Things to do in Istanbul

Activities, attractions and tours

A coastal cityscape with a prominent mosque, a bridge, and a bustling harbor.
A historic cityscape with a prominent mosque featuring multiple domes and minarets, illuminated against a sunset sky.
A waterfront cityscape with a prominent tower, a bridge with restaurants, and a bustling waterfront area.
A waterfront with boats, a prominent tower, and historic buildings.
A historic building with a large dome and minarets, surrounded by a river and urban landscape.

Things to do

Istanbul: Princess Island Büyükada Tour with Island Vehicle

Istanbul:Princess Island(Büyükada)& Island Electric Car Trip

S$10
per adult
Istanbul:Princess Island(Büyükada)& Island Electric Car Trip
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show from Istanbul

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show

S$41
per adult
78% of travellers recommend
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show
Hagia Sophia

Istanbul Highlights! Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı and More

S$226
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Istanbul Highlights! Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı and More
Exclusive Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Sauna, Massage & Pool

Exclusive Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Sauna, Massage & Pool

S$66
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Exclusive Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Sauna, Massage & Pool
Istanbul: Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

Istanbul: Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

S$52
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Istanbul: Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition
Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition

S$41
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition
Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Cruise with Snacks and Live Guide

Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Cruise with Snacks and Live Guide

S$44
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Cruise with Snacks and Live Guide
Istanbul: 1 or 2 -Day Private Guided City Tour

Istanbul: 1 or 2 -Day Private Guided City Tour

S$55
per adult
Istanbul: 1 or 2 -Day Private Guided City Tour
Turkish Coffee on Sand Workshop: Fortune Telling & Gift Set

Istanbul Turkish Coffee Workshop with Fortune Reading

S$31
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Istanbul Turkish Coffee Workshop with Fortune Reading
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Top places to visit

1. Hagia Sophia

Known as “Ayasofa” (Sacred Wisdom) in Turkish, the Hagia Sofia started out as a church, becoming a cathedral under the Byzantine empire. Later it would become a mosque, and most recently a museum and monument that is hugely valued by the people of Turkey.
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A historic mosque with a large central dome and two minarets, surrounded by trees and a reflective pool.

2. Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque is a prominent part of view of the Istanbul skyline. Constructed under Sultan Ahmed I, it was finished in 1616. Its designer's vision was to display the Islamic faith central to the Ottoman Empire in this massive site of worship.
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A large mosque with multiple domes and minarets.

3. Grand Bazaar

Originally opened in the mid-15th century by Sultan Mehmet II as a site for textile trading, the Grand Bazaar continues to offer everything from pottery and tiles to spices and brassware, as well as belly-dancing clothes, pipes, ashtrays, and much more. It used to be that each street had a craft, and while this isn't strictly the case any longer, there are areas of the bazaar where you'll be able to compare your craft of choice side by side with lots of others.
Learn more
A market with colorful hanging lanterns and a Turkish flag.

4. Galata Tower

At just under 67 metres in height, Galata Tower was the tallest building in the city when built in 1348. It was constructed as the heart of the fortifications of the Genovese colony in Constantinople at that time, and was named the 'Tower of Christ'. Later, it became a lookout tower for fires in the 18th century, and was indeed seriously damaged by fire in both the 18th and 19th centuries. The most recent significant refurbishment took place during the 1960s, and the tower has been open to visitors since then.
Learn more
A cityscape with a prominent tower, a river with boats, and a mix of historic and modern buildings.

5. Topkapi Palace

The Topkapi Palace covers over 70 hectares at the place where the city was founded, and is surrounded by more than five kilometres of walls. Despite being a 15th-century building, it is excellently preserved, and was opened to the public in 1924 by Kemal Ataturk, the 'Father of the Turks'.
Learn more
A historic building with a prominent tower and dome, surrounded by trees and other structures.

What to do in Istanbul

Stay near popular Istanbul attractions

A statue of a soldier holding a flag, with a building in the background.

Taksim Square

8.8/10 (27,914 reviews)
Taksim Square pulses as modern Istanbul's vibrant heart, marked by the Republic Monument and gateway to bustling Istiklal Avenue. Savour Turkish cuisine at diverse eateries or explore side streets for hidden cafes.
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Where to stay in Istanbul

Find the best Istanbul areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Istanbul
Learn more about Istanbul
A fountain with water jets in a circular pool, a mosque with multiple minarets, and palm trees in the foreground.

Sultanahmet

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Blue Mosque to Hagia Sophia – discover Sultanahmet, a destination also famous for its shopping.

A coastal cityscape with a prominent bridge, historic buildings, and a harbor filled with boats.

Beyoğlu

Enjoy the popular shops in Beyoğlu. Taksim Square is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Sishane-Zemin Metro Station or Tophane Station to see more of Istanbul.

A historic building with a large reflection in the water, a boat in the foreground, and a partly cloudy sky.

Kadıköy

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Kadıköy. Spend some time visiting top spots like Bosphorus, and catch the metro at Bahariye Station or Acibadem Station to see more of the area.

A cobblestone street lined with cafes and shops, with people walking and tables set outside.

Nişantaşı

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Nişantaşı. Spend some time visiting top spots like Abdi Ipekci Street, and catch the metro at Maçka Cable Car Station or Taşkışla Cable Car Station to see more of the area.

A cityscape with a mix of modern high-rise buildings and traditional architecture, including a prominent church with a red roof.

Şişli

Travellers love Şişli for its popular shops, and you can see more of Istanbul by jumping on the metro at Sisli Station or Osmanbey Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Bomontiada and Istanbul Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Centre.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

A stone bridge with multiple arches over a calm river.

Silivri

A stone bridge with multiple arches over a calm river.

Corlu

A coastal landscape with a lighthouse, rocky cliffs, and a clear blue sky.

Şile

An aerial view of a coastal town with a harbor, boats, and a mountainous backdrop.

Adalar

A lighthouse on a grassy hill with a clear blue sky.

Marmara Ereglisi

A calm river with boats docked along the shore, surrounded by hills and houses.

Riva

A suspension bridge, a body of water, a city skyline, and autumn foliage.

Sariyer

A waterfront with colorful buildings, boats, and a hill with trees in the background.

Beykoz

Frequently asked questions

Is Istanbul worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Istanbul is explore Hagia Sophia. Tick this major attraction off your list, then experience more of this area's culture and history.
How do I spend a day in Istanbul?
Start your adventures with a visit to Hagia Sophia and Galata Tower. Then, check out other parts of Istanbul for a bite to eat and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Istanbul?
The top tourist attraction in Istanbul is Hagia Sophia, so make sure to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Istanbul?
You can easily tick off top attractions like Hagia Sophia, Galata Tower and Topkapi Palace with a three-day trip to Istanbul. On average, most travellers book four days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to Arnavutköy.
Is Istanbul a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and major attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Istanbul is a good destination to visit on foot. Wander between Hagia Sophia and Galata Tower. Then take a stroll around Fatih, located 3 kilometres from the centre, and Old City, which is roughly 0.16 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Istanbul with kids?
Planning what to do in Istanbul with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're holidaying with teenagers or little ones, there are many family-friendly sights to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Istanbul for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or fan of nature, there are lots of things to do in Istanbul for adults including Istiklal Avenue and Sinan Erdem Dome.
Are there free things to do in Istanbul?
One of the simplest ways to learn about free things to do in Istanbul is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without taking your wallet out. Bağdat Avenue is one sight that doesn't charge an admission fee.

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