places for shopping ? Souks etc.... ?? Where should I go?

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    • Grand Bazaar, Mısır Çarşısı (Spice Bazaar), İstinye Park, Forum İstanbul, and Çarşamba are some of your best options for shopping in Istanbul. 

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  • Where can I find a map of Istanbul

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    • You may visit a local visitor center in Istanbul to get a map. You may also search online to get one. 

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  • what is beat shopping--places and things

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    • Nişantaşı, Bebek and Arnavutköy, and Galata are three neighborhoods in Istanbul that offer a great shopping experience. You may also visit Kanyon Shopping Center or Zorlu Center. If you are interested in street shopping then Bağdat Caddesi, Abdi İpekçi Caddesi, and İstiklal Caddesi are your best bet. The best things to buy in Istanbul include rugs, spices, antiques, and textiles.  

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