This charming city is a melting pot of cultures, flavors, and history. Walking around you will find vibrant bazaars, majestic mosques and cats in Istanbul! Join me as we uncover the hidden treasures and experiences that make Istanbul a truly unforgettable destination.
Here is my guide of the best things to do in Istanbul!
Best tips and tours for your trip to Istanbul:
1. Istanbul full day private tour (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, and more)
2. Small group tour of Istanbul
3. Enjoy a Turkish Bath experience at a historical 600-year-old Hammam
4. Food tour of both sides of the Bosphorus
5. Istanbul Bosphorus sunset cruise on private yatch
Recommended Hotels in Istanbul
1. Seven Hills Palace & Spa (Luxury)
2. Armada Istanbul Old City Hotel (Mid-Range)
3. Old Town Istanbul Hostel (Budget)
Check WayAway for low-cost flights to Istanbul.
1. Visit the Amazing Hagia Sophia
First thing is to visit the Hagia Sophia, the iconic landmark of Istanbul. It holds architectural as well as historical significance. Firstly, this building from the Byzantine Empire in the16th century was a cathedral. Later, it served as a mosque during the Ottoman Empire.
The Hagia Sophia’s dome, which measures over 100 ft (30.48 m) in diameter and 180 ft (55 m) height. In fact, it was once the largest dome in the world.
In 2020, the Turkish government converted it from a museum to a mosque, sparking ongoing controversy.
Here as in any other Muslim holy site, you will need to remove your shoes and leave them in designated boxes. Additionally, women should also wear a scarf or hood. Besides, it is also important to be respectful and not take photos of people saying their prayers in Hagia Sophia.
I recommend visiting Hagia Sophia on a small group tour which includes also other attractions of the city.
2. Enter the Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque, dating back to the 17th century is one of 8 stunning attractions in Istanbul. It was built by order of Ottoman Sultan Ahmed I in front of Hagia Sophia to face its greatness and to surpass it. The inside of the mosque holds a vast amount of blue and white tiles as decoration. Furthermore exquisite calligraphy and flower adorn the walls. patterns. 250 Venetian stained glass windows inlaid with precious stones add beauty to this attraction.
One of the most notable aspects of the Blue Mosque is its six minarets, which is an uncommon amount for a mosque. The mosque has one primary dome, eight smaller domes, and the central dome stands at 141 ft (43 m) height.
The decision to add six minarets to the Blue Mosque, ordered by Ahmed I, met with strong disapproval among the faithful and religious community. This, since only Mecca, the holiest of mosques, had so many minarets. According to legend, the reason for the sixth minaret’s inclusion is even more interesting. The Sultan reportedly referred to them as “golden minarets”. Due to a slight pronunciation error, the word “golden” sounded like the word “seven.” Therefore, this small nuance in pronunciation ultimately determined the architectural style of one of the most prominent places in Islam.
Same as with Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque is a place of worship so remember to take off your shoes. Besides, women should cover their heads.
This full day private tour will take you to the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar.
3. Capture the Beauty of the Topkapi Palace
The Topkapi Palace from the 15th century, is a huge and complex network of buildings surrounded by a Byzantine wall. For more than 400 years it served as the official residence of the Ottoman sultans. The views over the Bosphorus are fabulous.
Overall, it is so vast that you may need from three to four hours to go through it in its entirety. You will visit the harem, the courtyard of the eunuchs, the courtyard of the concubines, the imperial hall, the bedrooms of the sultan and the queen mother, the baths and beautiful gardens.
Topkapi is refined and elegant, with stunning tilework. An emerald-incrusted dagger and the large diamond from the spoon maker are worth viewing.
The palace kitchen boasts a collection of nearly 12,000 pieces of porcelain. This includes a tile bowl from China that apparently would change color if the food inside was poisoned.
4. Explore the Grand Bazaar
Among the best things to do in Istanbul, a visit to the Grand Bazaar is truly an unforgettable experience. As a matter of fact, from the moment you step into the bustling market, the sights, sounds and smells will struck you.
It is one of the oldest markets in the world. There are more than 4000 shops spread across numerous narrow alleys so be sure to remember your exit number. Otherwise, by the end of your visit you may find yourself in a different part of the city.
The bazaar dates back to the 15th century so it has a deep connection with the history of Istanbul. During Ottoman rule, the market was a go-to destination for purchasing the best goods for the sultan and his family. At the same time, it was where the most beautiful girls were selected for the sultan’s harem.
The variety of products for sale seems endless. Consequently, you will find anything you can imagine from cloth, handbags, jewelry, leatherwork, spices, rugs, lamps and more. Shopping at Grand Bazaar is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Istanbul.
Most of the shops are under cover and they are always crowded. Locals are heavy smokers, therefore, the atmosphere can sometimes be a little dense.
Numerous eateries can also be found within the bustling Grand Bazaar, where you can discover some of the best Turkish street food dishes.
5. Enjoy the view from the Galata Tower
The Galata Tower dominates the Istanbul skyline and offers breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings. Built in 1348, at 219.5 ft (66.9 m) was the tallest building in Istanbul at the time and still stands tall today. The tower underwent modifications throughout the centuries It not only functioned as lighthouse but also as an observation tower to detect fires.
In the 17th century, a young scientist named Hezârfen Ahmed Çelebi, after studying Leonardo da Vinci’s sketches on flight, carried out flight experiments. In 1638, he decided to attach eagle wings to his back. Then he climbed to the top of the Galata Tower, and flew across the Istanbul Strait. Using the wind to his advantage, he managed to land on the other side. It sounds like fantasy, but it is a historical fact. Unfortunately, he was accused of heresy, and the sultan exiled him to Algeria.
Today it is a nine-story building with an elevator which will take you to the observation deck on the 7th floor. One of the best things to do in Istanbul is to walk around the tower on the deck and get a stunning 360-degree view of the city. The last two floors, you go up by stairs. You will find a restaurant on on the ninth floor and a coffee shop on the 10th.
Open hours: From 08:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Entrance fee: 100 Turkish Lira (about 6 U$)
6. Visit the romantic Maiden’s Tower
This tower is located on an islet in the Bosphorus Strait, very close to the shore. The setting provides and opportunity for stunning photos and a peaceful ambiance away from the bustling city.
For almost 2,400 years it has served as a defense tower and a lighthouse. It has also been the subject of many legends in the Turkish folklore. The most famous one tells the story of a sultan’s daughter who was prophesied to die from a snake bite on her 18th birthday. To protect her, the sultan built the tower, but the prophecy still came true when a snake hidden in a basket of fruit brought to her on her birthday bit her.
Visitors can access the Maiden Tower by boat from the shores of Uskudar, adding an element of adventure to the visit. The short boat ride across the Bosphorus to reach the tower provides a different perspective of Istanbul’s skyline and waterways.
Open hours: From 9:00 am to 08.00 pm
Entrance fee: For visitors who do not possess a Museum Pass Türkiye or İstanbul is 550 Turkish Lira for ticket and 50 Turkish Lira for boat transportation which makes a total cost 0f 600 Turkish Lira (about U$ 21)
7. Visit the Suleymaniye Mosque
The Süleymaniye Mosque is a must-see attraction conveniently located within walking distance from the Grand Bazaar. Therefore, it is free from the crowds of tourists often found in Sultanahmet. It stands on the Third Hill of Istanbul from where it offers a breathtaking view of the Bosphorus.
The mosque is a magnificent blend of Islamic and Byzantine architecture. It was a great creation of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent in the 16th century.
The complex includes not only the mosque itself, but also the mausoleum of the Sultan and his wife, four Koranic schools, a medical college, and a public kitchen. The courtyards and interiors are stunning.
The architect of the mosque, the legendary Mimar Sinan, hung ostrich eggs in chandeliers from the dome to deter insects. This helped to keep the 26 m (85 ft) wide dome clean. Over the course of four centuries, many of these eggs broke down. However, 30 of them still remain today. Ostrich eggs emit a scent that is unbearable to insects such as spiders, although the odor is imperceptible to the human nose.
Do not forget that the mosque is an active place of worship. Women should cover their heads and have a separate entrance.
Open hours: From Monday to Sunday 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Many architecture enthusiasts travel from Istanbul to Edirne, a city close to the capital to visit the Selimiye Mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. If you have the time i strongly recommend you to do so.
8. Experience an Istanbul Hammam
You cannot visit Istanbul and not go to be pampered in a Turkish bath! The history of hammams, popularly known as Turkish baths, dates back to the 15th century during the Ottoman Empire, from where they spread as far as the Middle East.
Enjoy a Private Turkish Bath at a 600-year-old hammam designed by Mimar Sinan, the architect who built the Topkapi Palace. Your private room is just for your group and is disinfected before each appointment. Round trip transport to your hotel is included. This is one of the best things to do in Istanbul.
9. Enjoy an Istanbul Food Tour
Discover Istanbul’s cuisine on an Istanbul Food Tour of both sides of the Bosphorus. Use the included ferry to cross the Bosphorus and take in the city. Visit nine locations and try four drinks, including an entrée, main course, and dessert.
Start at Karakoy Pier and ride a ferry to Kadikoy Port, seeing two continents. Explore Kadikoy’s markets and streets with local shops. Stop at a fish market for stuffed mussels. Visit a restaurant serving home-cooked Kurdish food with vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Return to the European side on the ferry at night. Visit a local eatery and try Turkish desserts. Relax with a drink and try a Nargile water pipe, as well as Turkish beverages like chay and sahlep. Be sure this tour is one of the best things to do in Istanbul!
10. Cruise the Bosphorus Strait
A cruise on the Bosphorus is for sure one of the best things to do in Istanbul. Visitors can see the historic landmarks and beautiful architecture that line the shores, including the Ottoman palaces such as the Dolmabachce, which facade is more than 500 meters long. Other magnificent attractions include the Ciragan Palace, the Ortakoy Mosque, and the old summer residences of the Ottoman nobility.
If you intend to do it on your own, you can take the public ferry for which you will need a full day.
The ferry leaves every day at 10:25 am from Eminönü and arrives at Anadolu Kagavi on the Asian side at 12:25 pm. Passengers disembark there and have enough time to visit and have lunch in a typical restaurant. The return service is at 3 pm, arriving in Istanbul at 6:40 pm. On weekends, the ferry will be full of people, including sellers offering various trinkets.
However, if you don’t have much time, I strongly recommend taking a Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht.
Where to stay in Istanbul
The best area to stay is Sultanahmet, also known as the Old City. It’s the heart of Istanbul and close to historical landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar and some of the best Hammam.
Recommended hotels:
BUDGET HOTEL:
Old Town Istanbul Hostel is located in the heart of Istanbul, a 5-minute walk from Hagia Sophia. The hostel features a shared kitchen and free WiFi.
Book a stay at the Old Town Istanbul Hostel here.
MID-RANGE HOTEL:
Armada Istanbul Old City Hotel is located a 10-minute walk from Topkapi Palace. It features a top terrace restaurant with great views of the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Sea of Marmara. A breakfast buffet is included.
Book a stay at the Armada Istanbul Old City Hotel here.
LUXURY HOTEL:
Seven Hills Palace & Spa boasts beautiful design, great views, and an excellent location. It is within walking distance of the most important sites to visit in Istanbul. It features a Turkish Bath, a seasonal outdoor pool, and a terrace and restaurant.
Book a stay at the Seven Hills Palace & Spa here.
When is the best time to visit Istanbul
April to May, during the spring, and September to November, during the fall, offer a pleasant climate with fewer tourists. The temperature ranges from 68°F (20°C) to 86°F (30°C). However, if your plans include beach and outdoor activities, the summer months of June to August are considered ideal.
Only 1 day in Istanbul? Check out the best guide for Things to Do in Istanbul in 24 Hours and make the most of your visit to this magical city.
