Things to do in Istanbul
Activities, attractions and tours
Visit Istanbul
Things to do
Istanbul:Princess Island(Büyükada)& Island Electric Car Trip
S$10
per adult
Luxury Yacht Bosphorus Cruise with Live Guide & Asian Side Stop
S$52
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Princess Island (Büyükada)Tour with Lunch and Island Shuttle Trip
S$28
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Istanbul Highlights! Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı and More
S$226
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Night Show
S$37
per adult
74% of travellers recommend
Exclusive Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Sauna, Massage & Pool
S$67
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Istanbul Hodjapasha Whirling Dervishes Show & Exhibition
S$41
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Cruise with Snacks and Live Guide
S$59
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket and Audio Guide
S$59
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
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Top places to visit
1. 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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2. 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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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.
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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.
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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'.
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What to do in Istanbul
Stay near popular Istanbul attractions
Where to stay in Istanbul
Find the best Istanbul areas for the activities you enjoy most.
Sultanahmet
Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Blue Mosque to Hagia Sophia – discover Sultanahmet, a destination also famous for its shopping.
Photo by Sergio Camalich
Open Photo by Sergio Camalich
Büyükada
Taksim
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.
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.
Istanbul City Center
Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Istanbul City Center. Check out top attractions like Grand Bazaar and Blue Mosque, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.
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