Istanbul
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Welcome to Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey! This iconic city, formerly named Constantinople and Byzantium, lies on the Bosphorus, the strait that marks the border of Europe and Asia. Formerly the capital of the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul is home to several elaborate palaces and mosques which are sure to delight visitors. We’ve created this travel guide to help you discover the best things to do on your trip to Istanbul.
By Anneliese O'Malley
By Anneliese O'MalleyThe 10 Best Things to Do in Istanbul
There’s a huge number of things to do in Istanbul, so you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed at the idea of planning your days. We’ve collected the top 10 things to do in Istanbul, and a combination of any of these activities and attractions are sure to result in a fun and varied itinerary.Hagia Sophia
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Admire the Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya) has been the main cathedral of the Greek Orthodox Church, an Ottoman mosque, and today it’s a secular museum. It’s also one of Istanbul’s most popular sites, so plan your visit carefully and consider booking tickets or a tour in advance for a smooth experience.Get on a boat
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Take a Cruise on the Bosphorus
Istanbul lies on the Sea of Marmara, with the Bosphorus Strait connecting the smaller body of water with the Black Sea. That makes it the ideal city to see from the water, with several providers offering cruises that will give you a fresh perspective. Look out for special tours at sunset or that include a traditional dinner.Cruises & Water Tours
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Lanterns at a Bazaar
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Haggle in the Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest covered markets in the world, making it the perfect place to pick up unique souvenirs. It’s famous for market vendors who haggle, so practice before visiting or go with a guide who can help you get a bargain.Grand Bazaar
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Shopping
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Dolmabahçe Palace
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Visit a Royal Palace
Istanbul was the capital city of the Ottomans and their palaces can still be found around the city. One of the most popular is Topkapı Palace, which once housed the royal family and today displays a large collection of clothes, manuscripts, and art from the Ottoman Empire. The family later moved to Dolmabahçe Palace, which was also used by Ataturk until his death in 1938. Beylerbeyi Palace, the summer palace of the Ottomans, is also well worth a visit.Beylerbeyi Palace
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Istanbul Hop-On Hop-Off | Wiki: haitham alfalah CC BY 3.0
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Use a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus to See the Sights
Hop-on hop-off buses are a great option for visitors who aren’t looking forward to figuring out Istanbul’s public transport system. With a couple of routes on offer, you can sail through the traffic in comfort with audio commentary in the language of your choice providing information about the attractions you pass.Hop-On Hop-Off
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Blue Mosque
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Take a Tour of a Major Mosque
Istanbul is home to nearly 3,000 active mosques, including several beautiful examples of Ottoman and Byzantine architecture which are open to visitors. One favorite with tourists is the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, better known as the Blue Mosque, while the Fatih and Eyüp Sultan mosques are also worth a visit for aficionados of Ottoman architecture. Remember that these are places of worship that might close for prayers at certain times throughout the day, and consider the dress codes when planning your trip.Eyüp Sultan Mosque
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Hot Air Balloon over Cappadocia
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Explore Turkey on a Day Trip
There’s far more to Turkey than just Istanbul and you can experience it on a day trip with an experienced tour provider. Some of the day trips even involve flying across the country to see iconic sites such as Gallipoli, the ancient city of Troy, or the impressive landscapes of Cappadocia.Day Trips
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Cook like a local
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Discover Turkish Food
Turkish cooking combines Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and Eastern European flavors and influences. Turkish breakfast is often a grand affair, with a range of cheeses and mezes served alongside simit bread and vegetables. Black tea is extremely popular, as is strong turkish coffee which is usually served alongside dessert or sweets such as lokum, known internationally as Turkish delight. Take a food tour or a cooking class to get an insight into this unique cuisine!Food Experiences
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Climb the Galata Tower
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Climb the Galata Tower
This medieval tower is 219 feet (66.9 m) tall and visitors can climb to the top for an excellent view of Istanbul and the Bosphorus Strait. There’s an elevator, so you don’t need to worry about climbing hundreds of stairs, and the upper floors also contain a restaurant and café where you can stop for refreshments.Spa Water
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Relax in a Turkish Bath
Turkish baths, also known as hammams, were extremely popular with the Ottomans and are still an incredible way to relax after a heavy day of sightseeing. These beautiful buildings offer you a range of hot and cold pools, saunas or steam rooms, and the chance to get a massage. You’ll leave feeling completely refreshed and ready for the next busy day.Wellness
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Attractions in Istanbul
Istanbul
See More Of Istanbul with a City Pass
If you already have a long list of attractions that you want to see on your trip to Istanbul, then you might be able to save money by buying a city pass.There are a few different options available from a range of providers. The Istanbul Welcome Card offers you a handful of rides on the public transport system and a cruise, plus entry to the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace if you upgrade to the Premium card. The Istanbul Tourist Pass is slightly more expensive but includes access to over 35 attractions and tourist services, while the Istanbul Museum Pass gives you 5 days to access 10 different museums. Whatever your plans are, you’re sure to find an option that works for you.Find offers for:
City Passes
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The 10 Best Things to See in Istanbul
We’ve collected a list of the most popular attractions and sites with tourists. A visit to one or two of these fascinating locations will add a dose of history and culture to any itinerary, no matter how long or short your trip.Hagia Sophia
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Hagia Sophia
This icon of Istanbul has been an Orthodox cathedral, an Ottoman mosque, and, finally, a secular museum of history, art, and architecture. One of the city’s most popular sights, you should definitely book your ticket or tour before you visit.Details of the Topkapi Palace
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Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace was the principal residence of the Ottoman sultans and their families until 1853. You should visit to see the unique architecture and elaborate decoration, especially of the royal harem.Blue Mosque
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Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque is also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque and sits next to the Hagia Sophia, another of Istanbul’s most popular sights. It’s an active mosque, but visitors can explore inside and outside the fantastic building, admiring the blue tile decorations, five domes, and six minarets.Dolmabahçe Palace
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Dolmabahçe Palace
This grand palace is the largest of its kind in Turkey, and was built in the 19th century to replace the Topkapi Palace as a home for the Ottoman royal family. After the empire’s fall, it was used by Ataturk until his death there in 1938. Today it’s a museum of Turkish history, and some rooms have had their interiors recreated so that you can imagine what it would have been like to live there.Grand Bazaar
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Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is huge, with over 61 covered streets and more than 4,000 shops and stalls. It’s the ideal place to pick up a souvenir or two and to practice your haggling skills with the vendors. If you don’t know where to start, consider taking a guided tour with an expert who can show you the ropes.More Information & tickets
The Garden at Beylerbeyi Palace
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Beylerbeyi Palace
The Beylerbeyi Palace is on the Asian bank of the Bosphorus and was built to serve as a summer palace for the Ottoman royal family. It was also designed to impress visiting heads of state. It was also where the last Ottoman emperor was held captive until his death. The rooms of the palace have been retained in the state they were in during the final years of the Ottomans, letting visitors explore a royal palace.More Information & tickets
Climb the Galata Tower
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Galata Tower
This tower is one of the best places to get a good view of Istanbul and the Bosphorus. It was built in 1348 in order to spot fires in the city and has nearly been destroyed half a dozen times. In addition to the viewing platform, visitors can take advantage of a café and restaurant on the top floors.Süleymaniye Mosque
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Süleymaniye Mosque
This mosque was designed by the famous Ottoman architect known as Sinan and was built for Süleyman the Magnificent. As a result, it’s a seriously impressive building, inside and out. Visit with a tour guide in order to learn more about its history and cultural importance.King Kong | Flickr: D@LY3D CC BY 2.0
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Isfanbul (Vialand)
A change of pace from the palaces and mosques, Isfanbul (formerly known as Vialand) is a great place to blow off some steam. Whether you want to enjoy the huge shopping mall or visit the amusement park with a range of rides for all ages, there’s something for every member of the family at Isfanbul.Istanbul Archaeology Museums | Flickr: David Stanley CC BY 2.0
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Istanbul Archaeology Museums
The Istanbul Archaeology Museums are comprised of three museums: the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Orient, and the Museum of Islamic Art. Between them, they house over one million artifacts covering millennia of human history making them a must-see for any fans of history and archaeology.More places to see in Istanbul
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Model of Cappadocia with Hot Air Balloons | Flickr: Boris Dzhingarov CC BY 2.0
Family-Friendly Attractions in Istanbul
City breaks can be a bit overwhelming for younger family members, so we’ve gathered a handful of attractions that are child-friendly and might provide a much-needed break from sightseeing.Istanbul Aquarium houses about 1,500 species of marine animals, with tanks organized according to the different regions and habitats of the world. Miniatürk is a park displaying models of buildings from Turkey, including ancient monuments that have been destroyed. Kids will love feeling like giants and being able to spot all of the small details. LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is a similar attraction, except that the models are made out of Lego! You’ll also find lots of opportunities for kids to build their own Lego creations, two rides, and a 4D cinema. Finally, the TurkuaZoo aquarium, also known as SEALIFE Istanbul, claims to be the world’s 5th-largest aquarium with talks, feedings, and an interactive rockpool to explore.6 Mosques & Churches that aren’t Hagia Sophia
Most visitors to Istanbul will stop off at the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, but there are plenty of other religious buildings that are sure to impress lovers of architecture. Here are six of the best.Little Hagia Sophia | Flickr: Sammy Six CC BY 2.0
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Little Hagia Sophia
This ex-church and ex-mosque is considered to have been a model for the Hagia Sophia in miniature. In its day, it was considered one of the most beautiful buildings in Istanbul and, as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s well worth a visit.Fatih Mosque | Flickr: Francisco Anzola CC BY 2.0
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Fatih Mosque
The Fatih Mosque was originally built in the Ottoman style and, after sustaining damage during an earthquake in 1766, it was rebuilt to a different design, making it one of the largest and finest examples of a Turkish-Islamic building in Istanbul.Eyüp Sultan Mosque | Flickr: Francisco Anzola CC BY 2.0
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Eyüp Sultan Mosque
This mosque built by the famous architect called Sinan can be found near the Golden Horn and was the traditional site of coronations for Ottoman sultans. The grounds also contain the mausoleum of Eyüp Sultan, from whom it takes its name.More Information & tickets
Chora Church
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Chora Church
The full name of this Byzantine Greek Orthodox church is the Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora. Like many Orthodox churches in Istanbul, it was converted into a mosque under the Ottomans and then into a museum under the secular regimes of the 20th century. The building contains some of the most beautiful and oldest surviving Byzantine frescoes and mosaics.More Information & tickets
Hagia Irene | Flickr: Carole Raddato CC BY-SA 2.0
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Hagia Irene
This Eastern Orthodox church can be found in the grounds of Topkapi Palace and is one of the few churches that was never converted to a mosque. However, it was used as an arsenal and armory under the Ottomans, and today it contains a museum and hosts concerts. Tickets to Hagia Irene are sold separately to the rest of the Topkapi Palace.More Information & tickets
Church of St. George | Wiki: Dosseman CC BY-SA 4.0
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Church of St. George
This church is the main Eastern Orthodox church still in active use in Istanbul and is the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople - the title given to the leader of the Eastern Orthodox church. Visitors are welcome but should note that opening hours are relatively short and security measures are strictly enforced.More Information & tickets
Pera Museum | Flickr: Turkey Vision CC BY 2.0
Museums & Art Galleries
Istanbul is home to several fascinating museums and art galleries that display ancient and contemporary Turkish and international artworks.The Pera Museum was renovated in 2005 and focuses on Orientalist paintings by European and Ottoman artists, mostly from the 19th century, including works by the famous Turkish artist Osman Hamdi Bey. İstanbul Modern, as the name suggests, is the city’s modern and contemporary art museum, and is a great place to visit to learn more about Turkish artists working today. The Museum of Innocence is a unique concept, created by the novelist Orhan Pamuk as a counterpart to his book of the same name. His collection features artifacts that were used by the fictional characters in his book. The Jewish Museum of Turkey was opened in 2001 and is housed in a former synagogue. It features exhibitions on the Jewish community in Turkey and the interchange of culture between Jewish and Muslim Turks. Finally, the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum features examples of calligraphy, tiles, rugs, and other artifacts from the different cultures that live in Turkey.Find offers for:
İstanbul Modern
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The Jewish Museum of Turkey
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Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum
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SALT Galata1 tickets & guided tours
Rumeli Fortress8 tickets & guided tours
Written byAnneliese O'MalleyAnneliese is a former Londoner, keen traveler, and total word nerd. As a Content Management Specialist she knows the TicketLens inventory inside out and curates, matches, and writes about the most interesting attractions worldwide.
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