17 top things to do in Istanbul: a beginner’s guide

Big, bold and buzzing with activity, Turkey‘s capital Istanbul is an onslaught to the senses, in the best possible way. With one foot in Europe and the other in Asia, the sights, sounds and smells of this unique metropolis are diverse, intoxicating, and endlessly engaging. But in its tumble of neighborhoods, grand mosques, tiny alleyways and bright lights, it can be hard to know where to begin. To get you started, here’s our pick of the best places to visit and things to do in Istanbul, a true city of dreams.

17 of the best things to do in Istanbul

1. Step inside Hagia Sophia

Built in 532 AD, the monumental Hagia Sophia is a dazzling creation that sets the tone well for the many awe-inducing sights of Istanbul. One of the foremost Istanbul places of interest, the Hagia Sophia was originally a church, then a mosque, then a museum, and has stood strong through the twists and turns of history. Her walls have seen empires rise and fall, and generations of families (of different faiths) come to worship.

Today, the Hagia Sophia is a grand mosque again, but non-Muslim visitors can enter the second-floor museum and gaze down into the cavernous prayer hall. Christian frescoes adorn the walls, while outside, Islamic minarets reach skyward.

2. Climb Galata Tower for panoramic views

Originally a medieval tower in the Beyoğlu district, Galata Tower is now a museum and the best lookout point you’ll likely find on your trip to Turkey. Climb to the top to spot dozens of Istanbul points of interest from on high.

3. Descend into the Basilica Cistern

Built in 552 AD, the Basilica Cistern is a vast subterranean complex originally used by the Byzantines for water storage. Hundreds of columns were employed in its construction, many repurposed from ruined temples. The cistern fell into disuse over the centuries and was sometimes used as a dump. Eventually, in the 1980s, it was cleaned up, opened to the public, and is now a major Istanbul tourist destination.

4. Visit the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)

The monumental Blue Mosque is at its most evocative at dusk, when its layers of domes and six minarets are illuminated against the deep indigo of the Istanbul sky. Built in the 1600s, and costing an inordinate amount of wealth, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque is one of the top places to visit in Istanbul. Inside, the vaulted prayer hall is bedecked in tiles, paintwork, and stained glass, all in the deepest shades of calming blue.

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5. Cruise the Bosphorus

One of the best things to do in Istanbul to get a sense of the city is to take a cruise along the Bosphorus River. Floating between East and West, Europe and Asia, you’ll see the Istanbul skyline unfold on either side, filled with bristling minarets, curved domes, medieval ramparts and towers.

6. Explore Ortaköy and its waterfront mosque

This historic district hugs the Bosphorus where a mosque of the same name perches right on the water’s edge. It’s wonderful for an atmospheric wander, especially in the evening when the mosque is illuminated, along with the Bosphorus Bridge arcing across the dark waters beyond. Ortaköy is also known for its bars, cafes and nightclubs, and is lively at all times of day.

7. Wander bustling bazaars, from the Grand Bazaar to the Spice Bazaar

One of the largest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar is a labyrinth of arched avenues and alleys. It is full to bursting with paraphernalia and very easy to get lost in. Visit early to avoid the afternoon rush and get your haggling head on. It’s common practice to engage in the dance of bartering, so enjoy the process and, perhaps, invest in a new case to carry home your haul. Around a 10-minute walk away, the Spice Bazaar is fragrant with mounds of bright spices, along with fruit, nuts, dried teas, and towers of Turkish delight.

8. Explore Topkapi Palace and its treasuries

This opulent palace complex is formed of a network of interconnecting courtyards, gardens, and pavilions. Now a museum, this was once the realm of the Ottoman Empire elite, and the lavish interiors, artefacts and jewels give a fascinating glimpse into their world. Featuring a cast of sultans, harems, courtiers and eunuchs, there are many colorful stories to discover about life in the palace.

9. Stroll Istiklal Avenue and Karaköy

Pedestrianized Istiklal Avenue is a busy Istanbul tourist destination where visitors and locals come to stroll, socialize, shop and browse. Lined with elegant Art Nouveau architecture housing boutiques, patisseries and cafes, it has a European flavor with a distinctly Turkish twist. While you’re on the move, continue to nearby Karaköy, an historic district populated with art galleries, pop-up boutiques, contemporary cafes, and hip cocktail bars.

10. Tour Dolmabahçe Palace

Another day, another palace… The Dolmabahçe was built in the 1800s on the European shore of the Bosphorus. Neoclassical in style with manicured gardens and lavish interiors, its hundreds of rooms, hammams and halls showcase the sheer opulence of the Ottoman Empire in its last few centuries of rule.

Read more: Your Turkey travel itinerary: top trip ideas and practical advice

11. Explore the Süleymaniye Mosque and surroundings

Commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent, his namesake mosque is one of the greats. Built in the 1500s high on one of Istanbul’s seven hills, it is visible from much of the city below. Beautiful in its simplicity, the interiors are pleasingly balanced, and the views out across the city are equally transportive.

12. Experience a traditional Turkish hammam

After all that exploring, take the opportunity to scrub away the city grime in a traditional Turkish hammam. The ritual of relaxing in a steam room, followed by exfoliation scrub, foam massage and cold plunge, has been perfected over hundreds of years.

13. Eat your way through a food tour

If you’re wondering what to do in Istanbul to really get under the skin of the culture, you can’t go wrong with a food tour. Dig into succulent seafood, tender spiced lamb kebabs, the fresh flavors of strained yoghurt and herbs, salty olives, local cheeses, sweet honey baclava, and the freshest sun-ripened local produce. The food culture of Istanbul is as vibrant and varied as the city itself.

14. Discover the Istanbul Archaeology Museums

There’s history at every turn in Istanbul, but for a deep dive into the many-layered story of the region, head to the complex of three archaeological museums close to Topkapi Palace. Here you’ll find a treasure trove of artefacts, from Anatolian ceramics to Lebanese sarcophagi.

15. Spend a morning in Kadıköy (Asian Side)

For a change of pace from the busier European side of Istanbul, hop on a ferry across the Bosphorus to the residential neighborhood of Kadıköy. You’ll find it full of locals with many characterful streets to meander through. Stop to browse bric-a-brac and book stores, and join the locals for coffee in the many sociable cafes.

16. Catch a whirling dervish ceremony

The mesmerizing whirling dances of the Sufi tradition are a joy to witness and a deeply spiritual experience for some. Mysterious, hypnotic, and almost otherworldly, the whirling dervish dance is UNESCO-recognized as part of intangible cultural heritage.

Read more: A cultural guide to Turkey

17. Take a day trip to the Princes’ Islands

An archipelago of nine islands on the Sea of Marmara, the Princes’ Islands make a lovely day trip from Istanbul. Mostly car-free, these wooded isles do get busy with Istanbul residents escaping the city heat on summer weekends. If you can, visit mid-week for more space to breathe.

Make it happen

For more great things to do in Istanbul, browse our Turkey trip ideas and reach out to our local experts today: based in the destination and ready to help, they have all the insider knowledge needed to make your trip unforgettable.