Things to do in Istanbul

Activities, attractions and tours

Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul
Galata Bridge
Istanbul
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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
8.0 out of 10 with 26 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 696 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
9.8 out of 10 with 41 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 11,783 per traveler*
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Night Show

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Night Show

Activity duration is 3 hours
7.4 out of 10 with 8 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 1,650 per adult
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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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2 Days Cappadocia from Istanbul with Cave Hotel+Optional Balloon

2 Days Cappadocia from Istanbul with Cave Hotel+Optional Balloon

Activity duration is 2 days
6.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is P 33,435 per adult*
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Spa & wellness

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Exclusive Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Sauna, Massage & Pool

Exclusive Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Sauna, Massage & Pool

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 17 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 3,133 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
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
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
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
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
Bosphorus featuring a monument, a bay or harbor and a bridge

Bosphorus

Explore the great outdoors at Bosphorus, a popular spot to commune with nature in Istanbul. Wander the seaside in this relaxing area.

Bosphorus
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
Scenic fountain at the Sultanahmet Square and the Hagia Sophia

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
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 Bosphorus 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 Bosphorus 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 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
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 Bosphorus.

Beşiktaş
Ihlamur Pavilion, or Ihlamur Kasri, a former imperial Ottoman summer pavilion constructed during the reign of Sultan Abdulmecid I, located in Nisantasi Ihlamur Yolu street, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey

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
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

A Shot from Turkish poet Sait Faik's home.

Adalar

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

Marmara Ereglisi

a stream in Istanbul Riva, Turkey

Riva

A city of mystical rocks in the province of Kocaeli, kefken and kerpe

Kandira

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.