Things to do in Istanbul

Activities, attractions and tours

Istanbul
Istanbul
Galata Bridge
Istanbul
Dolmabahçe Mosque
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Most popular experiences in Istanbul

Tours & day trips

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Bosphorus Explorer: 3-Hour Cruise with Asian Side Visit

Bosphorus Explorer: 3-Hour Cruise with Asian Side Visit

Activity duration is 4 hours
8.2 out of 10 with 155 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 692 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour

Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour

Activity duration is 21 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1448 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 14,950 per adult*
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.4 out of 10 with 254 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 1,661 per adult
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Classes & workshops

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Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Pool in Taksim

Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Pool in Taksim

Activity duration is 50 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 53 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 3,114 per adult
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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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Daily Trip to Pamukkale National Park, Hierapolis Ancient City Including Lu...

Daily Trip to Pamukkale National Park, Hierapolis Ancient City Including Lu...

Activity duration is 16 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is P 13,839 per adult*
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What to do in Istanbul

Popular places to visit

Taksim Square featuring food and markets as well as an individual male

Taksim Square

You can learn about the local history of Istanbul when you make a stop at a well-known site like Taksim Square. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its fascinating museums.

Taksim Square
Blue Mosque showing religious elements, a mosque and heritage architecture

Blue Mosque

Named for its dazzling interior covered in blue tiles, this is a hub of Istanbul's religious life.

Blue Mosque
Hagia Sophia which includes heritage elements and a fountain

Hagia Sophia

A world famous monument to the ever-changing history of Istanbul, and one of the largest churches in the world.

Hagia Sophia
Galata Tower

Galata Tower

Standing for over 650 years, this imposing cylindrical lookout point continues to offer special views over the city of Istanbul.

Galata Tower
Grand Bazaar

Grand Bazaar

Visit one of the biggest and oldest covered markets in the world, a real taste (and smell and sound!) of the diversity that Turkey has to offer.

Grand Bazaar
Topkapi Palace featuring a sunset and heritage architecture

Topkapi Palace

Stately home to the Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years with an array of Turkish design and foreign art.

Topkapi Palace
Bosphorus featuring a monument, a bay or harbor and a bridge

Bosphorus

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Bosphorus during your travels in Istanbul. Wander the seaside in this relaxing area.

Bosphorus
Istanbul, Turkey - February 23, 2018: Aerial Drone View of IstMarina Skyscrapers Avm Shopping Mall in Istanbul Kartal

Mall of Istanbul

During your trip to Istanbul, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Mall of Istanbul. Attend a sporting event or visit the stunning cathedral in this family-friendly area.

Mall of Istanbul
Bosphorus Bridge showing a bridge, a river or creek and a coastal town

Bosphorus Bridge

Travel from Europe to Asia on the first bridge to connect the two continents, admire the bridge from below during a cruise and visit centuries-old buildings.

Bosphorus Bridge

Areas of Istanbul

Blue Mosque featuring a mosque, a pond and a fountain

Sultanahmet

Enjoy the popular shops in Sultanahmet. Blue Mosque is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Sultanahmet Station or Cemberlitas Station to see more of Istanbul.

Sultanahmet
Taksim which includes street scenes and a city as well as a couple

Taksim

3/5(2 area reviews)

Taksim Square and Demiroren Istiklal are top sights in Taksim, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Taksim Station or Findikli Station to see more sights in the area.

Taksim
Haydarpasa station building in Istanbul ; Shutterstock ID 276386249

Kadıköy

Spend some time visiting places like Kalamış Marina while getting to know Kadıköy, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Bahariye Station or Acibadem Station to see more of the area.

Kadıköy
Cumhuriyet Anıtı featuring street scenes, a city and a square or plaza

Istanbul City Center

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Istanbul City Center. Check out top attractions like Blue Mosque and Taksim Square, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.

Istanbul City Center
Bosphorus Bridge showing a bridge, a river or creek and a coastal town

Beşiktaş

Travelers choose Beşiktaş for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Nispetiye Station or Etiler Station and check out top sights like Zorlu Performing Arts Center.

Beşiktaş
Karaköy

Karaköy

Consider a visit to Galata Tower and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Karaköy. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Karakoy Station or Karakoy Tünel Station.

Karaköy
This bridge located in Silivri, Istanbul, Turkey was built by Mimar Sinan. It was built for Suleiman the Magnificent. It is 333 meters long.

Silivri

View of the pier Arnavutkoy (Arnavutköy iskelesi, Beşiktaş) in the Besiktash area on the Bosphorus embankment. Cloudy day.

Arnavutköy

Mustafa Pasha Bridge, located in Corlu, Tekirdag, Turkey, was built in the 17th century.

Corlu

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Şile

View of beach in Kinaliada which is one of Prince Islands also known as Adalar in Istanbul. Summer houses and people taking sun bath are in the view. It is the closest one to Istanbul

Adalar

Located in Marmara Ereglisi, Turkey, the Lighthouse was built in 1861.

Marmara Ereglisi

a stream in Istanbul Riva, Turkey

Riva

view of boats in the goksu river and bosphorus istanbul

Selimpasa

Frequently asked questions

Is Istanbul worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Istanbul is explore Hagia Sophia. Tick this major attraction off your list, then experience more of this area's culture and history.
How do I spend a day in Istanbul?
Start your adventures with a visit to Hagia Sophia and Galata Tower. Then, check out other parts of Istanbul for a bite to eat and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Istanbul?
The top tourist attraction in Istanbul is Hagia Sophia, so make sure to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Istanbul?
You can easily tick off top attractions like Hagia Sophia, Galata Tower and Topkapi Palace with a three-day trip to Istanbul. On average, most travelers book four days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to Arnavutköy.
Is Istanbul a walkable city?
With vibrant neighborhoods and major attractions within walking distance of the city center, Istanbul is a good destination to visit on foot. Wander between Hagia Sophia and Galata Tower. Then take a stroll around Fatih, located 3 kilometers from the center, and Old City, which is roughly 0.16 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Istanbul with kids?
Planning what to do in Istanbul with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're vacationing with teenagers or little ones, there are many family-friendly sights to keep everyone busy here.
What to do in Istanbul for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or fan of nature, there are lots of things to do in Istanbul for adults including Istiklal Avenue and Sinan Erdem Dome.
Are there free things to do in Istanbul?
One of the simplest ways to learn about free things to do in Istanbul is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on hip neighborhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without taking your wallet out. Bağdat Avenue is one sight that doesn't charge an admission fee.