Best things to do and see in Istanbul

Sitting right in the middle between the continents of Europe and Asia, Istanbul has been influenced by many different cultures over thousands of years. Today, Istanbul is one of the largest cities in the world: a modern, cosmopolitan city where you can find plenty to see and do. From historical sites to exquisite shopping and dining options, there is something to add to every Istanbul itinerary. With so much to experience, we recommend allowing between three days to a week to make the most of your visit. Here are our recommendations for the best things to do in Istanbul.

Hagia Sofia

No visit to Istanbul is complete without seeing the massive architectural marvel of the Hagia Sofia Grand Mosque. Originally built as a Christian cathedral in 537 AD, the Hagia Sofia has also served as a mosque, a museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site during its lifetime. Entry is free, and you can explore the building between 9:00 am and 11:00 pm. Be aware, however, that the Hagia Sofia is a place of worship, and you may not be able to visit many areas during prayer times. Check the Weekly Prayer Times for Ankara site to plan ahead.

Blue Mosque

Walk southwest from the Hagia Sofia, and you will find the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, more famously known as the Blue Mosque. First built during the early 17th century, the mosque gets its name from the 20,000 or so magnificent hand-painted blue tiles that adorn its interior. The Blue Mosque is open to visitors between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, and like all mosques in Istanbul, entry is free for all visitors. However, access is restricted during prayer times, so check the official prayer times site before visiting. Make sure to also visit the Hippodrome, Arasta Bazaar and art museums while in the area.

Topkapi Palace

Just a ten-minute walk northeast of the Hagia Sofia sits Topkapi Palace. This palace was home to the Ottoman Sultans between the mid-15th century and early 1800s. Today, it is a museum featuring a vast collection of treasures and artefacts. Topkapi Palace comprises four large courtyards, each featuring different collections. Entry to the first courtyard is free, but accessing the rest of the palace costs 320 TL plus an additional 150 TL for the Harem Rooms. You can also purchase an Istanbul Museum Pass (700 TL) for full access to the palace and other museums.

Basilica Cistern

Between the Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque lies the entrance to the underground Basilica Cistern. The cistern was constructed in the 6th century to store water and supply it to nearby palaces and buildings. While the cistern is no longer used as a reservoir, the underground caverns have been preserved for today’s visitors to explore. The Basilica Cistern is open every day of the week, from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. Entry costs 190 TL per person. Please be aware that the Istanbul Museum Pass is not valid for admission to the cistern.

Archaeology Museums

Take a short stroll downhill west from Topkapi Palace to reach the Istanbul Archeology Museums. This complex features three unique museums: the Museum of Ancient Orient, the Tiled Pavilion Museum, and the main Archaeology Museum. Each museum houses collections of treasures and artefacts that tell the story of this unique region of the world, from prehistoric times to modern-day Istanbul. Entry to the Istanbul Archeology Museums costs 75 TL, or you can purchase the Istanbul Museum Pass to access these and other museums in the city.

Spice Bazaar

South of the Galata Bridge, you’ll find Istanbul’s vibrant Bazaar district, featuring some of the city’s oldest eateries and food stores. Within the middle of this district is the famous Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar. Since the 17th century, many imported spices were displayed here for sale in colourful mounds. Today, the Bazaar features more than just spices, with visitors being able to purchase an enticing variety of foods, jewellery and clothes. The Spice Bazaar is open every day between 9:00 am and 7:00 pm, except on religious holidays.

Süleymaniye Mosque

Just over half a mile (approximately 1 km) west of the Spice Bazaar is the Süleymaniye Mosque, which crowns the top of Istanbul’s tallest hill. Built for the sultan Süleyman I (also known as Süleyman the Magnificent) in 1557, this grand mosque served as the inspiration for many future mosques in the city, including the previously mentioned Blue Mosque. Like all mosques in Istanbul, entry is free, but access is limited during prayer times. However, you can explore the courtyard and surrounding buildings at these times, including the tombs of Süleyman and his wife, Roxelana. Süleymaniye Mosque is open to visitors between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.

Grand Bazaar

One of the most popular shopping areas in Istanbul, the Grand Bazaar is also one of the largest covered markets in the world. Less than 1 km south of the Spice Bazaar, the Grand Bazaar is famous for its vast undercover complex, originally built over 500 years ago. The Bazaar itself features over 3,000 shops spread over multiple streets. Here, you can buy jewellery, carpets, clothes and a wide range of delicious foods. The Grand Bazaar is open every day between 9:00 am and 7:00 pm, except Sundays and religious holidays.

Galata Bridge

The Galata Bridge crosses the Golden Horn, an inlet that links the Bosphorus River with the Sea of Marmara. The bridge serves as the link between the Old City and Beyoglu, or Modern Istanbul. During the day, hundreds of locals gather along the bridge, trying to catch fish from the waters below. Some locals fish to sell their catch at the nearby fish market, while for others, it’s just a relaxing pastime. Lingering on this bridge will reward you with excellent city views. It will also lead you to Galataport, where you can book a sunset cruise on the Bosphorus.

Galata Tower

Just a short stroll north of the Galata Bridge sits the Galata Tower. Constructed in 1348, the tower was used to observe the harbour in case of invasion. Over the centuries, it has also served as a prison, a naval depot, and a fire lookout post. After much restoration, the Galata Tower now serves as a museum and an observation tower. You can take the lift up to the tower’s seventh floor, where you can access the observation deck for magnificent 360-degree city views. The tower is open between 8:30 am and 11:00 pm and costs 175 TL to enter.

Galataport

One of Istanbul’s most popular modern developments is Galataport, also known as the Istanbul Cruise Port. The port is designed to allow large cruise ships to dock and is a central tourist hub. The area contains a wide variety of shopping and dining options, as well as a public square surrounded by major attractions, including the Istanbul Modern Art Gallery, the Tophane Fountain and the Nusretiye Mosque. You can expect to spend at least a day exploring the area with plenty to see and do.

Fener and Balat

Fener and Balat are some of Istanbul’s oldest and most colourful districts. Over the centuries, the neighbourhood has been home to a mix of Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities, living and working harmoniously together. You can explore this history firsthand by strolling through the streets and visiting the local shops, churches, mosques and synagogues. An exceptionally photogenic area in Balat is Kiremit Street, which features pastel-coloured buildings and walls, making it a popular spot for Instagrammers. Walking tours are available for the area, or you may wish to explore on your own.

Istiklal Street

One of the most lively and cosmopolitan shopping districts can be found on Istiklal Street. You can find some of Istanbul’s most popular museums and monuments, as well as boutique shops, high-class restaurants and the famous Turkish bath, the Galatasaray Hammam. Along the street, you will find the open-air charm of Cicek Pasaji, with its popular restaurants and live music. You can enjoy the Neo-Gothic architecture of St. Anthony of Padua Church, international artworks and artefacts in the Pera Museum, or even lifelike waxworks in Madame Tussauds Istanbul.

Dolmabahçe Palace

Overlooking the waters of the Bosphorus River, the magnificent Dolmabahçe Palace is significant in Istanbul’s modern history. First established in 1856, it became home to the sultans, replacing Topkapi Palace as the seat of governance. The palace also served as the residence of President Atatürk until he died in 1938. The palace features a mix of contrasting European and Asian architectural styles. The building truly lives up to the word opulent with marble floors, golden ceilings and a giant crystal chandelier in the Ceremonial Hall. Entry to the palace costs 300 TL, and opening hours are between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm.