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Istanbul Insider

Istanbul travel guide and advice by locals.

Top 15 Things to Do in Istanbul

Last updated: January 01, 2023

Istanbul sunset seen from the Bosphorus.

Here are my top 15 things to do in Istanbul, in no particular order. I chose these not because they are popular, but because I think they are worth seeing or experiencing. Therefore, for instance, I didn’t include the world-famous Blue Mosque but suggested something different. I also want to draw attention to many hidden gems, often overlooked when preparing for your visit. Enjoy!

Whirling Dervishes

Whirling dervishes performance in Istanbul, Turkey.

The Whirling Dervishes may look like a tourist attraction, but it’s an actual worship service of Mevlana’s followers. During the ceremony, the Dervishes become a bridge between God and humans through a prayer-induced trance.

Although high on many visitors’ Istanbul to-do lists, people often had to skip it in the end because seats were sold out. Don’t make the same mistake and reserve your seats well in advance.

Book Dervish Dancing Tickets in Advance to Guarantee Seating

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia in Istanbul with fountain

This splendid church-turned-mosque-turned-museum and recently mosque again, is among the world’s greatest architectural achievements. After years of restoration work, the Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) is finally scaffolding-free, enabling you to absorb its splendor as it was meant to be.

Standing in the middle of the staggering spacious nave under the 43-meter wide dome 65 meters above your head defies belief – and physics for that matter. Climb up the spiral ramp to get to the gallery and gaze at the splendid Byzantine mosaics, including Christ flanked by Emperor Constantine IX and his wife Empress Zoe.

Topkapi Palace

Picture of Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, Turkey

Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayı) is rightfully a sight you can’t afford to miss while in Istanbul. This complex of kiosks and pavilions contained by four lush green courtyards is where generations of sultans had their principal residence for almost half a century.

Top attractions at Topkapi Palace are the Harem, an adorned ‘cage’ of the sultan’s women, the treasury storing the crown jewels (containing the famous Topkapi dagger), and the weapon’s room boosting the Ottoman’s fine craftsmanship even when it came to making swords and bows.

Also, don’t forget to walk all the way till the end for breathtaking views of the Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus, and Golden Horn.

Buy your tickets online to skip the line at the sales booth.

Bosphorus Cruise

A trip to Istanbul is not complete without a Bosphorus cruise. Not only does it provide a nice overview of the city, also both the European and Asian shores of the famous waterway have a lot to offer – century-old palaces and mansions galore.

There are several cruises you can take: a short one (to the second suspension bridge and back), a long one (all the way to the Black Sea and back), and a sunset tour in summertime.

Illuminated Bosphorus Bridge at night in Istanbul, Turkey.

The latter used to be my favorite, but became victim of its own success. These days I prefer to take the full Bosphorus day tour, or the shorter version if you are pressed for time.

Scenic River Cruise Tours on the Bosphorus

Basilica Cistern

Basilica Cistern in Istanbul

Istanbul is not only fascinating above ground, but also underground with the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan). This exquisite piece of Byzantine engineering is a spectacular underground cistern, once bringing drinking water with aqueducts from current Bulgaria to Istanbul.

With its dimmed light and classical music to the background sound of dripping water, some find it romantic while others experience it as slightly spooky.

Tread the walkways and watch the fish swim between the 336 columns that support the ceiling. Walk all the way to the end to see the Medusa head, placed upside down as the base of one of the columns.

Buy your tickets online, skip the line and get a guide!

Grand Bazaar

Picture inside the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey.

Bargain hunting at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. Over 500 years old, but still one of the largest covered bazaars in the world. Its 60 streets contain no less than 5000 shops, 60 restaurants, 18 fountains, 12 mosques, and even a school.

This is not a tourist trap as some claim. Locals shop here every day, but odds are they’re better at bargaining than you are. The bazaar is very famous for its carpets, leather, ceramics, souvenirs, and jewelry.

It’s hard not to get lost in this chaos, so try to remember where you’ve entered before wandering around.

Archaeology Museum

Exterior of the Archaeology Museum in Istanbul

People often skip the Archaeology Museum (Arkeoloji Müzesi), and that’s a pity. This is a real hidden Istanbul gem, displaying one of the world’s richest collections of classical antiquities.

Top attractions here are the marvelous sarcophagus of Alexander the Great depicting important phases of his life, the blue-tiled Karaman Mihrab, the beautiful Tiled Pavilion, and the Treaty of Kadesh – the world’s earliest surviving peace treaty. Not an option with kids? Wait until they see the model Trojan Horse in the children’s section.

You can reach the Archaeology Museum by going left down the hill in Topkapi Palace’s first courtyard, or via Gülhane Park.

Süleymaniye Mosque

Picture of Süleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey

Instead of the iconic Blue Mosque, I prefer the less famous Süleymaniye Mosque. I think it’s the nicest and most impressive Istanbul mosque, and not invaded by thousands of tourists every day.

The Süleymaniye Mosque was designed by the famous architect Sinan for Süleyman the Magnificent and is a great tribute to both. It’s actually much more than a place of worship. It’s a complex of buildings containing a hospital, a kitchen, a school, etc.

Don’t forget to visit the tombs of Süleyman and Roxalana behind the graveyard, the tomb of Sinan outside the complex, and eat kuru fasulye (haricot beans) in one of the many restaurants in the Alley of Addicts.

Chora Church / Kariye Museum

Mosaic inside Chora Church or Kariye Museum in Istanbul, Turkey.

The Chora Church, Church of St Savior, or Kariye Museum is a bit off the beaten track, but well worth a visit. Located in Chora/Edirnekapi, next to the old city walls, it is one of the most amazing religious buildings Istanbul has to offer.

The walls and ceilings of this church are adorned with stunning Byzantine mosaics and fabulous frescoes. Some are considered the most significant in the Christian world.

And while you’re there, enjoy the remains of the fifth-century city walls and the wooden Ottoman houses.

Dolmabahçe Palace

Dolmahaçe Palace seen from the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey.

Dolmabahçe Palace is just fascinating. Here are a few facts to demonstrate my point here. The palace is huge — 600 meters in length — containing no less than 285 rooms and 43 salons. It was built in 1856 by Sultan Abdüi Mecit, basically to prove that the declining Ottoman Empire was doing just fine, whereas the construction resulted in exactly the opposite.

Nevertheless, no expenses were spared, proof of which by the excessive use of gold leaf, crystal, and marble. Obvious key features are the Baccarat crystal staircase, the main bathroom, and the ceremonial hall with its 4.5 ton chandelier. Just seeing the latter is impressive!

After the foundation of the Turkish Republic, Atatürk adopted the palace as its home, and died there on November 10, 1938, at 09:05. As a tribute, all clocks in the palace show that time.

Only a limited amount of people are allowed in the palace every day. Buy your tickets online to skip the line.

Galata Tower

Galata tower by night in Istanbul, Turkey.

The Galata Tower is one of the best spots in town to get a 360 panoramic view of Istanbul. On a bright day, you can even spot the Princes’ Islands from this 60-meter-high tower. The tower has recentky been renovated and is well worth a visit.

Bebek and Ortaköy

Ortaköy Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey.

Bebek and — to a lesser extent — Ortaköy are two villages by the Bosphorus worth visiting, yet lesser known among tourists.

Bebek is a lively, green, and wealthy neighborhood by the Bosphorus. It’s well-known and frequently visited by locals during the weekends. It’s a local all-time favorite to have a (late) breakfast with a stunning view followed by a nice stroll on the boardwalk, topped with a drink in one of the many cafes. Others come later and enjoy the buzzing nightlife.

If you took a Bosphorus tour, it’s hard to miss Ortaköy. Its cozy mosque by the shore just before the first bridge stands out. Another thing that draws a lot of attention is the Sunday crafts market, as well as the many car-free cobblestone streets filled with restaurants and cafes.

Istanbul’s Nightlife

Sortie, popular quality night cub by the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul’s nightlife can compete with the rest of the world. Whether you want to enjoy a (local) live performance while sipping on your favorite drink, attend concerts of current and past world stars, or dance the night away in open-air venues by the Bosphorus or while enjoying a rooftop 360 view, Istanbul has it all.

Getting Scrubbed in a Hamam

Cold Room of Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamam in Istanbul.

Nothing is better to rejuvenate your body than getting scrubbed in a hamam. Just picture this after a long day of walking: wearing nothing but a cotton cloth, first relax in a steamy room laying on hot marble, listening to the echoes of running water. Then a brisk soapy body scrub, followed by a sultan’s massage until your skin is smooth and soft.

There are several hamams available in the city. Among the oldest are the (recently renovated) Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamam and Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamam. The first is right on Sultanahmet Square, and the latter is in Tophane-Karaköy, not far from Istanbul Modern.

Visit Local Markets

Turkey’s kitchen is among the richest of all, blending flavors of different continents and cultures.

All these dishes are made with fresh produce, stuff you too can buy firsthand by visiting local markets in Istanbul. These town markets (pazar) can look overwhelming at first but be assured that you’ll receive a warm welcome from stallholders. Communication may be difficult, but the experience is priceless.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission to keep the site ad free. I only recommend products and companies I use or have used.

Further Recommended Reading

  1. How to Properly Plan a Holiday in Istanbul?
  2. How To Spot and Avoid Common Istanbul Tourist Scams?
  3. My Top Sightseeing Tips

Filed Under: Attractions, Featured #2 Tagged With: Archaeology Museum, Basilica Cistern, Bosphorus Cruise, Chora Church, Dolmabahçe Palace, Galata Tower, Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia, Hamam, Istanbul, Kariye Museum, Nightlife, Planning, See & Do, Süleymaniye Mosque, Things to do, Topkapi Palace, Whirling Dervishes

Comments

  1. Debra says

    September 22, 2022 at 10:01 pm

    I am planning a 4-day trip to Istanbul in the middle of November. I am thinking to stay in the Taksim area. Is it near any of the tourist spots? Easy walk? Is it safe for female travelers? Local or international hotels better to stay in? Where is it best to exchange money at and finally, where can I hire a driver during the stay? (sorry for the questions lol)

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      September 22, 2022 at 10:32 pm

      Hi, Taksim or the Beyoğlu area is a great choice. Have you read this post on where to stay in Istanbul?

      Reply
  2. Haruethai says

    September 2, 2022 at 5:34 pm

    Hi
    Do I need a guided tour to visit Topkapi Palace or can I do that on my own.
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      September 2, 2022 at 6:24 pm

      No, you can use the audio guide or no guide at all.

      Reply
  3. Ian says

    July 27, 2022 at 5:14 am

    Hello, would you be willing to offer a reputable tour operator that does 3 or 4 day tours of Cappadocia from Istanbul

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      July 27, 2022 at 4:48 pm

      Hi Ian,

      Well, I know that the people behind the Istanbul E-pass offer very nice tours. You can also contact their customer service for custom requests or needs the owner told me.

      Reply
  4. Renata says

    June 2, 2022 at 11:24 am

    Hello,

    Its a very good page and very nicely written!
    I am going to Istanbul on 3rd till 6th June, should I buy the entry tickets (Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, short cruise) in advance in the internet? Do you know somebody that I can contract to take a tour in the Grand Bazar (I am afraid to get lost there!)?
    Also, around what time would you advise to take pictures on a terrace with Bosphoro’s view?

    Thank you so much!

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      June 3, 2022 at 1:55 pm

      Hi,

      I indeed advise you to buy them upfront because lines can get long. You can buy them separately from GetYourGuide (just click on any of the small ads) or have a look at the Istanbul Tourist Pass if this is something for you. You can find my review on the homepage.

      As for best times to take pictures, early in the morning or between 18:00 and 20:00

      Have a nice stay.

      Reply
  5. Nikhil Kundra says

    February 9, 2020 at 8:55 pm

    Planning to visit Istanbul in April end for a 5 day leisure.

    Will keep your list in mind, thank you.

    Hope to have the best experience and food.

    Reply
  6. Sachin says

    February 3, 2020 at 4:50 pm

    hi,

    is it ok to plan a holiday to turkey during the Ramadan period?

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      February 3, 2020 at 7:53 pm

      Hi,

      Have you had a look at this post on Istanbul during Ramadan?

      Reply
  7. Nikhil Parwal says

    January 10, 2020 at 7:13 pm

    Hi,

    I am planning to go for a 5 day trip in the first week of March. Is it the right time to visit? Also is the Grand Bazaar open all days or specifically would you recommend visiting any particular day?

    Thanks,
    Nik

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      January 11, 2020 at 3:53 pm

      Hi Nikhil,

      While nobody can predict the weather that much upfront, on average it’s still a wet and (often very) chilly time of the year. High season doesn’t start until the end of April, so this means that you’ll have less long lines to visit all the monuments. Have you had a look at this seasonal overview of Istanbul?

      Happy planning.

      Reply
  8. André Moreau says

    September 20, 2019 at 4:41 am

    Awesome! 😮 I want to go there! I love your list but what if I go in December? Does the list go shorter or everything is open? 👍👍👍

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      September 20, 2019 at 8:42 am

      Hi André,

      All these sightseeing venues are still open, just a bit shorter than in summer. Als keep in mind that the weather will be much colder (Istanbul average weather conditions).

      Reply
  9. Donald says

    July 28, 2019 at 1:58 am

    I am going to Istanbul next week for a 5 day visit. I have saved your Website to my favorites bar! Thanks very much for putting this information together.

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      July 28, 2019 at 2:18 pm

      Hi Donald, it’s my pleasure. Glad I could help. Have a nice stay.

      Reply
  10. Md. Jewel Sarkar says

    June 25, 2019 at 9:07 am

    Very nice Guide line

    Reply
  11. Mohamed Rashad says

    June 13, 2019 at 11:21 am

    Hello and many thanks for your advice

    I would like to know if the Dolma Bahce palace closed on Thursday? or only on Monday?

    Reply
    • Erlend says

      June 13, 2019 at 5:43 pm

      Hi,

      It’s only closed on Monday.

      Reply

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