Things to do in Istanbul

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Istanbul
Istanbul
Galata Bridge
Istanbul
Dolmabahçe Mosque
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Most popular activities in Istanbul

Tours & day trips

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Bosphorus Explorer: 3-Hour Cruise with Asian Side Visit

Bosphorus Explorer: 3-Hour Cruise with Asian Side Visit

Activity duration is 4 hours
8.2 out of 10 with 155 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥1,830 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 211 activities
Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour

Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour

Activity duration is 21 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1448 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥39,785 per adult*
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.4 out of 10 with 253 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥4,392 per adult
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Classes & workshops

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Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Pool in Taksim

Istanbul: Private Turkish Bath, Massage, and Pool in Taksim

Activity duration is 50 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 53 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥8,235 per adult
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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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Daily Trip to Pamukkale National Park, Hierapolis Ancient City Including Lu...

Daily Trip to Pamukkale National Park, Hierapolis Ancient City Including Lu...

Activity duration is 16 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥36,601 per adult*
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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Topkapi Palace
Istanbul, Turkey - February 23, 2018: Aerial Drone View of IstMarina Skyscrapers Avm Shopping Mall in Istanbul Kartal

Mall of Istanbul

During your trip to Istanbul, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Mall of Istanbul. Attend a sporting event or visit the stunning cathedral in this family-friendly area.

Mall of Istanbul
Bosphorus Bridge which includes a coastal town, cruising and a river or creek

Bosphorus Bridge

Travel from Europe to Asia on the first bridge to connect the two continents, admire the bridge from below during a cruise and visit centuries-old buildings.

Bosphorus Bridge

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
Haydarpasa station building in Istanbul ; Shutterstock ID 276386249

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
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 Blue Mosque and Taksim Square, and jump on the metro at Aksaray Station or Aksaray Tram Station to see more of the city.

Istanbul City Center
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
Karaköy

Karaköy

Consider a visit to Galata Tower and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Karaköy. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Karakoy Station or Karakoy Tünel Station.

Karaköy

Popular day trips from Istanbul

This bridge located in Silivri, Istanbul, Turkey was built by Mimar Sinan. It was built for Suleiman the Magnificent. It is 333 meters long.

Silivri

Istanbul city, Turkey. Panoramic view of Golden Horn

Eyup

View of the pier Arnavutkoy (Arnavutköy iskelesi, Beşiktaş) in the Besiktash area on the Bosphorus embankment. Cloudy day.

Arnavutköy

Osmangazi Bridge (Izmit Bay Bridge). IZMIT, KOCAELI, TURKEY. Aerial shot with drone.

Gebze

Sunflower Field. Beautiful sunflower with blue sky background..

Cerkezkoy

scenic view of Tuzla Bay and Tuzla Beach on Turkish Aegean coast near Kucukbahce (Karaburun, Izmir province, Turkiye)

Tuzla

90939736

Şile

View of beach in Kinaliada which is one of Prince Islands also known as Adalar in Istanbul. Summer houses and people taking sun bath are in the view. It is the closest one to Istanbul

Adalar

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.

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