Things to do in Istanbul

Activities, attractions and tours

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A mosque with multiple minarets and domes, surrounded by a coastal cityscape and the sea.
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A grand classical building with a green roof, situated by a waterfront.
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Top places to visit

1. 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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A historic mosque with a large central dome and two minarets, surrounded by trees and a reflective pool.

2. 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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A bustling market with colorful stalls and a patterned ceiling.

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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A cityscape with a prominent tower, a river with boats, and a mix of historic and modern buildings.

4. 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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A mosque with multiple domes and minarets.

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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A historic stone gate with two towers, a clear sky, and a pathway leading to the entrance.

What to do in Istanbul

Stay near popular Istanbul attractions

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Taksim Square

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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.
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Where to stay in Istanbul

Find the best Istanbul areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most.
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Sultanahmet

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

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Taksim

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.

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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.

A grand neoclassical building with ornate columns and a symmetrical facade, surrounded by manicured gardens and a clear blue sky.

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.

A historic mosque with three minarets and a large dome, surrounded by trees and buildings.

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 Hagia Sophia and Taksim Square, and jump on the metro at Vezneciler Subway Station or Aksaray Station to see more of the city.

A coastal cityscape with a prominent mosque, a bridge, and a bustling harbor.

Istanbul

A coastal area with a pier, rocky shoreline, and a distant ship.

Silivri

A bridge spanning a river, with city buildings and greenery in the foreground.

Arnavutköy

A stone bridge with multiple arches over a calm river.

Corlu

A coastal landscape with a lighthouse, rocky cliffs, and a clear blue sky.

Şile

An aerial view of a coastal town with a harbor, boats, and a mountainous backdrop.

Adalar

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Marmara Ereglisi

A calm river with boats docked along the shore, surrounded by hills and houses.

Riva