30 things to do in Istanbul

You will not run out of plans to do in Istanbul ! Did you know that it  became the largest city in the world in the 5th century ? It was then the capital of the Byzantine Empire and was called Byzantium. Later, it became the capital of the Ottoman Empire under the name of Constantinople until it was baptized with its current name in 1930.

The streets of the center are full of interesting historical places to see in Istanbul . For this reason, the city is considered a World Heritage Site. Despite its fascinating past, today it remains a vibrant and multicultural city. You will always find a lot of atmosphere and plans to do in Istanbul !

We tell you the best things to see and do in Istanbul so that you can enjoy your trip to the fullest. At the end of this article you will find a map with all the mentioned places to make it easier for you to plan your trip We also tell you about all the transportation options to get from Istanbul airport to the city center .

1. Visit Hagia Sophia, an essential thing to do in Istanbul

This imposing construction is the perfect example of the tumultuous history of the city. Hagia Sophia was inaugurated in the year 537 and was originally the most important Orthodox basilica of the Byzantine Empire . When it fell into the hands of the Ottoman Empire in 1453 it was converted into a mosque until in 1930 it ceased to have religious use to become a museum for its undoubted historical and artistic value. Its mosaics with Christian images, marble columns and its huge dome are impressive. In 2020, Hagia Sophia was converted back into a mosque.

Admission is free . The best way to wait in line for a long time is to visit it first thing in the morning when they open at 9 am or once it gets dark , when the crowds subside. It is also advisable for women to bring their own headscarf because otherwise you have to buy it . More than the symbolic price of 20 liras (€1), it is annoying to have to wait in line at the booth where they are sold.

2. Count tiles in the Blue Mosque

It is officially called the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, since it was he who had it built in 1609. In fact, it also gives its name to the most central neighborhood of the city. Since it was inaugurated in 1617 it has been the most important mosque to see in Istanbul . Although its size impresses from the outside, the best is inside. More than 20,000 blue tiles adorn the dome and give the place its nickname. There are also imposing chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and stained glass windows that let the light in beautifully.

When visiting it, it is important to keep in mind that they close during prayer periods . The specific hours vary slightly throughout the year, but they typically close for two hours at noon and one hour in the evening. In any case, you can see the hours of the day on the signs at the entrance. The visit is free.

It is best to arrive when they open at 8:30 a.m. to avoid long lines and crowds (as in all the most touristic visits to do in Istanbul). Unlike Hagia Sophia, at the Blue Mosque they lend free scarves for women to cover their hair at the entrance.

3. Discover the impressive Topkapi Palace

Visiting the Topkapi Palace is the best way to get an idea of ​​the power of the sultans during the heyday of ancient Constantinople. From there they ran the Ottoman Empire from the 15th to the 19th century . Its four courtyards house incredible buildings where the most powerful lived . You can see lots of opulent rooms with incredible decorations, as well as objects from the daily life of that time. Also, from the gardens there are great views of the Bosphorus . An essential visit to do in Istanbul !

If you visit on your own, plan at least 4 hours to quietly visit all areas of the palace and the harem. It is quite a large venue and it is worth taking it easy to see all the spaces. You can also book a free guided tour in Spanish to discover in depth the history and curiosities of the palace.

Please note that the entrance to the palace is not included in the free tour. Whether you go with a guide or on your own, we recommend buying the full ticket for 420 lire (about €23) which gives access to the impressive halls and gardens of Topkapi, as well as the harem where the sultans lived with their families and the orthodox church of Saint Irene. All these places are worth a visit. Keep in mind that they close every Tuesday .

4. Go back in time at the Istanbul Archaeological Museum

Touching the Topkapi palace you will find another place full of history. We are talking about the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, where thousands of exceptional pieces can be seen. Among them sarcophagi, oriental art, Egyptian archaeological remains, ceramic pieces and jewelry . Curiously, it was the first museum opened in Turkey in 1891. Admission costs 100 lire (about €5) and is included in the Museum Pass .

5. Haggle in the Grand Bazaar

Did you know that the Grand Bazaar is one of the largest covered markets in the world ? With more than 3,600 stores spread over 64 streets, you could spend days exploring it all . There you will find practically everything: souvenirs, rugs, lamps, ceramics, clothes, shoes, jewelry… No matter what you want to buy, you will have to put your haggling skills into practice . Sellers will start by offering you a much higher price than they are willing to accept.

6. Buy tea and spices at the Spice Bazaar

It is not as big as the Grand Bazaar, but it is another essential stop to make in Istanbul to buy . In the Spice Bazaar you will find mainly food stalls: all kinds of teas, spices, Turkish sweets, dried fruit, cheeses … It’s great to have a piece of Turkey in a kitchen when you come back home. The vendors are usually very friendly and let you try the products.

7. Taste the delicious gastronomy and Turkish sweets

Prepare to take good care of your stomach during your visit to Istanbul. The typical dishes of Turkey are a real delight: the famous kebabs, rich stews with meat and vegetables, Turkish bread with hummus… We cannot forget the most popular drinks either: tea , coffee made with very ground grain until thick and ayran , a Turkish soft drink made from water and yogurt.

If you are a sweet lover you will enjoy it even more. Turkish pastries are known worldwide , especially the pistachio and honey-based baklavas . Along with tea, they always serve Turkish delight , a jelly-like confection made with sugar and flavored with various flavors. You could consider the jelly beans there. In short, they make all kinds of sweets, generally with dried fruit, which is richer!

8. Visit the Basilica Cistern, one of the most impressive places to see in Istanbul

Who would have thought that a water tank could be so beautiful? It was built in the basement of an old basilica in the year 532. The Byzantine emperor at the time feared that an attack would destroy the aqueducts and wanted to ensure the water supply. The huge room has 336 columns of various styles , since they were reused from other constructions. The most famous are undoubtedly those supported by heads of Medusa upside down and sideways. How these pieces ended up there is still a mystery.

The architecture itself is impressive, but it is enhanced by a play of light and sculpture . Walking between the columns with dim lighting, soft background music and listening to drops of water fall is a brutal experience. It’s hard to do this place justice with a simple description and photograph. The so-called “submerged palace” is truly one of the most incredible places to see in Istanbul , don’t miss it for the world!

The entrance costs 190 lire (about €10) . They open at 9 a.m., but you should queue around 8:45 a.m. to be among the first to enter and enjoy the place in complete peace of mind . Given the nature of the place, it loses a lot if it is crowded.

9. See the Hippodrome of Constantinople

What looks like a large square in the heart of Istanbul is actually an ancient Roman hippodrome. Chariot races, circuses and other public events were held there around 2,000 years ago . In the center stands an Egyptian obelisk to commemorate a military victory. Yet another reminder of the city’s rich history.

10. Get lost among rugs and historical pieces

On one side of the hippodrome is the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art in an old palace from the 16th century. Inside there are thousands of representative objects from Turkey and the Middle East : one of the best collections of carpets in the world, pieces of carved wood, different historical versions of the Koran, sarcophagi, archaeological remains, ceramics… Very interesting if you are interested in history and art. . The entrance costs 100 lire (about €5) and is included in the Museum Pass.

11. Have the best view of the city from the Galata Tower

The Galata Tower is another historical construction to visit in Istanbul, as well as one of the best viewpoints in the city thanks to its 63 meters high. It was raised in 1438 to watch over the city and be able to defend it, although it later became a prison. Now it offers a beautiful 360º panoramic view from above, ideal for taking postcard photos.

Admission costs 175 lire (about €10) and is included in the Museum Pass. There is an elevator to go up

12. Stroll between shops on Istiklal Avenue

If you feel like shopping, it’s an essential stop to make in Istanbul There are international brands like Zara or H&M. Several shopping arcades with all kinds of shops and cafes leave from Istiklal avenue . You should not miss the so-called Passage of Flowers , a gallery that could be considered a little piece of Paris in Istanbul due to its beautiful architecture and decoration with plants.

Another great attraction of this street is the historic red tram that runs from one end to the other . The route started in 1856 with horse-drawn carriages and was later modernized. Today it is an icon of Istanbul for the most nostalgic, in the style of the historic trams of San Francisco or Lisbon .

13. Be in the center of the action in Taksim Square

At one end of the Istiklal shopping avenue you will find the heart of the modern part of the city. We are talking about Taksim Square, a meeting place where most of the celebration or claim events are held . Its surroundings are full of shops, restaurants, bars and hotels . There are people at all hours and it is one of the busiest places in Istanbul. The central metro station is located there and, until the 18th century, it was the city’s water distribution center.

14. Turkish bath, a very relaxing visit to do in Istanbul

The Turkish baths or hammam  are a perfect place to relax during your trip. During the 18th century there were more than 200 throughout the city, which served as spaces for cleaning the body and socializing . Although many have disappeared, you can still enjoy the experience of these types of extremely humid saunas. The architecture of some of the Turkish baths is impressive : they have a circular room with a perforated dome that filters the light and elegant marble columns. Hurrem Sultan Hamami, Cagaloglu and Kilic Ali Pasa are especially beautiful.

The vast majority of hammams have separate areas for men and women so that you can go practically naked. Upon entering, you will be allowed to relax for a while sitting on the marble in the wet room. After you’ve worked up a sweat, your therapist will exfoliate your entire body and wash you off. Some packages also include relaxing massages at the end. Going to a Turkish bath is a relaxing plan to do in Istanbul to end a day of sightseeing . Then you’ll sleep like a baby!

15. Board a cruise on the Bosphorus, a classic plan to do in Istanbul

Do you feel like sailing between two continents? Enjoying a cruise on the Bosphorus is a highly recommended thing to do in Istanbul . In fact, we think it is one of the best excursions from Istanbul without having to go too far. This strait connects the Black Sea with the Sea of ​​Marmara, and in turn separates the European neighborhoods of the city from the Asian ones. Taking a quiet walk you can see mosques, palaces, old towers and the bridges that connect Europe with Asia . Istanbul is a super photogenic city and the views from the water are incredible.

If you still want something more special, you can book a sunset cruise with typical Turkish appetizers or  a dinner cruise with a show to see the city lit up at night .

16. Cross the Galata Bridge

It is an unavoidable thing to do in Istanbul . Either on foot or by tram, you will have to cross this bridge to move between the peninsula where the historic center is located and the most modern area of ​​the city. We recommend you walk quietly enjoying the views. The bridge is one of the best viewpoints in Istanbul, especially at sunset . As a curiosity, there are usually many people fishing from the bridge and its surroundings. We never would have thought that the Golden Horn would be such a good fishing spot!

17. Spot the mysterious Maiden Tower

The small island with a tower next to the Asian side of Istanbul has a bitter history behind it. Legend has it that the sultan had this tower built to lock up his daughter and protect her. And it is that the prophecy said that a snake was going to bite her, ending her life. When the sultan visited her on her 18th birthday, a snake had crawled into a basket with fruit and the prophecy that he feared so much ended up coming true. Moral? Don’t get stuck in the historic center of Istanbul, take a boat to this little island and enjoy the views

18. Wanting to adopt about fifty cats a day

An inevitable thing to do in Istanbul is to fall in love with a few stray kittens every day. They are part of the life of the city and you will see them everywhere: walking through the streets, on restaurant terraces and even inside some shops.

Although they live on the street, the merchants and residents feed them and even build them booths to make them more comfortable. For this reason, most cats are used to human contact and will appreciate it if you stop to pet them . They are adorable and make you want to take them home!

19. Enjoy the views of the Suleiman Mosque from a terrace

The Suleiman Mosque joins Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque as the main buildings on the Istanbul skyline . Its main dome is 53 meters high! You can see it up close from a nearby terrace.

20. Watch the sunset next to the Ortakoy Mosque

Although it is far from the center of Istanbul, the residential neighborhood of Ortakoy is worth visiting. There are many small shops there because historically its port has been very important on a commercial level. But without a doubt, the star is the waterside mosque built in the final stage of the Ottoman Empire . It is especially beautiful when the sun goes down and it begins to light up while the sky is dyed with a thousand colors

21. Visit the palace of Dolmabahce

In 1856 the sultan moved from Topkapi Palace to the newly built Dolmabahce Palace. Its mix of baroque, rococo and neoclassical styles with a touch of Ottoman decoration is truly amazing, as is its enormous dimensions. It is worth visiting its halls full of crystals and gold on the banks of the Bosphorus.

It is located a little further from the city center, but you can easily get there by tram getting off at Kabatas station. The entrance to all the spaces and exhibitions of the Dolmabahce Palace costs 300 liras (about €16) . It is closed on Mondays .

If you want to know in depth the history of the palace, as well as that entire area of ​​the city, we recommend you take a tour with a guide in Spanish that begins at the Suleiman Mosque. It will take you to the Dolmabahce Palace and the Ortakoy neighborhood with its impressive mosque.

22. Pasear por el barrio de Balat

Although today the majority of the population is Muslim, Istanbul continues to be a city with a great deal of cultural and religious diversity . You can see this especially in the old neighborhoods that were home to one of the largest Jewish communities in the world for centuries. The best example is Balat, a residential district with the potential to become the next hotspot in the city.

Its colorful houses are the most striking part thanks to its popularity on Instagram. But if you get lost in the streets of Balat you will find the contrast of practically dilapidated buildings with new cafeterias decorated with great taste to attract tourists, urban art and some very nice craft shops . Balat is a bit far from the historic center, but we recommend you take a walk for about an hour to see the contrasts of non-touristy neighborhoods and get to know another side of Istanbul. You can also arrive by bus.

23. Be amazed by the mosaics of the church of San Salvador de Cora

This old monastery converted into a church has more than 1,000 years of history (not counting previous constructions). Its decoration will leave you speechless! Its frescoes and golden mosaics by an unknown artist from the 14th century decorate the walls and domes.

Although the space is currently used as a mosque, the art typical of Istanbul’s Byzantine-era Greek Orthodox churches has been preserved . As in all the mosques, the entrance is free but it is necessary to avoid the hours of prayer.

24. Visitar el Palacio Beylerbeyi

The Beylerbeyi Palace was the last to be built in Istanbul in the 19th century. Although it is not as famous as Topkapi or Dolmabahce, it is worth visiting for its history. It was used as the summer residence of the sultan and his family, as well as a meeting place for the most important visitors. From there, the last sultan lived through the fall of the Ottoman Empire.

Its interior is opulently decorated with marble floors, carved wooden furniture from around the world, delicate crystal chandeliers and plush carpets. The entrance to the Beylerbeyi palace costs 90 lire (€5) and is closed on Mondays .

25. Contemplate the ancient walls of Constantinople, an essential visit to do in Istanbul for history lovers

Before it was called Istanbul, it was called Constantinople after the Emperor Constantine the Great. And there are still remains of the historic walls that were raised in the year 328 to protect the city . In fact, several kilometers are preserved and it is impressive to be able to walk so close to that part of history.

26. Be amazed by the Valente aqueduct

Can you imagine driving through the center of Istanbul and coming across a great 4th century aqueduct ? Well, that happens to a lot of drivers every day! The Roman Empire excelled in the construction of aqueducts and left its mark on ancient Constantinople with the Valente aqueduct. Now, it is integrated into the modern life of Istanbul crossed by a road in the Fatih neighborhood.

27. Go to a Turkish dance show, something typical to do in Istanbul

Witnessing dozens of men turning on themselves non-stop is an amazing thing to do in Istanbul. This ceremony is typical of the religious brotherhood of the Dervishes. For them, this curious dance is a spiritual journey that allows the soul to ascend to perfection. This show with live music is a great plan to get to know Turkish culture better.

If you prefer to see more variety of dances, you can go to a show with typical dances from various Turkish regions and other surrounding countries, as well as male and female belly dance . All this with live music.

28. Go on a trip to the Princes’ Islands

This small archipelago near Istanbul is a perfect destination to spend a quiet day in summer . The islands are a haven of peace that contrasts with the chaos of the downtown streets. In fact, cars are not allowed to circulate through its streets. Thanks to their relaxed atmosphere, they have been a vacation destination for royalty for centuries. Walking by the sea and enjoying delicious Turkish food sounds like the perfect excursion

29. Get to know the charming district of Bebek

Another charming place that you can visit far from the city center is the Bebek district. It is a very popular holiday area among the wealthiest in Istanbul. There are plenty of charming houses and apartments overlooking the Bosphorus, plus cafes, restaurants, and scenic hiking trails . Ideal to get away from the bustle of the historic center! It can be easily reached by bus in about 50 minutes.

30. Visitor to the fortress of Rumeli

Near Bebek there is a large medieval castle built to protect Constantinople from possible invasions. It is a huge construction with beautiful views thanks to its location on the shore of the Bosphorus. Admission only costs 50 lire (approximately €2.50) and is included in the Museum Pass.

The most practical way to get to know this place is by booking an excursion that will also take you to the beautiful Belgrade Forest . It is a great plan to do in Istanbul to spend a quieter day on the outskirts.