What to do & see in Istanbul?

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Whether you are traveling as a dreaming couple, a curious family, or friends in search of adventure, this comprehensive guide reveals the 20 unmissable experiences that will make your stay in Istanbul a memory etched forever. From legendary monuments to hidden neighborhoods, through gastronomy that will delight your taste buds, discover the real Istanbul.

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1. 🕌Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Camii) is much more than a religious building: it is an architectural symphony in blue and gold. Built in the early 17th century, this mosque owes its name to the thousands of Iznik tiles that line its interior walls, creating a quasi-mystical atmosphere bathed in azure light.

Entry: Free for visitors
Hours: Monday to Sunday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (except Friday morning)
Visit tip: Come early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Dress code: Covering clothes; women must have their hair covered. Clothes are lent free of charge at the entrance.

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2. ⛪Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) is a Byzantine masterpiece of unequal scale. Built in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian, it served as a Byzantine basilica, an Ottoman mosque, a museum, and became a mosque again in 2020. Its monumental dome of 31 meters seems to float in the air, supported by architectural pendentives of remarkable ingenuity.

Prices: £21 per person (upper gallery reserved for tourists)
Hours: Daily 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM (last entry 7:00 PM)
Recommended duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
Good to know: The ground floor is reserved for prayer (free access for Muslims). Tourists can only visit the upper gallery during non-prayer times.

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3. 🏛️Topkapi Palace

For nearly 400 years, the Topkapi Palace was the official residence of Ottoman sultans and the seat of political power. This gigantic palace complex offers a fascinating journey into the privacy of the imperial court. The four successive courtyards, tranquil gardens, imperial treasury bursting with precious stones, and especially the Harem (the private apartments of the sultan’s women) tell stories of power, love, and intrigue.

Combined ticket price: Approx ~£46 for full access including the Harem
Hours: Daily except Tuesday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Recommended duration: 3 to 4 hours minimum
Tip: Book online to avoid long queues. Multilingual audio guides (paid) significantly enrich the experience.

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Fancy a private guide?

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4. 💧Basilica Cistern

Descend into the bowels of Istanbul and discover the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı). This ancient water reservoir, built in the 6th century, is an underground wonder sheltering 336 majestic columns reflected in crystal clear water. A must-see: the two mysterious Medusa heads used as column bases, testifying to the genius and humor of Byzantine architects.

Prices: Approx £27 (adult, day visit); £40 for the night visit
Hours: Day: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM; Night: 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Tip: The night visit offers an even more magical atmosphere and fewer crowds.

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5. 🏺Istanbul Archaeological Museums

Located within the Topkapi Park grounds, they are often wrongly ignored. Yet they house world treasures, such as the Alexander Sarcophagus and pieces from ancient Babylon. An absolute must for history buffs and archaeology enthusiasts. These museums offer a fascinating historical complement to your palace visit and allow you to better understand the civilizations that shaped Istanbul.

Prices: Approx £17 (adult, day visit)
Hours: Day: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM; Night: 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Duration: Allow at least 1.5 hours for the visit to appreciate the major collections.

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6. 🕌Suleymaniye Mosque

Majestically perched on a hill overlooking the Golden Horn, the Suleymaniye Mosque is an architectural masterpiece. Built under the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent (1550-1557), this mosque combines sobriety, harmony, and monumentality. The main dome (53 meters high), the four minarets symbolizing the sultan’s power, and especially the surrounding gardens offer a panoramic view of Istanbul.

Entry: Free
Visit: No time restrictions (just respect prayer times)
Also to see: The complex (külliye) includes a Koranic school, a library, a caravanserai, and restored hammams.
Tip: It’s a less touristy spot than its counterparts: ideal for a more contemplative and authentic experience.

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7. 🛍️Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı)

Considered one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar comprises more than 4,000 shops spread over 61 covered streets. More than just a market, it is a civilization in itself, with its own cafes, mosques, baths, and schools.

You will find there:

• Turkish carpets: Thousands of handmade carpets, from simple kilim to rare silk carpet. “Halicilar” street specializes in textiles; about 700 shops offer sublime creations.
• Jewelry and gold: Istanbul produces exceptional jewelry; prices are much lower than in the UK.
• Leather: High-quality leather clothes, bags, belts at competitive prices.
• Ceramics and souvenirs: Iznik tiles (copies of varying quality), Turkish mosaic lamps, painted plates.

Practical tip: Negotiation (haggling) is an accepted and expected tradition. Never pay the displayed price straight away for carpets or big items; present yourself as a serious buyer.

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8. 🛍️Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı)

Located near the New Mosque (Yeni Camii) in Eminönü, the Spice Bazaar from the 17th century was once the center of the spice trade from India, Arabia, and Southeast Asia.

Today, it remains an incomparable sensory spectacle:

• Spices: Precious saffron, tangy sumac, cinnamon, chili, cumin, vanilla, dried mint, paprika. Each aisle exhales a different scent.
• Artisanal Turkish Delight: These sweet Turkish delights in a thousand varieties: rose, pistachio, pomegranate, walnut, chocolate covered. Try them before buying; tasting is free.
• Turkish coffee: The legendary Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi (since 1871) is located here; a line of fans queues in front of his tiny shop.
• Natural products: Essential oils, handmade artisanal soaps, medicinal herbs.
• Dried fruits and honey: Turkish apricots, figs, dates, honey of all kinds.

Tip: Buy in the streets around the bazaar rather than inside to get better prices. Shops on Hasırcılar Caddesi, located just next door, offer the same products (spices, tea, dried fruits) at significantly more advantageous rates.

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🎫Book the Istanbul TouristPass

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9. 🗼Galata Tower & Galata District

Cross the Galata Bridge to switch to cosmopolitan Istanbul and look up: the majestic Galata Tower stands before you, a Genoese sentinel from the 14th century dominating the entire district. This emblematic icon of 67 meters in height is your ideal starting point to explore Galata and Beyoğlu, the neighborhoods that embody the modern and trendy face of the city.

Entry: Paid (approx £30 for adults in 2026)
Hours: Open daily from 8:30 AM to 11:00 PM (summer hours until midnight)
Visit: Access by elevator to the 7th floor, then a few steps to reach the panoramic terrace offering a 360-degree view of Istanbul

Also to see: The surrounding historic Galata district with its medieval cobbled streets, bohemian cafes, antique shops, and contemporary art galleries. Don’t miss the nearby Sufi Museum and charming rooftop terraces offering alternative views of the tower itself.

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10. 🚶Istiklal Avenue & Beyoğlu District (Taksim)

Then head up towards Istiklal Street (Independence Avenue) to Taksim, the backbone of Beyoğlu: a 3-kilometer pedestrian street traversed daily by hundreds of thousands of people. Stroll among major international brands rubbing shoulders with local boutiques, art galleries, independent cinemas, and alternative theaters.

Don’t miss:

• Çiçek Pasajı (Flower Passage): A historic arcade teeming with small restaurants and taverns, ideal for tasting authentic mezzes.
• Galatasaray Fish Market: Access it via Çiçek Pasajı; a sensual feast of colors and marine smells.
• Hidden art galleries: Explore small galleries in adjacent alleys; Beyoğlu is a bubbling creative hub.
• Cafes and rooftops: For a drink at sunset with views of the Bosphorus and the illuminated Galata Tower.

Strategic tip: Start your visit with the Galata Tower in the late afternoon to enjoy the golden light, then go down to explore Beyoğlu at nightfall when the district really comes alive. Shops close very late, offering a unique shopping experience until midnight.

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11. 🎨Balat & Fener

If you aspire to discover the real Istanbul off the beaten tourist track, the neighborhoods of Balat and Fener are your must-visit destinations. Classified as UNESCO World Heritage, these two neighboring districts are labyrinths of cobbled alleys, multicolored Ottoman houses, and authentic local life.

Fener, formerly the most prosperous Greek quarter of Istanbul. Its superb restored buildings highlight refined Ottoman architecture. Balat, the historic heart of the Sephardic Jewish community, welcomed Jews fleeing the Spanish Inquisition in 1492. Now, a new generation of “boho” residents is settling there.

Not to be missed:

• The colorful stairs of Balat: An Instagram must, where every painted step tells a story.
• Active synagogues: In Balat, ask the rabbi for permission to visit the three historic synagogues still functional.
• Church of St. Mary of the Mongols: The oldest active Orthodox temple in Istanbul, located in Fener.
• Café Naftalin: A small authentic cafe run by a long-time resident, ideal for a Turkish coffee without tourist hassle.
• Tuesday market: In Balat, an explosion of colors and local life.

Tip: Explore slowly, stop to chat with locals, take photos of colorful houses. The essence of these neighborhoods lies in contemplation and sensory immersion, not the rapid tourist circuit.

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12. ⛴️Bosphorus Cruise

No stay in Istanbul is complete without a Bosphorus cruise, this mythical strait separating Europe from Asia. This experience is much more than a simple boat ride; it is a journey through centuries, where each shore tells a story of conquests, alliances, and architectural beauty.

A 2-hour cruise will take you navigating between European and Asian shores, admiring:

• Major Ottoman palaces: Dolmabahçe Palace (former residence of sultans), Çırağan Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace (Asian side).
• Historic fortresses: Rumeli Hisarı (Rumeli Fortress) and Anadolu Hisarı (Anatolian Fortress), built to control the strait.
• Wooden Ottoman houses: Elegant “yalıs” (waterfront mansions) with painted facades and hanging gardens.
• Ortaköy Mosque: One of the most photographed in Istanbul, with its white walls and slender minaret reflecting in the water.
• Bosphorus Bridge: Two imposing structures connecting Europe to Asia.
• North towards the Black Sea: Rumeli Lighthouse, wild lands of northern Istanbul.

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13. 💃Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show

Embark on an unforgettable dinner cruise show of 3 hours on the Bosphorus, where you will savor a complete meal while admiring the glittering lights of Istanbul.

Enjoy mesmerizing shows of Turkish folk dances celebrating Turkey’s cultural richness, followed by a festive atmosphere hosted by a DJ. This romantic experience combines gastronomy, entertainment, and breathtaking panoramas of European and Asian shores.

Book in advance to guarantee your place aboard this magical evening on the waters of the Bosphorus.

Tip: Book online to avoid surcharges. Day cruises generally depart from Eminönü; dinner cruises from Kabatas port.

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14. 🌊Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi)

Perched on a small island in the heart of the strait, this romantic 12th-century tower has captivated for centuries. Surrounded by Turkish and Greek legends (the tragic love story of Hero and Leander), the Maiden’s Tower offers a romantic experience, particularly at sunset.

Recently restored, this tower located on an islet at the entrance of the Bosphorus is the romantic symbol of Istanbul. It is a magical place at dusk that is well worth the detour.

Tip: Access it by boat from Kabataş or Üsküdar; dine and drink on the roof with unbeatable views of the illuminated Bosphorus.

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15. 🌉 Ortaköy and the Bosphorus Bridge

Just at the foot of the first suspension bridge, the Ortaköy Mosque is a baroque jewel on the water’s edge offering spectacular views. This picturesque neighborhood is famous for its lively atmosphere and seaside dining scene.

Local tradition: Buy a Kumpir (huge baked potato stuffed with everything you want) and eat it on the benches facing the Bosphorus. It is the quintessential street-food experience that will delight young and old.

Tip: Come in the late afternoon to enjoy seafood restaurants and the festive atmosphere that settles in at nightfall.

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16. 🌏 Kadiköy & Moda

Too many tourists ignore the Asian side, yet this is where the heart of Istanbul’s youth beats. Take the ferry to Kadiköy, the new cultural lung of the city. This lively neighborhood is renowned for its fish market, its trendy restaurants, and its relaxed atmosphere.

To do:

• Stroll through the colorful and fragrant fish market
• Take a photo with the Bull Statue
• Walk along the Moda corniche watching the sunset over the old city in the distance
• Explore hipster cafes and vintage shops

The atmosphere is more relaxed and secular, offering a fascinating contrast with the historic neighborhoods of the European side. It’s contemporary Istanbul in all its splendor.

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17. 🏝️ Princes’ Islands (Büyükada)

Just 20 kilometers from Istanbul, the Princes’ Islands (Kızıl Adalar) offer a perfect escape from urban turmoil. Composed of nine islands, only four are inhabited, and the largest and most captivating is Büyükada. These islands are a remnant of a bygone era: no cars, no traffic, only electric vehicles (formerly horse carriages) and bicycles.

Main attractions:

• Aya Yorgi Church: Perched on a cliff, offering dizzying panoramic views of the Sea of Marmara and Istanbul.
• Heybeliada Naval High School: A remarkable red brick building, an architectural jewel on the second largest island.
• Historic mansions (yalıs): Majestic seafront residences, witnesses to the Byzantine and Ottoman era.
• Seaside promenades: Notably the Değirmenburnu Promenade, where pines lean over the sea, ideal for hikers.
• German Bay: The ideal spot to swim and bathe in the crystal clear waters of the Sea of Marmara.
• Beaches: Several coves and beaches offer an authentic Mediterranean experience.

How to get there: Regular ferries from Eminönü (pier near the New Mosque) to Büyükada (approx 50-60 minutes). Tickets are inexpensive and very affordable. You can spend a whole day or a weekend there.

Tip: Leave early in the morning to have the best lunch choice and avoid crowds. Bring comfortable shoes to explore cobbled streets. The atmosphere changes radically once the sun sets: absolute tranquility settles in.

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18. 🌅 Pierre Loti Hill (Eyüp)

Take the cable car to go up to this historic cafe named after the French writer in love with Istanbul. The view of the Golden Horn is undoubtedly the most poetic in the city. This place steeped in history offers a breathtaking panorama, particularly magical at sunset.

Take the opportunity to visit the Eyüp Mosque below, a pilgrimage site very important and very local. It is one of the most sacred religious sites in Istanbul, where an authentic spiritual atmosphere reigns far from classic tourist circuits.

Tip: Combine this visit with a walk in the adjacent historic cemetery, one of the most beautiful in Istanbul with its century-old cypresses and sculpted Ottoman tombs.

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19. 🧖Hammam

Impossible to leave Istanbul without a vigorous scrub in a historic Turkish bath. It is an unmissable cultural experience that is an integral part of Ottoman tradition.

For a luxury experience:

• Hammam Hurrem Sultan (between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque)
• Kılıç Ali Paşa

For an authentic experience: The Hammam Çemberlitaş, built in 1584, which offers an authentic Ottoman experience in a breathtaking architectural setting remained unchanged for centuries. You will come out with baby skin and absolute relaxation.

Tip: Allow about 90 minutes for the full experience (steam bath, scrub, massage). Bring a swimsuit, although traditional towels are provided.

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20. 🍽️Gastronomy: A Culinary Paradise

Istanbul is a temple of flavor where Turkish cuisine reveals a diversity and subtlety rarely recognized at their true value. Far beyond generic kebabs, it is a universe of refined mezzes, delicately stuffed pides, and seafood of incomparable freshness.

Culinary essentials:

• Kebabs: Not generic tourist kebabs, but true specialties: Adana Kebap (spicy lamb mixture), Urfa Kebap (subtle and smoky), Doner Kebap (the classic rotating meat version).
• Pides: Imagine an elongated Turkish pizza, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, topped with meat, cheese, or egg.
• Mezzes: Explosive cold and hot appetizers: velvety hummus, creamy tzatziki, smoked eggplant paste (mutabal), stuffed vine leaves, shrimp in tomato-cheese sauce, fried calamari, eggplant tartare. Always order the “Mezzé Tepsisi” (mezze platter).
• Fresh Bosphorus fish: Fish restaurants (“meyhane”) along the Bosphorus offer absolutely fresh seafood. Look for levrek (sea bass), hamsi (anchovies), or king prawns. The best addresses are in coastal villages like Arnavutköy.
• Baklava and desserts: Baklava (puff pastry, pistachio, honey) is a classic, but also try Kunefe (crispy vermicelli with mozzarella and honey), Halva (sesame confection), and artisanal Turkish Delight from the Spice Bazaar.
• Turkish coffee: More than a drink. Ask for it “orta şekerli” (medium sweet) for the classic version.

Culinary tour tip: Eat like Istanbulites: a hearty breakfast (menemen, Turkish scrambled eggs, with cheese and tomato), a quick kebab at noon, then mezzes and fish in the evening by the sea. Avoid tourist trap restaurants in Sultanahmet; explore small streets of Nevizade to find authenticity.

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🌟 Bonus

If you have more time (8-10 days), get out of the city to discover the wonders of Turkey:

Cappadocia

Cappadocia is a 1h15 flight away for its hot air balloons and fairy chimneys. An absolutely unique lunar landscape with cave hotels.

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Ephesus

Count on a 1h flight to Izmir to reach Ephesus, the most beautiful ancient city of the Eastern Mediterranean. The Library of Celsus is an archaeological jewel.

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Pamukkale

Pamukkale is renowned for its spectacular white travertine pools, classified by UNESCO. A breathtaking natural spectacle.

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💆Health and Aesthetics

Istanbul has gradually established itself as a major destination for medical and aesthetic tourism, attracting tens of thousands of patients annually. Hair transplantation is particularly renowned there, with ultramodern clinics offering natural results at an affordable price.

Procedures often include all-inclusive packages: flights, 4-star accommodation, private transfers, post-operative follow-up. Aesthetic surgeries (rhinoplasty, liposuction, breast augmentation) enjoy an excellent reputation, with surgeons trained in the US or UK.

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📍Location of TOP20 Things to Do

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The Istanbul metro map is a handy tool to easily navigate this huge city, with an expanding network connecting major tourist sites and neighborhoods. Combined with a city map, it allows you to plan your trips between Europe and Asia with ease.

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🎪 Conclusion

Istanbul is not a destination you “tick off a list”. It is an experience that will transport you through 2,600 years of history. Regardless of the duration of your stay, Istanbul awaits you with its majestic mosques, its colorful bazaars, its captivating gastronomy, and its incomparable energy.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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📢 Kevin’s Transparency Note: This article contains affiliate links to a partner I use personally (GetYourGuide, Uber). For you, the price remains unchanged, but by using these links, you directly support my work and allow me to continue offering you these free Istanbul guides. Your visits fund my next simit with a good çay! Shukran! And follow my Instagram page @kevinloveistanbul ❤️ Peace❤️

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