Fun and cool things to do in Istanbul

With thousands of years of history and culture, not to mention a unique position between two continents, there are plenty of sights to experience in Istanbul. Yet, while a visit to the Hagia Sofia or the Grand Bazaar should be on every visitor’s itinerary, there are so many other cool things in Istanbul to experience. From unique dining experiences to traditional festivals and dances, there are many things you can only do in Istanbul. So, for those who want to experience more than the major tourist attractions, here are some fun things to do in Istanbul.

See the Whirling Dervishes

You may have heard of the whirling dervishes: dressed entirely in white, the dervishes perform a highly energetic, twirling dance that is mesmerising to watch. The practice dated back over 700 years and was once an important part of religious ceremonies. Today, the best place to see the dervishes is at the Hodjapasha Cultural Center, just a 10-minute walk west of Gülhane Park. The ceremony lasts approximately one hour. Please be aware that the dance is still considered holy, so be respectful when visiting. Also, tickets can sell out in advance, so try to book yours as soon as possible.

Take a Cable Car to Pierre Loti Café

One of the best views of the Golden Horn can be found by visiting the Pierre Loti Café in the Eyüp district. Named after the French writer who frequented the area in the mid-19th century, the Pierre Loti Café is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal or beverage while gazing out over the Golden Horn and Istanbul skyline. To reach the café, you will need to take the cable car from Eyüp station to the top of the hill. This cable car runs from 8:00 AM until 11:00 PM, and the journey takes around two and a half minutes.

Experience a Traditional Turkish Bath

Turkey is famous for its bathhouses, also known as hammams, often dating back hundreds of years. As such, you will find many bathhouses throughout Istanbul. You may even find your hotel has one, although these are less traditional and closer to popular day spas. If you want the full Turkish bath experience, some popular options include the Çemberlitaş Hamamı, Cağaloğlu Hamamı and Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamam. The average price for a traditional Turkish bath experience will usually cost around 600 TL. Just make sure to let the attendant know how thorough you want your treatment, as the full experience may be too intense for some visitors.

Go Shopping at a Local Bazaar

Istanbul is one of the most popular shopping destinations in the world, and much of that is due to its many bazaars and marketplaces. While most know of the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, other lesser-known bazaars around the city are worth visiting. The Beşiktaş Bazaar has been holding weekly markets every Saturday for almost 40 years and is a great place to find bargains on factory-direct clothing. For anyone fascinated by antique books, there’s the Beyazit Book Bazaar, just a short distance southwest of the Grand Bazaar. And for those looking for a mouth-watering gastronomic experience, the Inebolu Village Market offers a range of delicious food options every Sunday.

Explore the Bosphorus by Ferry

Walking along the shores of Eminönü, you will find many options for expensive boat tours on the Bosphorus. However, if you want an affordable and worthwhile tour, then it is best to go with Istanbul’s official ferry service, Şehir Hatları. You can find their offices close to Galata Bridge, and they offer three cruise options. The Short Tour (12 TL) lasts two hours and takes you from Eminönü to Istinye. The Full Tour (25 TL) will take you as far as the Black Sea and back, with a two-hour break in the fishing village of Anadolu Kavağı. There is also the Moonlight Tour (20 TL), which allows you to experience the magic of the city lights.

Visit the Asian Side of Istanbul

With popular attractions found on the European side, many visitors don’t get to see the Asian side and what it has to offer. Visiting here will allow you to explore the colourful Kadiköy district, with its hip bars, fascinating street art and boutique shops. You can also catch a show at the Süreyya Opera House or visit the statue of Tombili, the famous cat. There is also the Üsküdar district, where you can see the magnificent Beylerbeyi Palace or get a great view of the city from Çamlıca Hill. There are several ways to get to the Asian side: by ferry, by bus over the Bosphorus Bridge or underground via the Marmaray.

Spend a Day on the Princes’ Islands

If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul, the nearby Princes’ Islands are the perfect destination. These nine islands lie just southeast of the city, about 90 minutes by ferry. Part of the reason these islands feel laid back and tranquil is that there are no cars allowed: all transport is by bike, horse, and, of course, on foot. Many citizens of Istanbul visit these islands during the summer months to enjoy its scenic trails, explore its ancient history or swim at one of the many beautiful beaches. While visiting, make sure to try the local delicacies in one of the many restaurants and cafes that line the shores.

Explore Istanbul on a Smaller Scale at Miniatürk

On the shores of the Beyoğlu district, you will find Miniatürk. This is one of the largest miniature parks in the world, covering an area of 60,000 square metres in total. The park features over 120 models depicting famous sites of cultural and architectural significance, all at a 1/25 scale. This is a great place to see reproductions of famous monuments as they appeared throughout history, from the Roman and Byzantine empires to the Ottomans. Entry to the park is from 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM daily, and tickets cost 50 TL per person. There is also an Audio Guide App that you can download to your phone and listen to during your visit.

Take a Food Class or Tour

Istanbul is a delight for lovers of food, and what better way to experience the best that the city has to offer than with a food tour or cooking class? There are many popular choices that will provide you with a high-quality gastronomic experience. Cooking Alaturka is the original cooking school in Istanbul and offers daily lunch and dinner cooking classes, except Sundays. These classes last between two and three hours, after which you will get to enjoy the food you have prepared. Another popular option for experiencing Turkish cuisine is Turkish Flavours, which offers a private spice tasting session in the Spice Bazaar in addition to learning how to cook various Turkish dishes.

Enjoy Istanbul’s Nightlife

There are plenty of options for those looking to party or simply experience what the nightlife in Istanbul has to offer. For a start, there are plenty of nightclubs that can be found, particularly along Istiklal Street, Beyoğlu and Bebek, plus Kadiköy across the strait. A popular choice is Oligark Istanbul, which overlooks the waters in Kuruçeşme and offers delicious restaurant food in addition to a vibrant club scene. Some other popular options include Ruby, Sortie and 360Istanbul. All these locations offer a combination of restaurants, bars and live music, ensuring you a great night out.