Things to do in Istanbul

Activities, attractions and tours

Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul
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Most popular experiences in Istanbul

Tours & day trips

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Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 121 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is S$49 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 93 activities
Istanbuls best places private tour including pick up -drop off

Istanbuls best places private tour including pick up -drop off

Activity duration is 7 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is S$302 per adult*
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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 45 activities
Daily Trip to Pamukkale National Park, Hierapolis Ancient City Including Lu...

Daily Trip to Pamukkale National Park, Hierapolis Ancient City Including Lu...

Activity duration is 16 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is S$302 per adult*
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 19 activities
Istanbul: Zipline Adventure with Bosphorus View

Istanbul: Zipline Adventure with Bosphorus View

Activity duration is 15 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is S$36 per adult
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Wildlife & nature

See all 12 activities
Full-Day Troy Tour From Istanbul

Full-Day Troy Tour From Istanbul

Activity duration is 15 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is S$225 per adult
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What to do in Istanbul

Popular places to visit

Taksim Square

Taksim Square

You can learn about the local history of Istanbul during your trip to a well-known site such as Taksim Square. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its fascinating museums.

Taksim Square
Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia

A world famous monument to the ever-changing history of Istanbul, and one of the largest churches in the world.

Hagia Sophia
Blue Mosque showing a mosque, heritage architecture and religious elements

Blue Mosque

Named for its dazzling interior covered in blue tiles, this is a hub of Istanbul's religious life.

Blue Mosque
Galata Tower

Galata Tower

Standing for over 650 years, this imposing cylindrical lookout point continues to offer special views over the city of Istanbul.

Galata Tower
Grand Bazaar

Grand Bazaar

Visit one of the biggest and oldest covered markets in the world, a real taste (and smell and sound!) of the diversity that Turkey has to offer.

Grand Bazaar
Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace

Stately home to the Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years with an array of Turkish design and foreign art.

Topkapi Palace
Bosphorus

Bosphorus

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Bosphorus during your travels in Istanbul. Wander the seaside in this relaxing area.

Bosphorus
Sultanahmet Square

Sultanahmet Square

You can find out about the history of Istanbul with a stop at Sultanahmet Square. Add the area's shops or stunning cathedral to your travel plans.

Sultanahmet Square
Istiklal Avenue

Istiklal Avenue

During your visit to Istanbul, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Istiklal Avenue. Discover the area's fascinating museums and notable monuments.

Istiklal Avenue

Areas of Istanbul

Blue Mosque which includes a pond, a fountain and a mosque

Sultanahmet

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

Sultanahmet
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Taksim

4/5(354 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Taksim. Taksim Square is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Taksim Station or Findikli Station to see more of Istanbul.

Taksim
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Kadıköy

4.5/5(67 area reviews)

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

Kadıköy
Bosphorus Bridge featuring a river or creek, a coastal town and a bridge

Beşiktaş

4/5(81 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Zorlu Performing Arts Center while getting to know Beşiktaş, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Nispetiye Station or Etiler Station to see more of the area.

Beşiktaş
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Istanbul City Center

4/5(122 area reviews)

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Istanbul City Center. Check out top attractions like Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.

Istanbul City Center
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Şişli

4/5(81 area reviews)

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 Şişli Mosque and Bomontiada.

Şişli

 

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.

 

 

Silivri

Silivri

Corlu

Corlu

Şile

Şile

Photo by Bugra Emre Besel

Adalar

Beylerbeyi Palace featuring château or palace, general coastal views and a bridge

Sariyer

Photo by Marcelo Lopes

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.