Istanbul, a historical, prominent, and populous city in Turkey, is a witness to several breathtaking places that date back to the ancient era. With the plethora of things to do in Istanbul, the city welcomes thousands of tourists from all over the world every year. Its eccentric beauty is unparalleled along with the magnificent artwork, decor, craftsmanship, and inherent charm embedded within the various places in the city.
In this article, we will discuss about the 25 most remarkable things to do in Instanbul, a perfect way to draft your itinerary. You can plan your trip by drawing up ideas from the list, a ready reckoner for travel buffs.
Ideally, you can cover all the places in 3 days but it is better to plan for 5 days and not rush on to the places but opt for a leisure trip. This provides you with ample time to explore the places and enjoy the experience.
So without further ado, let’s find out which are the topmost 25 things to do in Instanbul.
1. Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is a cathedral, one of the most phenomenal architectural beauty and one of the best things to do in Instanbul. Constructed in 537 AD, the cathedral was once the seal of the Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople. It belonged to the Byzantine empire. But now Hagia Sophia has been transformed into a mosque. Previously till July 2020, the building operated as a museum.
You can witness the amalgamation of Islamic and Christian religious essence within the amazing wondrous architecture. The entire structure comprises marble pillars, mosaics, and other artistic charms. The main dome of the Hagia Sophia is one of the largest pendentive domes in the world. The marble carvings and the mosaic paintings do earn considerable appreciation.
The chief architects of the structure were Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles.
Address: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Ticket: Almost EUR 15 with either a guided tour or an audio tour
Timings: 24 hours
Trams and taxis are available in the city in plenty to reach Hagia Sophia. There is a cable car option as well.
2. Basilica Cistern
One of the most spectacular things to do in Istanbul is to visit Basilica Cistern. It is located beneath the city of Istanbul and among the several cisterns in the city, it is the largest. Byzantine emperor Justinian I was instrumental in building the cistern in the 6th century. The noble purpose was to store water in huge volumes, but now very less water is stored and accessed by the public.
The name Basilica cistern is derived from the fact that it is present under the Stoa Basilica below the large public square on the First Hill of Constantinople. The old texts and tales state that the basilica was surrounded by gardens and artistic architectural decor.
History states that almost 7000 people were involved in constructing the cistern. It served as the water filtration system for several buildings including the Great Palace of Constantinople. The cistern provided water to the Topkapi Palace as well.
Spread across an area of about 9800 square meters, the cistern can hold 80,000 cubic meters of water. About 52 steps made of stone need to be alighted to reach the entrance of the cistern. The capitals of the cistern columns are designed as per the Ionic and Corinthian styles of architecture.
3. The Blue Mosque
For history lovers, the Blue Mosque is one of the ideal things to do in Istanbul. The official name of the mosque is Sultan Ahmed mosque, built during the Ottoman era between 1609 and 1616 under the guidance of Ahmed I. You can find a huge footfall at this place, seemingly famous among the tourists.
The name is aptly derived from the blue tiles that adorn the walls and floors of the mosque. The tiles are hand-painted with figures of plants, and flowers; a unique feature of the mosque. At night, the lights illuminate the mosque with the bluish tingle glowing all around. The mosque has six minarets, five domes, and eight secondary domes.
Currently, the mosque is listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. The key attraction is gazing at the 20,000 hand-painted ceramic tiles and the various tulip patterns almost counting to 60. Besides 200 stained glass windows amplify the charm and glamour of the structure.
The chief architect of the mosque is Sedefkar Mehmed Aga. His design and creation resulted in the iconic mosque in the heart of Istanbul.
4. The Chora Church
The Chora Church was originally a church belonging to the medieval age Greek culture but since 2020 it has been converted into a mosque. Visiting the building is one of the iconic things to do in Istanbul. Wrapped with authentic mosaic designs and frescos, the architecture is influenced by the Byzantine empire.
In 1945 it was a museum attracting tourists from all over the world. The interior of the building is elegantly embellished with mosaic designs and paintings. Some of the designs portray the life of Jesus Christ. Other tales of the Christ era are also depicted in the paintings and patterns.
Though the majority of the design and architecture has a prominence on the Byzantine culture you will find an amalgamation of Ottoman architecture, Islamic architecture, and ancient greek architecture in the pattern. The structure has two minarets, and six domes – two are above the exonarthex or the inner narthex, or the entrance hall, one above the preclusion or the side chapel, and three above the naos or the main body of the church.
The church or the mosque now is one of the most iconic buildings in Istanbul and truly a must-visit while touring the city.
Address: Dervişali, Kariye Cami Sk. No:18, 34087 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
5. Topkapi Palace
One of the vibrant and extravagant things to do in Istanbul is a visit the Topkapi palace. The charm and grandeur of the palace are splendid. The design and architectural glamor of the palace are attributed to the Ottoman Empire of Turkey. Constructed in 1459 by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, the meaning of Topkapi is “Cannon Gate”. \
After the fall of the Ottoman Empire, the palace was converted into a museum housing the intricate reminiscence of the empire. The key attractions are the Spoonmaker’s diamond and the Topkapi dagger. It also stored armor, clothing, and manuscripts that belonged to the Ottoman rule during the 15th and 16th centuries, Besides the palace, is now listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage sites.
There are four major courtyards in the palace and some small ones. Each courtyard is unique in its design and structure. The First courtyard is also known as the “Parade Court” where the janissaries (the elite infantry troop of the Ottoman empire) patrol dressing up in vibrant colored attire. The structures that exist still in the courtyard are the Imperial Mint and the Church of Hagia Irene. The second courtyard was constructed during the era of Sultan Mural II in 1465. It was used by the Sultan to host meetings. He sat on the golden Bayram throne and heard out his council.
Besides you can find several kitchens, a hospital, a bakery, and the prominent imperial harem. The key structures of the courtyard are the Imperial Council and the Imperial Treasury. The third courtyard or the “Inner Palace” is the place where young men used to learn art, music, and calligraphy. The important structures of this courtyard are the Privy Chamber, harem, and the massive library of Sultan Ahmed II. The fourth courtyard or the “Inner Sofa” is where the Sultan and the royal family spent their private lives. There are gardens and kiosks throughout the area, the important ones being the Yerevan kiosk and the Iftar kiosk.
The harem is a massive structure hosting 400 rooms for the mother, wives, concubines, and children of the Sultan. Some galleries and passageways establish the connection between all the rooms.
6. Eminonu Square
The Eminonu Square is situated between the New mosque and the Galata bridge. The place experiences an influx of a good amount of tourists and locals. The square is lively with opportunities of involving in several activities. With the presence of the New mosque and the Egyptian spice bazaar nearby, the prominence of the place is further enhanced.
You can also witness many historic buildings, observe the ferries, and dine in at the restaurant and cafes for a soulful experience. It is one of the best places in Istanbul to spend a happening weekend or vacation.
7. Galata Tower
Galata tower is one of the most remarkable and iconic structures and touring around it is one of the best things to do in Istanbul. You will love to watch the magnificent view of the city from the tower. The city opens and blooms up like a fairy in front of your eyes.
The history of the Galata tower is ancient and age-old. The architecture bears a resemblance to three different styles of design – Roman, Ottoman, and Genoese. Standing at a height of about 219 feet, it has 9 stories, carved intrinsically with cones and cylinders. Inevitably it is the tallest structure in the city.
Coming to the tower’s history, there are two theories revolving around it. The first one mentions the date of construction of the tower as 527 AD and is attributed to the Byzantium King Justinian. The tower was then re-constructed to act as a protective wall against invaders and thus was an important military destination.
Further, it acted as a fire detection tower when the Ottoman dynasty assumed power. Another story is about Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi, the Ottoman aviator who had wooden wings for flying from the top of the Galata tower to Dogancilar Square. He was sent to exile by the Sultan for his daring feat.
In the 16th century, Takiyüddin Efendi, an astrologer, added an observatory to the tower. In 1794 the tower was destroyed by fire but was restored by Sultan Selim III.
Opening Hours: From 8 AM to midnight
8. Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent
If you want to visit one of the masterpieces of Istanbul, then you must visit the Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent. Mimar Sinan, the legendary architect, pioneered the beautiful mosque. Suleyman was a king of the Ottoman dynasty and is respected as the “Second Solomon” due to his greatness, justice, and harmony.
The sprawling structure stands high along with its exquisite decor and a dome that’s almost 47 m high. The interiors are elegantly decorated considering the concept of light and space. The construction was completed in 1557 after almost 8 years. The entire mosque was damaged by fire in 1660 and then was restored and renovated by Fossati, an architect. But the entire design lost its flavor and took to the baroque-styled architecture. The courtyard was eventually used as a weapons depot but again a fire damaged it. In 1956, the mosque was again restored and renovated.
The key attractions of the mosque are a religious school or medrese, a hospital, a soup kitchen, a bazaar, a library, and the tombs of Süleyman the Magnificent and his wife. The tombs are made with stained glass, stones, and precious metals that are exclusive and impressive. Even the tomb of the Mimar Sinan is present within the complex.
Opening hours: 9 AM to 6 PM every day
9. Rustem Pasha Mosque
The mosque is an epic one, created in 1563 by Mimar Sinan, the famous architect of the Ottoman era. Rustem Pasha was a Grand Vizier who had brought in power and wealth and was a pioneer of finance. The mosque has been constructed in his honor, two years after he passed away.
The mosque is located in a busy commercial area, a trademark of a legacy that followed Rustem Pasha’s trade and fiscal policies. The structure resembles architectural brilliance with its artistic decor and exquisite interiors. The key attraction of the mosque is its faience tiles that cover its wall, minbar, mihrab, and pillars.
They are strikingly beautiful. The tiles for the structure were specially brought in from Iznik. There are several shops and warehouses nearby the mosque which will serve as a revenue source for the mosque and that was the objective of the location and purpose.
10. Cruising along the Bosphorous river
One of the fascinating things to do in Istanbul is the cruise along the beautiful Bosphorous river. The river is an awesome and historic waterway in the city, diving the two continents of Asia and Europe. Cruising on the river will offer you magnificent views of the city, and more importantly the ancient historic sites that belonged to the Ottoman and Byzantine dynasties.
The river strait extends for a length of about 17 nautical miles initiating from the Sea of Marmara in the south to the Black Sea in the north. Three bridges span the strait and act as the connection between Asia and Europe – The Martyrs Bridge built in 1973, the Fatih Sultam Mehmet bridge built in 1988, and the Yaviz Sultan Selim bridge built in 2016. Hence you will feel the zeal and the thrill while sailing across the river and enjoy the beauty around.
There are day cruises and night cruises for tourists to enjoy. Delicious foods and drinks are served on the cruise along with entertainment and fun.
Tickets: Ranges between almost INR 800 to INR 8000 for two adults
11. Journey on the commuter ferry
Those who find cruising along the Bosphorous river, a bit costly can try the commuter ferry which is quite affordable and cheap. The journey starts from Eminonu Square and ends at Kadikoy. The duration is almost 1 hour and costs only USD 1 per person.
You will get a chance to mingle with the locals and then enjoy the scenic views of the city, especially the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia. There will be seagulls flying over you and you can feed them with some bread. Kids will love to feed the seagulls. The sunset is the best thing to watch from the ferry with the golden rays of the sun sparkling on the river waters and the breathtaking views of the Sultanahmet district.
12. Visit the neighborhood of Ortakoy
One of the interesting things to do in Istanbul is to visit the quaint and small neighborhood of Ortakoy. The small village is located in the Besiktas district and belongs to the era of the Byzantine period. The village has transformed into a popular tourist place, filled with cafes, restaurants, bars, art galleries, and nightclubs. The population residing in the village is mostly Muslim and Turkish even if there is a Greek orthodox church and a Jewish synagogue.
The key attractions of the village are:
- Ortakoy mosque with a New-Baroque architectural style of design and is an iconic structure in the village. The mosque was established in the 18th century designed by Garabet Amira Balyan and Nigogayos Balyan and pioneered by Sulam Abdulmecid I.
- Esma Sultan Mansion is a grand and historic building that was gifted by Sultan Abdulaziz to his daughter Esma Sultan during her marriage. The mansion is now used for various events.
- Ciragan Palace of Sultan Abdulaziz is one of the most beautiful buildings to visit in the village. It was the residence of the Sultan.
13. Explore the Istiklal Street
If you want to feel the vibes and spirit of the city, then one of the best things to do in Istanbul is to explore Istiklal Street. You can find similarities with the lively Oxford Street in London or Fifth Avenue in New York City. The street is filled with shops selling innumerable products, clothes, toys, shoes, electronic items, and many more. Cafes, restaurants, food chain outlets, bars, cinema halls, and live music and entertainment shows, capture the heart of visitors. If you want to buy souvenirs and gifts for your near and dear ones, then this is the best place for you.
The entire street bustles with energy and is a favorite hang-out place for the locals as well as the tourists. You can spend an entire day hopping around the shops and then satiate your taste buds with the food and soothe yourself with the drinks. Do not forget to click some photographs of the happening place in Istanbul.
The key attractions of Istiklal Street are:
- Flower Passage – It’s essentially an arcade with a domed roof portraying remarkable architectural beauty. There are several restaurants, cafes, and wineries inside the arcade, a perfect place for foodies. It is said that Russian women used to sell flowers at this place after the 1917 Russian revolution. Hence the name of the arcade; where one can spend a good time strolling, sitting, or relaxing while munching on a meal or sipping on a beverage.
- Mekan Galata Mevlevi Whirling Dervish house and museum – As the name implies, the museum hosts the artifacts and documents of the renowned ceremony conducted by the Turkish order of Whirling Dervishes. The archives speak about the history and tales behind the ancient ceremony and also it’s outlawing in the 1920s. The main activity performed in the ceremony is to spin around in a trance while praying with arms raised towards God. The divine act can only be performed by those who have been inducted into the order.
- The Majestic cinema – A cinema hall where majorly English and Turkish films are telecasted. You will love the modern facilities of the cinema hall with a vintage touch but the area covered is smaller than the normal cinema halls.
- The Atlas arcade – Another arcade that dates back to the 1870s and has also been renovated like the flower passage. It is considered a historic structure and an iconic landmark of the city. Shops, cafes, restaurants, street stalls, and cinemas flock throughout the arcade. You can check out some of the travel brochures, travel magazines, guidebooks, gifts, and souvenirs.
- The Pandora bookstore – If you are a book lover, then you must not miss visiting the Pandora bookstore. You can find a huge collection of storybooks, history books elaborating on Turkish and Ottoman history, travel books, stationeries, and many more.
- Boarding the vintage red tram – The trip at Istiklal street is incomplete without boarding the ruby-red vintage trams that move along the avenues, assisting travel across various shops.
- Saray Muhallebicisi – The popular patisserie has been alluring tourists for a long time with its special dishes of Turkish sweet treats. The best among them are baklava (a delicious pastry with layers of chopped nuts garnished in a sweet syrup), and lokma (essentially it comprises fried, crispy balls of dough dipped in a sweet syrup).
14. The Spice Market
Shopping at the spice Market or the Egyptian bazaar is one of the most delightful things to do in Istanbul. The market was established in the 16th century. You can find a plethora of stalls and shops at the market especially selling different spices, dry fruits, varieties of tea, sweets, and other souvenirs.
It is wonderful to watch the pyramids of spices heaped at the shops inside brightly colored containers. Also, you can try out the edible seeds known to heal memory disorders, and digestion problems, and increase immunity.
15. Fener and Balat
Fener and Balat are two ancient and lively neighborhood towns, popular for hosting many cafes, restaurants, churches, antique shops, museums, and several historical buildings and structures. The two towns are very popular tourist spots and perfect places for hangout during the weekends.
Fener is known to be the Vatican of the Greeks and it had been a Greek district long back starting from the 16th century.
Its key attractions are:
- Yildrim street and Vodina street where you can see most of the actions with the cafes and authentic restaurants
- Fener Greek Patriarchate and the Patriarchal St. George Church
- The artistic red-colored Fener Greek High School for Boys
- Fener Antik Mezat, the place for antique auction
- Bulgarian Church or Iron Church
- Church of Our Lady of the Mongols
- Balat is a neighborhood with mostly Jews residing from the Byzantine era. The town also has many cafes, restaurants, antique shops, churches, and synagogues. Its key attractions are:
- Gift Bazaar
- Yambol Synagogue
- Agora Tavern
- Balat toy museum
- The Merdivenli (Stairs) Ramp and Historical Balat Houses
- Ferruh Kethuda Mosque
- Ahrida Synagogue
- Surp Hresdagabet Armenian Church
16. The Hippodrome
The Hippodrome was a stadium, established during the Roman period, where chariot races and horse races were held. It was a popular venue hosting sporting events and many social gatherings. The people of the Byzantine era spent most of their leisure time watching different types of races at the Hippodrome.
The word Hippo means horse and the word dromos means way. And hence the place was also referred to as Horse Square. The stadium is now in ruins and a city has been established along the periphery of the stadium. The square is named the Sultan Ahmed square or Sultanahmet Meydani.
It is said that the Hippodrome hosted the second largest horse racing track in the world. Now the area is transformed into a lively place filled with statues, circus shows, monolithic pillars, and other beautiful structures. There is also an open-air museum where various artifacts and relics are stored that belonged to ancient sports and activities.
17. Meet the people
Experiential traveling is the best way to be acquainted with the locals in Istanbul and one of the most interesting things to do in Istanbul. You can visit a locality or a neighborhood or a village to meet the people.
It is fun to know about the food habits, traditional attire, staple foods, drinks, culture, and festivals of the locals and the place. You may come across some interesting tales of the past and historical myths too. Taste some of the local foods and mingle with the people. Buy some souvenirs and gift items from the local shops for your near and dear ones.
18. Eyup Sultan Mosque
Visiting the Eyup Sultan mosque is one of the holiest things to do in Istanbul. It is a divine place of worship and is the location of the tomb of Eyup Ansari. He was the friend of the Holy Prophet Muhammed. Fatih Sultan Mehmet II pioneered the construction of the mosque.
The design of the mosque followed the Baroque architectural style during its renovation. The honey-colored stone used for the interior and exterior is amazing. The design and style of the mosque are unique and attractive.
The tomb of Eyup Ansari can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Also do not forget to visit the Pierre Loti cafe and enjoy some tea or coffee.
19. Walls of Constantinople
The walls of Constantinople are instilled with ancient history and one of the best things to do in Istanbul is to visit it and immerse in its glory. The walls span across the edges of the city, acting as a boundary. The name implies its pioneer Constantine the Great who was instrumental in creating it.
The intention of building the wall was to protect the city from intruders approaching from both land and sea. Istanbul needed protection since it is encompassed by the Black sea and the Sea of Marmara.
The walls were originally constructed in the 8th century BC when there was the anticipation of the expansion of trade in the Byzantine era. It is incredible to gaze at the mighty walls and their intrinsic architectural beauty. The original walls had extended to about 4 miles surrounding the city.
20. Ortakoy
One of the best things to do in Istanbul is to visit Ortokoy. It is a very popular and lucrative place to visit. The place is situated close to Bosphorous. Both day and nightlife are quite interesting in Ortakoy. So it’s an incredible experience to spend an entire day in the place,
You can find plenty of cafes, bars, restaurants, pubs, boutique shops, and souvenir shops to hop on and purchase things. The key attractions of Ortakoy are the Ortakoy mosque and Ortokoy Square. At the Square, you can spend a considerable amount of time sitting, relaxing and sipping tea or coffee, and hanging out with friends. Besides, there are several streetside stalls and shops selling souvenirs, gifts, handicrafts, home decor items, and many more.
The mosque is an elegant piece of architecture built in the 19th century by Sultan Abdulmecit. It’s an iconic landmark of Istanbul. If you love cruising, then you must ride a boat and hang out on the Bosphorous cruise just near the mosque.
The other key attractions at Ortokoy are:
- Damat Ibrahim Pasha fountain
- Esma Sultan mansion
- Ayios Fokas, a Greek church belonging to the Byzantine era
- The Surp Krikor Lusavoric Armenian Catholic Church
21. Try new foods
When you are in Istanbul, you must try the local Turkish foods. That’s one of the most delectable things to do in Istanbul. The restaurants are mostly at the riverside, some are streetside stalls, and some are covered. The dishes are delicious and mouth-watering. You can find a mix of European and Asian flavors and tastes in the food items.
The key among them are:
- Simit, similar to a bagel
- Sis Kebab with either lamb or chicken
- Lahmacun, crispy bread topped with meat, sauce, and parsley
- Pide, like a pizza
- Icli Kofte, a deep-fried meatball
- Kuzu Tandir, a lamb dish
- Menemen, an egg preparation scrambled and mixed with tomato and onion
- Meze is a mixture of meat, vegetables, and bread
- Durum, a lamp wrap very hot and spicey
- Turkish ravioli, similar to pasta
- Borek pastry
- Doner wraps
- Baklava
22. Grand Bazaar
If you want to go on a shopping spree, then one of the preferred things to do in Istanbul is to stroll around the Grand Bazaar. The entire market is covered and is the world’s oldest. Every day the market experiences a huge footfall of tourists of various ages and genders.
Spread across an area of about 30,700 square meters, there are about 4000 shops in the market. The shops are placed in rows of lines in 62 lanes around the market. Almost everything you want is available in the market. The local handicrafts, home decor items, carpets, jewelry, and food items belonging to the tradition and culture of the people in Istanbul can be found in the shops.
The outer structure of the market represents rich Turkish architecture and grandeur. You will be amazed at its massive construction and exclusive beauty.
Time: 10 AM to 7 PM
Days: All days in a week except Sundays.
23. Gulhane park
Gulhane park is a public park in Istanbul which is old and blooms with innumerable varieties of plants, trees, and flowers. It is a splendid sight to soak into the lush greenery of the park and enchant oneself with the bright flowers spread across the park.
The entire park is well-curated with stretches of areas designed in various shapes and sizes. The areas are segregated between flowers, trees, and plants. Tulips are one of its attractions when the park blooms with vivid colors and is the perfect time to visit at the time of the year.
In the middle of the park, you can find a beautiful sparking stream of water with a bridge to cross over and click some photographs. The meandering water stream enhances the charm of the park with the tall trees lined along the banks.
24. Ferikoy Flea market
The Ferikoy flea market is one of the most happening places in Istanbul. You will be mesmerized by the varied Turkish offerings available at the market. The best way to carry some antique pieces back to your home as a memory. There are almost 200 vendors in the market who are locals and selling the items. The items are ancient coins, books, weapons, clothes, and jewelry mostly. You will also find household items, home decor items, and antique furnishing items at the market.
If you want to avoid the crowd, then it’s better to come early in the morning between 9 AM and 9:30 AM. Sundays are mostly crowded with visitors.
25. Listen to live jazz at Nardis
Istanbul is said to be the hub for Jazz music. So staying in the city and not attending a live jazz performance is a big miss. It is one of the best things to do in Istanbul. Here are some of the prominent clubs and places to hear live jazz where you can sit, relax, and soothe your ears with the lively environment beaming with melodious music.
Nardis Jazz Club
Noasis Jazz Club
Atolye Kuledibi
Cafe Mitanni
Jazz Company
49 Cukurcuma
Babylon Bomonti
The Badau
Divine Brasserie and Jazz Club
Kamsati Blues Club
You will love the ambiance, decor, environment, music, and cuisine at each of the above-mentioned places.
I hope, you have gained a good amount of information on the top 25 things to do in Istanbul. You will surely enjoy the trip and indulge in the beauty and charm of the place.