Free things to do in Istanbul

Istanbul is a wealthy city, yet, there are many cheap or free activities here. From public parks to historic sites and districts, you can always find something to do that won’t blow your budget. Therefore, we have compiled a list of our favourite free activities in Istanbul. Here is our guide on what to do in Istanbul for free.

Visit Istanbul’s Beautiful Mosques

The famous Blue Mosque or any of the impressive mosques around Istanbul are all free to enter. Entering these mosques is an impressive experience, from the colourful mosaics to the artefacts they contain. being respectful in your behaviour and the way you dress is important. In addition, you need to be aware of prayer times, as you may not be able to enter during these hours.

Walk Around Gülhane Park

Gülhane Park sits a short walk north of Topkapı Palace and is one of the oldest and largest parks in Istanbul. This park is a restful haven filled with colourful floral displays and tree-lined walkways. In addition to fountains, lakes and a tea garden, other sights to enjoy in the park include monuments, like the ancient Column of the Goths, built by the Romans in the 3rd century CE. The park is open between 6:00 AM and 10:30 PM.

Get Up Close to History at the Hippodrome

At the heart of Sultanahmet Square lies the Hippodrome. Originally constructed during the 3rd century BCE, Constantine expanded the Hippodrome in the 4th century CE into one of the world’s largest racetracks. Much of the original Hippodrome has been lost over the centuries, but what remains is impressive. The Serpents’ Column marks the centre of the Hippodrome, while each end is characterised by the Obelisks of Theodosius and Porphyrogenitus. The Hippodrome is only a short distance from the Blue Mosque, so it works well to combine these two activities.

Take in the View at Çamlıca Hill

Several hills scattered around Istanbul offer a fantastic panoramic view of the city. One of the best views of Istanbul can be found at the top of Çamlıca Hill, in the city’s Üsküdar district. To reach the hill, cross the Bosphorus toward the Asian side and head to Üsküdar. At the top of the hill, you will find parks, historic mosques, palaces, tea houses and restaurants. The main attraction is the view over the European side of Istanbul.

Go Window Shopping at the Local Bazaars

Istanbul is famous for its shopping districts and markets. Yet, even if you are a budget-conscious traveller, you can enjoy browsing the wares at many of Istanbul’s popular markets and bazaars. Take a stroll through the Grand Bazaar or Spice Bazaar and marvel at the goods on display.

Visit a Museum or Art Gallery on a Free Day

While many museums in Istanbul charge an entry fee, several have days where they offer free admission. Some examples include Istanbul Modern: free admission every Thursday; the Pera Museum: free on Fridays after 6:00 PM; and the Museum of Painting and Sculpture: free between 10:00 AM and 4:30 PM every day, except Sundays and Mondays. Art galleries that line İstiklal Street are usually free. Some museums, such as the Doğançay Museum, usually offer free entry. Check the entry conditions for each venue.

Go People Watching in Taksim Square

Taksim Square is a large-scale public plaza surrounded by shops, hotels and restaurants. It serves as the central hub for many of the city’s transportation services, including the metro, bus, tram and funicular lines. There are a few monuments around the square worth visiting, as well as the nearby Taksim Mosque and Gezi Park. However, the best thing to do while visiting Taksim Square is to sit down with something to eat from one of the nearby shops or fast food places and watch people go about their day.

Go on a Self-Guided Walking Tour

Istanbul has several areas worth exploring outside the usual tourist districts. Balat is one of the oldest districts in Istanbul and has become famous over the years for its colourful buildings and hip cafes. Stroll around the scenic districts of Beşiktaş and Ortaköy, taking in sights such as the massive Bosphorus Bridge. You may enjoy exploring the colourful umbrella-filled Karakoy Street or the hip bars and vibrant street art in Kadıköy.

Visit the Aqueduct of Valens

The Aqueduct of Valens (Bozdoğan Kemeri) in Istanbul is a Roman construction spanning approximately 920 metres. It was built in the 4th century to supply Constantinople with fresh water and was part of an aqueduct system with a length of over 160 m (250 km). To view this historically important piece of engineering towering above the traffic, take the M2 Metro and disembark at Vezneciler, then walk west for 5 minutes. Azatürk Boulevard runs through the Aqueduct’s arches, which is also good to see when lit up at night.

Take a Walk Down Bağdat Avenue

Bağdat Avenue (Bağdat Caddesi in Turkish) is a 5.6-mile-long (9 km) high street full of restaurants, cafes, bars and boutiques, and dotted with mosques, parks, a toy museum and an abandoned mansion overlooking the sea. It connected Anatolia with Constantinople during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Bağdat Avenue is a great place to see the Asian side of Istanbul, people watch and window shop. To reach it, head to Kadikoy district and take the Marmaray train.