Is it Europe? Is it Asia? It’s both! Istanbul is a transcontinental city, and she will blow your socks off! Honestly, Istanbul is one of the truly great cities on earth, with so many things to do, see and eat.
If you want to arrive in Istanbul before actually landing, treat yourself and fly with Turkish Airlines– it’s one of the best! Whether you are visiting on a short layover or enjoying a longer city break, Istanbul is sure to become one of your favourite cities to visit…in Europe and Asia.
We’ve spent five days in Istanbul as a part of our two-week trip to Turkey. We later jumped at the opportunity to have a short layover in Istanbul again between flights. And we can’t wait to do it again.
(UPDATE: We just did it again and spent 4 days in Istanbul this past April – it was awesome!) Istanbul is one of those cities you could visit over and over again and never get tired of it.
Our Istanbul hit list shows you the best attractions and things to do in Istanbul. Enjoy!
Please note: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more.
Quick Guide to Istanbul
Where to stay in Istanbul? Galata VAV Suites. We love its location and amenities.
How long to spend in Istanbul? At least 4 days
How to get from Istanbul Airport to the city: Private transfers (from $30 per person) from Istanbul Airport to Taksim take about 1 hour.
The official airport bus, Havabus (from $9 per person), runs around the clock to Taksim, Sirkeci, Aksaray, Sirkeci or Besiktas from Istanbul Airport.
Hit the ground running: The Istanbul TouristPass is valid for a 1-10 days and includes skip-the-line access and guided tours of Istanbul’s top attractions.
Sights to See in Istanbul
Istanbul has a staggering number of sights to see, which is what makes it such a fascinating place to visit. Between seeing the famous sights, you’ll have ample time to be distracted by delicious food and endless shopping opportunities.
Also make sure to just be and relax (it’s a holiday, after all). While you are coming to see the sights in Istanbul, you are hopefully also planning on relaxing in between.
Here is our list of the best things to do in Istanbul. Hit these spots, and you’ll love the city as much as we did.
See Istanbul’s Entire History at the Hagia Sophia
What is it? The Hagia Sophia is Istanbul’s number one sight and the one single building to embody the spirit of the city. Just like the rest of Istanbul, the Hagia Sophia exists on layers and layers of history and religion.
Completed in the 6th century in Byzantine Constantinople, the Hagia Sophia remained the largest cathedral on earth for nearly the next thousand years.
When Constantinople fell under the Ottoman Empire, the Hagia Sophia changed from a church to a mosque and remained a mosque for roughly 500 years. In 1935, it was established as a museum.
Just to show that times change and the Hagia Sophia can keep up, it was officially converted back to a functioning mosque in 2020.
Why go? You can see the entire history of Istanbul in this single building. If you visit only one site in Istanbul, make it the Hagia Sophia.
It’s enormous, and the dome itself is an engineering marvel. Several smaller domes support the main dome, allowing it to stand without the need for columns.
Seeing decorative Islamic calligraphy intertwine with Christian mosaics, together with the stunning light pouring in from the windows on the supporting domes is just fantastic.
Head to the upper gallery for an up-close look at the mosaics and the iconic view of the Blue Mosque.
Update: Since our last visit, the Hagia Sophia transformed from a museum to a functioning mosque. You must now remove your shoes before entering, the marble floors are now covered with carpet, and some of the Christian mosaics have been covered.
Entrance: As of 2024, the Hagia Sophia’s entrance fee is 25 euros. If you’re paying for one entrance fee in Istanbul, make it the Hagia Sophia—we think it’s worth every penny. You can buy your skip-the-line entrance ticket online.
Visit the Majestic Blue Mosque
What is it? Another popular Istanbul attraction and landmark is the Blue Mosque, just across the square from the Hagia Sophia. Its official name is the Sultanahmet Mosque, but everyone refers to it as the Blue mosque due to the blue tiles in the courtyard. There are over 20,000 of these tiles, and they were all painted by hand.
Unlike the Hagia Sophia, the massive dome is supported by an equally massive marble column.
How to visit the Blue Mosque? The Blue Mosque is still a functioning mosque. Like all mosques, visitors of all religions are welcome, but there are a few simple rules to follow.
- This is still a place of worship. Be respectful.
- You must wear long pants/skirt. The mosque will provide long skirts for visitors who are not dressed appropriately.
- Women must cover their heads. Take a lightweight scarf for this, otherwise, the mosque will provide one for you.
- You must take off your shoes before entering the mosque.
Enter the Harem of the Topkapi Palace
What is it? Back in the day, the Topkapi Palace was the residence of the Sultan. The Ottoman sultans ruled from this 15th-century palace for almost 400 years. Today the Topkapi Palace is a stunning collection of architecture, colourful tiles and gardens.
The highlight of our visit to the Topkapi Palace was the Harem. When translated from Arabic, the word harem means forbidden.
The harem was where the sultan’s wives, concubines, and children lived and were off-limits to everyone except the sultan himself. During its peak, the harem was home to more than 400 women.
Why go? The intricate and beautiful Iznik tiles, especially in the Harem, make the Topkapi Palace one of the most colourful and exotic sites to see in Istanbul. Add the chance to enter the once-forbidden harem, the lovely gardens and all the over-the-top arabesque decorations, and you’re in for pure eye candy.
Entrance fee: The new entrance fee to the Topkapi Palace is an eye-watering TRY 1 500 (over USD 45). Skip-the-line tickets are available here.
Smell the Tulips in Gülhane Park
What is it? Gülhane Park is a public park in Sultanahmet. During the Ottoman Empire it was the outer garden of Topkapi Palace but was opened to the public in the mid-19th century.
The park covers an area of about 16 hectares and is known for its beautiful trees, flowers, and peaceful atmosphere. Like parks around the world, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll, picnic, or simply relax in the shade.
The park also contains historical monuments such as the Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam and a cafe.
Why go? If you’re in Istanbul in the spring, you must visit Gülhane Park to see the tulips. It was the first week of April when we visited, and the tulips still had a few weeks to go before reaching their peak. Tulip season in Istanbul is weather-dependent, but April should be prime time.
At other times of the year, Gülhane is great for a stroll between seeing the historical sights or just sitting on a bench for some quality me-time.
Admire the Mosaics in the Chora Church / Kariye Mosque
What is it? Also known as the Kariye Mosque or the Kariye Müzesi, the Chora Church is a medieval Greek Orthodox church. The church/mosque/museum is one of the best-surviving examples of Byzantine architecture from Constantinople. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The murals and mosaics depict the life of Jesus and the Virgin Mary.
The Chora church was built in the early 4th century just outside the city walls of Constantinople.
It was converted into a mosque in the 16th century during Ottoman rule, changed into a museum in the 1940s, and converted back to a mosque in 2020.
Why go? Small and quite plain from the outside, the interior of the Chora Church features some of the oldest and best Byzantine Christian mosaics and frescoes in the world. The church has six domes, all of which are adorned with magnificent mosaics portraying the life of Jesus.
The contrasts between deep blues and gold are quite spectacular, and the colours look vibrant as if it was created just last week.
Reaching the Chora Church by public transport is a little challenging and time-consuming, but it is very doable on your own.
Update: The Chora church reopened its doors to visitors in 2024. It had been closed for a few years, and many thought it would never reopen. But, alas, Türkiye proved everyone wrong and it’s open again to visitors. Happy days!
It is open daily (except Fridays) from 9 am to 7 pm. Entry fee is €23, available online.
Walk Across the Galata Bridge
What is it? Linking historic Sultanahmet with the trendy neighbourhoods of Karaköy and Beyoğlu, the Galata Bridge spans the Golden Horn. It is one the nicest places in Istanbul to simply hang out for a while.
Why go? While the Galata Bridge does not connect Europe and Asia, one does get a feeling of standing between two worlds when crossing the bridge. On the one side, you have the minarets of Sultanahmet, while on the other side, you have the Galata Tower towering over the trendy cafes and bars of Karaköy.
Walk across the upper level of the bridge for fantastic city views of Istanbul. Get swept away by the optimism and cheerful fishermen trying their luck.
On summer days you can see boys jumping off the bridge into the Golden Horn below, to the amusement of everybody.
Grab a seat at one of the fish restaurants or cafes on the lower level of the bridge. Order something cold, perhaps get a hookah pipe and simply sit and enjoy watching Istanbul go by.
See Istanbul from Above at the Galata Tower
What is it? The Galata Tower is a historic tower located in the Karaköy neighbourhood. The Genoese who ruled over this part of the city built the tower in the medieval period. The tower stands at a height of 67 meters and offers panoramic views of Istanbul’s skyline and the Bosphorus Strait.
Originally, the tower was used as a watchtower and a lighthouse to guide ships into the Golden Horn. Later, during the Ottoman Empire, the tower was used as a jail, observatory, and fire lookout.
Today, the Galata Tower is one of Istanbul’s most popular tourist attractions, and visitors can take an elevator or climb up the spiral staircase to reach the observation deck. Tickets are on the pricey side, but the views are worth it, in our opinion.
Why go? Who doesn’t like a good view? Tourists are always looking for the best view or vantage point of the place they are visiting. In Istanbul, that place is the Galata Tower.
The observation deck provides stunning views of the city and the Golden Horn, with landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque visible from the top.
There is also a museum with the tower’s history and some great old photos showing what Karaköy looked like in the past.
Time Travel at the Istanbul Archaeology Museum
What is it? Turkey is as old as time itself. As to be expected, the country is a treasure chest of antiquities, and the best place to appreciate Turkey’s immense wealth of history is the Istanbul Archeology Museum.
The museum is home to countless ancient Greek, Roman, and Turkish relics. Before entering the museum building, take a stroll through the garden and admire the numerous ancient statues scattered around. I guess with so much history in Turkey, there is simply not enough space to keep them all.
Why go? The Istanbul Archaeology Museum is one of the best museums in the world for lovers of history and ancient art. Consisting of the Archaeological Museum, Museum of the Ancient Orient and the Museum of Islamic Art, this is where you can overdose on thousands of years of history and art, all in one place.
Famous pieces to look out for are the Alexander Sarcophagus, the Sarcophagus of Sidamara, The Head of Sappho and the Egyptian–Hittite peace treaty.
The highlight for me was the Ishtar Gate from ancient Babylon. And by ancient, I mean 575 BC! The colours and designs of the glazed bricks are just incredible
Most of the Ishtar Gate has been carried off and now lives in the stunning Pergamon Museum in Berlin, but it’s good to see that at least some of the Ishtar Gate still remains in the region.
Skip the line tickets with QR code cost €23.
Stretch Your Mind at the Museum of Innocence
What is it? Half a masterpiece in creativity and literature, other half mind fuck, the Museum of Innocence must be one of the most unique places to see in Istanbul.
The Museum of Innocence is the work of Turkish novelist and Nobel prize winner in literature Orhan Pamuk.
Pamuk wrote a novel set in Istanbul. The protagonist, Kemal, collects everyday objects over decades and eventually displays them in a museum.
But then Pamuk went the extra mile and ACTUALLY OPENED A BRICK AND MORTAR MUSEUM, EXACTLY AS DESCRIBED IN THE NOVEL! I told you it’s a masterpiece in mindfuckery!
Why go? Definitely read the Museum of Innocence before you travel to Istanbul. The love story spans several decades, and intertwined with the plot, you’re taken on a journey through Istanbul as the city grew, changed, and evolved.
You’ll find an entry ticket printed in the closing pages of the book, which will allow you free entrance to the Museum of Innocence, so remember to take a hardcopy of the book with you. If you don’t have a copy of the book, you can pay to enter.
Inside the museum, you’ll see the everyday objects – spoons, cigarette butts, keys and everything that Kemal had collected over decades, just as described in the book!
The Museum of Innocence is located in the Çukurcuma neighbourhood where the novel is set. Çukurcuma is a very normal, middle-class neighbourhood and walking to the museum, you’ll get a glimpse of normal life in Istanbul away from the tourist sites.
The Museum of Innocence will be of no interest to people who haven’t read the book. So treat yourself and read it before you go – I promise, it will blow your mind!
Buy Souvenirs at the Arasta Bazaar
What is it? Smaller (and better, in our opinion) than the famous Grand Bazaar, the Arasta Bazaar sits right behind the Blue Mosque in Sultanahmet.
Arasta means a group of shops built next to a mosque. The rent that shop owners pay goes directly to the mosque to help with its upkeep.
Why go? We found the Arasta Bazaar much more enjoyable than the Grand Bazaar. Overall the salespeople were more laid back, and prices were cheaper than in the Grand Bazar, especially on carpets. However, if you’re going to Cappadocia we recommend you do your carpet shopping there.
We found both prices and choice of carpets to be much better in Cappadocia than in Istanbul.
You might also want to check out the Mosaic Museum, which sits under the bazaar while you take a break from shopping.
Great Palace Mosaic Museum
What is it? During excavations at the Arasta bazaar, they found stunning Byzantine floor mosaics. This turned out to be the courtyard of the Great Palace of Constantinople and dates back to the time of Emperor Augustus
Why go? The museum’s entrance is from inside the Arasta Bazaar, making it a great little detour while shopping. The mosaics are some of the most intricate and oldest anywhere in the world.
Shop at the Spice Bazaar
What is it? Also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar is your one-stop shop for edible souvenirs to take home with you.
Whether you are looking for lokum (Turkish Delight), spices, tea, dried fruit, saffron, nuts, or baklava, the Spice Bazaar in the Fatih district has it all.
Why go? We are firm believers that the best gift from your travels for people back home is something to eat. The Spice Bazaar is the perfect place to stock up on yummy prezzies for everyone at home, and of course, you can indulge yourself while shopping for others.
Vendors are friendly, and you’ll get to try the merchandise until you find your flavour. As in any other bazaar, you will need to haggle over the price.
We found the Egyptian Bazaar much more enjoyable than the more famous Grand Bazaar.
Eat at Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi
What is it? Serving the best köfte (grilled meatballs) in Istanbul since 1920, this kebab restaurant is still busy as ever a hundred years later. Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi is right in the heart of Sultanahmet, just across the square from the Blue Mosque.
Why go? They have a small menu, only serving köfte, lamb skewers, pickled peppers, bean salad, lentil soup and semolina pudding, but man- who needs anything else when it’s this good? Ask your waiter for some hot sauce to go with your köfte to really take it to the next level.
I had my doubts about eating at a restaurant in the most touristy area of Istanbul, but Jin insisted. I’m so glad she convinced me.
Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi and Hafiz Mustafa 1836 next door are now our first stops whenever we are in Istanbul. We’ve dined here several times and always left happy…and wanting to return.
Say Diabetes at Hafiz Mustafa 1864
What is it? Istanbul’s top dessert shop has been in business since 1864, and the place is still packed. The original shop is near the Egyptian Bazaar, but now a few are scattered throughout Istanbul.
On our last visit, we were on our way to the original location when we stumbled upon a new branch right across from the Blue Mosque.
Why go? Do you really need a reason to go to a dessert shop? Ever?
My favourite thing to get here is the dondurma (Turkish ice cream). The dondurma here is the best. Period.
I’m talking about thick slabs of vanilla, pistachio, or chocolate dondurma that are so thick that you eat them with a knife and fork. They go down well with strong Turkish coffee or tea.
The baklava is damn good, too and comes in an array of flavours such as pistachio, walnut, honey and chocolate.
You could also get several kinds of lokum (Turkish Delight), baklava, pistachio rolls, cakes and pudding to eat in our take-home with you. The pretty, packed dessert sets make great gifts for people at home.
Make a stop here before catching your flight home because let’s be honest: You’ve eaten those lokum gifts you bought here or at the Spice Bazaar a few days ago already.
Eat Breakfast at Van Kahvalti Evi
What is it? Van Kahvalti Evi, or Van Breakfast House, is THE breakfast of champions in Istanbul. If you’re looking for the best breakfast in Istanbul, then make your way to this Kurdish breakfast restaurant in the Cihangir neighbourhood.
If you thought that Turkish breakfasts were the best, you haven’t had a Kurdish breakfast from Van. This spot is extremely popular (because it’s that good), so come early to avoid the long lines on weekends.
Why go? The set menu breakfast comes with an assortment of little plates filled with yumminess, such as different white cheeses, fried and boiled eggs, fresh bread, honeycomb, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, jams, and tahini.
The best little plate for us was something called kaymak. Kaymak is something between butter and cream cheese but is in fact a kind of clotted cream. Spread this GENEROUSLY on the freshly baked bread with a dollop of honey, and you’ll be on your way to breakfast nirvana.
Ride a Bosphorus Ferry
What is it? Bosphorus Ferries is a fleet of public ferries that operate along the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul. The Bosphorus is the iconic waterway linking the Black Sea with the Med and separates Europe from Asia.
The ferries provide an affordable and scenic way for both locals and tourists to travel between the European and Asian sides of the city while also enjoying breathtaking views of Istanbul’s skyline and the waterway.
Why go? Instead of going on an expensive Bosphorus cruise with a tacky belly dancing show, take a public ferry and see the city from the water. Sitting outside on the ferry deck with the wind in your face sure beats any bus, tram or taxi.
The ferries are part of the Istanbul public transport system and depart from several piers on both sides of the Bosporus, including Eminönü, Kabataş, Beşiktaş, and Üsküdar.
The journey takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on the route, and allows passengers to see iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Dolmabahçe Palace from a unique vantage point.
The Bosphorus Ferries run regularly throughout the day and evening, making them a convenient and reliable mode of transportation. Passengers can choose between indoor and outdoor seating options.
See Europe & Asia at Ortaköy Pier Square
What is it? Ortaköy Pier is a beautiful spot on the European side of Istanbul. The pier is a hub of activity frequented by those coming to enjoy the stunning views of the Bosporus Strait and the iconic landmarks that dot its shores.
You can see the imposing Bosphorus Bridge from the pier, which spans the strait and connects Europe and Asia. You can also see the magnificent Ortaköy Mosque, situated right on the waterfront and an architectural marvel with its intricate domes and minarets.
Why go? The views from Ortaköy Pier are gorgeous, especially at sunset. In addition to the views, Ortaköy Pier is also home to several cafes and restaurants, where you can enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the views or waiting for the ferry.
We got the ferry from here to Kadiköy on the Asian side.
Bask in Everything Cool in Kadiköy
What is it? Istanbul doesn’t get any cooler than Kadiköy, a vibrant neighbourhood on the Asian side of Istanbul. A visit to Kadikoy offers a unique experience in Istanbul, with its lively atmosphere and tons of trendy restaurants, bars and cafes. The neighbourhood is one of the most colourful in Istanbul, thanks to its thriving arts and culture scene.
First settled by the Greeks, Kadiköy has always been an important hub of commerce and culture, with a diverse population of Greeks, Armenians, Jews, and Turks.
Why go? Kadiköy combines great food, vibes, and colours and makes for a great day if you need a break from traditional sightseeing. It is one of the coolest spots in Istanbul, and the ferry ride to get there is just the start of a great day.
Whether you’re looking for great food, a few drinks, or an experience of Istanbul’s contemporary cultural scene, Kadiköy is the place to be. If you’re looking for a fabulous foodie tour, this one includes the Egyptian Bazaar, Kadiköy, and Moda.
See the Yildiz Hamidiye Mosque
What is it? The Yıldız Hamidiye Mosque is a beautiful mosque located in the Yıldız neighbourhood, well off the beaten track to most tourists. It was commissioned by Sultan Abdul Hamid II, who ruled the Ottoman Empire from 1876 to 1909 and was completed in 1886.
Why go? The mosque is an eclectic mix of architectural styles blending elements of traditional Ottoman architecture with European Neo-Gothic influences. It is one of the most unique mosques to see in Istanbul.
A visit to the Yıldız Hamidiye Mosque shows you a part of Istanbul few other visitors see. It’s just a short walk away from Breakfast Street.
Ride the Tram Down Istiklal Avenue
What is it? Istiklal Avenue is one of the most famous and busiest streets in Istanbul. It is a pedestrian-only boulevard stretching almost three kilometres from Taksim Square in the north to the Galata Tower in the south.
Istiklal Avenue is lined with historic buildings, shops, restaurants, cafes, and cultural institutions. It is known for its lively atmosphere, street performers and the iconic red tram.
Why go? Istiklal Avenue has a bit of everything: great shopping, eating, nightlife and people-watching. It is particularly exciting and beautiful at night.
Buy a Carpet
What is it? Istanbul is any shopper’s wet dream. For the ultimate Turkish souvenir, you should really get a Turkish carpet. Carpets are an integral part of Turkish culture and make fantastic souvenirs that will have a place in your home forever. You might even see it as an investment if you buy it right.
Where to buy a carpet in Istanbul? We looked at carpets in the Grand Bazaar and at carpet shops in Sultanahmet. All the carpet sellers we dealt with there were driving a hard sell, and we felt the prices were highly inflated.
Instead, try the Arasta Bazaar.
In the end, we found our (yet another) forever carpet in Karakoy. Persona Carpets (location) was situated just around the corner from our apartment, and the friendly owner was laid back and helped us find what we were looking for.
This small carpet shop has a few unique pieces we haven’t seen anywhere else.
Eat a Fish Sandwich at Super Mario
What is it? An iconic bite you must have while in Istanbul is the humble balik ekmek, or fish sandwich. But not all fish sandwiches are created equally – for the best, you need to head down to the Karaköy Waterfront and find Super Mario Restaurant.
Mario grills his fish to perfection before it’s wrapped into flatbread with onions, lettuce, pomegranate molasses and a secret mix of spices. Pairs perfectly with a cold beer.
Why go? Mario’s fish sandwiches have reached cult status for good reason – the taste is dynamite. There are a few things better to do in Istanbul than chomping down on balik ekmek and swigging Efes while watching boats go up and down the Bosphorus.
Things to Do in Istanbul Map
Here is a map for you with all our things to do in Istanbul. It has most of the places listed above to help you navigate around Istanbul.
We did not pinned Hafiz Mustafa 1864, as it is a franchise with several locations scattered throughout the city. You can catch a Bosphorus ferry at any of the ferry terminals. We took the ferry from Ortaköy to Kadiköy and returned from Kadiköy to Karaköy.
And that, good people, is how you scratch the surface in one of the greatest cities on earth. We can’t wait to return yet again to find more things to do in Istanbul.
Until next time ✌️