Things to See and Do in Istanbul

I focus here on useful and practical information about things to see and do in Istanbul. This means that I don’t want to reiterate the (already well known) history about the many sightseeing spots. Instead, I focus on practical tips for visiting the numerous places of interest. These include the best way to reach some places, money-saving tips, etc. In the Locals Share section, locals let you in on their favorite places to visit, shop, wine, and dine.

Sightseeing

1. General
   • Opening Hours of Istanbul Sightseeing Spots and Attractions
   • Entrance Fees of Istanbul’s Main Tourist Attractions
   • What is the Istanbul Museum Pass, and Should I Get One?
   • I Used Istanbul Tourist Pass For 3 Days: Is It Worth It?
2. Museums
   • Hagia Sophia – Church Turned Mosque Turned Museum
   • Are Istanbul’s Archaeology Museums Worth Your Time?
3. Palaces
   • Little Known Ways to Make the Most of Topkapi Palace
   • See How Easily You Can Visit the Harem of Topkapi Palace
   • Dolmabahçe Palace, Turkey’s Biggest Palace
   • Guided Tours in Dolmabahçe Palace
4. Mosques
   • If You Don’t Visit the Süleymaniye Mosque, You’ll Regret It Later
   • The Blue Mosque – One of the Most Famous Misunderstandings
5. Places of Interest
   • What Bosphorus Cruise Tour to Take in Istanbul?
   • Why and How Should You Visit the Princes’ Islands in Istanbul?
   • Is Büyükada the Only Princes’ Island of Istanbul I Should Visit?
   • Where to See the Whirling Dervishes in Istanbul?
   • Whirling Dervishes Ceremony at Hodjapasha Cultural Center Review
   • The Basilica Cistern, the Coolest Spot in Town
   • Don’t Miss the 360º Panoramic View from Istanbul’s Galata Tower
   • The Grand Bazaar of Istanbul, World’s Oldest and Biggest Covered Market
   • How to Bargain Like a Pro in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar and Elsewhere
   • The Egyptian or Spice Bazaar, the Hottest Spot in Town
   • Big Bus Istanbul Gets You Up to Speed
   • Rhythm of The Dance Show at Hodjapasha Cultural Center Review
   • Is the Asian Side of Istanbul Worth Visiting — Part 1
   • Is the Asian Side of Istanbul Worth Visiting — Part 2
   • Why Madame Tussauds Istanbul Is Worth a Visit – Even with Kids
   • Bebek, Istanbul’s Trendy Village Along the Bosphorus
   • Istanbul Aquarium, a Spectacular Tourist Attraction
   • Don’t Miss the International Tulip Festival
   • The Jewish Community and Notable Synagogues in Istanbul
   • The Golden Horn

Relaxing

• What to Expect When Visiting a Turkish Bath or Hamam?
• Things You Did Not Know About Turkish Baths or Hamams
• Top Hotel Pools in Istanbul

Itineraries

• Istanbul Tour in Balat Including Chora Church, City Walls, and the Patriarchate

Locals Share Their Istanbul Experiences

• Aslı Lale Özgen
• Dilara İnan Özbay
• Seçil Erdoğan
• Ali Kambay
• Anıl Dündar
• Aykut Kaya
• Dumrul Alcici
• Ekrem Başarır
• Emrah Çağatay
• Görkem Gül
• Murat Avcı
• Orkun Özbay
• Volkan Çobanoğlu