Istanbul seamlessly blends history and modernity. This list highlights 30 must-do activities, complete with tips and reasons to include them in your trip.
Use this guide to experience the vibrant colors, sights, and flavors of this unique city where Europe meets Asia.
What are you waiting for? Come and set off with me!
Things to Do in Istanbul
Take a Bosphorus Cruise
Taking a Bosphorus cruiseis a great way to get a sense of Istanbul’s size. You can do everything from a short ferry ride to a whole-day cruise with dinner and dancing.
The most popular Bosphorus cruise is the two-hour tourist cruise. I recommend trying time a sunset on the terrace overlooking the Bosphorus.
Explore Hagia Sophia
A visit to the Hagia Sophia feels like a journey through history. This incredible piece of architecture houses some stunning mosaics and has an amazing backstory. It’s been both a church and a mosque, and now it’s a museum. As you explore the massive space, you get a sense of the centuries that have unfolded within its walls.
Stroll Through the Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is something you have to see. It is one of the biggest and oldest markets you’ll ever visit. For better or worse, you can buy anything here, from jewelry to spices. Haggling is a must, the place is super lively, and you’ll be entertained all day.
Visit the Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque gets its name from the thousands of blue tiles adorning its interior. This architectural gem is an elegant neighbor to Hagia Sophia and looks especially beautiful when the sun begins to set. Non-Muslims may enter except during prayer times. Its tranquil interior provides a wonderful escape from the frenetic city.
Wander in Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace – A visit here gives a wonderful impression what the sultan life was like. Admired the ornate rooms and lovely courtyards. The harem is especially interesting and it’s an incredible to think of all the people that lived out of sight like that. A mix of history, art, and mystery.
Walk Along Istiklal Avenue
One of Istanbul’s most popular streets is Istiklal Avenue. It’s a busy street filled with shops, cafes, and buskers. Things change with every block, as the modern shops and cafes blend with the historic buildings. A historic tram also operates down the center of the street.
Discover the Basilica Cistern
You’ll never experience anything quite like the Basilica Cistern. This subterranean water tank feels otherworldly and somewhat eerie. With dense lighting and oversized columns, it’s most atmospheric. It’s a great way to beat the heat and discover a bit of Istanbul’s past.
Eat Turkish Delight
You can’t visit Istanbul without sampling Turkish Delight. The candy is available in various flavors and is a real treat. I found it in almost every store in the city. It’s the ideal item to take home for a gift too.
Visit the Spice Bazaar
The Spice Bazaar assaults your senses. The colorful and aromatic spices provide quite the spectacle. You can purchase all varieties of spices, teas, and snacks. It’s a great place for shopping and to get a taste of the destination.
Relax in a Turkish Bath
Get a Turkish bath. It’s both relaxing and cultural. Get steamed and then literally rubbed down by a professional. In a place where everyone else in the world outside of Turkey takes showers, it feels amazing.
Step into Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace, where Atatürk lived, is a glittering testament to Turkey’s modern history and a grand place to tour. It sits right on the Bosphorus, so the views are impressive. Its opulence is a far cry from the more modest Topkapı Palace.
Marvel at the Suleymaniye Mosque
One of Istanbul’s beautiful mosques and rather special for me, because it was the first mosque I ever visited, it is stunning and definitely off the beaten track. You’ll find it pretty close to the Grand Bazaar but it receives far fewer visitors. Be sure to explore the less visited parts (eg, not by the super touristy courtyard) and reach to the top for stunning views of the city.
Visit Galata Tower
Up inside the Galata Tower, you get a 360-degree view of Istanbul. It’s a must-visit iconic historic tower. It looks great when lit up at night, too. Take pictures, enjoy the views.
Discover the Istanbul Archaeology Museums
These museums are filled with historical artifacts. Here you can see relics from the various past civilizations that existed in the area. The detail is incredible and the stories are interesting. It’s a great way to learn about the different layers of Istanbul.
Enjoy a Turkish Coffee
Drinking Turkish coffeeis a cultural experience. Strong and bold, it’s common to be served with something sweet. Don’t rushthis drink. Find a authentic coffee house to enjoy it. It’s more than a drink; it’s an event.
Hop on a Ferry to the Princes’ Islands
The Princes’ Islands make a great get-away from the city. Even just a day trip to these islands is relaxing. The bike or walk (cars aren’t permitted on the islands). Great for a relaxing escape!
Visit Chora Church (Kariye Museum)
The Chora Church, designed as it is now a museum, contains some incredible frescoes and mosaics. It’s a great place to see early Byzantine art on display, and the artwork is spectacular in the amount of details that it has. It’s a quiet space that’s worth a visit if you’re into either history or art.
Stroll Through Emirgan Park
Emirgan Park is a a green retreat in the city. It’s impressive during tulip season and just as nice anytime. Wander some of the paths or just sit by the fountains. Ideal place to spend a slow afternoon.
Visit the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
This museum is home to an extensive selection of Turkish and Islamic art, housed in a historic palace known for its ornate architecture. Learn about Islamic art and culture on a deeper level. It’s a must-visit when exploring Istanbul.
Discover the Istanbul Modern
For fellow contemporary art fans, Istanbul Modernis a delight. It presents Turkish pieces as well as ones from around the world. Located close to the Bosphorus, it has some cool views, and it’s a good escape if you want to explore something modern instead of historical.
Walk Across the Galata Bridge
Walking across the Galata Bridgeis one of the top things to do in Istanbul. Connecting the historic and modern sections of the city, it provides a view and is the place to be with locals. There are vendors and old men fishing. It’s a bit of a stroll, but you’ll enjoy the mix of scenery and culture.
Discover Çamlıca Hill
For the ultimate Istanbul view, make your way to Çamlıca Hill. It’s the tallest spot in the city and the vistas are amazing. You can pack a picnic or get a bite at one of the cafés. I loved just coming here to relax and enjoy the view.
Visit the Rahmi M. Koç Museum
Great for those interested in industry and transportation, with a lot of exhibits. You can expect anything from old cars to planes. Interactive sections so all ages will enjoy. It’s a good education and day for the family.
Explore the Railway Museum at Sirkeci Station
This tiny museum is located on the premises of the well-known Sirkeci Station. It’s a museum about trains in Turkey and you’ll get to see all sorts of old train stuff as well as learn about the Orient Express. If you like trains, you can’t miss it
Experience a Whirling Dervish Ceremony
Experiencing a whirling dervish ceremony is a moving experience, and the practice is mainly performed within certain arenas where Sufi practices are upheld. The music, the singing — it’s all mesmerizing. It’s a wonderful part ofTurkey’s culture.
Conclusion
Traveling to Istanbul is like diving into a storybook, with each page revealing a new chapter. This guide covers 25 activities that showcase the city's rich history and culture, beyond the iconic Hagia Sophia.
From the fragrant Spice Bazaar to its stunning mosques, Istanbul offers endless sights and experiences. Marvel at this city that bridges two continents, where East meets West.