Things to do in Istanbul

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Istanbul
Istanbul
Galata Bridge
Istanbul
Dolmabahçe Mosque
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Istanbul must see attractions

1. Blue Mosque

As one of the most striking features of the Istanbul skyline, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque is awe-inspiring in size and scope. More often called the Blue Mosque, it was built under the rule of Sultan Ahmed I of the Ottoman Empire and completed in 1616. The original architect’s vision was to build a great religious site with prominent Islamic features.
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Blue Mosque featuring heritage architecture, a mosque and religious elements

2. Hagia Sophia

As one of the finest architectural marvels, as well as one of the largest churches, in the world, Hagia Sophia is Istanbul’s most famous landmark. The building you see today represents many cultures.

Known in Turkish as “Ayasofya” (Sacred Wisdom), Hagia Sophia has been of major religious importance to the region, and for various faiths. The church was first commissioned by the Romans and was opened in A.D. 360 before becoming Constantinople’s main Christian place of worship. After riots destroyed the building not once but twice, a new basilica was eventually built in the sixth century, and the Hagia Sophia became the center of Eastern Orthodox Christianity.
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Hagia Sophia

3. Galata Tower

When it was built, the stone Galata Tower was the tallest structure in Istanbul, its nine stories rising high to nearly 220 feet (67 meters).
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Galata Tower

4. Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı) lies between the Bayezid and Nuruosmaniye mosques, and covers an enormous area. Once you enter one of its 21 gates and start exploring, it’s clear that this is one of the largest bazaars in the world. Under its seemingly endless roofs you can find glazed tiles, spices, pottery, brassware, leather accessories, belly-dancing costumes, pipes and ashtrays, among other curiosa and crafts.
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Grand Bazaar

5. Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace is among the best preserved Ottoman palaces, located on the spot where settlement in Istanbul began. A visit to its quarters provides insight into the Ottoman history of the Turkish city. The 15th-century Topkapi Palace was converted into a museum under Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, in 1924.
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Topkapi Palace featuring a sunset and heritage architecture

6. Bosphorus Bridge

The Bosphorus Bridge is a 1-mile (1.5-kilometer) long suspension bridge that crosses the Bosphorus Strait. It stretches between Istanbul’s Ortaköy and Beylerbeyi districts. Opened in 1973, it was the first bridge to connect the continents of Europe and Asia.
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Bosphorus Bridge which includes a coastal town, cruising and a river or creek

What to do in Istanbul

Discover the most popular places to visit in Istanbul

Taksim Square featuring food and markets as well as an individual male

Taksim Square

4.5/5(1,890 reviews)

You can learn about the local history of Istanbul when you make a stop at a well-known site like Taksim Square. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its fascinating museums.

Taksim Square
Blue Mosque featuring heritage architecture, a mosque and religious elements

Blue Mosque

4.5/5(2,201 reviews)

The nickname of this 17th-century structure refers to the brilliant color of its tiled interior.

Blue Mosque
Hagia Sophia which includes heritage elements and a fountain

Hagia Sophia

4.5/5(2,130 reviews)

Once a church, then a Byzantine cathedral, later a mosque and now a monument, this iconic building is a national treasure.

Hagia Sophia
Galata Tower

Galata Tower

4.5/5(1,209 reviews)

Istanbul’s medieval lookout point offers panoramic views across city’s historic district and the water of the Golden Horn.

Galata Tower
Grand Bazaar

Grand Bazaar

4.5/5(2,165 reviews)

Enter the maze of shop-lined streets in one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world to browse hundreds of thousands of hand-crafted objects.

Grand Bazaar
Bosphorus featuring a monument, a bay or harbor and a bridge

Bosphorus

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Bosphorus during your travels in Istanbul. Wander the seaside in this relaxing area.

Bosphorus
Topkapi Palace featuring a sunset and heritage architecture

Topkapi Palace

4.5/5(1,437 reviews)

The official residence of the Ottoman sultans for about four centuries is now accessible to the public and home to sacred relics.

Topkapi Palace
Sultanahmet Square

Sultanahmet Square

4.5/5(1,046 reviews)

You can find out about the history of Istanbul with a visit to Sultanahmet Square. Add the area's shops or notable monuments to your travel plans.

Sultanahmet Square
Istiklal avenue where an average of 3 million people walk in a day with a traditional street foods. #LifeAtExpedia

Istiklal Avenue

4.5/5(331 reviews)

During your visit to Istanbul, you can enjoy retail therapy at Istiklal Avenue. Discover the area's fascinating museums and stunning cathedral.

Istiklal Avenue

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Istanbul

Blue Mosque featuring a mosque, a pond and a fountain

Sultanahmet

Discover the charm of old Istanbul in this working-class district, featuring narrow streets with tightly packed apartment buildings. Explore historic sites like Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia, or indulge in diverse cuisines, all easily accessible by tramway.

Sultanahmet
Taksim which includes street scenes and a city as well as a couple

Taksim

4/5(1,856 area reviews)

Major tourist hub, Taksim Square boasts a lively atmosphere with numerous restaurants, shops, and grand hotels. Explore İstiklal Caddesi, ride the nostalgic tram, and visit iconic landmarks like the Republic Monument and Taksim Mosque.

Taksim
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Kadıköy

4/5(165 area reviews)

Cosmopolitan and bustling, this area boasts numerous bars, cinemas, and bookshops, as well as diverse dining options and shopping centers like Tepe Nautilus. Explore historic sites, Süreyya Opera House, and enjoy walkable paths along the seafront.

Kadıköy
Bosphorus Bridge which includes a coastal town, cruising and a river or creek

Beşiktaş

4.5/5(331 area reviews)

Scenic views of the Bosphorus strait and historic sites like Dolmabahçe Palace await in this bustling financial center. Enjoy modern shopping malls, diverse dining options, and easy access to ferries and metro lines for seamless exploration.

Beşiktaş
Cumhuriyet Anıtı featuring street scenes, a city and a square or plaza

Istanbul City Center

4/5(235 area reviews)

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Istanbul City Center. Check out top attractions like Taksim Square and Grand Bazaar, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.

Istanbul City Center
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Şişli

4/5(454 area reviews)

Şişli Mosque and Bomontiada are top sights in Şişli, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Sisli Station or Osmanbey Station to see more sights in the area.

Şişli

Popular day trips from Istanbul

Silivri

Silivri

Miniaturk which includes outdoor art and a garden

Eyup

Istanbul featuring an airport and landscape views

Arnavutköy

Tuzla

Tuzla

Şile

Şile

Photo by Bugra Emre Besel

Adalar

Photo by Cigdem Gureli

Vize

Photo by Noufa Abdulrhman

Saray

Frequently asked questions

Is Istanbul worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Istanbul is explore Hagia Sophia. Tick this major attraction off your list, then experience more of this area's culture and history.
How do I spend a day in Istanbul?
Start your adventures with a visit to Hagia Sophia and Galata Tower. Then, check out other parts of Istanbul for a bite to eat and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Istanbul?
The top tourist attraction in Istanbul is Hagia Sophia, so make sure to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Istanbul?
You can easily tick off top attractions like Hagia Sophia, Galata Tower and Topkapi Palace with a three-day trip to Istanbul. On average, most travelers book four days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to Arnavutköy.
Is Istanbul a walkable city?
With vibrant neighborhoods and major attractions within walking distance of the city center, Istanbul is a good destination to visit on foot. Wander between Hagia Sophia and Galata Tower. Then take a stroll around Fatih, located 3 kilometers from the center, and Old City, which is roughly 0.16 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Istanbul with kids?
Planning what to do in Istanbul with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're vacationing with teenagers or little ones, there are many family-friendly sights to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Istanbul for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or fan of nature, there are lots of things to do in Istanbul for adults including Istiklal Avenue and Sinan Erdem Dome.
Are there free things to do in Istanbul?
One of the simplest ways to learn about free things to do in Istanbul is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on hip neighborhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without taking your wallet out. Bağdat Avenue is one sight that doesn't charge an admission fee.