Things to do in Istanbul

Activities, attractions and tours

Istanbul
Istanbul
Istanbul
Galata Bridge
Istanbul
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Most popular experiences in Istanbul

Tours & day trips

See all 547 activities
Bosphorus Explorer: 3-Hour Cruise with Asian Side Visit

Bosphorus Explorer: 3-Hour Cruise with Asian Side Visit

Activity duration is 4 hours
8.0 out of 10 with 26 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is S$15 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 140 activities
Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour

Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour

Activity duration is 21 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 41 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is S$253 per adult*
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 86 activities
Turkish Food Night and Rooftop Experience Istanbul

Turkish Food Night and Rooftop Experience Istanbul

Activity duration is 3 hours and 15 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 15 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is S$97 per adult
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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 49 activities
2 Days Cappadocia from Istanbul with Cave Hotel+Optional Balloon

2 Days Cappadocia from Istanbul with Cave Hotel+Optional Balloon

Activity duration is 2 days
6.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is S$717 per adult*
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Classes & workshops

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Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Pool in Taksim

Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Pool in Taksim

Activity duration is 50 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is S$67 per adult
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What to do in Istanbul

Popular places to visit

Taksim Square featuring food and markets as well as an individual male

Taksim Square

4/5(599 reviews)

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 which includes heritage elements and a fountain

Hagia Sophia

4.5/5(625 reviews)

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

Hagia Sophia
Grand Bazaar

Grand Bazaar

4.5/5(691 reviews)

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
Galata Tower

Galata Tower

4/5(437 reviews)

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

Galata Tower
Blue Mosque showing a mosque, heritage architecture and religious elements

Blue Mosque

4.5/5(685 reviews)

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

Blue Mosque
Topkapi Palace featuring a sunset and heritage architecture

Topkapi Palace

4.5/5(554 reviews)

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

Topkapi Palace
Bosphorus featuring a monument, a bay or harbor and a bridge

Bosphorus

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

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

Bosphorus Bridge

4.5/5(803 reviews)

Travel from Europe to Asia on the first bridge to connect the two continents, admire the bridge from below during a cruise and visit centuries-old buildings.

Bosphorus Bridge
Scenic fountain at the Sultanahmet Square and the Hagia Sophia

Sultanahmet Square

4.5/5(552 reviews)

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

Sultanahmet Square

Areas of Istanbul

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

Sultanahmet

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

Sultanahmet
Taksim which includes street scenes and a city as well as a couple

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
Haydarpasa station building in Istanbul ; Shutterstock ID 276386249

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
Cumhuriyet Anıtı featuring street scenes, a city and a square or plaza

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 Hagia Sophia and Taksim Square, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.

Istanbul City Center
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
Panorama of Golden Horn Gulf and the Bosphorus in Istanbul

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.

Beyoğlu

 

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.

 

 

This bridge located in Silivri, Istanbul, Turkey was built by Mimar Sinan. It was built for Suleiman the Magnificent. It is 333 meters long.

Silivri

Mustafa Pasha Bridge, located in Corlu, Tekirdag, Turkey, was built in the 17th century.

Corlu

90939736

Şile

A Shot from Turkish poet Sait Faik's home.

Adalar

Located in Marmara Ereglisi, Turkey, the Lighthouse was built in 1861.

Marmara Ereglisi

a stream in Istanbul Riva, Turkey

Riva

Colourful, wonderful and meaningful!😍 I just cant leave this park without taking any shots here! It’s the best. Come early or else your photos might have lots of “photobomb” 😂 #LifeAtExpedia

Sariyer

From Beykoz, a view of the Rumelihisari (Rumelian Fortress, Roumeli Hissar Fortress, Bogazkesen Fortress is a medieval Ottoman fortress located in Istanbul, Turkey, on a series of hills on Europe side

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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