Things to do in Istanbul

Activities, attractions and tours

Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul
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Top places to visit

1. Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque is a prominent part of view of the Istanbul skyline. Constructed under Sultan Ahmed I, it was finished in 1616. Its designer's vision was to display the Islamic faith central to the Ottoman Empire in this massive site of worship.
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Blue Mosque showing religious elements, a mosque and heritage architecture

2. Hagia Sophia

Known as “Ayasofa” (Sacred Wisdom) in Turkish, the Hagia Sofia started out as a church, becoming a cathedral under the Byzantine empire. Later it would become a mosque, and most recently a museum and monument that is hugely valued by the people of Turkey.
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Hagia Sophia

3. Galata Tower

At just under 67 metres in height, Galata Tower was the tallest building in the city when built in 1348. It was constructed as the heart of the fortifications of the Genovese colony in Constantinople at that time, and was named the 'Tower of Christ'. Later, it became a lookout tower for fires in the 18th century, and was indeed seriously damaged by fire in both the 18th and 19th centuries. The most recent significant refurbishment took place during the 1960s, and the tower has been open to visitors since then.
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Galata Tower

4. Grand Bazaar

Originally opened in the mid-15th century by Sultan Mehmet II as a site for textile trading, the Grand Bazaar continues to offer everything from pottery and tiles to spices and brassware, as well as belly-dancing clothes, pipes, ashtrays, and much more. It used to be that each street had a craft, and while this isn't strictly the case any longer, there are areas of the bazaar where you'll be able to compare your craft of choice side by side with lots of others.
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Grand Bazaar

5. Topkapi Palace

The Topkapi Palace covers over 70 hectares at the place where the city was founded, and is surrounded by more than five kilometres of walls. Despite being a 15th-century building, it is excellently preserved, and was opened to the public in 1924 by Kemal Ataturk, the 'Father of the Turks'.
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Topkapi Palace featuring a sunset and heritage architecture

6. Bosphorus Bridge

The Bosphorus Bridge is a 1-mile (1.5-kilometer) long suspension bridge that crosses the Bosphorus Strait. It stretches between Istanbul’s Ortaköy and Beylerbeyi districts. Opened in 1973, it was the first bridge to connect the continents of Europe and Asia.
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Bosphorus Bridge showing a bridge, a river or creek and a coastal town

What to do in Istanbul

Popular places to visit

Taksim Square

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

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

Topkapi Palace

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

Topkapi Palace
Bosphorus

Bosphorus

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

Bosphorus
Sultanahmet Square

Sultanahmet Square

You can find out about the history of Istanbul with a visit to Sultanahmet Square. Add the area's shops or notable monuments to your travel plans.

Sultanahmet Square
Istiklal Avenue

Istiklal Avenue

During your visit to Istanbul, you can enjoy retail therapy at Istiklal Avenue. Discover the area's fascinating museums and stunning cathedral.

Istiklal Avenue

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
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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
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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
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
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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 Taksim Square and Grand Bazaar, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.

Istanbul City Center
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Şişli

Şişli Mosque and Bomontiada are top sights in Şişli, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Sisli Station or Osmanbey Station to see more sights in the area.

Şişli
Silivri

Silivri

Arnavutköy

Arnavutköy

Corlu

Corlu

Şile

Şile

Photo by Bugra Emre Besel

Adalar

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.